A week in the life of cabin crew

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be cabin crew? We ask one of our own, Rachel Hunt, to take us along for the ride

Monday

After a long tube ride to Hatton Cross, I reach the Global Learning Academy for the last day of my First Specialist training. Three intense days had led to this – a 40-question exam covering everything from seat design to wine pairings. I score a perfect 100%, which keeps me buzzing through the afternoon’s practical session, where we recreate the iconic First cabin’s afternoon tea service. After some positive feedback, my cohort and I finally earn our certificates! Exhausted but excited, I head home to pack for my Copenhagen trip.

Tuesday

It’s a grey, rainy London morning as I take the Piccadilly line to Terminal 5. I grab a flat white before heading to the Crew Report Centre to prepare for the flight ahead. The briefing is full of details: flight conditions, flight times and all the various special requirements. We breeze through security and prep the plane for a short hop to Copenhagen. This quick two-hour flight still gives me time to chat to our customers and hear about their travel plans. After a late hotel arrival, I fall into bed, knowing three flights are on the agenda for tomorrow.

Wednesday

I wake up ravenous and decide to brave the rain for a walk to Hart Bakery – my go-to in Copenhagen. With the hotel’s umbrella in hand, I tuck into a cardamom croissant that is life-changing. After some quiet time with my book and a quick treadmill session, it’s back to business. The flight back to London is stunning, offering picture-perfect views of the Thames. After two quick Manchester flights, I’m home, armed with bakery treats for my boyfriend.

Thursday

My parents are visiting, so we make a day of it in London. After a lazy morning, we tour the Houses of Parliament – an iconic UK landmark I’ll never tire of. The audio tour makes history come alive, and afterwards, we head to one of my favourite spots: Gordon’s Wine Bar. In the cosy, candlelit cellar, we indulge in wine, cheese, and charcuterie – a perfect end to the day.

Friday

With my parents gone, I use Friday to catch up on life – laundry, prepping my uniform for the next trip and, of course, playing with my kittens. My cousin, an avid runner, somehow convinces me to join him for a jog later in the day. Feeling accomplished (and sore!), I treat myself to dinner in Chinatown with my boyfriend.

Saturday

After sleeping in until 1pm, I prep for a late-night flight to Johannesburg. My cousin, also working the flight, joins me for a walk, and we talk over our plans for the layover: safari, sun and maybe a campfire dinner. We carpool to the airport, and I take the First cabin on this flight to show off my new skills. It’s a busy cabin – dinner service, bed set-ups and a break in the crew bunks before waking up for breakfast prep. Tea and a sunrise over Africa? Bliss.

Sunday

With an hour and a half to landing, I serve breakfast as the cabin wakes up to the glow of the African sunrise. After helping an anniversary couple celebrate with a card and prepping for landing, we finally touch down after a 10.5-hour flight. A nap at the hotel revives me just enough for brunch at Tashas and an afternoon safari at Dinokeng. The highlight? A baby serval – rare and absolutely magical. We end the day with the promised campfire dinner and the anticipation of an early morning game drive.