A flight attendant ranted about her least favorite job on flights—when she has to step in during a pilot’s break. She shares several awkward moments she shared with pilots, sparking debate about who’s in the wrong.
In a video with over 5,000 views, TikToker and flight attendant Leandra (@layoverswithleandra) tells viewers that she “despises” breaking pilots. Planes require that two people be in the cockpit at all times. So, when a pilot needs a break to stretch or use the bathroom, a flight attendant has to step inside until they get back.
Why Does The Flight Attendant Hate Breaking Pilots?
However, Leandra says she dislikes the tension between her and the pilots and when they try to make small talk.
“There’s two versions of pilots. One that’s going to talk your ear off. It’s the same inane conversation every time,” she laments.
On the other hand, she also dislikes pilots who don’t talk at all.
“You have the other type who just sits there in absolute silence,” Leandra continues. “I’ll be damned if I’m breaking that silence. So, we’ll just sit there in awkward silence.”
Leandra laments that she would “rather do trash 15 times than be in that cockpit.” She also questions why pilots need such frequent breaks, saying one pilot needed a break four times in a recent four-hour flight.
Do Other Flight Attendants Feel The Same?
On the r/flightattendants subreddit, others share their opinions on breaking pilots. Many say they don’t mind stepping into the cockpit to give them a break.
“I pee almost every single leg I fly …. So I will never ever get mad at a pilot for needing to do the same. It’s a human necessity,” one wrote.
Another flight attendant says it depends whether they’re in the middle of other tasks.
They commented, “If a pilot calls and asks to set up for a bathroom break and I’m knee deep in service, I will let them know that and ask if they can hold off. If they can’t, we’ll stop and do the break.”
“I’ve been an FA 6 years and the well-being of my fellow crew is always most important for me! Even if it’s bad timing, if you gotta go, I will make it happen,” a third added.
Commenters Push Back
In the comments of Leandra’s video, some suggested ways to break the awkward silence or get away from boring small talk with pilots.
“Haha I say ‘do you believe in aliens,'” one suggested. Leandra replies, “I’m stealing this.”
“I always start cockpit conversations by asking ‘when’s the last time you cried?'” another joked.
However, others criticized the TikToker’s attitude toward the pilots.
“This is why FA’s get a bad rep,” a commenter remarked.
“So, you don’t want conversation, but don’t want silence. Got it,” a second said.
“I couldn’t imagine having to fly with you for 4 days. Talk about exhausting,” a third added.
@layoverswithleandra5 Please don’t make me 🙏 #flightattendantlife #aviation #smalltalk #cabincrew #flightattendanthumor
BroBible reached out to Leandra via TikTok direct message and comment. We will update the story when she replies.