Originally reviewed on The Aussie Zombie.

Edwards-Jones’ ‘Babylon’ books kicked off with the now well-known ‘Hotel Babylon’, which later became a popular British UK series a couple of years ago. This is the third book I've delved into, following Hotel Babylon and Beach Babylon. The books detail the story, hour by hour, of an employee in the relevant industry.

I must admit, I despise flying. To me, there's absolutely nothing enjoyable, pleasant, or fascinating about it. I used to require a valium even for a one-hour flight. Weeks before a flight, I would stress myself to the point of tears. I nearly cancelled several holidays, and on one memorable occasion, I ended up in a pharmacy, hysterically pleading for drugs and crying ‘I’ll never be able to go home!!’. Now, after numerous long-haul flights from Australia to the Netherlands, I'm not as hysterical, but I still loathe flying with every ounce of my being. So, was it a good idea to read this book? Perhaps.

Air Babylon is narrated by a deputy manager in an unnamed UK airport. The tales involve baggage handlers, security staff, and ground staff who work ‘on the front line’ at the airport, along with the stories of flight attendants (hosties) and, to a lesser extent, pilots. There are also some passenger stories, insights into the world of drug-smuggling, animal transport, and what actually occurs when someone passes away during a flight.

Throughout the book, there are some interesting facts that, when explained by the narrator, make perfect sense, while others have you shaking your head and thinking ‘WTF?!’.

Personally, I would have relished more stories about the passengers and a bit less about the pranks and relationships of the airline staff (I don't even want to consider whether some of these things are true or not!). And for me, the ending was a touch absurd and abrupt.

Overall, this is a fun, light read, but perhaps not the ideal choice if a) you're a nervous flyer or b) about to embark on a flight (especially a long-haul one!). The characters are humorous and realistic, and the reading is effortless.

Full review on my blog: http://theaussiezombie.blogspot.com.

I would rather have given 2.5 because the main character didn't appeal to me and I thought it was all just a bit too overdone. But hey: it's just a good book so just a good score.

This book had its moments, but the main character's personality really grated on me. Their actions and decisions seemed forced and didn't feel true to life. It made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story.

Additionally, some of the plot points felt a bit contrived. It was as if the author was trying too hard to create drama and excitement, rather than letting the story unfold naturally. This led to a feeling of artificiality that detracted from the overall reading experience.

However, despite these flaws, the book still had some redeeming qualities. The writing was solid, and there were some interesting ideas and concepts explored. The world-building was also quite good, and I found myself curious to learn more about the setting and the characters that inhabited it.

Overall, while I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it either. It was just a bit of a mixed bag for me. I would recommend it to others who are looking for a quick and easy read, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to praise it.

A behind the scenes look at the airport/airline industry offers a fascinating peek into the inner workings of this complex and bustling world. It's as engaging and captivating as her Hotel Babylon and Fashion Babylon books, filled with insider secrets, drama, and excitement. However, it's important to note that you might not want to read it shortly before you fly. The detailed accounts and stories could potentially heighten your nerves or make you overly aware of the various operations and challenges that occur behind the scenes. But if you're looking for an entertaining and informative read about the airport/airline industry, this is definitely a great choice. It provides a unique perspective and sheds light on the many aspects that we often don't see as passengers.

Scary.

Even if just 10% of the things described in this book actually occur, it would make me seriously consider twice before taking a long distance flight.

The vivid accounts and details presented in the book paint a rather alarming picture that lingers in the mind.

However, on the other hand, it has truly opened my eyes and made me more aware of the numerous challenges that employees in the airline industry have to face on a daily basis.

Now, I will most likely make it a point to stop and offer an extra "thank you" to all those hardworking individuals who ensure the smooth running of the airline industry.

They deserve our appreciation and recognition for the difficult tasks they undertake to keep us safe and comfortable during our travels.

Overall, this book has had a profound impact on my perception of both long distance flights and the people who work behind the scenes in the airline industry.

Even though I was skeptical at first,

it seemed like a dull and tiresome read.

However, I was pleasantly surprised at the pace.

The story is not really strong,

but the shameless fact about the aviation industry is funny and interesting.

It makes for a good beach read,

or just a nice book for when you want to read something without having to use your brain.

You can simply relax and enjoy the light-hearted content.

