Tom Roseberry has traveled the world and met all walks of life. As a flight attendant for the last 34 years, early wake-up calls, delays, and cancellations are the norm. With his sporadic schedule, Tom has become a pro at staying healthy while on the road (or in the air, rather). He also has some incredible stories and expert advice–like the best airport to get stuck in and the things you don’t want to know (but should) about airplane food.
We met Tom when he started using mēle on his morning commute and during quick turnarounds between destinations. We sat down with him recently to hear more about the behind-the-scenes of the airline industry and his tips for healthier travel.
Q: Do you have any expert travel tips you can share?
Bring hand sanitizer with you! Wipe down your armrest. Wipe down your television. Wipe down your tray table. But most importantly, after using the bathroom (and washing your hands), clean your hands with the sanitizer again!
Q: What is the longest flight you've ever been on?
10 hours to Amsterdam from Orlando. The flight attendants only get a two-hour break in the crew rest area. Everyone should get a tour of the “rest area.” We have to climb down some stairs into a small area and duck our heads as we walk to the bunk bed. To get into the bed, we have to crouch down to avoid hitting our heads. It’s like resting in a coffin!
Q: Can you share a secret or myth about the airline industry?
We’ve all heard the Captain say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be arriving at our destination early." However, landing early does not mean you are getting to the gate early. So many times, I’ve heard that announcement only to be held on the runway due to traffic congestion or no gate availability.
Q: What food or drink should we avoid on airlines?
Probably the beef sandwich that sits in a hot truck before it gets on the hot airplane (oops, did I just say that?).
Q: What is the best airport to get stuck in during a layover?
The Minneapolis Airport! There are so many different restaurants, coffee shops, and healthy places to eat. And the people there always have a smile on their face!
Q: What’s the weirdest “healthy habit” you’ve seen someone do on a plane?
I’m seeing more and more passengers wearing facial moisturizing masks. The mask covers their face completely except for their eyes and mouth. The air inside of airplanes is dry, so these masks are a great way to moisten your skin (even if they do give me a good laugh).
Q: What’s one thing you’d change or improve in planes for healthier travel?
In this day and age of trying to eat healthy, I am always shocked when a passenger consumes two whole cans of soda (or more). In my opinion, soda is probably the worst thing that airlines offer. Sugary sodas slow down your metabolism so your body doesn’t burn fat as efficiently.
Q: Tell us about your experience since using mēle for work and travel!
My passengers oftentimes ask me which I’d prefer: "Would you pick the chicken and rice or the cold meat and cheese plate?" My response is always, "I’d pick my mēle shake." I love being able to quickly mix my mēle with water, shake it up, and BAM....it’s done! I know that I’m getting a balanced meal with real ingredients. And did I mention it tastes much better than airplane food?
Since drinking mēle, I’ve seen some major health improvements that I didn’t expect. My doctor put me on medication for high cholesterol and triglycerides awhile back, but my scores were not lowering to the normal range. I went in to have my blood work done recently. And after only two weeks of drinking mēle at least once a day, the results shocked me: my cholesterol and triglycerides were in their normal range!