Crew Life, Mile-High Selfies and Our Lasting Obsession with Flight Attendants

Mashable contributor Heather Poole is a flight attendant for a major U.S. carrier. She's also the author of the New York Times bestseller Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama and Crazy Passengers at 30,000 Feet. Follow her at @Heather_Poole

Airlines take their reputation seriously. There are strict rules about what flight attendants like myself can and can’t do while in uniform.

When I first started flying 18 years ago, I was told I couldn’t eat, drink or chew gum while walking through the airport terminal. (I have no idea if that rule still applies or if the company ever tried to enforce it.) Off duty we aren't allowed to drink alcohol at a bar or on an airplane if we’re wearing our navy blue polyester. Read more...