Flight attendants reveal facts about flying that airlines don't tell passengers

A flight attendant's job is more than serving drinks with a smile.

They're responsible for passengers' safety and, of course, they know a lot about flying — more than any frequent flier ever could.

To find out more about the world of flying, one Quora user asked: "What are some things that airline cabin crews know, but won't tell you?"

A number of seasoned flight attendants responded to share some unexpected truths about their industry and reveal what goes on behind the scenes at 38,000-feet.

You'll be told if the plane is going to crash

If you're a nervous flier, chances are you watch the flight attendant for signs of panic during bouts of turbulence to figure out whether or not the plane will crash. But the captain and cabin staff will tell you if the plane is in trouble, according to a crew member.

"The captain will give you the same information that we know if there is time and then we will begin emergency landing procedures," the anonymous flight attendant said. "My job is to make sure we all get out alive, so of course I would want you to be as prepared as possible."

Flight attendants don't get paid until the plane door closes

Flight attendants are paid for the duration of a flight only, according to one cabin crew member. "We are not paid during boarding or until the door to the aircraft is shut. This means it's mandatory to show up to work about 2 hours early but not be paid for it," the anonymous user wrote in a Quora post that was upvoted by a retired US Air Force pilot.

"We can work a 13-hour day and only be paid 5," the post reads. "Some of us end up with crappy trips where it is 5 flights all about an hour long each. So while we are boarding, deplaning, etc all of that is unpaid since that aircraft door is technically open. If you add in delays, that's an even longer day all without pay."

Airlines often reuse blankets and pillows

Yes, that blanket you're sleeping under may not be so fresh. Some airlines re-use blankets and pillows on flights, according to Quora user Tony Busko and ex-flight attendant Fatihah Sudewo.

“The blankets and pillows get reused over and over again. They just fold em [sic] up and put them away for the next flight,” Busko said.

Sudewo agrees: "It depends on how cheap the airline is, but I've had my share seeing them [the cleaning team] refolding the blankets for the passengers on the next flight to use," she wrote. "At least they were generous enough to replace the pillow covers and the headrest covers."

The best solution, according to Busko, is to ask for a new blanket in a plastic bag.