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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

161 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on August 26, 2013

Best Rated

Can a boy with a mole (naevi) on his face apply for flight steward, though the mole is very small.

Asked by Ovais Shah about 13 years ago

Of course!  Hey, if God put it there, who is an employer to complain?  Now if you had a bunch of facial tattoos, that would be another story... 

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 about 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!

I have a telephone interview pretty soon with an American airline. What types of questions should I be expected to answer?

Asked by Crossingfinger about 13 years ago

Well I was a little late in getting back to you so it could be that you've already had the interview (sorry!) but if not, I can pass along what I was asked during my interview.  Apart from the general job-interview questions (Why do you want to work here?  What would make you an asset to the company?  What are your strengths, and areas that need improvement?), the focus was primarily on my customer service skills.  I remember being asked to describe a situation where a customer was unhappy and how I redeemed their experience, and what I like about being in customer service.  

My interview stages were a bit different from yours, since I had a group interview with about 30 other hopefuls, and then a one-on-one interview.  The only phone interview I had was a language test (which I bombed).  During the group interview they observed how we interacted with one another while working together on a simple assignment, (tip: always follow the rules they give you even if they seem pointless!) and then took turns speaking in front of each other (I had 60 seconds to talk about my favourite food.  Piece of cake.  Or should I say, piece of chocolate! mmm), to see how comfortable we were being in the spotlight.  

I think as long as you have some good customer service stories in your back pocket, and showcase how welcoming and confident you are (good attributes for an FA!) you'll knock their socks off.  Good luck!

Would most flight attenants welcome an invite to dinner and a chance to see the city they are staying in get away from the hotel and the crew for a bit? Or is that to risky?

Asked by Ray almost 13 years ago

Well, getting away from the hotel and crew is one thing, but accepting an invite to dinner is something else entirely.  It's not uncommon for crews to split up, particularly in places where there's lots to do so it's easy to make plans in advance (for example, Las Vegas - some FAs go for the shopping, others for the gambling, some for buffets and some for clubs.  Getting the whole crew to agree on a game plan is nearly impossible there).  So yes, definitely flight attendants welcome the chance to get out of the hotel, get some fresh air (after all, they've been on a metal tube all day!) and grab a bite to eat. 

I think it's really nice of you to want to take someone out and show them the city, especially since having a local as your guide is the best way to explore a new place.  I think whether or not they accept will depend on

a) your approach - if you're open to hanging out with the crew as a group that'll be 'safer', also don't pry into which hotel they're staying at.  Let the FA divulge that information if and when they want to.

b) the personality of the FA - if they're single and ready to mingle they're more likely to say, "sure, why not?", and

c) the location.  Some destinations airlines fly to are at a higher risk for crime so crews tend to stick together and not leave the hotel as often in those places.  

If you want to go for it I give you my blessing!  I myself have never (intentionally) met up with a passenger after a flight but I know others who have.  I hope it works out for you!

Hi;
My question today is " What happens when you don't pass your IOD exam after graduating? Do you get another opportunity to make up for it or is that it you get the boot?"

Asked by Yuli about 13 years ago

Well I hate to say this but... I have no idea what an IOD exam is!  I asked some co-workers and they were as perplexed as I am.  Give me a hint and I'll see if I can dig up any answers for you :)

I am a US based flight attendant with a major airline. I have been flying for over 19 years. I have found your websit very interesting and accurate. I am willing to help with any territory that you are unfamiliar with.

Asked by Robin over 13 years ago

Phew!  Thank you for not publicly denouncing me :) I've been flying a fraction of that amount of time so it's encouraging to know I'm not totally off base with my answers!  Try following the Contact link at the bottom of the page to send the Jobster admin your contact info and they can forward it to me.  I'd appreciate getting a second opinion on things from time to time! 

What does flight attendance do after the plane lands? Do you get to have a short vacation at the destination?

Asked by Christy over 13 years ago

After the plane lands and the guests have all gone home we usually clean the plane (but that's not typical for most international airlines), clear customs if we flew outside of Canada - even if we didn't step off the aircraft all day - and then pile into a shuttle waiting to drive us to our hotel for the night.  At the airline I work for the layovers are between 10-48 hours in any one place. 

It can feel like a mini vacation sometimes because we do have some pretty sweet destinations; Barbados, Hawaii, New York, Cancun... and you learn to cram a lot into just a few hours.  If you get along with your crew it can be a blast to all grab dinner and drinks and explore the area.  Other times you barely have time to shower and fall into bed before you're back on the plane, and you'll hardly notice which city you're in.  For some FAs being on the road and holing up in a hotel with a king sized bed, a flat-screen tv and room service is the best way to take a break from being a mom or dad on their days off!  It's one of the coolest things about our job if you ask me... and you did!