Why would anyone choose a career that terrifies her?
A 1970 graduate of Delta Air Lines’ rigorous stewardess training program, Kathi Davis is, in fact, terrified of flying. Haunted by phobias since childhood, she faces her greatest fear of all and forges a 35-year career in the sky. Filled with accounts of life on and off the plane (brushes with fame and whipped cream, romantic heartbreak on the journey to Mr. Right, and near disasters), The Closest Exit May Be Behind You promises a humorous, turbulent ride. But fear not—you’ll arrive safely at your gate.
Praise for The Closest Exit May be Behind You
The book chronicles the parallel growth of the author’s career as a flight attendant and her personal life over three decades, spurred, ironically, by a childhood fear of flying. It covers both the comical and not-so-comical sides of flight attending and living, making stops for historical events and social issues, not the least of which is women’s rights. Ms. Davis is playful and self-deprecating, yet serious when she needs to be. She tells of passengers both fun and famous; her prankish colleagues; her own foibles; and, tragically, of the friends she lost when an airliner went down. One does not have to work in the airline industry to appreciate this book.
- John Capasso, educator and retired superintendent of schools
If you’re looking for a book in the saucy stewardess genre, this isn’t the book for you. Kathi Davidson Davis’s memoir offers a sensitive, brave, and painfully honest account of a life lived with its – pun intended – highs and lows, ups and downs. There is humor here, of course, but also something much more. This is a book you will remember.
- Kate Charles, author of the Book of Psalms mysteries and the Callie Anson mysteries
This book transports the reader back to an era where flying was glamorous but being a flight attendant less so. The author's personal journey is relatable to anyone who has struggled with relationships, balancing their dreams with the dreams of those they love, and the sacrifices made. I cried for Kathi’s losses and at the end of her long journey in the Delta skies. Brava for a compelling memoir that’s an easy breezy read and a delightful trip worth taking!
- Colleen Reynolds, broadcaster and public relations specialist
I absolutely loved this book! Kathi’s prose is smooth, engaging, and full of life. The stories resonate. Kathi’s experiences are unique, yet they reveal an undeniable human connection. Her life portrayed in these pages is fascinating. I found myself lost in the ups and downs, the triumphs and struggles, and the overall richness of the life she has lived.
- Lieschen Weinke, golf pro and certified fitness coach
For 30 years, she flew the skies—not just as a stewardess, but as a witness to the ever-changing world of air travel. This candid, captivating memoir pulls back the curtain on the realities of life at 30,000 feet. Through turbulence and triumph, her journey proves that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
- Marc Miller, author of Agent of the Imperium
Kathi Davidson Davis’s compelling memoir captures the reader’s heart. It takes us on an emotional journey that combines the musings from her many adventures wrapped in joy, sorrow, endurance, and laughter. The book is a smooth, seamless writing, presenting her experiences in an honest, insightful way that leaves the reader wanting more.
- Sandra Zielinski, Professor Emerita, Illinois State University
Excerpts
"The Q Airways plane lurked on the tarmac with its rear end lower than its nose. I felt the symptoms of fear—trembling, queasy stomach, sweaty hands. Nearby, a girl about my age with red ribbons tied to her braids chatted excitedly with her parents. She gave me a cheerful wave, and I shyly waved back. I wonder why she’s not afraid."
"Hands-on training brought oral instruction to life and produced very realistic scenarios."
"On August 28, 1970, in the banquet hall of a nearby hotel, we stood proudly in our new uniforms—wings pinned to our hatbands—and held gloved hands as we sang Leaving on a Jet Plane. All but four of the 70 trainees who started had earned their wings."
"My favorite spot on our three-day stay was Morro Castle, the old fortress that had once guarded Havana harbor. My thin-soled sandals were no match for the ancient cobblestones, and I struggled a bit for balance as we climbed to the main entrance. “There’s no telling how many people have walked this path over the centuries,” Dad commented. “Everyone from Spanish soldiers to prisoners to British invaders. Now we’re following in their footsteps and leaving our imprint, too.” I liked that idea.
"We became the handoff crew two days later when we reported to the Rome airport at 7:30 a.m. to meet an inbound flight. It was our turn to fly the soldiers to JFK and return home ourselves. This half-full plane gave the men more room to roam around the cabin, and as we neared the end of the flight, I noticed a crowd had gathered to look out the windows on the plane’s left side. “What’s so interesting out there?” I asked. Without taking his eyes away from the view, an excited young soldier replied, “Ma’am, we’re back in America!”"
"On January 18, 2005, I left Ft. Lauderdale for the last time as a flight attendant. Cindy was on my crew, and Debbie non-revved on the flights to Cincinnati and San Francisco to celebrate with me."
About the Author
Kathi Davidson Davis is a debut author of the memoir, The Closest Exit May Be Behind You, Memoir of a Fearful Flight Attendant. She was a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines from 1970 to 2005, an era when flying was a more pleasant experience for passengers and crew than it is today. Her book provides a nostalgic look back for travelers of that era and a revelation to younger people who were not lucky enough to experience it. Unlike many flight attendant tell-alls that center on funny stories, her content touches on cultural history, travel, and the psychology of phobias.
Kathi’s writing style is light-hearted, even when the subject matter is not. Among her contemporary inspirations are Bill Bryson, Nora Ephron, David Sedaris, Carl Hiaasen, and most recently, Kelly Bishop, author of The Third Gilmore Girl.
During her time as a flight attendant, she earned a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling while also caring for her husband who suffered from dementia. After his death and her retirement, she moved to Normal, Illinois, to be near family. She is an occasional contributor of articles about local history to The Pantagraph newspaper in Bloomington, IL.
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