Latest news with #JaneHawkes
The Sun
17-07-2025
- The Sun
I used to be a British Airways flight attendant – why you should never sit at the back of the plane
A FORMER British Airways stewardess has revealed why passengers should never sit at the back of a plane - and it is not what you would expect. After spending years criss-crossing the globe, former British Airways flight attendant Jane Hawkes says when it comes to choosing a plane seat, the back seat my not be the best option. 4 And it is isn't anything to do with safety. Jane said: "Choosing a seat away from the back of the plane is the best way to avoid jetlag. "If you struggle to sleep on a plane but have a late flight, I always advise travellers to avoid a seat at the back of the aircraft and around the galley areas as they are generally noisier." In addition, Jane - who now runs the Lady Janey consumer advice website - added that travellers should set their watch to the time of the destination and avoid night flights if they have difficulty sleeping on planes. "You can also make gradual changes to your bedtime and meal routines in the run up to your flight which can make adjusting to a different time zone much easier," she explained. And - even though potentially disappointing - alcohol and caffeine should be avoided before and during the flight too. Jane stated: "It might be tempting to get a drink before you fly, and to enjoy a drink on the aircraft, particularly if it is included. "But alcohol will dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep, making your jet lag feel worse." While caffeine can help you to doze of quicker, it can impact the quality of your sleep. The former flight attendant also share that travellers should avoid making adventurous plans on arrival as it can be stressful to navigate around a new place. This can then worse when the jet lag kicks in. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying She said: "Take short naps if necessary but avoid napping for longer than 30 minutes as this can stop you from falling asleep properly later and will delay the adjustment process. However, a flight safety expert has previously revealed why you should always sit at the back of the plane. Acccording to Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, an aviation safety researcher at the University of North Dakota, sitting at the back of the plane is the safest. He told Wired: "The front section, obviously, is comfortable because it's away from the engine and the noise… that's normally the first point of impact. And so it's a high vulnerability area." But the back of the plane is likely to stay whole - despite having a decent chance of breaking from the rest of the fuselage. According to a 2015 study, the seats in the middle of the cabin have the highest fatality rate (39 per cent). This is then followed by the seats at the front (38 per cent). Seats at the back of aircrafts then had the lowest fatality rate (32 per cent). Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." A flight attendant has also revealed five outfits they'd never wear on a plane. Plus, another flight attendant has revealed the grim secret behind the free hot towels given out on the plane. 4
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I used to be a flight attendant - here's why I think business class passengers are the WORST
From international travel to discounted plane tickets and snazzy uniforms, life as a flight attendant might look pretty appealing. But while it might appear as though they live the high life, there's another side to a career as cabin crew. Jane Hawkes, a former flight attendant, has lifted the lid on the reality of the job in an exclusive interview with MailOnline Travel. The consumer expert and blogger ( also reveals why she found business class passengers to be the most demanding group of travellers. 'Everyone thinks it's glamorous, don't they?' says Jane. 'But the industry has changed an awful lot. It used to be silver service. Now you're going down the aisle with a bin, putting everyone's rubbish in it, picking up sick bags.' And as the plane's crew aren't often able to do a full clean in between a tight and demanding schedule, Jane says: 'You're very much aware of how disgusting the aircraft is. I never ever go anywhere without my antiseptic wipes.' With antisocial behaviour in the air on the rise, flight attendants are also often on the front line. Jane reveals: 'I think people end up with different personalities and as different people [when they fly]. Something happens to people when they go through an airport, where little things become massive things. 'People do explode. And to be able to defuse situations like that can be quite difficult, and you have to do restraint training. I didn't have [to do it for real] but if someone is being a disruptive passenger you are within your rights to restrain them.' Crew are also trained to handle a whole range of emergencies, but passengers often don't appreciate the challenges of the role, adds Jane. 'I think people see air crew and cabin crew as being glorified waitresses in the sky,' she claims. 'But it's so much more than that, because you are judge, jury, police and medic. Flight attendants are there primarily for your safety. 'I think we all need to remind ourselves of that and listen to the crew because they don't perhaps get the same respect as if the captain came down to talk to someone.' And as surprising as it might sound, it's business class passengers that get the red card for bad behaviour from Jane. She reveals: 'Business passengers are sometimes the worst because a lot of them have companies paying for it. They just want everything, left, right and centre. They want everything they can possibly have from that experience. A bit like going to an all-inclusive and just devouring everything. 'First class passengers pay for a certain standard. They've got the privacy. They're not paying for the service, they're paying for privacy. So they might not even eat anything. 'Then economy passengers can be quite fun because sometimes they're going on an adventure, visiting people and they have stories to tell.' Although you might assume that flight attendants fly with the same group all the time, Jane explains that your plane's crew might not have ever met before. She says: 'Often you don't know anybody. You get a briefing before you go on a flight and by the end of the flight, you're pretty much bosom buddies, believe it or not. Although you might assume that flight attendants fly with the same group all the time, Jane explains that your plane's crew might not have ever met before. 'Once crew, always crew. You need to gel very quickly because you have to work as a team.' And while short-haul cabin crew also face early starts and long hours, it's long-haul attendants who have the toughest deal, says Jane. 'I was short haul and I always say short haul is a job, but long haul it's your lifestyle,' explains Jane. 'Everything revolves around that long haul because you'll come back jet lagged. 'And actually as the years have progressed, the trips have changed because you don't get as much time down the road. Going from east to west is horrendous. Your body clock is stuffed. 'It's very different from the glory days of crew jollies. People don't have as much time. The hotels used to be better. Cutbacks have come in. It can be lonely, you can end up on your own for quite long periods of time if there aren't any opportunities to meet up with other crew. 'If some of your fellow crew have brought someone with them on the trip (a staff travel "clingon") or they have relatives or friends at the layover destination, they may not be staying at the hotel and other crew might not have anyone to chum up with for dinner.' But while life in the skies might not be quite the glamorous lifestyle that people think it is, Jane reveals that there is one fantastic upside. 'Being crew means you get to meet lots of lovely people across the world and make lifelong friends. There's no other job like it.'
