A flight is always a little adventure. Even before the journey really begins, lots of questions can come up: What type of aircraft will I be flying on? What does the crew do after landing? And how do they deal with time differences? Over the years, our two Maîtres de Cabine, Jella and Peter, have heard countless questions like these. We've collected eleven of them for you.

But before we begin, one important note: if you're on a SWISS flight and have a question in mind, don’t hesitate to speak to the crew. They’re always happy to help.

 

Do you fly straight back with the next flight?

Jella: On short-haul flights, yes. We usually have a 40-minute turnaround before we take off again. On intercontinental flights, the layover is longer — at least 24 hours.

Peter: Layovers are planned based on flight duration and the number of time zones crossed. 24 hours might not sound like much, but you'd be surprised how much you can experience in a single day. Especially in the beginning, we try to make the most of every hour and sometimes forget there’s still a return flight. Over time, you learn to take it more slowly.

 

Can you take breaks during the flight?

Jella: Yes, definitely. It depends on the route and the destination. Where we take our breaks also depends on the aircraft type and the length of the flight. On the Airbus A340 and the Boeing 777, we can rest in the Crew Rest Area — a sleeping cabin that’s separated from the passenger area. When crew members disappear behind certain doors, it often surprises passengers.

Peter: Breaks are the key. Take a flight to Tokyo, for example — it takes 13 to 14 hours. When people are in a confined space for that long, things can happen. If the crew is well rested, we can handle situations more calmly and provide the support needed.

 

Why do window blinds need to stay open during takeoff and landing?

Jella: It’s important for the cabin crew to see what’s happening outside the aircraft during these critical phases. We use every tool available to us.

Peter: In the event of an evacuation, passengers' eyes are already adjusted to the light outside. That reduces the risk of injury when leaving the aircraft.

 

Does the crew get meals during the flight?

Jella: Yes. On short-haul flights, we have a crew drawer with hot and cold meals. We also have access to tea, coffee, and soft drinks at any time.

Peter: On long-haul flights, special crew meals from Business Class are loaded for us. We really appreciate that — and it saves us money too.

 

What if I’m flying for the first time and feel overwhelmed?

Jella: The best thing to do is speak to one of us as soon as possible. As cabin managers, we’re here to help both passengers and the crew. We often notice when someone is feeling uneasy, but not always. That’s why good communication is so important — both with passengers and among the crew.

Peter: Absolutely. No concern is too small. Even if it feels awkward, it’s better to let us know. That way, we can monitor the situation and step in quickly if needed.

 

I’m afraid of flying. Should I tell the crew?

Jella: Yes, please do. I remember a passenger who told us about her fear while boarding. The captain took time before takeoff to explain everything to her. She was very thankful and felt much calmer. It was a win-win situation for everyone.

Peter: About one third of people feel that way. On a full Boeing 777, that’s around 100 passengers. If we know someone is anxious, we can often seat them closer to the galley so we can keep an eye on them and help more quickly. We always try to find a solution.

 

What happens in case of a medical emergency onboard?

Peter: We’re prepared for everything — from birth to end-of-life situations. That includes anything from handing out a bandage to dealing with a serious emergency.

Jella: We have a First Aid Kit for minor issues like headaches or burns, and a Medical Kit for more serious situations. That one is handed over to trained professionals if needed. That can include doctors, midwives, nurses, or even veterinarians. We as crew are trained to assist with medical care.

Peter: That’s why we really appreciate it when medical professionals identify themselves during boarding. Then we know exactly who we can turn to in case of an emergency.

 

Is there a moment onboard that you still remember today?

Jella: On one flight, soon-to-be grandparents gave me an envelope for the captain. Inside was the gender of their grandchild — something they didn’t know yet. They asked the captain to tell them the news, which he did as they disembarked.

Peter: Some of the most touching moments come from our partnership with the Swiss non-profit “Kinderhilfe Sternschnuppe,” which supports children with disabilities or serious illnesses. It’s deeply grounding. We see such joy when kids get to board early or visit the cockpit.

Jella: It’s often the little things. Like when a passenger you helped during the flight asks if they can give you a hug.

Peter: I once had a passenger come to the galley and tell me he wasn’t feeling well. I gave him a few suggestions, and in the end, we sat across from each other on the jump seats. I held his hand for most of the flight. He later gave me a coin as a thank-you, which I turned into a ring. Every time I wear it, I think about the difference I can make — and want to make.

 

How do crew members deal with jet lag?

Jella: It’s very personal. I’m lucky that I don’t struggle much. If you sleep well, it helps. One tip: use the same sleep socks you wear at home. Little routines like that can make a difference.

Peter: Same goes for things like putting a scented oil on your pillow. You just have to experiment and find what works for you.

 

How do you manage relationships when you're always travelling?

Peter: Flexibility and trust are essential. Jealousy doesn’t work in this job. You're often in hotels with pools, in beautiful places, and surrounded by people. You need a partner who’s okay with that.

Jella: But there are positives too. Yes, we’re gone for two or three days, but we also get several days off in a row, which lets us fully focus on friends and family. One colleague, who’s a mom, says the job is perfect. For her, work is her “me-time,” and when she comes home, she gives her full attention to her children. That’s her balance.

Peter: Many of our part-time colleagues are also mothers. They’ve told me very similar things.

 

Do you actually do “just” service?

Peter: Service is only one part of our job. We’re thoroughly trained in safety and attend annual refresher courses. That includes fire and evacuation drills, cockpit coordination, communication training, medical role-plays, first aid training, and a final exam. Fortunately, passengers rarely ever see these parts of our job in action.