Flight attendant reveals her strict routine

A flight attendant for Air New Zealand has revealed her strict routine “essential” to help her feel “close to 100 per cent as possible”.

Working at 30,000 feet in the air comes with its perks, but it can also be quite challenging, prompting some flight attendants to adhere to strict routines.

Charlotte Meiklejohn has been a flight attendant for Air New Zealand for two years — a job she’s wanted since she was a little girl.

“When I was 11 years old we went on a big family holiday, taking about six flights all over Australia,” Ms Meiklejohn told news.com.au.

“I remember the cabin crew were amazing and I just thought, ‘I want to do this’ – so it’s a pinch-me moment that I get to do this now.”

Charlotte Meiklejohn is a flight attendant for Air New Zealand.

The 24-year-old from New Zealand has visited 15 destinations, with Vancouver, Canada one of her favourite locations.

“It feels very much like home – a combination of Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown and it also has a laid-back character.”

“We can get from one to up to seven days in one destination,” she said, adding there’s plenty of time for sightseeing.

However, while she has been doing the job for more than two years now, she said it took some time for her body to get used to all the different time zones.

“It did take a bit of time at the start with figuring out a routine that worked best for me,” she said.

The 24-year-old, who has been a flight attendant for two and a half years, says it’s important to stick with a strict routine while flying.

“The most important thing is prioritising sleep, whether I’m crew or a passenger.

“Time zone changes can leave you feeling fatigued and out of sync, [so] I always try to get a good night’s rest or a nap before a flight to set myself up for the journey ahead.”

She said when flying long-haul, she adjusts her sleep schedule to align with the timezone of the destination she’s heading to.

“This helps me feel rested and ready to make the most of my arrival.”

She also makes sure to drink plenty of water, adding that keeping hydrated is key.

“I’m drinking anywhere between 1.5 litres to 3 litres, depending on how long the flight is,” she said.

“Vitamins and supplements also play a big role in taking care of my body while flying. I take daily vitamin C, gut health supplements, and magnesium, especially when I’m feeling run down.

She says two of the most important things are sleep and keeping hydrated.

“Another key habit is soaking up natural vitamin D by spending time outdoors before my flight and after landing.”

The 24-year-old said since flying often involves irregular eating and sleeping schedules, “these steps are essential for me to feel as close to 100 per cent as possible”.

She has travelled to 15 destinations during her time as a flight attendant.

When it comes to products she can’t work without, Ms Meiklejohn said it’s a hydrating mist.

“I never fly without [it]. When we’re flying we don’t remove our make-up so a hydration mist that can be sprayed on top of my make-up always makes me feel refreshed and energised.”

She also makes sure her skincare routine includes hydrating products and avoids wearing too much makeup on long-haul flights.

“I apply a hydrating base first and ensure my makeup is suitable for dry cabin conditions,” she added.

“After takeoff, I often remove my makeup and apply a moisturiser or a moisturising sleep mask to combat the dryness of cabin air.

“Throughout the flight, I keep my lips hydrated with lip balm and refresh my skin with facial wipes as needed. I also reapply moisturiser to maintain hydration and comfort throughout the journey.”

Ms Meiklejohn said working as a flight attendant has been a “dream come true” and she recommends anyone interested in the role to “go for it”.

“If it’s something you want to do and you have the mindset for it, it’s definitely possible,” she said.