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The Flying Pinto: What is your story? How long have you been flying? What did you do prior?
Brittany: Before I started flying I worked on the ramp and at the gate a few months after I graduated high school and worked through my college years. I graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in international and comparative politics and as soon as I graduated, I started flying. I’ve been with the airline for more than two years.
The Flying Pinto: I love the flexibility of our job what do you love about it? What keeps you flying?
Britt: The flexibility is awesome, though when you’re quite junior you don’t have the options you do after you’ve been flying for awhile. I love the traveling aspect. I’ve been to the Netherlands, China, Kuwait, Guam, Japan, and France, among other destinations. Honestly, the traveling and flight benefits keep me flying. I’m planning a trip to Australia sometime next year, and I can’t wait for it.
FP: What kind of schedule do you hold, what kind of trips do you like to fly?
Britt: I’m on reserve in Detroit. I’m about 10-15% from the bottom of the list. I can pretty much hold what I want for days off, except holidays. I love to fly international trips. Europe is my favorite, though I’m coming around to Asia. I haven’t been to Europe in about 4 months. I’m due for a trip there!
FP: What is your biggest passenger pet peeve? How about biggest crew pet peeve?
Britt: My biggest pet peeve is when people poke me when I’m in the aisle. Seriously! I just don’t understand how people think that is ok! My biggest crew pet peeve is not doing your job. Everyone knows what their job is, and sometimes it’s annoying to have to pick up the slack because someone is just too lazy, or can’t do his/her job.
FP: Ahhh, the poking, hate it! Although, whenever I get fired up and turn to the perpetrator with the nastiest look on my face, it is inevitably a sweet harmless little old lady and then I end up feeling terrible…lol! As you know I’ve had some strange happenings on my flights, what is the most bizarre thing you have seen on a flight?
Britt: I had a medical emergency on a flight to Dusseldorf, Germany. A man in the first row of economy started vomiting blood and we ended up diverting the flight to Shannon, Ireland so he could receive medical care. We continued on to Dusseldorf safely. On the return trip to Detroit we had another medical emergency. I had joked with the pilot in the van to the airport if we had to divert again, I’d like to go to Iceland. Luckily, it wasn’t that bad.
FP: The medical emergencies seem to come in bunches! What can we find in your carry on?
Britt: My Blackberry charger, an extra set of clothes, a sweater, vitamins, as many pairs of underwear
that will fit (you NEVER know how long you’ll be gone for!) and a satchel of lavender.
that will fit (you NEVER know how long you’ll be gone for!) and a satchel of lavender.
FP: Oh, I like the lavender idea…I think I’ll try that. Thanks! Can we find you at the hotel bar or are you a slam clicker?
Britt: It depends. If it’s a 9-hour layover, bet your bottom dollar that I’m slam clicking so fast! If it’s a longer layover and we’re near the city, or there is something to do, I’ll usually go out. I tend to explore on my own and meet the crew for drinks later on, getting the best of both worlds!
FP: That’s probably that absolute best way, it seems nobody ever knows what to do in a group…everyone has a different agenda. That’s perfect, meeting up later for drinks. What is your favorite vacation destination?
Britt: Amsterdam, hands down. The first time I visited, I hated it. I had been pulled off an illegal trip (where we have about 4 hours at the hotel at night) and shoved onto the plane and the door slammed behind me. I was exhausted when we got there and proceeded to walk around the city (with a very gracious crew member who showed me the WHOLE city) for about 5 hours before going to my favorite restaurant in the world, Thaise Bird. I love Amsterdam now. It’s ever changing, and every time I’m there I find something new.
FP: I love Amsterdam too, I loved visiting the Anne Frank House. How does your spouse/partner feel about you flying?
Britt: I started flying before I met my boyfriend. He had a job where he traveled often, so I could fly and see him if I wasn’t working myself. He doesn’t mind when I’m out on trips because we always make the time we have together enjoyable and fun.
FP: What is your best travel tip?
Britt: Stay calm. If you think you’re going to miss your flight, you probably will if you continue to freak out about it. Before you get off the plane, look at the in-flight magazine, because there’s usually a map if you have to make a connection. You can even take the magazine with you if you’re unfamiliar with the airport.
Know where you’re going, ask the gate agent for your gate when you deplane, or look at the monitors in the terminal. If you miss your flight, there’s always another one.
Be nice to the gate agents, because it’s not their fault you missed your connection and they might not always work as hard to get you to your destination if you’re rude.
FP: That is great advice Brittany! Thank you so much for participating in my Crew Briefings, I loved getting to know you better: )
Britt: Thank you for this opportunity! It was so much fun!
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Nice to meet you Brittany! Thanks for the great interview.
xo
Loved finding your blog..Just blog hopping and enjoyed yours tonight…
Stop by and visit my new Christmas blog. There will be a drawing on October 1st for a GREAT prize…all you have to do is leave a comment..http://grammyababychangeseverything.
Thanks for a great post! My clothes and sneakers have to share the same space in my crewbag so I like the lavender idea a lot too!
Safe flying,
Chris
f/a
Tucson