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Plane Insanity
Make sure your seatbacks and tray tables are in their full upright and locked position for these shocking, bizarre, hilarious, and outrageous stories of airplane travel.
You're belted into a middle seat with burly businessmen on either side. It's ninety-two degrees in the cabin and someone forgot to use deodorant. A baby screams. A kid kicks the back of your seat. After two hours you haven't even left the taxiway. Welcome to modern airline travel! In Plane Insanity, Elliott Hester delivers stories that could only come from someone who "rides tin" for a living---a flight attendant.
You'll hear about:
* the passenger from hell
* a smuggled python
* prostitutes working the lavatories
* a riot in coachclass
* a $500,000 heist
* the anatomy of a carry-on bag
* a malodorous couple
* the Mile-High Club
* and much more!
Fasten your seatbelts. After Plane Insanity, you'll never think of air travel the same way again.
You're belted into a middle seat with burly businessmen on either side. It's ninety-two degrees in the cabin and someone forgot to use deodorant. A baby screams. A kid kicks the back of your seat. After two hours you haven't even left the taxiway. Welcome to modern airline travel! In Plane Insanity, Elliott Hester delivers stories that could only come from someone who "rides tin" for a living---a flight attendant.
You'll hear about:
* the passenger from hell
* a smuggled python
* prostitutes working the lavatories
* a riot in coachclass
* a $500,000 heist
* the anatomy of a carry-on bag
* a malodorous couple
* the Mile-High Club
* and much more!
Fasten your seatbelts. After Plane Insanity, you'll never think of air travel the same way again.
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2001
33 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
March 12, 2017
I love learning about the inside world of jobs. Makes me so glad I don't work customer service anymore. Some people are NUTS!!!!
January 19, 2016
I *loved* this book. It was passed on to me by another traveller this morning at JFK and it was one of those times I *really* wish I had pre-numbered labels as this could have been the perfect non-security area release--ie on to another passenger or in the plane's book rack--yes, Air Canada has them!
Some bits I liked:
-OK, I'm odd and I read the dedications and title pages and what not--this really struck me so I'm glad I did. Plane Insanity was written, edited and sent to press prior to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As victims rest in peace, why can't we learn to live in it? So so true.
-"...air travel in its purest main-cabin form, is little more than public transportation. Greyhound at thirty thousand feet. Amtrak with wings." *Giggle* so so true, though I was pleasantly surprised by AirCanada. And because the long-haul flight was to and from Osaka, there is some innate courtesy in the Japanese and I didn't see/hear anyone behaving too badly.
A great laugh, especially while travelling cattle class, but I can say for sure I'd never want to be a flight attendant!
Some bits I liked:
-OK, I'm odd and I read the dedications and title pages and what not--this really struck me so I'm glad I did. Plane Insanity was written, edited and sent to press prior to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As victims rest in peace, why can't we learn to live in it? So so true.
-"...air travel in its purest main-cabin form, is little more than public transportation. Greyhound at thirty thousand feet. Amtrak with wings." *Giggle* so so true, though I was pleasantly surprised by AirCanada. And because the long-haul flight was to and from Osaka, there is some innate courtesy in the Japanese and I didn't see/hear anyone behaving too badly.
A great laugh, especially while travelling cattle class, but I can say for sure I'd never want to be a flight attendant!
June 8, 2012
I wanted to read this because my Mom is a flight attendent for some time and she's shared some funny stories. Apparently they all have to deal with idiots because Hester's book is truly good for some laughs.
I can't lie - toward the ending it drags a bit. Like he needed a certain amount of pages or chapters and was running empty. I skipped a little. I try not to do that but sometimes it can't be helped.
I liked the inclusion of the articles in the beginning and middle but again, by the end, they all read the same andI found myself skipping those too.
Hester obviously has an awesome sense of humor though and that does shine through.
I can't lie - toward the ending it drags a bit. Like he needed a certain amount of pages or chapters and was running empty. I skipped a little. I try not to do that but sometimes it can't be helped.
I liked the inclusion of the articles in the beginning and middle but again, by the end, they all read the same andI found myself skipping those too.
Hester obviously has an awesome sense of humor though and that does shine through.
