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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
27(27%)
4 stars
36(36%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I haven't read Hotel/Fashion/Beach Babylon, so I can't make a comparison between it and its siblings.

All I can say is that if this book is only half-true, then we might be in a bit of trouble. However, if it's completely true, then it's actually quite okay to travel by air.

Maybe there are some hidden secrets and interesting stories within the pages of Hotel/Fashion/Beach Babylon that I'm missing out on. But based on what I know so far, it seems that the truthfulness of the book has an impact on our perception of air travel.

I wonder if the author has experienced all these things firsthand or if it's just a work of fiction with a touch of reality. Either way, it makes me curious to find out more about this book and see if it lives up to the hype.

Maybe one day I'll pick up a copy and see for myself what all the fuss is about. Until then, I'll just have to rely on the reviews and opinions of others to form my own judgment.

July 15,2025
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I really can't decide whether this book was extremely readable and offered an interesting perspective into the airline industry,

or if it was just plain stupid.

On one hand, it might have presented some captivating insights and details about the inner workings of the airline business,

making it a potentially engaging read for those interested in that particular field.

However, on the other hand, it could have been filled with such inane content and lackluster writing that it failed to hold any real value or appeal.

Perhaps the author's attempt to shed light on the airline industry fell short,

or maybe my own expectations were too high.

Either way, the jury is still out on whether this book is a worthwhile addition to one's reading list or just a waste of time.

It's a conundrum that I'll likely continue to grapple with as I try to make sense of my overall impression of the book.

July 15,2025
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Unexpectedly funny and interesting.

This simple description holds a world of charm. It implies that something has exceeded our expectations in terms of humor and entertainment.

Maybe it's a movie that we thought would be just another average flick, but instead, it had us laughing out loud from start to finish. Or perhaps it's a book that we picked up on a whim, only to discover a hilarious and engaging story within its pages.

The element of surprise makes it even more enjoyable. When we least expect it, something funny and interesting pops up and brightens our day. It could be a witty comment from a friend, a comical incident in our daily lives, or a cleverly crafted joke.

These unexpected moments of humor and interest add a touch of magic to our otherwise ordinary existence. They make us forget about our troubles, even if only for a short while, and bring a smile to our faces.

In a world that can sometimes be serious and stressful, the unexpected funny and interesting is a welcome escape. It reminds us to not take life too seriously and to always be on the lookout for those little gems of humor and entertainment that can make our days just a little bit brighter.
July 15,2025
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I have read two other books in the "Babylon" series, namely "Hotel" and "Wedding". Therefore, when I came across this one, I decided to give it a try as well. And it didn't let me down.

Just as I had expected, it was mostly funny. Some of the stories were hilarious, making me burst out laughing. Others at least merited a smile. There were also some outrageous ones, and some that were really interesting. There were even those of the sort "oh my god, do they really...?!"

Obviously, it can't be completely funny for everyone. From a few other reviews, I think some people have overly high expectations. These are anecdotes collected from a large number of people working in the airline industry over several years. However, for the sake of the story, they are condensed and described as if they all occur to one group of people working for a specific airline within a 24-hour period.

We see everything through the eyes of a deputy airport manager, who oversees all kinds of issues that take place at the airport before flying to Dubai to celebrate the 30th birthday of Andy, one of the crew and his best friend. I really liked this book and will definitely keep an eye out for other "Babylon" books as well.

I believe that fans of humorous and engaging stories will also enjoy this one. It offers a unique perspective on the airline industry and the people who work in it. The author has done a great job of creating a vivid and entertaining world that readers can easily get lost in.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable read. It's the perfect choice for a lazy afternoon or a long flight. So, go ahead and give it a try! You won't be disappointed.

July 15,2025
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History that is hard to believe - if the aviation industry really looks like that, it's even scary to fly. And if we have to and want to, it's worth being nice and polite, maybe we won't encounter a bad mood ;)

The book was read quickly and easily, I recommend it :)

History is full of astonishing facts, and the aviation industry is no exception. Sometimes, the reality of how it operates can seem almost unbelievable. If the true nature of the aviation business is as described, it might make one hesitant to take to the skies. However, if flying is a necessity or a desire, it's always a good idea to approach it with kindness and courtesy. Maybe by doing so, we can avoid any不愉快 experiences. This book offers a quick and easy read, presenting these interesting aspects of aviation history. It's a great choice for those who are interested in learning more about this fascinating subject. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and informative read.

July 15,2025
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We have several books by this author in our Book club. So far, they have been quite well received.

Hotel Babylon offers an insight into life within the hotel industry, while Hospital Babylon delves into the activities and daily life in a hospital, including the antics and high jinks that occur.

The particular book under discussion is set over a 12-hour period and "follows" a duty manager of an airline, most likely in Terminal 3 at Heathrow airport.

