We work 12+ hours on a good day, never mind the fact that irregular operations happen frequently because of weather, delays, and so on. Of course, this isnt always the case, but it is more typical to be working a two-day (working for two days straight), or a three-day trip. Flight attendants can ride in coach for free or fly with a companion for about 90 percent off plus tax and fees on international flights. It gave me the world, and I also choose to be here and play its game. Dealing with rude passengers, especially the ones who are taking out their anger at past grievances on you. Pros and Cons of Being an Airline Flight Attendant | Indeed.com But on the positive side I found out that my crews actually get to pickup early. Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments. The Average base salary Data source tooltip for average base salary. Where is Your Favorite Destination to Fly to? This value is equivalent to just over $21 an hour. An American Airlines flight attendant hit an 'unruly passenger - CNN This includes when you need to show up at the airport, what position on the airplane you are working, what day you are leaving, when you come back, etc. * How Do You Deal With Time Changes & Jet-Lag? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Much of the projected employment growth in this occupation is due to recovery from the COVID-19 recession of 2020 and is likely to occur early in the projections decade. Luckily we have lots of opportunities to swap our schedules around. Since your schedule fluctuates so much from month-to-month, figuring out what day of the week it is, is common. Again, this job really boils down to preference and what your seniority can hold. The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings. Advertisement.medrectangle-4{text-align:center;padding-top:20px!important;padding-bottom:20px!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important;background-color:#eee!important;outline:1px solid #dfdfdf;min-height:305px!important}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thesegoldwings_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',638,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thesegoldwings_com-medrectangle-4-0');When most people think about jobs, they think of a conventional nine-to-five job. Lots of lavender scented pillow spray! At most airlines, the only employees who work reserve are the junior Flight Attendants. Each month, flight attendants may fly a specified number of hours and generally spend another specified number of hours on the ground preparing flights, writing reports, and waiting for aircraft to arrive. Also, with turns only going from your base, and back, you really dont get to know your crew very well. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Flight Attendants,
Flight attendant jobs: The 'dark side' of a glamorous gig - news If I go to sleep too early or take a nap, Ill be awake all day, and if I go to sleep too late, Ill be tired the next day. Why Are Flight Attendants so Old? - FlyerTalk Flight attendants take care of passenger needs. *What is Your Most Memorable Moment as a Flight Attendant? We left the door unlocked so when he entered and saw me he made a gasping sound and slammed the door back. Example: one month on reserve, one month on a line. In most cases, a contract between the airline and the flight attendant union determines the total daily and monthly workable hours. *What is Your Biggest Pet Peeve in Dealing with Passengers? What Flight Attendants Bring in Their Carry-Ons - Insider I used to be bitten by the journey bug at a really younger age, having been lucky sufficient to expertise just a few thrilling holidays overseas, touring by air. If you currently work as a flight attendant and are thinking of switching careers to something completely different, you might be wondering what other jobs are a good fit for you. The domestic routes are easier to get when you are a junior Flight Attendant.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thesegoldwings_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',614,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thesegoldwings_com-leader-3-0'); Not always the case, but for the most part, you will get these if you bid for them. Get out there and really see what the world has to offer. Flickr/Nathan Rupert. A line is when you actually know your schedule for the month. I also just got hired and did extra training to be a qualified purser (an international flight leader) so the more qualifications you have the better your chances are of getting the positions onboard that you like to do. She was bitten by the bug and geared her future hobby and career choices towards the industry ever since. I know youre listening to your music or watching a video but if were talking its for your safety or comfort so please do us and you a favor and listen . They provide passengers a lot, from attention to details to quality of products offered. Prospective attendants mayenroll in flight attendant academies. I wonder if I would feel differently if I was a professional pilot? According to data from Payscale, the average annual pay for entry-level flight attendants is $39,584. My favorite international layover is London but it can be very expensive and its overwhelming how much there is to do there! As they earn more seniority, flight attendants may have more control over their schedules. These destinations I mentioned, I loved due to their cultures, food, shopping, spa treatments, nature and so many different things to see, buy and experience, which we do not have in Europe. Some babies born in-flight have been granted free flights for life! Flight attendants are most in-demand in Los Angeles, CA. 15 They Deal With Lots Of Rude People. Theres extensive training involved, dealing with a number of health and safety issues that must be completed, in order to successfully graduate as a flight attendant. Flight attendants typically receive on-the-job training from their employer and must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Say put a two-day trip next to a three-day trip. So I moved to Minneapolis having never been there or really heard anything about it except that it was cold and Prince was from there. Copyright Flight Attendant Life. