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.
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!
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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!
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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...
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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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Radio program/music director
Do radio stations have to pay royalties to artists to play their songs?
"The Onion" Contributors
What's your favorite Onion headline of all time?
Toymaker
With all the high-tech kids toys, is there still a demand for traditional ones?
If you are the type of person that enjoys routine and structure, becoming a flight attendant will be extremely challenging. There are no guarantees when it comes to an FA's schedule, and while it affords a lot of flexibility, it can also drive people crazy. You will get more time off than at an office job, but you will work some weekends and holidays. There is a lot of unpredictability - you may be scheduled a 24 hour layover in NYC and buy tickets to a show, only to have bad weather cancel your flight and leave you stranded in Toronto. It's beneficial to have a laid-back attitude towards your schedule, and to realize that sometimes it will work with you, and other times against you.
Flying a lot has also made me really identify with the phrase, "there's no place like home!" Being on the road can get tiresome, and when I do finish work and get back to my apartment, I'm usually physically and emotionally pooped (being around people all day can really suck the energy out of me!) Not every FA feels that way of course, but I have noticed an increase in my desire to just stay in on my night's off. Boring I know. I do aim to go on a little trip each month though, even just to visit familiy and friends, so that I take advantage of the flight benefits that had me interested in the job in the first place. Getting on a plane on my day off can be the last thing in the world I feel like doing, but it's always worth it!
I feel really lucky to have the job that I do, I have so much more free time as a result, and I have no problem working an early morning one day and an evening flight the next. A LOT of FAs have other jobs on the side, or go to school, or volunteer. Many raise kids, care for their parents, and have pets. Becoming a flight attendant doesn't mean you can't make outside commitments, you just have to be flexible and embrace the irregularity of the work schedule!
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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!
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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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