Flight Attendant

Flight Attendant

Jordan

Toronto, ON

Female, 28

Space Waitress, Trolley Dolly, Stewardess...everyone has their own term for us. We are the baby-sitters, life-savers, servers, cleaners and all-around problem solvers for any and every in-flight issue. Sometimes we get a bad rep for being apathetic and miserable despite having what looks like a glamorous job, so here's a peek into the gritty details beneath the shiny surface to explain why the job - though incredible in lots of ways - is more than just snappy uniforms and matching luggage.

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Last Answer on August 26, 2013

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Have you ever serviced a flight that encountered some sort of mechanical difficulty mid-flight? What was it like? What did you have to do?

Asked by NSA almost 13 years ago

Sure I have!  It can be a bit unnerving, depending on what the situation is, but having good communication between the pilots and the cabin crew can really put you, and the guests, at ease. 

A couple years ago I had a flight where a "mechanical difficulty" happened in the flight deck.  Forgive my lack of technical knowledge, but basically it was a heater that kept the front window a specific temperature so that it didn't fog, and also gives it a malleable consistency so it doesn't crack during a birdstrike.  We were en route from Montego Bay to Toronto and ended up diverting to Florida to get the piece replaced. 

I was pretty tense when the Captain first notified us of the problem since we FA's weren't sure how serious it was, but I've worked with a lot of great pilots who explain situations clearly and without panicking passengers.  We secured the cabin for arrival and prepared for a normal landing but with heightened awareness - the plane was heavy with extra fuel to get us to our final destination.  Once we landed it was just a matter of keeping the guests happy until we could take off once more and continue the flight. 

In a more severe situation, when the plane has to prepare for an emergency landing, FAs use an Emergency Landing Checklist that helps us to prepare the cabin for a hard landing, either on land or water, and possibly evacuate afterward.  Thankfully I have never had to resort to that during any of my flights, and although I know crew who have had an engine failure during the flight or landing gear that didn't retract, they too just prepared for a "non-normal landing" rather than an emergency.  (those flights landed safely without incident)

I will add that when there have been unusual situations that arise from mechanical difficulties mid-flight, I have been really impressed with the passengers and how calm and patient they were.  It makes a big difference to your crew!

 

I really like the black box messenger handbag that flight attendants carry. Do you know where I can get those professional black boxy handbags?

Asked by Sam about 13 years ago

Try www.crewgear.com or www.ebags.com.  At work we use Travelpro and Samsonite, but there are so many other brands out there to choose from!

Given Scene: You were the flight attendant, after the instruction of turning all cell phones off, you have seen a man using his phone, how would you tell him to turn off his phone.

Asked by jana about 13 years ago

Haha, oh man I have to do this alllll the time and I hate it!  I used to get annoyed that people refuse to put their phones down because we're all so addicted to them but it happens too often to lose my cool over it. 

So I say, "Sir, just make sure you have your phone off and stowed for take-off".  I emphasize "stowed" because I'm so tired of arguing with people about Airplane Mode and whether or not it's ok (it is during the flight but for take-off and landing your electronics do need to be OFF), and that way the guest will usually just tuck it in the seat pocket or in their jacket so I don't have to see it.  If people keep jabbering into their phone or texting I have no problem saying, "you're now holding up a hundred other people because we can't close the door until you put that away", and then smile and say "thank you!" as sweet as pie because sometimes it's fun to be nice when people are crabby!

I feel pretty embarrass when I ask for water so many time, do you have any suggestion that what i should do or can i bring my own water bottle to ask your guys to fill in at first place ? Thanks.

Asked by Daniel about 13 years ago

It is SO easy to get dehydrated on a plane, so I totally get it!  I have no problem filling water bottles for guests provided we have enough water on board to complete service.  What you can also do is bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up at a water fountain in the airport, or buy one in an airport store right before you board.  We even sell bottles of water on the plane for people who know they'll want more than just one glass, but whatever you choose please don't feel bad for asking for water!  If you ask politely for an extra glass, or to have your bottle filled, I can't see why the crew would say no. 

I am 40+ and reentering the workforce....sounds like FA salary will be tough to live on. I make a ton waitressing but want a career. Is it possible to be an FA as well as work part time doing something else ?

Asked by East Coast Angel almost 13 years ago

If the restaurant where you waitress is ok with it, I would recommend holding onto that gig!  It's so easy to pick up a shift here and there, around your flying schedule.  I sometimes think I should have kept my serving job as well, but when push comes to shove I'll always pick days off over money! 

I answered a similar question in a bit more detail above:

"I just got hired as a FA and i have not yet started training. I have been reading a lot of blogs and it looks like other FA aren't able to pick up as much hours as they want. My question is : what types of side jobs can we do to make ends meet?"

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Hi,
I'm applying for a flight attendant position for AA. So far so good, I just received a phone call to complete a video interview. I'm concerned about my hair. Very thin, clean dreadlocks... is it going to be an issue?

Asked by Phil almost 13 years ago

Hey, sorry for the late response!  I did some digging on this and I think it comes down to the fine line of dreadlocks vs braids.  According to the dresscode at my workplace, dreadlocks are 100% not allowed, however I've worked with guys before who have had long hair in thin, tidy braids who just pulled it back for service.  If you haven't already had your interview I would suggest pulling the dreadlocks away from your face with a simple elastic that matches your hair colour, to show that they can be professional and presentable.  Perhaps AA isn't as strict - there is definitely a spectrum out there - so I would keep the dreads until you're told otherwise.  I hope it's ok!

Are there any major international US airlines that hire foreign crew? If so, can they work if they have crew visas, providing they catch another flight out of the US and return to your home country and possible commute? Also do international charters

Asked by Donny about 13 years ago

Yes!  To work for an American airline or charter, you will need a valid passport from whatever country you hail from, and you will have to apply for a work permit or visa.  You can get lots of information about obtaining a visa at the US government website:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Under some visas, you are permitted to live in the US for as long as you work for the company who has applied on your behalf.  Otherwise, you can commute from an outside country.  I recently worked with a woman who commuted to work in Canada from Indonesia.  Definitely not a commute I would want to do but where there's a will there's a way!