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.
Yes indeed! You will get a flat rate (I received 4.5 hours pay for each day of training even though the classes were more like 8 hours a day) because a flight attendant's salary is based on working 80hrs/month and it would be too costly for the airline to pay it's new hires the hourly wage for the duration of training, which could add up to 160hrs/month.
You may have some up front expenses like paying for your uniform (some airlines charge the employee, others don't), or paying for a hotel if you do not live in the city where the training takes place (this is not covered by the airline). I just read about an airline that made its employees pay for a portion of the training that was taught by Disney, which is atypical and kind of bizarre.
You won't receive per diems during your training as that's something you only accrue while away from base (ie: on a pairing). I hope that answers your question!
Share Answer: 
Oh gosh... I'm really not sure! If it were me, I wouldn't mention it unless the application form specifically asked. I was laid off from a previous job and don't remember mentioning it on my application or during my interview. Just be prepared to explain why you were fired in case you do get asked during an interview, because honesty is the best policy. If you were at fault then be ready to explain how you learned from the experience, and if you were wrongfully fired than don't dwell on being the victim. Disclosing that you were fired won't do you any favours on paper, but in person you can put a positive spin on anything, and being open about previous mistakes can demonstrate a lot of maturity and openness to feedback that a potential employer may like.
I'm no recruiter so I'm sorry I don't have a black or white answer for you - my guess is that it will depend on each airline's company policy - but in my opinion that is information that only needs to be given if requested.
Good luck!
Share Answer: 
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!
Share Answer: 
Personally, I say NO. Of all the people I've flown with over the years, I can count the number who studied travel and tourism or went to FA school on one hand - and one of them had to wait years after her graduation before actually getting a job, so there are no guarantees!
If you have work experience that demonstrates your customer service skills that will get you a lot farther than a certificate from any school. Of course post-secondary education is an asset, but don't devote too much money or time on just studying how to be an FA.
All airlines will train you to be the Flight Attendant that they want you to be. Sometimes people tranferring from other airlines have it worse than those of us with no prior experience because they have to "unlearn what they have learned". Announcements and procedures that have been committed to memory suddenly have to be tweaked and adjusted for new verbage or standards. I can see the same thing happening with folks who have studied at a school.
In conclusion, I would say do yourself a favour and just get a job waiting tables - I work with countless servers, I was one myself, and when it comes down to it being a great flight attendant means having good people skills and knowing how to solve customer service issues on the spot. Don't worry about all the safety training because the airline that hires you will tell you all you need to know.
I hope that helps!
Share Answer: 
Navy Officer (Former)
Why do so many people miss the military after they get out?
CrossFit Coach
Why is Crossfit so popular with women?
CPR Trainer
Why does the 'official' CPR method change from time to time?
Well, where would you like to go? It's hard to predict which language an airline will be looking for at any given time, but you can be sure that once you get hired for a second language, you will be scheduled on those routes. It won't do you any good to study French and then realize you hate spending your layovers in France!
If you have your heart set on a particular airline, look at their destinations and perhaps that will influence your choice of language to study. Some airlines will specifically list which languages they are looking for on their careers page of their website, but those positions might fill up before you have a chance to get proficient. There's no right answer for choosing a language (well, maybe there are some wrong answers... Latin won't get you anywhere) so instead pick one that feels manageable, and whose culture interests you, and go from there!
Share Answer: 
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...
Share Answer: 
Jumping Jehosephat, you've already graduated at 15?? Well, if you're sure you're not destined to become a medical prodigy or some kind of physics genius then yeah, why not become a flight attendant?
The schedule is the trickiest and best thing about the job. It can be nerve-wracking, like on Reserve which is essentially a drawn out period of perpetual suspense not knowing if or when you'll get called to work a flight, and the schedule can also be frustrating - oh it's the long weekend and you want to party? Too bad, you're working 5 flights between Toronto and New York instead.
But it can also be Tony the Tiger Grrrreat! For example, I have a whole week off just because. And that comes in handy since I have really cheap flight benefits that give me no excuse but to take a trip as often as I can afford it. Or I can stay local and catch up with friends and family, and go to the mall on a Wednesday morning when there are no line-ups for the change room!
I suppose I do live out of a suitcase, but it's not as bad as you think. The worst part of that sentiment to me is the idea of constantly packing and unpacking. But if you buy two of each toiletry you need, and pick an outfit you like but won't miss too much when you're at home, you just keep it in the suitcase and it takes all the thought out of it. Don't worry, you get enough days off to spend at home to make up for life on the road. :)
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
