I’m in high school and I am doing a project in class about careers. And we have to find someone to interview for our desired future careers. I’d like to be a flight attendant someday. I was wondering if it was alright to ask you a few questions about being a flight attendant?

I understand if you’re too busy, but I’d would be really appreciative. It’s doesn’t necessarily have to be a face to face interview or a phone one. Just answering my questions through facebook is quite alright!

Thanks for taking your time out to read this message!

Paul

Paul,

Absolutely! I would love to help you with your school project. I wish I knew what I wanted to do when I was your age! Send your questions over!

Sara

Sara,

OMG! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!
I truly truly appreciate this! Thank you!

Paul

1. What are some of the positive and negative aspects of working as a Flight Attendant?

The positive for me has always been the flexibility. Your schedule never remains the same, you can work a lot or a little, you can works two weeks in a row and then take two weeks off…the possibilities are endless. The job is always fresh, and the best part? You don’t take your work home with you!

The negative is not working the same hours as your non-airline friends and family. Holidays can be tough, I worked every holiday for the first ten years.

2. What do you wish you had known before entering this field?

I wish I had known not to take people so seriously. You can only do your best, there are people you can’t please.

3. What specific advice would you give to someone considering this field?

My advice would be to get as much customer service experience as you can. It’s all about loving people and loving to travel!

4. How is your time working divided between other Fight Attendants?

Each flight attendant has a specific position on the airplane. We all have job duties but, bottom line: you’re not done until everyone is done.

5. Do people typically get promoted from within or do they move onto another airline/company in order to advance?

This industry is strictly based on seniority. You can certainly apply for other positions in the company but you wouldn’t remain a FA. Our supervisors are flight attendants but it is not a promotion so to speak. In fact it is usually junior flight attendants who seek out these positions to escape their reserve years.

Thanks Paul, let me know if you have any other questions.

Sara