The Red Eye

40 Episodes
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By: Ally Murphy

A captivating, storytelling travel podcast that brings you extraordinary true stories from the travel experiences of flight attendants, pilots and their passengers. A peak behind the curtain into the lives of those who travel for a living. In the world of aviation and world travel, we experience everything from thrilling dramas to side-splitting comedy and life-altering moments, each episode immerses you in a world of adventure. Enjoy an brief escape, as real-life events take on a fictional flair, transporting you from the aircraft’s cabin, to the ground, and across the globe.

The Roadside Rescue Crew - When Cabin Crew become First Responders off the Aircraft
#72
Last Tuesday at 5:00 AM

One of the skills that Flight Attendants spend the most time training for, is the one you don't see very often! And thank goodness. Cabin Crew are trained in dealing with big emergencies, like plane crashes, where there may be multiple casualties. They're also trained in triage and giving emergency medical care for these big incidents.

Here at The Red Eye, we hear more stories of the crew using those life-saving skill off the aircraft instead of on it. And this is one of those stories!

When 3 crew, headed for a fun trip in LA, b...


A Close Shave - A Notorious Pilot gets into Trouble again!
#71
06/24/2025

This week we have another "Good Time Gary" story for you! You may remember him from an episode a while back, he was a notorious pilot in one airline who seems to have the most legendary stories that still get told to this day!

This story is no different, it's the true story about Gary getting up to his usual mischief in search of a good time, and ends up with 2 wanted, and then unwanted guests in his room that want more than his body... and they don't mind taking revenge when they can't get what they...


Hi-Jinx in Havana - Ex Cabin Crew getting up to mischief in Cuba!
#70
06/17/2025

Lots of Flight Attendants move on to different careers in the Emergency Services. The skills acquired in cabin crew training are transferable to the ambulance service, fire service and police.

But it's tricky giving up that lifestyle of travelling the world and having fun 5,000 miles away with like minded people.

Today's story comes from someone who is ex cabin crew, but married to a crew member, so they still get to engage in some layover shenanigans sometimes! But this story nearly led to an arrest and deportation - which might have affected his new career...


An Interview with an Airport Armed Police Officer
#69
06/10/2025

In today's episode, we take a peak behind the scenes with the armed police at London Heathrow Airport. How much action do these officers see? How do they train for such extreme events?

Ex Sergeant Mark Dolce speaks with The Red Eye Podcast, telling us his incredible stories of his years as a Sergeant of the armed police at Heathrow. From daring runway chases, to trapped babies, to scary moments. Mark reveals all about his job protecting the passengers passing through one of the world's busiest airports.

Music Credits for An Interview with an Airport...


The Man in the Window - An Aviation Disaster Story
#68
06/03/2025

On June 10th 1990. Captain Tim Lancaster took off from Birmingham Airport to Malaga, when he reached 17,000ft, the window blew out and he got sucked out with it.

Cabin Crew member Nigel Ogden, along with Chief Steward John Heward and flight attendant Simon Rogers held on to their captain's legs and refused to let go. First Officer Alastair Aitchison expertly landed the plane in Southampton. The crew thought Tim was dead, but miraculously he survived. This is their story.

Music Credits for Man in the Window

I Am a Man Who Will Fight...


The Mile High Clap Trap
#67
05/27/2025

Some cabin crew have a reputation, some are good reputations but some are not... There are a few of the "players" out there, straight male flight attendants who are spoiled for choice when it comes to layover lays! But if you're going to experience the life of the philandering flight attendant then you need to be honest, you need to be open and you need to be sexually healthy... Because a broken heart isn't the only health risk here...

Music Credits for Mile High Clap Trap

2 Hearts - Patrick Patrikios

Mas Cafe...


Loose Lemurs and the Vomit Comet
#66
05/20/2025

Flying internationally, alone with 2 children under 3 is stressful enough. But when you also have to deal with stomach bugs and loose animals in the cabin - it can push you over the edge!

On today's episode of the podcast, we hear the true story from a passenger that had to experience this absolute chaos on a flight to Australia. And who thought that cabin crew would have to double up as animal control on this flight?!

Music Credits for Loose Lemurs and the Vomit Comet

Airline - National Sweetheart

Sound Effects...


