This stratospheric comedy-drama – about the spiralling consequences of an onboard encounter – is going places. But which destinations are on the flight path?
The Flight Attendant Trailer
A hot mess of conspiracy thriller, psychological drama, adventure caper, and several shades of comedy, The Flight Attendant provides endless entertainment. At its centre is Kaley Cuoco as Cassie Bowden, the hard-partying airline employee who wakes up in a hotel room as a murder suspect when a one-night stand ends very badly indeed. The subsequent narrative is a blur of vodka-fuelled choices and life-endangering obsessions, accompanied by a whirlwind of locations in New York and beyond. Here’s a guide to Cassie’s tour – prepare for turbulence…
New York City
As an attendant on the fictional Imperial Atlantic, Cassie unsurprisingly spends a lot of her time in airports. The filming locations predominantly feature real places, including New York’s JFK Airport and sites in Bangkok. According to co-star Griffin Matthews, who plays Cassie’s colleague Shane, it was here that filming was frequently interrupted by fans of Cuoco’s work in the beloved The Big Bang Theory. ‘It was one of the first things we shot, the walking-through-the-airport scenes,’ he revealed, noting the uproar caused by the film crew.
For the planes, a first-class cabin was constructed on a New York sound stage. Most of the interiors, including hotel rooms and apartments, were also filmed in controlled settings. However, the super-stylish loft of Cassie’s lawyer friend Annie (Zosia Mamet), which features a glass shower in the centre of the living space, doesn’t actually exist in reality, although the exteriors establish it on Brooklyn’s Plymouth Street.
The production team went to upscale Hudson Yards for scenes depicting the apartment of the late Alex (Michiel Huisman), also showcasing the architectural masterpiece known as the Vessel, which opened in 2019. In terms of official workplaces, the mysterious Unisphere is listed as 2350 Park Avenue according to Cassie’s information, but filming actually took place on East 49th Street in Midtown. Foley Square, situated in Lower Manhattan, is another significant location where Cassie meets Annie before her important interview.
Cassie’s adventures also take her to vibrant bars and restaurants across the city. Although Fuller’s Bar was a complete studio set, other venues featured authentic locations. The rooftop bar at Hotel Chantelle serves as a backdrop for an Episode 2 meetup, while the Bel Aire Diner in Astoria, Queens, features prominently in Episode 8. It boasts a nostalgic Art Deco vibe, making it notable when it transformed into a drive-in movie theatre during lockdown.
The series not only highlights Cassie’s gritty yet glamorous New York but also iconic landmarks. Viewers can catch glimpses of entrances to Pennsylvania Station and the New York Aquarium, the latter located within Coney Island’s grounds since 1957, showcasing its Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit that debuted in 2018.
Long Island
The Flight Attendant extends its narrative outside of New York City. Flashback scenes depicting Cassie’s childhood were filmed at Youngs Farm in Old Brookville, a working farm that often serves as a filming location. Meanwhile, Long Island City provided the setting for a dinner scene with Cassie’s brother, while Alex’s family home was depicted using a mansion on the island, though its exact location remains undisclosed.
Rome
Cassie’s travels lead her to Italy on two occasions when she reunites with her friend-with-benefits, Enrico (Alberto Frezza). Although his restaurant, Brocca-e-Tazza, was a creation for the show, numerous real Roman sites are showcased, including the Le Méridien Visconti hotel in Prati, where Cassie stays. Enrico takes her on a whirlwind moped tour, featuring celebrated spots such as Piazza Navona and the medieval quarter. Viewers are treated to a stunning aerial view of the Colosseum, signaling Cassie’s adventurous spirit.
Bangkok
In Episode 1, Cassie explores the Thai capital with her recent passenger Alex. They embark on a river cruise cruising past Wat Arun before exploring a bustling night market. Officially, Cassie resides with the rest of the flight crew at the Picnic Hotel but opts for a luxury upgrade to the fictional Makara Prince, where the suite was constructed entirely in the studio. However, the exterior draws inspiration from the real Anantara Siam Bangkok hotel, showcasing its lobby and courtyard shops. This moment highlights Cassie’s intention to blend into her surroundings as she navigates numerous misadventures.
The Flight Attendant presents an exhilarating journey through a variety of iconic filming locations, from New York City zest to the tranquil vibes of Bangkok.