September 15, 2017
Cute, but outdated. Meals were still served in coach. Also, nowadays, this is so suited to being Facebook clickbait..."The flight attendant opened the lavatory door and couldn't believe what he saw!" or "12 things flight attendants say never to do in an airplane!"
What? I never follow those links.
What? I never follow those links.
March 21, 2015
This is a flight experience you never knew between the obligatory announcements. From the hilarious to the disgusting, this book is bound to keep you casually entertained, perfect reading material for when you happen to be waiting on your own next flight.
Growing up I used to watch the Travel Channel and Discovery for their excellent coverage of behind-the-scenes of fascinating industries. I think there’s a variation of one of those shows today, Modern Marvels, but it lacks the depth of the shows I remember.
Anyway, these are snapshots from a veteran flight attendant’s experience here and abroad, in air and on land, and although you will find it difficult to read it through in one sitting, it makes for the perfect little reading companion between more involved books. It’s easy enough to read a few chapters, put down and resume in a few weeks without missing a beat.
3.5 stars.
Growing up I used to watch the Travel Channel and Discovery for their excellent coverage of behind-the-scenes of fascinating industries. I think there’s a variation of one of those shows today, Modern Marvels, but it lacks the depth of the shows I remember.
Anyway, these are snapshots from a veteran flight attendant’s experience here and abroad, in air and on land, and although you will find it difficult to read it through in one sitting, it makes for the perfect little reading companion between more involved books. It’s easy enough to read a few chapters, put down and resume in a few weeks without missing a beat.
3.5 stars.
December 15, 2016
Solid three star book for me. Kinda silly, pretty informative but fairly amusing anecdotes of life as a flight attendant. It wasn't laugh out loud funny for me - more like small chuckle or occasional smile funny. But still a good read.
The only drawback is that it's a bit dated - written pre 9/11 so a lot has changed. I've also read Heather Poole's book "Cruising Attitude" and preferred that one, for its humor qualities and because it was published more recently (2012). But both are fun, mindless entertainment.
The only drawback is that it's a bit dated - written pre 9/11 so a lot has changed. I've also read Heather Poole's book "Cruising Attitude" and preferred that one, for its humor qualities and because it was published more recently (2012). But both are fun, mindless entertainment.
January 24, 2011
This book is about a male flight attendant's experience of angry passengers, babies screaming, drunk people, fist fights in the cabin, lousy hotels, old pilots, etc. It is extremely hilarious and made me feel a little sympathy for flight attendants.
August 6, 2014
Now I'm afraid to fly for entirely DIFFERENT reasons.
June 15, 2010
If you read Free For All about the goings on in libraries you will like this book---and keep an eye out for Jonathan.
April 13, 2013
A true to life account of modern day flight attendants, albeit before 9/11.
December 5, 2022
One of the funniest books I've ever read. Elliott Hester sometimes goes overboard with the metaphors and the similes (he likens one action to another, and then another) but his account of being a flight attendant prior to 9/11 is so amusing that I forgive him these excesses. His writing is sharp and spot-on - I've never worked as a flight attendant, but his characterizations of awful passengers is so real. The book makes me nostalgic for 90s-style humor - some of the decadent behavior he describes is on the verge of being "non-PC" and may not pass today without some criticism. Hester is African American and the only time you get a sense that racism affected his duties is his description of an angry male passenger who looked at him as if "his name tag read OJ Simpson."
At the same time, he shows you what it's really like to be a flight attendant when you're male. His account is superior to the other memoir I'm reading, "Fly Girl," which is shallow and superficial in comparison. Hester should have been the next David Sedaris but I'm disappointed to see he's published only other book besides this, which I will check out.
At the same time, he shows you what it's really like to be a flight attendant when you're male. His account is superior to the other memoir I'm reading, "Fly Girl," which is shallow and superficial in comparison. Hester should have been the next David Sedaris but I'm disappointed to see he's published only other book besides this, which I will check out.
June 7, 2021
I've had this for a few years... just waiting to retire so I had a little more time to read. Glad I saved it so I could savor every page. I thought this was well written, well edited, and funny. Certainly, not laugh out loud funny, but funny nontheless.
You certainly can't have a normal life if you are a flight attendant. What they have to put up with is outragious. And their schedules... forget it ! You couldn't possibly have a normal life. And NO PETS, thats for sure. I was quite surprised at some of the hijinks done by the attendants AND the pilots.
