A flight attendant has pulled back the curtain on the aviation industry, confessing to a series of small, well-intentioned lies told to passengers during flights. In an anonymous interview, the cabin crew member shared insider practices that range from swapping out caffeinated drinks to the fate of unfinished wine, offering a rare glimpse into the realities of life at 35,000 feet.
The Decaf Swap and the Temperature Fib
One of the most common deceptions occurs on night flights. When a passenger in business class requests a coffee, attendants will often serve decaffeinated instead. This subtle swap is made with the passenger's best interest in mind, aiming to help them fall asleep more easily during the journey.
Another frequent untruth concerns the notoriously chilly aircraft cabin. The flight attendant admitted that when travellers ask for the temperature to be turned up, the crew will agree but often take no action. The reason is practical: crew members warm up quickly as they move through the aisles, making a cooler cabin more comfortable for their constant activity. The advice for passengers is to always pack an extra layer, such as a scarf or blanket, to ensure personal comfort regardless of the ambient setting.
Onboard Water and the Fate of Leftover Drinks
The revelations extended to the quality of water available on aircraft. The cabin crew member indicated that the water tanks, used for making tea and coffee, are rarely cleaned and can accumulate limescale. Despite this, the crew themselves consume beverages made with it. For those concerned about taste or quality, the suggestion is to bring sealed bottled water or choose canned soft drinks.
Perhaps the most surprising confession concerns alcohol service. Any unused wine or champagne, even bottles that are three-quarters full, is poured down the drain before landing. This standard procedure prevents spillage and complies with regulations, but it can lead to significant waste. The flight attendant suggested that passengers wishing to avoid this could transfer any unfinished drink into their own reusable bottle to enjoy later.
The Reality Behind the Role
These insights highlight the complex, human side of a flight attendant's job, which involves extensive training and a significant burden of responsibility for passenger safety and comfort. The "white lies" are portrayed not as malicious deceptions but as pragmatic solutions to common in-flight situations, balancing passenger requests with operational realities and their own physical comfort during demanding work schedules.
The anonymous interview, given to travel firm eShores and reported by the Express on January 17, 2026, serves as a reminder that air travel involves countless unseen protocols. For the savvy traveller, the key takeaways are to dress in layers, consider your drink choices, and perhaps finish that glass of Merlot before the final descent begins.