An Interview with Charlotte Crocker - Talking about Mental Health in the Aviation Industry
#65
05/13/2025

Trigger Warning - On today's episode, we discuss mental health issues and suicide. Whilst we don't go into details about any particular occurance, it may be triggering for some.

We're talking to Charlotte Crocker, who delivers Wellbeing, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention training within the aviation industry. Former cabin crew, she flew for 12 years for several UK international airlines, before becoming an SEP trainer. In addition to there current training qualifications, she also holds a Level 4 in First Response Emergency Care, which enables her to work and volunteer for the ambulance service. Charlotte writes commercial crime fiction novels...


The Critical Companion - Cabin Crew has a nightmare trip!
#64
05/06/2025

One of the perks of flying is the free (well, you pay the tax) flights you get. And when you are a flight attendant or pilot, you can take someone with you on one of your layovers.

So what if you've just started dating a guy, he's hot but he's a bit of a grump... would you risk taking him on a trip? What if he causes a scene and you lose your concessionary travel tickets as punishment?!

On this weeks episode, we hear the true story of a grumpy companion, and the girl who...


The San Franciscan Shoe Stealer - Passengers behaving erratically!
#63
04/29/2025

We love a good "passenger doing strange things" story at The Red Eye, it's amazing how many of them we get! But this one was a first for us...

On a flight, when a passenger mixes medication with alcohol, the cabin crew often end up dealing with a person not in their right mind. Sometimes things get scary, and sometimes it's just plain bizarre!

Music Credits for The San Franciscan Shoe Stealer

Devious Little Smile by Godsmode

Losing Your Marbles - The Soundlings

Running It Down - Everet Almond 48000 1<...


An Accidental Author - From Cabin Crew to Published Writer
#62
04/22/2025

In today's episode, we hear the true story of how a staff travel disaster led our very own Author Kaylie Kay down her true path of creativity! Kaylie has been an international flight attendant for over 25 years, and never saw herself doing anything else! But when a passenger told her that she should do something creative she started thinking about that story she had dreamed up in crew rest one flight.... Hear how Kaylie got started, and listen to the first chapter of her first book at the end of the episode! If you'd like to read or listen...


Headbutts and Rebuttals - A dangerous passenger causes chaos for the crew
#61
04/15/2025

Cabin crew and pilots deal with all sorts of issues every day. But one you don't want to deal with are dangerous passengers who cause a threat to the crew, passengers or aircraft.

In today's true story, we hear about a passenger who was out for causing trouble, and for the Captain, it caused him injury!

Music Credits for Headbutts and Rebuttals

Cool Revenge - Jeremy Blake

Dark Clouds - Music by Amsley Beats from Pixabay

Hitting Hard - Music by Alex_Kizenkov from Pixabay

Sleep Music...


An Interview with Jay Robert from A Fly Guy's Cabin Crew Lounge
#60
04/08/2025

What an exclusive we have today for you! We're talking with Jay Robert, better known to the aviation world as A Fly Guy is a global voice for cabin crew, aviation lovers, and frequent flyers alike. With a combined social media following of over 1.5 million across his flagship Facebook page A Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge and Instagram accounts @TheCrewLounge and @AFlyGuyTravels, Jay has become a trusted figure in the skies and on the ground.

With nearly 20 years of experience in airline world, the majority spent flying as a Senior Cabin Crew for Emirates in Dubai, Ja...


Hostage in Havana Part 3 - WIll out Pilots escape Cuba?
#59
04/01/2025

It's the final installment of Hostage in Havana! The pilot's have escaped captivity but will they be followed? Will they get home? And how? We know the aviation industry is exciting but this layover story might be too much!


Music Credits for Hostage in Havana Part 3

Son Montuno - Music by Julius H. from Pixabay

El Gavilan - Quincas Moreira

Sharp Senses - Ugonna Onyekwe

Merengue de Limon - Quincas Moreira

Sombre Trio 2 - Music by Michael Daniel from Pixabay

Effects by...


Hostage in Havana Part 2
#58
03/25/2025

After last week's episode, we return to Havana to find out what is going on with the pilot's and their dramas! 

Is Ed having a heart attack? Can Tom get them out of the hospital?

Music Credits for Hostage in Havana Part 2

Son Montuno - Music by Julius H. from Pixabay

El Gavilan - Quincas Moreira

Sharp Senses - Ugonna Onyekwe

Sombre Trio 2 - Music by Michael Daniel from Pixabay

Effects by freesound_community from Pixabay

Sound Design by Ally Murphy

S...