It's already pretty scary when you consider you are turning over your life to someone who you have not even seen, or much less know. Guess that's true, also, if you hail a cab in New York City. But at least you can jump out at the next stop light if something goes crazy.
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too. If you read it while traveling on a plane I think you will look up very often to look at the other passengers around you. And you will definately give the attendants a second glance.
You certainly can't have a normal life if you are a flight attendant. What they have to put up with is outragious. And their schedules... forget it ! You couldn't possibly have a normal life. And NO PETS, thats for sure. I was quite surprised at some of the hijinks done by the attendants AND the pilots.
It's already pretty scary when you consider you are turning over your life to someone who you have not even seen, or much less know. Guess that's true, also, if you hail a cab in New York City. But at least you can jump out at the next stop light if something goes crazy.
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too. If you read it while traveling on a plane I think you will look up very often to look at the other passengers around you. And you will definately give the attendants a second glance.
August 23, 2019
My second book about flight attendants and this one was just a delight! Unlike another book I read this one was 90%+ about the business with just a few personal things in the mix. I had so much fun reading about the work in the air, see what kind of passengers pop up and how they acted in the air, read about various things that are important to know for flight attendants/other people in that branch, and there are also fun/interesting articles to read from things that happened throughout the years in planes (or to do with planes). I also liked to read about how things changed as the years passed by.
My hubby also had fun as I read a few parts aloud to him.
Oh, and there was one part that was a bit odd to me. Yes, he did something wrong, but I am sorry he was rushed like hell by people, the person was highly rude and even threatening, and then crap happens. It doesn't excuse it fully, but people could have had a bit more kindness about it.
My hubby also had fun as I read a few parts aloud to him.
Oh, and there was one part that was a bit odd to me. Yes, he did something wrong, but I am sorry he was rushed like hell by people, the person was highly rude and even threatening, and then crap happens. It doesn't excuse it fully, but people could have had a bit more kindness about it.
May 23, 2017
Well written book
This is a well written book. I now have a greater understanding of what the flight crews have to deal with as far today's flying public are acting. I have a friend who is a flight attendant and will compare notes with her.
This is a well written book. I now have a greater understanding of what the flight crews have to deal with as far today's flying public are acting. I have a friend who is a flight attendant and will compare notes with her.
June 12, 2017
This was written pre-9/11 so it would be interesting to see how the author would portray his interactions with the flying public after 9/11. They were bad before; must be worse now. This book was an easy read.
April 12, 2019
Absolutely hilarious and enlightening firsthand account of all the craziness witnessed as a flight attendant for several years... It was written before 9/11, so much has changed. A great read, and you'll only appreciate fight attendants more once you're done!
May 31, 2025
A book of essays about the life of a flight attendant over 16 years. It’s entertaining for sure and makes me think about how rude people get when flying. I guess that’s not just from what I’ve seen the few times I flew.
October 29, 2017
DAMN! This was entertaining AF! I couldn't stop laughing.
December 31, 2017
Beach read.
April 4, 2019
If you have EVER traveled, you will laugh out loud!!!!
May 20, 2019
Super funny and a great look behind the scenes of flight attendants
October 11, 2019
It's funny and lighthearted. The writing can feel repetitive sometimes. The stories seem to be pretty much around the same, but rather unusual and interesting.
January 13, 2020
People are crazy. This was an entertaining read.
January 29, 2020
A good look at pre 9/11 life as a flight attendant
July 26, 2020
I enjoyed it so much, I read it in less than a day! lol Lots of good stories.
March 15, 2021
Fun first person account
So you want to know what a flight attendant does and has to put up with? This book tells the story.
So you want to know what a flight attendant does and has to put up with? This book tells the story.
Read
April 1, 2022You will laugh out loud when you read this book! Informative, Entertaining and REAL. Highly recommend. Enjoy!
April 26, 2022
funny and eye opening, just goes to show that people are unnecessarily hard to deal with no matter where you are, working in customer service is and will always be hell.
July 17, 2023
Great collection of stories that are shocking, hilarious and sometimes hard to believe.
Loved the addition of the newspaper extracts.
Loved the addition of the newspaper extracts.
January 21, 2024
Nice light and funny read. Did start to feel like the stories were repeating themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews