In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of the biggest debates in the airline world: regional versus mainline flying. Rich has always flown mainline, while Drew brings a ton of insight from his years working at a regional airline. So we’re unpacking the real differences in schedules, pay, camaraderie, catering (or lack thereof), and what it truly means to fly solo on a 50-seater.

Whether you're in the industry, considering becoming a flight attendant, or just a curious traveler, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes perspectives and brutally honest takes on the pros, cons, and culture of both worlds. Plus, we’ve got a cringe-worthy galley gossip story that will make you rethink in-flight proposals forever.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Kicking things off with flight attendant mood swings and summer flying chaos
[4:05] Intro to today’s topic: the battle of regional vs. mainline
[5:41] Drew breaks down what regional flying actually is—and how he stumbled into it
[6:38] Flying solo: what it's really like to be the only flight attendant on board
[10:13] The boarding pay debate and why regional FAs work way harder than they get credit for
[13:24] DIY catering horror stories and building your own galley mid-flight
[16:19] Mainline arrogance: why we need to stop looking down on regional crews
[18:41] Seniority, choices, and finding the right airline “fit” for you
[20:18] Why transferring airlines isn’t just a quick hop—it’s a full restart
[23:25] Losing the camaraderie: how the industry has changed
[26:19] Respecting everyone’s path in aviation—there is no one-size-fits-all
[28:00] Travel benefits explained: how they differ between regionals and mainline
[30:23] StaffTraveler shoutout and how it’s saved our non-rev lives
[31:12] Galley Gossip: an in-flight proposal gone terribly, hilariously wrong
[34:19] How to support us on Patreon and what’s coming next!

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

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Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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 wondered what flight attendants really think about your in-flight behavior? In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into a spicy list of audience-submitted hot takes about air travel—and trust us, some of these takes had us howling, gasping, and nodding in agreement. From flip-flops in the lav to the eternal debate over seat reclining, we’re unpacking it all from 35,000 feet.

We also kick things off with a little summer flying catch-up—how we keep ourselves sane (and stylish) on those sweaty commutes, what’s playing in our AirPods, and how a killer playlist can make all the difference. Then it’s time to get into your opinions on everything from grooming on board to the infamous middle seat. Whether you’re crew or just curious, this episode’s got something for everyone.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Starting off with summer vibes and how we survive commuting in a swamp
[2:24] What's in our AirPods? (Spoiler: lots of queens and throwbacks)
[4:35] Flip flops on planes? Absolutely not. Here's why.
[6:40] Drew’s golden rule: if someone tells you to “ask the flight attendant,” the answer is probably no
[8:53] Middle seat madness—do some people actually prefer it?
[10:08] Is reclining your seat selfish? We debate both sides
[12:03] The gross world of in-flight personal grooming
[13:57] Backpack behavior 101: do you need a license to carry one?
[16:13] The “board back to front” myth—why it doesn’t work
[17:43] Shower and deodorant before flying? Yes, please
[19:58] Window shade politics and why Drew’s keeping his open
[21:01] Shorts on planes and the emotional damage of skin-to-seat contact
[22:53] Why leaving trash behind is just not it
[24:28] Overhead bin drama—your backpack might not belong up there
[25:36] Please don’t bring a tuna sandwich onto the plane, we beg you
[27:20] No headphones? No thank you. Keep your audio to yourself
[28:28] Bare feet on seats and other airplane crimes
[29:32] The chaos of post-landing stampedes
[31:12] Leggings, crop tops, and why we don’t care what you wear—as long as you’re covered
[32:49] Six shopping bags and a Popeyes lunch? Let’s talk about it

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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 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!

✈

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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!