Hostage in Havana Part 1
#57
03/18/2025

Some stories are too epic for just one episode. And when the pilot who donated this story told us his tale, we knew this would have to be an epic 3 part series!

We hear the true story of a trip to Havana, where all 3 pilots end up in different disasters! We have kidnappings, we have hostage situations, we have medical emergencies and escapes from the country.

Enjoy the first part of this incredible true story!

Music Credits for Hostage in Havana Part 1

Short Cinematic Intro - Music by Jeremiah Alves from...


An Interview with a Gate Agent: Bret Christo
#56
03/11/2025

We often get to hear the stories of cabin crew, pilots, passengers and their antics. So today's episode is a real treat! We are chatting to Bret Christo who was a gate agent in the USA for many years. He has some incredible stories of passenger who don't even make it to the flight before causing trouble!

Music Credits for this epsiode:

A Girl From Near Approximately Ipanema - MountainDweller

Produced by Ally Murphy

Bret Christo Voice Overs: Where your words find their true voice! Specializing in bringing a...


High Flying Fashionistas - Sometimes it pays to be the friendliest flight attendant!
#55
03/04/2025

Being nice is a big part of the job as cabin crew. No sour pusses do well in the air with the passengers! But some flight attendants go out of their way to make sure every passenger gets off that flight feeling like they had the best experience possible. It just feels good to make other people feel special! 

The donor of this story has always gone the extra mile, but one flight she ends up getting her kindness paid back to her...

Music Credits for High Flying Fashionitas

Cocktails - Underbelly & Ty M...


Mile High Mess and Misunderstanding
#54
02/25/2025

Learning to work around cultural differences is a big part of the job as cabin crew. When you meet passengers from all over the world in your job, you learn how different and diverse the human race is! 

But it can lead to confusion as well... both for the passengers and the flight attendants!

In today's episode, we hear the true story about a flight where the crew faced multiple toilet incidents on board the aircraft, leading to confusion for many!

Music Credits for A Mile High Mess

Music by Won J...


A Pilot's Perspective
#53
02/18/2025

During the flight, most flight attendants love to visit the flight deck. They get to see the world from a different perspective and chat to pilots. They get to see the pilots at work, reading maps, twiddling knobs and chatting to the ground. It's fascinating! Even if most of us don't understand what they are doing. But it's rare for the pilots to see the cabin crew in action when things go wrong, as they are usually in the flight deck dealing with the important task of landing the aircraft safely.

When this pilot donated this story...


Love is in the Air - Finding love in the Aviation Industry!
#52
02/11/2025

For today's special Valentine's Day episode, we are speaking to three couples who found love in the air! Because when you mix pilots, flight attendants, passengers, cupid and some meet cutes - you get LOVE IN THE AIR MAGIC!

Thank you to Rob Reider, you can find his voiceover work at https://www.robreidervoice.com/

Music Credits for Love is the Air Valentine’s Special

Music by MountainDweller from Pixabay

Music by Musicalmix2020 Musicalmix2020 from Pixabay

Sound Design by Ally Murphy

Send us a text! If you'd li...


The Botched Bronzer Bungle - A Passenger causes Trouble in the Airplane Toilet...
#51
02/04/2025

We're back with another crazy passenger story, and of course they have been drinking and taking sleeping tablets! Why do passengers keep doing this?!

When a cabin crew member suspects the passenger in the toilet might be in a spot of trouble, they open the door to find the hilarious antics of a passenger who got high....

Music Credits for The Botched Bronzer Bungle 

Street Soundtrack Mafia - Music by Simone Mignacca from Pixabay

The Curious Kitten - Aaron Kenny

Awkward comedy - Music by Vlad Krotov from Pixabay


Dizzy in the Desert - A Drunken Layover goes Wrong!
#50
01/28/2025

This story is another of my own... and not one I'm hugely proud of!

The trouble is, when I'm surrounded by a group of fun flight attendants, in an exotic location, and we've had a few drinks, I get carried away and usually end up causing mischief! So when I found myself in Las Vegas with a very fun crew on a layover, I ended up causing myself some trouble that cost me a few months of my flying career!

