In this powerful episode of The Red Eye, we share Ben’s story — a crewmember whose experience on a routine London to New York flight changed the course of his career. After a passenger medical emergency at 35,000 feet, Ben and his colleagues did everything in their power to save a life. But what stayed with him most wasn’t just the tragedy itself — it was how his company handled the aftermath.
Like many flight attendants, Ben often felt like just a number in a massive system. And when the support he needed wasn’t there, it took a toll on his mental health and ultimately led him to walk away from a job he once loved. His story is a raw and honest look at what happens when frontline crew don’t feel seen, and the real cost of missing that human connection in aviation.
While the industry has made real progress in mental health awareness and support, Ben’s journey is a reminder of why it matters so deeply, and what can be lost when it’s overlooked.
This is an episode about courage, care, and change. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt unseen in their job — and for the aviation community striving to do better for those who give so much of themselves in service of others.
Music Credits for "Are Cabin Crew Just a Number...?"
Sad Moment - Music by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay
Sound Effects by freesound_community
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Kaylie has written 6 other fictional novels about the lives of cabin crew!
The Red Eye Podcast is written by Kaylie Kay, and produced and narrated by Ally Murphy.
To subscribe to the monthly newsletter and keep up to date with news, visit www.theredeyepod.com. Or find us on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok & Instagram @theredeyepod, for behind the scenes stories and those funny short stories that only take a minute or less!
If you'd like to support the podcast you can "buy us a beer" and subscribe at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2310053/support, we'd be happy to give you a shout out on our newsletter!
Ally Murphy is a former flight attendant, and a British voice over artist based in the USA, visit www.allymurphy.co.uk
Kaylie Kay is a flight attendant and author based in the UK. You can find more of her work at www.kayliekaywrites.com
To buy The Red Eye's first book click on the following links:
Amazon UK
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