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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 wondered if you should be tipping your flight attendants? In this episode, we break down the complex world of in-flight tipping and gifting. We dive into what tipping means in our industry, the fine line between appreciation and expectation, and why a genuine "thank you" can go further than a $5 bill. We also share some of our favorite (and cringiest) experiences receiving treats, tips, and thoughtful surprises in the sky. We talk all things passenger courtesy, the psychology of gifting, and how the culture of tipping affects the airline world. Plus, Rich shares a wild layover story from a pilot friend in our “What Would Two Guys Do?” segment that had Drew in tears.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Should passengers be tipping flight attendants? Let's talk about it.
[1:22] - Drew's heartwarming layover story with a new hire who just gets it.
[3:25] - Rich escapes to Boston while navigating the non-rev jungle (and shares some StaffTraveler hacks).
[5:48] - We dig into tipping—why it’s complicated, appreciated, and sometimes awkward.
[10:03] - Comparing tipping vs. gifting: is one better than the other?
[12:00] - The problem with performative gifting—expecting upgrades or perks.
[14:25] - Creative and actually useful gifts that flight attendants love.
[17:19] - PSA: Be a kind passenger—sometimes, that’s more appreciated than any gift.
[19:13] - Take off your headphones and speak up! A rant about common courtesy in the cabin.
[22:54] - Story Time! A pilot’s hilarious confession about a misdirected, uh… delivery.
[26:04] - Keep your stories coming and a special thanks to our Patreon fam.

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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 wondered how we flight attendants actually plan our lives around the chaos of air travel? In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the mystery of our schedules. From the strategies we use (or don’t) when bidding for monthly trips, to how our contracts shape our work rules, we’re breaking it all down in a way only two seasoned crew members can. And no, we don’t just work weekdays or fly the same routes over and over again. We’re diving into why one of us crams all the hours into just a few days, while the other is constantly swapping trips for something “better.” Plus, we wrap it up with a jaw-dropping listener story.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Welcome aboard! Talking about schedule questions we get all the time.
[0:50] Our very different bidding strategies and why they work (or don’t).
[2:45] Drew’s high-hour strategy vs. Rich’s hunt for easy trips.
[4:24] FAA rules vs. contract differences—why every airline plays by its own rules.
[6:39] Are you a “bid right away” or “last minute” type? (Spoiler: Rich is chaos).
[10:39] The real reason Rich can’t quit flight attendant life.
[14:35] Flying 10-12 days a month sounds light, but here’s the catch.
[17:20] Canceled or delayed? The behind-the-scenes chaos you don’t see.
[20:20] Why “holiday busy” is real—but so is spring break and random weekends.
[22:17] Listener Story: The most unhinged in-flight couple we’ve ever heard of.

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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!

Hey friends! We’ve got a special one for you today – joining us in the studio is none other than our amazing friend Heather Phillips! She flew in just for this, and we couldn’t be more pumped to have her with us. Originally from Knoxville and now repping the Windy City, Heather has a wild, inspiring journey from answering a newspaper ad at 19 to spending 12+ years in the skies and now thriving as an airline recruiter.

In this episode, we talk about all things in the world of airline recruiting. Heather shares her best interview tips, what recruiters are really looking for, and how being your authentic self might just be your biggest asset. Plus, we take a fun stroll down memory lane, talking bleach-soaked dorm rooms, and our number one tip for flight attendants in training.

✈️ Timeline Summary:

[1:27] Non-rev travel hacks and the magic of StaffTraveler.
[4:22] Heather’s fearless leap into aviation – her first flight was to training.
[6:55] Transitioning from flight attendant to recruiter – how she made the jump.
[9:37] Why flight attendants wear all the hats – and why it matters.
[11:39] What recruiters really want – hint: it’s not perfection.
[15:13] Are you really being watched during your interview journey? Heather gives us the scoop!
[18:40] Do your homework – the importance of researching the airline before you apply.
[20:44] Representing your airline and aligning with its brand – the job is more than travel perks.
[22:31] Interview red flags and the surprising reason one candidate applied.
[26:27] How we met in training – pink polos, frosted tips, and flip phones.
[29:52] Dorm drama and Clorox wipes – Heather’s southern roots show up strong.
[33:16] “Calling and Cross Check” game – Heather’s lightning round travel faves.

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 funny, wild, or heartwarming travel story from a flight that you’re dying to share with us? Submit your story at the link below and we could feature your story on an upcoming episode of the show!

Tell Us Your Story!

✈

Want to join us on one of our upcoming group adventures? Check out the link below for current trips!

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!