Music Credits for Dizzy in the Desert

Retro - Wayne Jones

...


Decompressed - An air disaster story
#49
01/21/2025

This episode mentions an air disaster, and if you are someone who might be affected by this, we just want to warn you. There are no graphic details but we appreciate that people can be impacted in different ways.

After the tragic Helios Airways incident in 2005, the aviation industry was shook by how such an accident could occur. It left many air crew feeling nervous, worried that it might happen to them. It changed safety procedures for airlines and we all became very aware about what our "useful time of consciousness" is. For the person who donated...


A Flight Attendants Revenge - Cheating Pilots have no chance when the crew discover their secret
#48
01/14/2025

As with every job, there are some good ones, and some not so good ones... So it goes with pilots and cabin crew too. Because when your lifestyle takes you all around the world to exotic locations, with beautiful, exciting people for you to get really close to in just a few days, the temptation is there to perhaps not be the best boyfriend or girlfriend, and take advantage of the situation.

This episode is based on the true story of a flight attendant who found out that her pilot boyfriend was cheating on her with another...


A Saucy Proposition - When a Drunken Celebrity Passenger takes his chance...
#47
01/07/2025

We all have that one celebrity crush that we've had since we were young, and if you ever got the chance to meet them then you may just melt on the spot! When the donor for this story got to meet their idol, when they were cabin crew in the first class cabin and they stepped onboard as a passenger, it went much better, and much worse than they ever expected!

Music Credits for A Saucy Proposition

Running It Down - Everet Almond

Soul Food - Chris Haugen

Sound Effect by...


Ally & Kaylie talk about New Years in aviation
#46
12/31/2024

On today's special episode of the podcast, Ally and Kaylie chat about their first year making The Red Eye, reminisce about New Years trips as cabin crew and the shenanigans that usually occurs, and talk about their hopes for the next year!

Send us a text! If you'd like a reply, please leave an email or number

Kaylie has written 6 other fictional novels about the lives of cabin crew!

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Barnes and Noble

Support the show

The Red Eye Podcast is written...


A Christmas Flight to Remember
#45
12/24/2024

Cabin crew know that, when they do this job, you're going to be away for the big events. Holidays, Birthdays, Weddings. But they also try and make the most of the times they are away.

Today's episode is one of my own stories. About the Christmas I spent in Johannesburg. I was sad when I heard I was flying over Christmas, and that it was a short layover in a place that didn't feel very Christmassy. Then I tried to make the most of it and found an orphanage near Johannesburg that was in need of some...


An Interview with Karen McLeod - British Airways in the 90's and Naughties!
#43
12/17/2024

In today's episode, we talk with ex British Airways Cabin Crew member, Karen Mcleod. Karen has recently released a book called Lifting Off. Telling all about her life in the airline industry and the struggles she faced as a gay woman.

Karen McLeod is a writer, comic performer, creative writing tutor and writer-in-residence at Bookseller Crow bookshop, London. Her debut novel, In Search of the Missing Eyelash, was published by Jonathan Cape and won the Betty Trask Award. Published in 2007 (and reissued this year) she wrote this during layovers in hotel rooms whilst...


A Flushing Fiasco - The Woes of an Aircraft Toilet....
#44
12/10/2024

There are urban legends of passenger mishaps that circulate the aviation community. Flight attendants tell tales of events that are sometimes unbelievable, and all absolutely hilarious! Today's true story was donated to us by a very funny cabin crew member who is a firm favourite amongst his colleagues for being the best storyteller, so I hope we 've done his story justice. Because when he left us the voice message telling us his tale - we were in stitches!

Music Credits for A Flushing Fiasco

Devious Little Smile – Godmode

The Curious Kitten - Aa...


Flight Attendants Locked Up - Penny's Bay Part Two
#42
12/03/2024

In todays episode, we continue the true story of a group of flight attendants who were forced to quarantine in one of the most strictest facilities in Hong Kong during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The aviation industry took a huge hit during those times, and cabin crew risked being locked up in a foreign country, just for being close to someone who had tested positive. Away from family and friends, deprived of human contact, we hear how it felt to be in Penny's Bay.

Music Credits for Penny’s Bay Part Two

I Need to...


