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

Best Rated

what are the top 5 major flight difficuties?

Asked by yuri almost 12 years ago

Wow, that's a mighty broad question... I'm not sure if you mean the most common, or most horrible, or something else entirely, so I'll just tell you my top 5 things I dread having to deal with at work.

#5 - Having a problem with a crew member.  If you've ever been a manager, or even just had to have a Conversation with a capital C with a co-worker because they were being a jerk, or not pulling their weight, or doing their job incorrectly, you'll get why this is a major difficulty.  Add to that the fact that you might have to spend the next 5 days straight with them and you'll be ready to pull your hair out.

#4 - Running... Read More +

what kind of hotels do you stay? 5 stars? you have time to workout at the gym off the hotel...? have time to explore the city off that country?

Asked by lisa almost 12 years ago

Actually there's quite a variety!  I wish they were all 5 stars, but more often they're not that fancy, more of 3-4 star range (Holiday Inn, Radisson, etc).  There's a team from the airline who visit the interested hotels in each city to verify that the establishment is up to company standards, and elected representatives from the pilot and flight attendant departments go along to give their two cents as well.  The cleanliness and safety of the property is more important than the star rating, but I will say that the majority of hotels that crews stay in are nicer than what I pay for when I go on vacation! 

Layovers... Read More +

Hi I have heard that there is a weight measurement that you what to be at to become a FA if so do you know what they are? An your very very soooo much helpful I'm a cosmetologist an is really looking for FA to become my new career path!

Asked by Pri almost 12 years ago

Hi there!

Actually there is no weight restriction at most, if any, North American airlines - I don't think they can legally prevent someone from getting hired for that reason.   However, FAs do need to pass a medical exam before they can begin training, and that covers hearing, vision, as well as basic fitness and mobility - lifting the weight of the average suitcase for example (40-50lbs). 

Our Boeing aircraft that we fly at my airline require us to bend over to arm our doors which is something that can be difficult if a flight attendant is extremely heavy.  I work with people who are all... Read More +

Do have to have all 5 senses to become a flight attendant?

Asked by Tracy about 12 years ago

I confess I did a double take when I first read this question, I thought it was sarcasm at first but then it really gave me some food for thought!

The quick answer is yes, that is, sight and hearing are very important to the job and will be tested before you can proceed with training.  Every FA must undergo medical screening, and though the methods vary from doctor to doctor, an eye exam and hearing test will be included.  My own screening wasn't very stressful - the hearing test consisted of the doctor moving from one corner of the room to another, whispering the names of different cities in our flight network, and... Read More +

What are flight attendants required to do in case of in-flight medical emergencies? Are they trained to deal with a medical condition?

Asked by Ameen over 11 years ago

Yes, we are given basic first aid training and prepped on how to handle an emergency, but most often our role is to ensure the sick passenger is comfortable and, if possible, has some privacy, and then get them into the hands of a medical professional.  That can mean paging for medical assistance, relaying information to the doctors we have available via satellite phone, or communicating to the Captain the status of the ill passenger, and ensuring EMS (paramedics) meet the aircraft - typically we'll do all three.  

It's not very often that we get down and dirty ourselves and have to rely on our own limited training... Read More +

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 12 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... Read More +

I have a turban can I be a flight attendant in Canada? Being a flight attendant is my dream.

Asked by Prince almost 12 years ago

Unfortunately, as of yet, I don't think you can wear a turban while on duty.  I can only speak for the airline I work for, but I've also never seen an FA - or a pilot for that matter - wearing a turban during my travels in other corners of the world. 

Airline uniform standards are strict at the best of times and any articles that deviate from the standard, whether they are representative of a faith or not, need to be removed or hidden from sight while at work.  That means cross necklaces, tattoos, some piercings, and I'm afraid, turbans, to name a few.  While on layovers all bets are off and you are welcome... Read More +