By Shahar Masori
SAN DIEGO — Let me take you on a journey through my years as a Language of Destination (LOD) flight attendant for Delta Airlines, I held this position from 2007-2012. This role had me constantly hopping between the United States and Israel, and occasionally to various other destinations around the globe. A lesson I learned from these travels is how differently various cultures perceive and manage time.
Flying regularly between the U.S. and Israel, the first thing that hit me was how seriously Americans take time. In the States, time is almost sacred. It’s this invisible ruler that dictates every part of life, from work schedules to social gatherings. I can’t count the number of times I saw passengers at the gate a full hour before boarding, clutching their itineraries, a mix of urgency and exhaustion etched on their faces.
There was one particular flight from New York to Tel Aviv that stands out. We were scheduled for an early morning departure, and as usual, the American passengers were there bright and early. They had that familiar look of determination, checking and rechecking their boarding passes. In contrast, our Israeli passengers trickled in at their own pace. Some arrived with mere minutes to spare, chatting casually, seemingly unaware of the looming departure. It was as if they trusted the universe to hold the plane just for them.
The difference in time perception became even more evident once we were in the air. I remember an American passenger asking for the precise arrival time, calculating to the minute how long it would take to get through customs, grab their bags, and head to their next appointment.
Meanwhile, an Israeli family was already making plans for a leisurely breakfast in Tel Aviv, unconcerned about the exact time we’d land. It was a perfect snapshot of how each culture interacts with time—one is about maximizing every second, the other about embracing the flow of life.
During layovers, I had the chance to dive even deeper into these cultural differences.
Take India, for instance. Ah, India! If you’ve ever been there, you know what I’m talking about when I say “Indian Standard Time” is a real thing. One evening in Mumbai, the hotel staff invited our crew to a party. We arrived promptly, only to find the hosts nowhere in sight. They showed up a good hour later, all smiles and no apologies, ready to enjoy the night. And enjoy we did. The party was less about sticking to a schedule and more about savoring every moment, connecting with people, and letting the night unfold. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best experiences come when you let go of the clock.
Mexico was another eye-opener. During a layover in Mexico City, I was invited to a local family gathering. The invitation said 5 p.m., but in true Mexican style, guests arrived whenever they felt like it. The focus was on being present and enjoying the company rather than adhering to a rigid start time. I remember one guest arriving at 7 p.m., greeted with warm hugs and laughter, as if they were right on time. It felt so familiar, so much like Israel, where the emphasis is always on the people rather than the schedule.
These experiences taught me invaluable lessons in balancing punctuality and flexibility. As a flight attendant, I had to manage the strict schedules expected by my American colleagues while accommodating the laid-back attitude of my Israeli passengers. It was a dance, really — finding the rhythm that would keep everyone happy and the flight running smoothly.
For the Jewish community, understanding these cultural nuances is especially important. Our diaspora is a colorful mosaic of traditions and attitudes towards time. Embracing the spontaneity of Israeli culture, respecting American punctuality, or finding a balance like in Indian and Mexican cultures can lead to richer, more harmonious interactions. It’s about recognizing and appreciating these differences that make our global community so vibrant.
I’ve learned that time is more than just hours and minutes. It’s a reflection of our values and how we choose to live. Americans may see time as a precious resource to be managed efficiently, while Israelis treat it as a flexible companion. Indians view it with a fluid, holistic perspective, and Mexicans with a relaxed, relationship-first attitude. So, the next time you find yourself rushing to a meeting or leisurely strolling in late, remember—it’s all part of the complex, wonderful tapestry of our global community.
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Shahar Masori is a native of Hadera, Israel, who immigrated to San Diego in 2000, where he helped build a balloon decor business and raise two sons.