The author has managed to present the information in an engaging way,

despite the lack of a complex plot.

Overall, it's a quick and easy read that can provide some entertainment during your leisure time.

Whether you're lounging by the pool or on a long flight,

this book can be a great companion.

So, don't let your initial skepticism hold you back,

give it a chance and see for yourself.

Non-fiction

This article takes you behind the scenes in the airline industry and on the ground. It is set in an unnamed London airline.

Have you ever wondered where the best place to stash a corpse on a flight could be? Or do you know the best spot to have sex on a plane? And did you know that in the air, one drink is equivalent to three? These are just some of the intriguing and perhaps rather unusual questions that this article poses.

When you board a commercial flight, you entrust your life to the airline industry. But do you really know anything about this complex and often mysterious world? The airline industry is filled with secrets, regulations, and hidden aspects that most passengers are completely unaware of.

In this article, we will explore some of these lesser-known aspects of the airline industry. We will look at what goes on behind the scenes, from the operations on the ground to the activities in the air.

So, if you're curious about the inner workings of the airline industry and want to discover some of its secrets, read on.

As a self-confessed flying junkie, I simply had to read this.

And ever since I picked it up, I've read it several times over.

I don't think it really matters whether all the tales within it are completely true or just greatly embellished.

The fact of the matter is that it's an excellent read if you're looking to unwind and turn your brain off for a couple of hours.

It takes you on a journey through various aviation-related stories that are both entertaining and engaging.

Whether it's the adventures of pilots in the sky or the behind-the-scenes happenings in the world of aviation, this book has it all.

It's a great escape from the daily grind and a chance to immerse yourself in a world of excitement and adventure.

So if you're a fellow flying junkie or just someone who enjoys a good story, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

An entertaining book, setting aside the elements of sex, drugs, and drink. However, then again, if that's the way airlines truly are, then that's just the reality. It's interesting to explore the various aspects of this fictional or perhaps somewhat exaggerated portrayal. One can't help but wonder if there is any truth to it. Maybe there are indeed some wild and crazy happenings behind the scenes in the airline industry. But still, it's important to take it all with a grain of salt. After all, it's just a book, meant to provide entertainment and perhaps a bit of a peek into a world that we may not be entirely familiar with. Whether or not it accurately represents the real deal, it does make for an engaging read.

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Light, fun, and occasionally unlikely - these are the elements that make life truly interesting.

We often seek out light-hearted moments to brighten our days. Whether it's a silly joke, a comical movie, or a fun activity with friends, these experiences bring a smile to our faces and a sense of joy to our hearts.

Fun is an essential part of our lives. It allows us to relax, unwind, and forget about our worries for a while. It can be found in the simplest of things, like a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or a good book.

And then there are those unlikely moments that seem to come out of nowhere. They might be a chance encounter with a stranger, a unexpected turn of events, or a random act of kindness. These moments add an element of surprise and excitement to our lives, making them even more memorable.

In conclusion, light, fun, and occasionally unlikely moments are what make life worth living. We should cherish these experiences and seek them out whenever possible. After all, life is too short to be anything but happy.

This is quite a funny book indeed.

It stands out as being much better than the Hotel Babylon version that preceded it.

The humor in this book is engaging and keeps the reader entertained from start to finish.

The storylines are well-developed and full of interesting twists and turns.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.

Unlike the previous version, this book manages to capture the essence of the hotel world in a more lighthearted and enjoyable way.

It offers a refreshing take on the often-dramatic and complex environment of a hotel.

Whether you're a fan of the Hotel Babylon series or just looking for a good laugh, this book is definitely worth a read.

It will surely leave you with a smile on your face and a desire to pick up more books by the same author.

This was truly an extremely enjoyable read.

Although, if all of this is indeed true, it surely makes one contemplate twice about taking a flight.

I relished reading about all the events that took place and how the main character managed to handle them all.

The other characters were all larger than life and highly amusing.

The utilization of the present tense also benefits the story splendidly, as if the reader is observing everything unfold in real-time.

Anyway, if you have an interest in the strange antics that occur in airports and on airplanes, this is an outstanding book to peruse!

It offers a unique and entertaining perspective on the world of air travel, filled with humorous and engaging situations that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this book is sure to provide you with a great deal of entertainment and food for thought.