Review of the book ”Cruising Attitude” by Heather Poole.

I am on my way back home from a trip and just finished the book Cruising Attitude by Heather Poole when I had time to read in-flight. I have to say that this is one of the most refreshing books I have read in a long time. If you are interested in travel, airlines or considering to become a flight attendant, you should definitely read this book!

Heather describes the life of a flight attendant in a very sober way, both pros and cons, without unnecessary sentimentality and with a clear eye. Yes, you will get the galley gossip and crazy plane stories that guaranteed will make you laugh and reassure you that you actually are quite normal when flying. You will also get insights in a flight attendants life, beyond the work place and the sacrifices many flight attendants actually make to be on their job, making sure our flights are both safe and comfortable.

She is also spot on about the airline business today where she writes that we actually are getting the service we are paying for. Ticket prices has spiralled downwards for a long time and sacrifices has to be made by the airlines to keep the ticket prices low so I guess one shouldn’t complain about paying for checked-in luggage, full flights and no meals when we have paid the equivalent amount of a pair of nice jeans for flying for several hours. Hopefully we are at the bottom of the price cycle and things will turn around soon. I personally would like to bring back the glamour in flying!

I like to think that I am a polite and nice guy but after reading the book I made an extra effort to see and notice the inflight staff and it created a world of a difference for me. Where I usually was met with blank faces, I met faces smiling back at me and not even complaining when serving me a Diet Coke which is the frizziest (is that a word?) drink in flight and takes ages to pour. I did not want to use the word bubbly because the might imply Champagne and I am in coach.

I will not give away the book here and now but leave it to you to discover instead. To sum it all up: it is a great read with lots of perspective, self-irony and humour. I strongly recommend this book! I read my books on a Kindle but you should of course buy it at your favourite bookstore.

If you have any tips about a good read, please comment below, on Facebook, Google+ or on Twitter. I would love to hear from you!