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.
The flight attendant schedule works out to be about half the month off. In Canada it's a requirement to be scheduled at least 13 days off a month, but usually I'll get a few more than that. So really, we're home more often than not, and we get more days off than the average 9 to 5-er, but we may end up working all weekends one month which makes it feel like we don't see friends as often. Most FAs I work with who are parents agree that they spend more time with their kids now than they did at their previous job, whether it was an office job or other shift work. You just have to be prepared to have your days off in chunks,... Read More +
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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... Read More +
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Ok, you're forcing me to admit that I bend the rules once in a while. I really have no problem with people taking photos or videos during take-off and landing because it's the most exciting part of the entire flight. Technically though, anything that can connect to the internet should be turned off completely for that portion of the flight (since there have been incidents of electronics interfering with aircraft systems), and most people nowadays use smartphones to take photos, and even cameras have wi-fi suddenly, so it's not really allowed. Please don't tell on me.
I have a far lower tolerance for... Read More +
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Variety is the spice of life, and I love that each day I go to work is different from the last. Never the same passengers, on the same plane, with the same crew, going to the same place. I'm not big on routine, so for me, having a few early mornings here and there, with the occasional red-eye flight is no big deal. Some days are 14 hours long, some are only 3. It keeps me on my toes!
The travel is the big draw for me though. I might be just as happy on a train or boat, but planes are fast and fun! I thrive on seeing new places, it just makes me so happy, and while I do miss my bed and love coming... Read More +
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Debate Coach
Are presidential debates actually "debates", by the traditional definition?
Business Start-Up Specialist
Should friends go into business together?
Swim Instructor
Do parents ever get angry at you personally if their kid isn't learning fast enough?
Haha, good guess but no. It does have a compass direction in the name though! That's my only hint. Oh, and it's not Southwest, although our business strategy closely mirrors theirs. In fact, if you're in the US I would recommend checking them out since they seem to prioritize taking good care of their employees and may not use seniority either. But if you're in Canada... come check us out!
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Yes and no. If it's free for the passengers, it's free for us too, so coffee, juice, pop, cookies, etc.
If it's not free for the passengers, we have to pay too - the only exception is if the flight is almost done and there are leftover items that will be thrown out anyway. Then we can rummage through and see if there's something we want, but honestly, serving the same snacks all the time renders them pretty unappetizing, to me at least.
Once in awhile I'll work a catered flight which includes meals and the caterer will set aside some for the crew. That's kind of fun, but it's like any classic "airplane... Read More +
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Well, the airlines won't thank me for saying so, but sure! It's a great experience to try and say that you've done it. But don't blame me if you say you'll stay for a year and end up staying ten. I see it All the time. It's just an addictive lifestyle!
Just be prepared that it can be quite a drawn out ordeal to get hired (sometimes 3 interviews and, in my case, a 7 month wait until a training slot became available) and the training is no joke. It's about a month long with a huge amount of information being thrown at you, and roughly 1/3 of that month will start with a pop quiz first thing in the... Read More +
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