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. My wife and I fly the friendly skies quite often now that I am retired, yet I still wonder what a career as a flight attendant would have been like. Buckle your seatbelts. It was night and the visibility was very low. In my adult years, I reaped the benefits of her hard work and got to travel the world at an early age. Your email address will not be published. I also love flying to cities with lots of breweries like Denver, Asheville, and Chicago. Depending on their schedule, they may be able to take time to explore destination locations before their next flight begins or during layovers. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). This will turn it into a three-day trip (you will be away from base for three days), due to the amount of time the flight crews will be working on the planes. Life As A Flight Attendant {What It's Really Like} After a tumultuous and dramatic first season . We performed authorized medical procedures on her until we handed her over to medical on the ground; but we had to leave without knowing how she was doing or if she ever recovered. The only thing Ill say is, Ive met President Snow from The Hunger Games, his wife, and their little dog. The best thing of all from being a flight attendant is meeting so many different people and cultures in a short period of time, and flying to destinations you may have not even imagined. 3.3k salaries reported, updated at February 27, 2023 . Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers. Flight attendants have to be physically attractive and fit and fall within a stringent requirement of age, height, and weight. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thesegoldwings_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',643,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thesegoldwings_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');You start in base, take a flight to a designated location, and fly back. Working on private jets includes expectation.I start thinking about what experience Ill need to create, what my guests like, and who Ill need to transform myself into to surpass any and all expectations. They must have vision that is correctable to at least 20/40 and often need to conform to height requirements set by the airline. Female pilots face their own battles of discrimination. I also wanted to travel more. Other companies have a rotating schedule, where based on the amount of years flying will determine how many months out of the year you have to fly reserve. Flight attendants have to deal with a lot of unpleasant behavior from other people. Private jets are pricey, and I need to be worth the cost. In fact, when I graduated from high school, I did have the opportunity to become a flight attendant with a Canadian Airline, but had different aspirations at that time. To become certified, flight attendants must complete their employers initial training program and pass an exam. When shes not zipping through time zones, Katrina enjoys spending time with her family and planning their next destination. Well, the job is pretty tough and challenging although it does not seem so. Flight Attendant Requirements (Height, Weight - Everyday Aviation In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each states websites where these data may be retrieved. Will this be a trip from straight from hell or one gifted from heaven? When serving hot meals, heating bread and casseroles for example, has to be managed on time to be ready when service is starting. September 15, 2021. Attendants work in an aircraft and may be away from home several nights per week. Photograph by Colin Hutton. Neerja Bhanot (7 September 1963 - 5 September 1986) was an Indian purser who died while saving passengers on Pan Am Flight 73 which had been hijacked by terrorists from a terrorist organization during a stopover in Karachi, Pakistan, on 5 September 1986, just two days before her 23rd birthday.Posthumously, she became and remains the youngest recipient of India's highest peacetime gallantry . Whether it was to surprise passengers with a birthday cake on board, kids with toys or to provide a nice service to poor people, who may be flying for the first time. I do it as a hobby, which I enjoy very much! About 18,100 openings for flight attendants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Because I knew once I stop flying, it will be less likely to go that far in the World and at my private expense. It gives you the opportunity to really see the world, to interact with so many different individuals; passengers and coworkers alike. I only believe that if we talk about being a flight attendant as a dream we must also share its nightmare. Celebrity sightings comes with the job. She is featured on the cover of South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine May 2018 Movers & Shakers edition. In the industry, a trip that starts in your base (where you start and end your trips) and ends back in your base is called a "turn". 