Ever feel like your flight attendants are just out to nag you? In this episode, we’re pulling back the galley curtain to explain why those “annoying” reminders—seat belts, tray tables, and stowing your bag—are actually life-saving safety protocols. From clear-air turbulence to last-minute emergencies, we walk through the real reasons why the little things we ask of passengers matter in a big way. Trust us, it’s not about being on a power trip—we genuinely care. We’re also sharing a wild in-flight story, including an unforgettable moment that had us questioning everything we thought we knew about carry-ons (spoiler: it involves a baby in an overhead bin).

Episode Highlights:

[0:21] Why passengers think flight attendants are “nagging”
[2:13] The 90-second evacuation rule—and why it drives everything we do
[3:58] Why seat belts matter beyond turbulence
[5:32] Seat belt signs during cruise—yes, still important!
[7:31] Turbulence is getting worse—and pilots don’t always get it right
[8:12] Overhead bins, under-seat storage, and the chaos of loose bags
[10:27] Yes, even pilots sometimes break the rules (and we call them out)
[11:48] If you ask whether you can get up—then don’t listen—why did you ask?
[13:09] Why you should actually pay attention to the safety demo
[16:29] We’re not nagging. We just want you safe.
[17:18] What Would Two Guys Do? — Drew’s wildest inflight story: Baby on an overhead bin.

Thoughts on this episode? Text us!

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This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app. If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out the StaffTraveler app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Visit stafftraveler.com/twoguys to learn more and sign up!

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Have a story you want to share on our show? Have you ever found yourself on a flight and thought – What Would ‘Two Guys on a Plane’ Do? Send us your wildest or funniest airplane story and we might just share it on a future episode!

Tell Us Your Story!

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This week, we’re beyond thrilled to welcome Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), into the studio. From wrangling a six-foot-seven passenger mid-flight to wrangling billion-dollar contracts at the bargaining table, Sara brings stories, laughs, and powerful truths about the airline industry you won’t hear anywhere else.

We talk about her nearly 30-year career, the moments that lit her fire for union advocacy, and why solidarity is the most important tool we have as flight attendants. You’ll hear about industry changes that impact your flying experience (and ours), how collective action has led to real wins like 10 hours minimum rest, and why flight attendants are so much more than “the girls in the back.” Buckle up – this one’s part hilarious, part jaw-dropping, and 100% inspiring.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Welcome aboard & introducing the legendary Sara Nelson
[1:56] Sara’s wildest passenger story – a Vegas all-nighter gone very wrong
[7:52] The moments of solidarity that keep us flying
[8:30] How a snowy day, a phone call, and a pension got Sara into aviation
[14:00] Why flight attendants show up for each other in ways no one else can
[20:29] Early union work, strike lines, and becoming a loud voice for change
[24:36] 9/11, personal loss, and the fight against corporate greed
[29:09] What we wish passengers knew about our jobs today
[34:46] “We are the union” – how every FA can create change
[36:22] From the jumpseat to Congress: Sara’s unexpected path to leadership
[38:30] Building power across all unions – from baristas to auto workers
[43:41] The difference between power and control (and who really has it)
[49:30] Sara’s proudest win: the long fight for 10 hours minimum rest
[53:37] Advice to every new hire flight attendant
[55:53] Why that union pin matters more than you think
[56:59] Lightning round – layovers, snacks, playlists, and dream destinations

Links and Resources:

Sara’s Instagram: @flyingwithsara

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO: www.afacwa.org/

Thoughts on this episode? Text us!

✈

This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app. If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out the StaffTraveler app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Visit stafftraveler.com/twoguys to learn more and sign up!

Download StaffTraveler, the #1 Non-Rev App!

✈

Have a story you want to share on our show? Have you ever found yourself on a flight and thought – What Would ‘Two Guys on a Plane’ Do? Send us your wildest or funniest airplane story and we might just share it on a future episode!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? There are only a few spots left on our trips to Croatia, Egypt, and Thailand!

View Itineraries + Book Your Spot!

✈

We couldn’t do it without your support! As independent podcasters, we rely on audience support to keep our show going. Join our community on Patreon at the link below for exclusive content, early access, behind-the-scenes footage, and more! Thank you so much for being part of our crew.

Support Our Show on Patreon!

Ever wonder what really goes down on a flight crew layover? In this episode, we’re pulling back the hotel room curtain and dishing on the layover life—whether we’re out chasing the best food spots or locked in our rooms with Netflix and snacks. From wild travel delays to postcard collections, this episode is a true behind-the-scenes look at the weird, wonderful, and sometimes downright chaotic world of flight attendant downtime.

We dive into what makes or breaks a layover (spoiler: it’s not just the city), the art of slam clicking, and why our favorite layovers usually involve crispy wings, hot donuts, or a great bookstore. Whether you’re a crew member or a curious traveler, this episode gives you a hilarious and honest view of what it’s really like when the cabin door closes and the crew hits the hotel.

Episode Highlights:

[0:21] Layover life—are you a slam clicker or an explorer?
[0:53] Rich’s chaotic week flying through radar outages and unruly passengers
[3:11] Great layovers vs. great crews—what matters more?
[5:18] Slam clicking by default, but bidding for food (hello, Hat Tricks wings!)
[6:05] Rich’s dreamy brunch spot in Tampa and our mutual obsession with Oxford Exchange
[6:59] Flying just for donuts and pizza—we’ll travel for carbs
[8:59] Favorite layovers, comfy hotels, and what we really look for when we bid
[10:23] Least favorite cities and how hotel quirks can make or break a trip
[11:29] Slam clicking as self-care and why new hires need to embrace the recharge
[13:10] Hotel routines, Hot Logic meals, and checking for murderers
[15:37] Exploring vs. the gym—where we stand on post-flight movement
[16:40] Art, books, beaches, and finding joy in every destination
[17:51] Solo adventures, crew bonding, and the unexpected magic of good energy
[20:12] The postcard tradition—how Rich captures every layover memory
[22:21] First layovers, flight school nerves, and moments we’ll never forget
[23:38] Paying it forward—coffee, postcards, and taking care of each other
[24:14] Final thoughts: layovers are what you make of them—glamorous, gritty, and everything in between

Thoughts on this episode? Text us!

✈

This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app. If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out the StaffTraveler app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Visit stafftraveler.com/twoguys to learn more and sign up!

Download StaffTraveler, the #1 Non-Rev App!

✈

Have a story you want to share on our show? Have you ever found yourself on a flight and thought – What Would ‘Two Guys on a Plane’ Do? Send us your wildest or funniest airplane story and we might just share it on a future episode!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? There are only a few spots left on our trips to Croatia, Egypt, and Thailand!

View Itineraries + Book Your Spot!

✈

We couldn’t do it without your support! As independent podcasters, we rely on audience support to keep our show going. Join our community on Patreon at the link below for exclusive content, early access, behind-the-scenes footage, and more! Thank you so much for being part of our crew.

Support Our Show on Patreon!