A Flight Attendant's Life in the Skies

A Flight Attendant's Life in the Skies

Deeb Haidar may call Brooklyn home, but he spends half his time hopping between various cities — sometimes even different countries. Since he became a flight attendant three years ago, Haidar has traveled the globe, exploring everything from lesser-known destinations to bustling cities that have now become his second home.

I asked him why he chose this profession. Haidar chuckled and shared that he traveled a lot as a child, mainly in the Middle East to visit family. Although he grew up in the U.S., he always felt somewhat out of place in this country. His parents wanted him to embrace American culture, but he found himself living in a "bubble" created by his family.

The Early Flights

In the beginning, Haidar primarily flew domestic routes and frequently found himself in Ohio — which he describes as some of the worst flights imaginable. He was still in the early stages of his career, struggling to earn international routes.

It seems international flights were typically reserved for more seasoned flight attendants. Now, he often flies to Los Angeles and San Francisco. When asked about the cities where he feels most at home outside of New York, he undoubtedly mentions San Francisco. There, time seems to stand still, with eateries and architecture from centuries past still intact.

Discovering Hidden Gems

I asked Haidar what he loves most about San Francisco. He spoke about the intriguing counterculture that exists there, especially beneath the veneer of technology. He mentioned his fondness for Chinatown, although he lamented that many Chinese restaurants have been displaced due to gentrification, now found in the Inner Richmond area, where traditional eateries still thrive.

"This place doesn't attract tourists, and that's fantastic," he said. Haidar discovered these locations largely through conversations with locals, especially taxi drivers, whom he insists are incredibly helpful.

Adapting to Each Place

Haidar has a routine when arriving in a new city. He usually showers, changes clothes, and puts on some makeup before setting out to explore. His recent trip to Outer Richmond left him feeling more at peace compared to the vibrant Mission district, known for its lively Latin community and fantastic restaurants and cafes.

"I always immerse myself in different neighborhoods whenever I have the chance," he said. "There's a mindset of ‘cruising’ or ‘theme-parking’ that has seeped into our thinking, making it hard to find magic in the places we visit."

Paris – A Favorite City

When I asked about Paris — one of his favorite cities — Haidar eagerly shared about a tiny, almost forgotten café. He described it as the best place he has ever visited. Initially, he just went in to use the restroom and grab a coffee, but it turned out to be the best cup of coffee he had ever tasted, brewed by an elderly Asian woman.

"Many people have a certain image of Paris, but in reality, there are so many different ethnic groups here, and they have been living in Paris far longer than we have," he said, expressing his appreciation for the immigrants who have become Parisians over the years.

Other Favorite Spots in Paris

Haidar also introduced me to some of his other favorite spots in Paris. There's Chez l’copain, a trendy little bar in the 18th arrondissement with a dimly lit atmosphere and young people gathering outside. Les Vinaigriers is a restaurant in the 10th that serves a very limited but perfectly executed menu.

"I love small places like that, where if you try to speak French, they are really friendly," he said. "Honestly, people in Paris aren't as bad as they're often made out to be."

A Different Side of Life

The life of a flight attendant isn't just about flights and destinations; it's also about the connections made with people along the way. Haidar hopes that everyone finds value and beauty in different cultures through being part of them.

"Every trip is an opportunity to expand knowledge and experience," he emphasized. Living as a flight attendant is not just a job; it’s a profound way to experience the world.