Personally, I was very enthusiastic about this book as I have worked in the airline industry. However, I am disappointed to note that the author has depicted airline ground staff as well as the crews in a rather unflattering light. They are portrayed as completely promiscuous, kleptomaniac, and alcoholics. I firmly believe that this is a misrepresentation and is simply done for dramatic effect. I am not at all pleased with the way she portrays the staff in the airline industry. It gives a false and unfair impression of the hardworking and dedicated people who work in this field.

I hope that future works by this author will present a more accurate and positive view of the various industries and the people who work within them.
July 15,2025
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I simply adored this book. It is a remarkable piece of investigative journalism that masquerades as a humorous novel. The author has truly discovered the ideal formula to convey, in a highly engaging manner, a combination of fundamental facts and figures regarding the (UK) airline industry. However, most importantly, it contains an astonishing quantity of (presumably true) anecdotes.

Given that I have a couple of friends who work as air hostesses on long-haul flights, those anecdotes do not seem far-fetched to me in the slightest. (Although there are so many of them crammed into this novel that it can become a bit overwhelming towards the conclusion...).

This book is not only highly entertaining but also extremely educational, particularly for frequent flyers. It offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the airline industry and provides readers with a wealth of interesting information and stories.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the airline industry or simply enjoys a good read. It is a must-read for those who want to learn something new while being entertained at the same time.
July 15,2025
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I have never read any works by this author before. However, I was intrigued by the subject matter.

Overall, the book had me experiencing a range of emotions. I found myself laughing out loud at times, while also feeling a sense of embarrassment for some of the characters.

The storyline did have its moments of slowness. There were instances when it felt as if too many stories were being crammed into a relatively short time period. This made the pacing a bit uneven.

Nevertheless, on the whole, it was an easy and enjoyable read. The humor and the engaging characters made it a worthwhile experience. I would recommend this book to others who are looking for a light-hearted and entertaining read.
July 15,2025
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Fascinating and entertaining, jaw-dropping stories.

These stories have the power to captivate our attention and keep us on the edge of our seats. They are filled with excitement, adventure, and unexpected twists.

However, I couldn't help but feel that the course language was unnecessary to the telling of the escapades on a fictional airlines.

Although all the stories purport to be true, the use of complex and technical language seemed to detract from the overall enjoyment of the tales.

It made the reading experience a bit more difficult and less accessible to a wider audience.

Perhaps a more straightforward and engaging writing style would have been more appropriate to bring these stories to life and make them even more enjoyable for readers.

Nonetheless, the stories themselves were still interesting and managed to hold my attention despite the language barrier.

Overall, it was an interesting read that left me with a sense of wonder and a desire to learn more about the fictional airlines and its escapades.
July 15,2025
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It is truly wonderful to have an understanding of what lies behind the airline industry, how it functions, and all the related aspects.

This is especially the case when you are a frequent flyer like me.

Every time I board a flight, I am curious about the complex processes that ensure a safe and smooth journey.

From the meticulous planning of flight schedules to the highly trained pilots and crew, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes.

The airline industry is a fascinating world that combines technology, logistics, and customer service.

It is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of travelers.

By having an idea about how it all works, I can appreciate the efforts and hard work that go into making each flight a success.

It also gives me a sense of confidence and security when I am up in the air.

Overall, having this knowledge adds an extra layer of interest and enjoyment to my flying experiences.

July 15,2025
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A quick read that offers a truly fascinating peek into the unique culture of airport and flight attendants. It presents a range of emotions, from the humorous moments that can lighten the mood during a flight, to the scary situations that they might encounter and have to handle with professionalism. There are also those disgusting aspects that one might not expect, perhaps dealing with unruly passengers or unpleasant messes. Reading this will surely make you think twice before being rude at the check-in desk. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for the hard work and challenges that these attendants face on a daily basis. It's a captivating exploration that will change your perspective on the world of air travel and those who make it possible.

July 15,2025
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The translation is off-track.


On page 115, it is stated that "they book the cheapest non-refundable tickets on every oversubscribed flight, and then they show up at the last minute hoping that there is some space left on the plane, and we then have to refund the price to them."
Isn't it strange to anyone that this doesn't make sense?


On page 207, "He indicated a question mark with his fingers in the air."
A question mark, quotation marks, it's all the same. Moreover, make a question mark when you only have two hands.


On page 231, "a magazine with Billie Piper on the cover."
Isn't Billie Piper a girl?


On page 25, "and sometimes even those who are whistling."?
On page 176, "She tossed her blonde hair."
On page 187, "‘We're so glad to see you again!’"
On page 189, "Jonny" [Johnny]
On page 245, "Anddy" [Andy]
On page 286, "completely caught up."


Incorrect word division - pages 32, 143
Comma - page 202
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