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.
Ooh boy is it ever hard! I've gotten better, learning to ask the right questions to someone who is upset; "what's the problem?", "is there anything I can do for you right here and now to solve it", "these are the options I can offer you, which works best for you?" etc., and usually people will come around.
But it's also important to know when someone is just being unreasonable. I try to listen, understand what they're saying, apologize, and then work on a solution, but if someone is being angry and just not accepting my help it comes to a point where I just tell them I have to get on with my job and care for a hundred other guests and if they aren't going to work with me they can call our Customer Care team on the ground.
I confess I have felt my blood start to boil more than once - it's impossible not to if someone is yelling in my face - and I've had to step back and ask another FA to take over before I say something unprofessional! If someone is pissed off and swearing though we can deny them boarding (the Captain will always support our decision) or, if it happens midflight, we will have local authorities meet the aircraft upon arrival.
We undergo training each year to learn how to deal with unruly and upset guests but unfortunately it's really something you have to experience firsthand multiple times before you become confident in how to respond. I still get wired up when it happens to me!
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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!
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Of course! I've worked with plenty. The requirements vary a little bit from airline to airline but the basics are the same:
a high school education or equivalent
a valid passport
the ability to work and live in the country in which you're applying
a criminal background check of the previous 5 years for airport security clearance
a height or "reach" requirement
some customer service experience
This web page http://www.flightattendantcareer.com/faq.htm goes into a lot more detail, specifically about applying for jobs in the US, but you can also find out the requirements by checking out the Careers page on any airline's website. Just remember that you don't need a special course from a school or anything to become a flight attendant, the airline will give you all the training you need once you get hired. Happy hunting!
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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 morning. It might be hard to be motivated to get through training if you only plan to stay for a year and you're not that passionate about it. But like I said, you may end up liking it more than you expected, in which case it's a great investment of your time!
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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!
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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 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!
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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.
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