Carrying the largest fleet of any British airline, British Airways is part of the Oneworld alliance. Recently, the London-based carrier revealed new direct flight service to Nashville, announcing it with a “British New Year’s” event in Nashville, a.k.a. Music City USA. On-hand for the December 31, 2017 celebration were plenty of notables including Nashville mayor Megan Barry, rock legend Peter Frampton, and country music superstar Keith Urban.
In honor of this major announcement and event, I had the pleasure of chatting with British Airways flight attendant Elysa Marsden. Highlights of our Q&A are below.
Do you have any secrets for how to deal with jetlag?
Elysa Marsden: The age-old jetlag dilemma! I hear so many different techniques that work for different people. Definitely do the basics like stay hydrated, eat well and try to sleep on the flight.
When I get to a destination, I try to get onto the local time zone. If that requires staying awake until the evening, I get out and about, walking and socializing, getting fresh air and grabbing a bite to eat. If it means going to bed straight away, then I relax with a soak in the bath and try to avoid any brain stimulants such as TV or social media.
Is there anywhere you haven’t yet traveled to but still hope to go to?
Oh yes! There are a few places on my list I’m still waiting to tick off. A road trip along the Oregon coastline, volunteering at a sea turtle sanctuary in Hawaii, a cruise around Alaska, and whale watching along the Baja California coastline are the big ones I’m hoping to do.
Notice how all of these trips involve the sea? I love being by the sea, it’s good for the soul. Nashville and New Orleans were also on my list of places to visit, and thanks to British Airways launching direct flights there, I’ve been able to tick them off!
Finally, Elysa, any last words for the kids?
Imagine a job where you get to go on a different adventure every week. You could find yourself in a hot desert or in a city full of skyscrapers. Sometimes you will be on a beach with beautiful clear waters, or in a place surrounded by snowy mountains.
You will serve people from all different cultures, talk to them, and look after them while they are on your flight. You will taste different kinds of foods, learn the history of places, and see all different species of animals in their natural habitats. This is what life is like as a flight attendant. It is hard work and sometimes not every day is as fun as the one before, but it brings great rewards. Work hard in school, stay focused and dream big.