The Sun
16-06-2025
- The Sun
Six times you should never recline your plane seat, according to ex-BA flight attendant
A FORMER British Airways hostess has explained the six times you should never recline your plane seat. The real villain of the skies isn't the humble armrest – it's the reclining seat, and on almost every long flight, you can spot passengers arguing over a reclining chair. 3 3 Most passengers try to be considerate about when they lean back but there are still those among us who insist on reclining as soon as they have boarded the plane. It's a debate that divides travellers, and causes many a row in mid-air. And according to a former British Airways steward, rows over whether you should recline your seat is the most common cause of in-flight flashpoints. But Jane Hawkes, who now works as a leading consumer and travel expert, says the turbulence can be easily diverted by following a few ground rules. She said: 'The etiquette around reclining seats on aircraft is very divisive and causes more rows than anything else. "As a stewardess I was forever trying to calm down passengers bickering about it. 'The fact is it is OK to recline. But there are guidelines and rules to follow. "Rather than just pressing the button and slamming your seat back fully and abruptly, take a look behind you first. 'If the passenger behind you is working, eating or sleeping this can be particularly disruptive and you could cause spillages or even injury. "It's not a big deal to wait until the person behind you has finished whatever they are doing, so don't make it one. Shocking moment passengers clash over reclined seat in mid-air rumble "And if you do recline your seat, do it slowly and carefully.' Jane explained that most of the arguments happen when someone insists on having their seat reclined for the entire duration of the flight. She added: 'I always say to passengers only recline your seat when you need to; for example, to sleep on long haul flights. 'There is no real need to do so on shorter flights. Are reclining plane seats dying out? A number of airlines are reducing how much seats can recline, or even scrapping seats that recline on flights entirely. Budget airlines scrapped the option for passengers to put their seats back years ago, with Ryanair ditching the option back in 2004. This is less of a problem for travellers, as the flights are often short haul and never overnight - so the need to get comfy to sleep isn't an issue. But other airlines that offer longer flights and ones where shut-eye is a must are also quietly removing the function. Instead, seats are "pre-reclined" so they operate between fully upright and fully reclined. Jet2 was one of the first to utilize this back in 2009, with new technology at the time created by Acro allowing the middle-ground seats. British Airways flights that are shorter than four hours also have the "pre-reclined seats" while Delta seat reclines were reduced from four inches to just two inches back in 2019, along with United, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. And Finnair even introduced a new business class seat that had no recline function, which Sun Online Travel tried out. "You should also avoid putting your seat back when meals are being served or when passengers are still boarding the flight. "One of the most annoying things is when you see someone reclining a seat within a few seconds of them sitting down and then staying that way until landing. "Unless it's a night-flight or the person has a genuine need to recline all that time, it's pretty inconsiderate to behave like that in my view." But how do respond to complaints if you are the one reclining? Jane said: 'If someone complains about you reclining your seat, be measured in your response. 'A member of the cabin crew may have been asked to intervene and it's not considerate or wise to antagonise them. 'You should consider adjusting your seat to accommodate fellow passengers should they ask and risk the situation escalating. "You're going to be sitting in close proximity to each other so it's wise to keep the peace. "It's not a private jet so the space on board should be shared with appropriate consideration and care. 'It's also worth bearing in mind that disruptive behaviour on board an aircraft can have serious consequences, both legally and financially. "Airlines and authorities take these incidents very seriously to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew. "Offenders may be arrested upon landing and prosecuted, face fines and/or billed for diversion costs.' And a budget airline is increasing flights to an affordable holiday destination - less than a year after they first launched. Plus, a brand new airline gave a sneak peak into their cabins featuring a 'Sky Pub' ahead of their Scottish debut flights. 3
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air bag rules coming for Spain and Greece
The EU rule, which will apply to UK holidaymakers, will change the law on what you take onto a plane - and how much you pay The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New bag rule set to come for anyone flying to Spain, Portugal or Greece
The EU rule, which will apply to UK holidaymakers, will cover companies including easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and TUI The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard. Different airlines have different rules - meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you - is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air. And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane. The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another. EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. 11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define 'reasonable'. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet's rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers. In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for 'abusive practices', including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage. Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: "If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers." Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: "A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers."
