Elsa Teixeira

is a full-time flight attendant. Above the clouds she ensures the passengers’ safety and comfort aboard commercial flights. Travel is not only her job but also her passion, as it allows her to unite many of her hobbies such as photography, entertainment and discovering foreign places. Today she talked to us about the cabin crew life as well as her personal travel experience.

Thank you so much for talking to us today, Elsa! First of all, please let us know why you decided to pursue a career in the travel industry.
I had to choose a job that fascinated me. I like the idea of the unknown. Our tasks remain the same but passengers, colleagues, anecdotes are always different. Travelling allows us to learn a lot about others and thus, about ourselves. It makes you grow faster. In addition, I feel at home on a plane … that can’t be explained.

The job of a flight attendant appears very exciting to many – traveling around the globe, meeting new people every day. Do you actually get to spend time at the destinations you travel to for work?
We have few layovers which usually last 24 hours. It allows us to rest of course… but also to enjoy the place. With the entire crew, we spend our time discovering local food in restaurants, authentic markets and also sightseeing… Furthermore, our job provides us the chance to travel almost for free on our days off, so we can spend more time enjoying the stay. My favorite place in Europe I visit regularly remains Lisbon.

In your job you’ve probably experienced and seen a lot. What’s the craziest story that happened to you as a flight attendant?
Once, a passenger arrived at the bottom of the plane with his own limousine. He embarked before all passengers. He was a member of a foreign royal family. It was clearly unusual. Another time we also had a band that improvised some kind of Christmas concert in the whole cabin. It was awesome and the passengers appreciated this spontaneity. I am also fond of wedding proposals on board…!

I have to admit – it does sound like an exciting (and entertaining!) job. How do you travel as a private person? What’s important to you?
When I travel, I care about having everything at my fingertips. That’s why I carry compact sizes to avoid forgetting things and take all necessary stuff without being cluttered. Even if my wanderlust takes me on road trips, my comfort remains important. I appreciate the idea that you can keep your habits while looking for a change of scenery. It allows me to feel “at home” even when I’m thousands of miles away.

Last but not least – what are three things that are always in your hand luggage?
My toothbrush, my lipstick and my perfume.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights as a flight attendant with us, Elsa! We wish you pleasant travels in the future!