Flight Attendants Locked Up - Penny's Bay Part One
#42
11/26/2024

The covid pandemic dramatically changed the aviation industry. Seemingly overnight, planes were grounded, cabin crew were put on furlough and the world was shut down. Over time, some planes were able to fly again, frequently with no passengers, just cargo, and seats full of PPE. Flight attendants and pilots having to do 24 hours shifts or quarantine in hotels.

Restrictions were severe, and China was one of the strictest. 

In todays story, which will take place over two parts, we hear the true story about what it was like to fly in those days. And what i...


Carry On Keith
#41
11/19/2024

When cabin crew take companions away on a trip, you want them to behave well! But what if the other crew don't behave so well...? 

On today's episode we hear the true story of a flight attendant who took away their mum on a lovely little 3 night trip to St Lucia, only for her mother to get the full "crazy crew on a layover" experience! What would you do if this was your mum?!

Music Credits for Carry On Keith

Sleepy West by JHS Pedals

Caribbean Hide & Seek by Carmen María...


Karma in the Clouds
#40
11/12/2024

Cabin get the opportunity to experience some crazy things. You'll be gifted treats in the air by passengers, from beauty products to tickets to a premiere! 

Today we hear the true story from a flight attendant who was gifted a seat at the premiere of one of the top shows in Las Vegas, and when she got to know the person who treated her a little better, she was able to help give karma a nudge....

Music Credits for Karma in the Clouds

Mama by Emmit Fenn

Space Lady by Slynk


Eyes Wide Open
#39
11/05/2024

Not all cabin crew are in their 20's, young, free and single. A lot fo flight attendants have grown up with the airline. Started at 21 and still flying well into their 50's and longer. So today's episode is the true story about an older woman, who has the passion of her younger days reignited on a layover in Shanghai. 

Julie Margot is a notorious crew member, renowned for her frivolous days as the most fun, most popular, and sometimes the wildest crew member on every trip. But she's older now. And we get to experience crew life t...


Phantom on the Fifteenth Floor
#38
10/29/2024

It may be the spooky season, but in some hotels around the world, the hauntings happen all year round!

In this episode, we combine a few stories that have been donated to us by cabin crew. Tales of ghosts, haunted pictures, infamous rooms and sleep paralysis! When you're a flight attendant, you don't get to choose the hotel you stay in, so you're at the mercy of whoever is haunting your room....

Music Credits for Phantom on the Fifteenth Floor

Sinister by Anno Domini Beats

Skeleton by Myuu

Spooked...


Lucked Out
#37
10/22/2024

We've all been there. Accidentally leaving your hotel room without your room key. But when you leave your room without your key, and without any clothes on... It turns into your worst nightmare!

In this episode, we hear the true story about a pilot who finds himself in a sticky situation. How will he get back into his room without being seen?! Will the other flight crew catch him?!

Music Credits for Lucked Out

Birdseye Blues by Chris Haugen

Blue Mood by Robert Munzinger

Losing Your Marbles by The...


Vegas Can Break Anyone
#36
10/15/2024

When you are a young, carefree, brand new cabin crew member, you are full of the dreams and excitement that come with the job. Getting to explore the world whilst someone else pays you for the pleasure is a dream come true!

But you are at work. And it's easy to forget that when you're in an exciting destination and a wild night of fun in Las Vegas is on the table. In today's episode, we hear the true story of a young flight attendant that was convinced he was a seasoned pro at partying, but Vegas...


The Sh*ttest Job in the World
#35
10/08/2024

Being a flight attendant isn't for everyone... long hours, difficult customers and occasionally having deal with another human's bodily fluids. In today's true story, we hear about the many ways that someone can be put right off the job!

Music Credits for The Sh*ttest Job in the World

Happy Guitar - Music by JUAN CARLOS MOYANO MUÑOZ from Pixabay

Indian Music with Sitar - Music by Shiden Beats Music from Pixabay

Investigations by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


In Flight Therapy
#34
10/01/2024

When a passenger's world has fallen apart, and she needs a mid flight therapist on the long flight home, the crew step in...

Flight Attendants are trained for many roles in the air. One role that they're not officially trained for, but are frequently asked to perform, is the role of therapist. because when passengers (and crew) board that plane, they can sometimes be carrying a little extra baggage that needs tending to!

Music Credits for Inflight Therapy

Moonlit night - Music by Calvin Clavier from Pixabay

Newbie arriving EDm...