15 Little-Known Facts About The Lives Of Flight Attendants - TheTravel There is so much I need to be. I went to college for English Linguistics and was planning on working towards a Masters in Linguistics. fast and furious eclipse purple . Not much mattered but my beauty or lack thereof. My least favorite moment was when one of my passengers experienced her first seizure ever. Standby is when you are sitting at the airport, in full uniform, for a specific amount of hours, waiting for the company to call you for a trip. There have been flight attendants still flying into their 80s. Flight Attendants at Elevated Risk of Several Forms of Cancer, June 2018. Everything to Know About 'The Flight Attendant' Season 2. * What Is Your Biggest Pet Peeve In Dealing With Passengers? . I also only had a weeks notice, but thats how it goes in the airline industry youve gotta be ready for anything at any moment. I can manage traveling from coast to coast without having any jet lag issues. It just depends on who wants the trips you want. Physical stamina. A lot of Flight Attendants who only work turns are either very senior, they dont want to be away from home anymore. In this case, you usually only know how many days you are good to the company, for them to call you out on a trip/trips. The most common ethnicity of flight attendants is White (59.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (15.8%), Black or African American (10.2%) and Asian (7.6%). Your entire life revolves around the companys needs. As I mentioned, the service is very rich for the airline I worked for. Yes, at first. Some are helpful, wonderful even. Yes. But many times I had some errands to finish on my off days, so I was not resting much and then I rested during the layovers (when we stayed at the destination for minimum 24 hours). Granted, you can get some of the best trips on reserve. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers was $45,760. A post shared by Blogger | Amateur Photographer (@gr8traveltips), Careers For Flight Attendants Began Back In The 1930s., Daily Working Life As A Travel Consultant, Benefits Of Booking With A Travel Agent, Discover The Proven Health Benefits Of Traveling, 2023, All Rights Reserved gr8traveltips.com, Be Polite & Take The Time To Thank Your Flight Attendant On Your Next Flight. My favorite destination was New York, simply because that was my dream city destination since being young. And you thought just being a passenger was exhausting! All rights reserved. Flight Attendants | Labour Market Insights . For myself, I commute out of Denver, so I try to bid for trips that have a layover at home in Denver. Memories last a lifetime! These are the most common symptoms a woman might experience in the first trimester of pregnancy. Details include the number of hours the flight will take, the route the plane will travel, and weather conditions. My deceased father was a Pilot/Captain for a commercial national airline of ex-Yugoslavia, called JAT Airways. Full-time workers work an average of 41 hours per week in their main job. *How do You Deal with Time Changes and Jet-lag? Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. Toxic work culture. They also manage the crew, and passengers etc. I like turns, for the simple fact that you get back the same day, but if I am going to be working, I would rather get it out of the way and fly as many hours as possible, and then have a lot of days off in a row afterwards. This is the closest you can get to a normal nine-to-five job, but you just happen to be flying to multiple states/countries while doing it. Its only when they become very explicative that I turn and walk away. They also check that seatbelts are fastened, seats are locked in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed in accordance with federal law and company policy. Or, they have children at home and need to be back the same day. I wish I still expected being a flight attendant to be the greatest adventure of my future like it has been for my past. Last year, over the span of two days in December, a flight. Required fields are marked *. The average age of flight attendants has been creeping up over the years. It kind of depends on my mood and the season. The time a female passenger spilled spicy tomato juice in her lap and then begged me to wipe her clean in the front lavatory (in front of the entire first row) because she couldnt reach around. Is flight Attendant a ticket to see the world or am I a marketing tool, a commodity, for someone elses agenda? Check out this brief, but quite interesting Alaska Airlines training video, on exactly whats involved in starting a career as a flight attendant with their airline. We were about to land at some Indian airport, but outside was a heavy rain as it was monsoon season. From the time passengers board the aircraft, you are already preparing pre-departures, starting to heat some food if the flight is short. The term flight attendant is laden with meaning and loaded with notions. Ive hoped that mask-wearing would change the way we view flight attendants that no longer will a particular look or color or size or race or beauty standard matter in the way it has for practically one hundred years. There are positives and negatives to reserve, but in my opinion, I just do not like not knowing what I am going to be doing for the month. We are constantly on the go and can be away from home for a long duration of time. For the arm reach test, an average reach of 212cm (6'9) is required. But, if you have a passion for travel and enjoy working and serving people, then I cant imagine a more perfect career! These are just the most frequent in the bid-packet (what comes out for Flight Attendants to see what trips are going to be flown the next month, these trips are what we bid for). U.S. I have, but I cant really share it. . Season two of the Max Original THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT finds Cassie Bowden (Kaley Cuoco) living her best sober life in Los Angeles while moonlighting as a CIA asset in her spare time. I havent had any known movie actors, sport stars or singers that I am aware of, but I did have the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, (once part of British Royalty) on board. They often work nights, weekends, and holidays because airlines operate every day and have overnight flights. You work with people youve never met and instantly become best friends, you meet passengers who have lost someone or who are going to meet their grand babies. The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile. Almost all flight attendants start out working on call, also known as reserve status. Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education. Being a flight attendant is a promise to escape the monotony of routine and regular life. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. Flight attendants can and do enter the cockpit periodically during flights, but they can't barge in whenever they feel like it. The requirements for the job have changed a lot over the years. Flight attendants may have variable schedules, and part-time work is common. Its by far the most rewarding and memorable part of this job. However, we have such a great trading policy, that we can move trips around and trade for different positions and days. Blog | Flight Attendant Life | Aviation. Career. Travel We all hold expectations. I had my first medical event on Christmas Eve. Luckily we had a doctor onboard and after a couple minutes the boy was alert and recovering. To avoid injury, these workers must follow safety procedures. Common injuries include sprains, strains, and bruises. Once they have passed initial training, new flight attendants receive the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency and continue to receive additional on-the-job training as required by their employer. This is another reason why seniority is so important in this industry. Being a flight attendant is a promise to escape the monotony of routine and regular life. On these days, you have certain hours (some you can be on-call 24 hours out of the day) where the company can call you at home and give you an assignment. We had family friends working for the airlines when I was younger and always thought what a glamorous job it must be, getting paid to fly around the world! Sometimes you really dont have a choice, you get stuck with whatever they give you.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thesegoldwings_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_19',617,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thesegoldwings_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); Then you have to try to trade, or drop trips to get what you wanted in the first place. Sort of. Watching passengers stroll onto an airplane without knowing how to read their boarding pass, how to put their bag in the overhead bin, and push their way through the aisle to get to the lavatory makes me want to pop Xanax as a hobby. Breeze Defends Plan to Use Students As Cabin Crew, Flight Attendants "In my flight bag I usually carry snacks, things I don't need right away like chargers, hairbrush, lipstick, lunch, water, and glasses. He's endured journeys with an unenviable number of. The Federal Aviation Administration released data last year showing 146 serious injuries resulted from turbulence from 2009 to 2021. Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for flight attendants. Here is how you know. It is so incredibly demeaning to realize your value as a person is only as deep as your face. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thesegoldwings_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',642,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thesegoldwings_com-leader-1-0');However, on a line month, one where I know what I am doing, I typically have anywhere from 12-17 days off. Most upset irate passengers just want to vent. For my airline, seniority determines what work schedule youre awarded with. Flight attendants may have variable schedules, and part-time work is common. Business class is also very demanding, but it is a more sophisticated service, similar to going to some fancy restaurants and there are less number of passengers to be served with more dedication and care. My schedule is published monthly. This responsibility ranges from dealing with unruly passengers to directing evacuations. Do I look professional, polished, poised? What is the average life expectancy of an airline pilot? - Quora Ill listen with no problem. A father was traveling with his son (about 3-4 years old) back home and you could tell they had been through a rough day. All through the years, I had all the time been curious what Life As A Flight Attendant can be like. Airport traffic fell from 50 million passengers in 2019 to 27 million in 2020, then rose to 43 million in 2021 and to 48 million in 2022. As the daughter of parents in the aviation industry, Travasha is no stranger to moving and traveling. Emirates does not publically state its maximum age at recruitment, which is estimated to be around 30. It also is a very-image-sensitive job. But I have a small list: Anchorage, Austin, Seattle, and Cleveland. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thesegoldwings_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',640,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thesegoldwings_com-banner-1-0');You will be able to do this when you hold-a-line. A very real life on the road, so to speak. At least that's what the dream sold us Beyond the dream is the other side a career and industry built on sexism, sexuality, and objectification. I could not show my reaction of fear (which I felt as well). Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions.