Interview with Flight Attendant & World Traveler Joy Iromuanya

One of the best things to come out of starting my travel Instagram and blog was connecting with an amazing community of travelers - and one of my FIRST travel friends was Joy Iromuanya. So I’m so excited to share a little interview I did with her. Not only is she an all-around cool chick, who curates wonderful content across her feed and stories - she’s also Delta flight attendant and - of course - world travel aficionado.

1. Tell me how you caught the travel bug! Was there one trip that really cemented travel as an important part of your life?

When the Navy sent me to Okinawa, Japan. This trip helped me realize that I needed to travel more. I needed to learn more about different countries, cultures, and people.

2. You work as a flight attendant, how did you get into that and what’s the best part of your job?

I was talking to one of my friends and saying that I wanted to travel full time but didn't know how to do that. She suggested that I become a flight attendant. I applied the next day.

3. As a flight attendant, what’s your top travel tip for flyers?

Have a positive attitude. There are so many things that can go wrong (weather delays, lost luggage, and unmet expectations), but if you have a positive attitude, you'll get the most out of your experience.

4. What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed in flight while working?

I was working a flight from Atlanta to Raleigh, NC during Hurricane Matthew. The turbulence was the worst I've ever experienced. The pilots instructed everyone to stay seated for the whole flight. I was being tossed around like a rag doll in my jumpseat. We had two aborted landings and finally diverted to Colombia, SC. When we landed, I went through the cabin to make sure that everyone was okay. Three people vomited.

5. What has surprised you most over the years about people’s flying habits?

How unprepared people are. Please pack headphones or bring a book and wear layers!

6. What’s one item you never leave home without?

My debit card

7. Favorite destination of all time and why?

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. The people are kind; it's relatively safe and affordable. There's also something for everyone.

8. When you’re flying as a passenger, which seat do you go for?

First-class! There is nothing like it, especially first-class on an international flight. It's life-changing if I can't get premium seating than I go for an exit seat.

9. Any advice for sleeping on planes successfully?

I always bring sleeping pills, an eye mask, a neck pillow, and a blanket. I used to be terrified of sleeping on planes because I worried if I would be snoring, grinding my teeth, or drooling. But 99% of passengers couldn't care less that you are doing those things. They have their headphones on and are engulfed in a movie.

10. How do you think the travel industry will change as a result of coronavirus?

People will prioritize traveling in a new way. We are going to see record-setting tourism numbers. I think we, as a collective, took traveling for granted.

11. What travel experience has given you the biggest culture shock and why?

Traveling to Lagos, Nigeria. It's hard to explain but I felt like I was home. Seeing so many people who looked like me, Nigerian. I recognized the accents, clothing, and mannerisms. Everyone could've been my aunties, uncles, or distant relatives. But at the same time, I had armed security guards escort me to my hotel from the airport. Part of me desperately wanted to explore, but I quickly understood that it would not be wise.

12. Complete the sentence...the best part of travel is....

Learning