“Do you have to possess a college degree or prior flight attendant training upon applying to be a flight attendant?”

The short answer is no. Most major airlines prefer a college degree but, do not require one. Since most major airlines now require you to be twenty one before you apply it makes sense to go to school before becoming a flight attendant. Not only will you make yourself more attractive to the airlines but, it will also give you something to fall back on. Once you are off reserve status, a career as a flight attendant offers a lot of flexibility. You may choose to have a side career, or retire your wings after twenty years as a flight attendant and pursue another career.

If becoming a flight attendant is a second career for you, then you do not need a degree to apply at most airlines. There’s a misconception that you have to be young to apply to be a flight attendant but, many people join the airlines later in life. Most major airlines value life experience. Especially from those who have raised families. I have also found that people who have had “real” jobs appreciate their new career as flight attendants the most.

One thing you definitely don’t need is flight attendant training prior to applying with the airlines. All airlines will provide training once you are hired.

Have you considered becoming a flight attendant as a second career? It’s a wonderful way to travel and see the world once the nest is empty! Bonus if you have a pension coming in from your first career! Have questions? Join us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also tune into The Crew Lounge to hear more about the lives and careers of flight attendants.

Photo courtesy

• A big warm sweater is a great place to start. Invest in a nice sweater for travel. Underneath wear layers, a tank top, and a long sleeved shirt. This works anytime of year. You can peel your layers as you get to a warm destination or add the layers if you get cold on your flight.

• Stylish leggings or pants. The key to comfort is to make sure your pants have stretch. You can even find jeans that will work. I’m not against yoga pants but, if you go this route make sure the rest of you is dressed with style by wearing a nice top, scarf, jewelry and shoes not sneakers.

• Speaking of shoes. You don’t need to to wear sneakers to be comfortable. I travel in ballet flats or loafers (think: slip on) unless I really need boots at my destination in which case I wear the boots because they take up way to much space in the suitcase. If you travel frequently think of buying a few pair of shoes special for travel. Your feet swell when flying so I have shoes that are a half size too big just for travel.

• The right carry on. You know that bag that extra purse, or laptop bag that you are allowed in addition to your one carry-on? That’s the bag I’m talking about. Make it count. Big bags are in, take advantage of it and use it for all your carry-on essentials. The right bag can add a lot of style to your whole look.

• A great scarf that will complete your outfit and double as a small blanket. Anything that does double duty while traveling is worth its weight in gold.

• The right cosmetics. I travel with bare essentials make-up, not only is it great for your skin but, it’s powder (tsa friendly). Lip balm, LUSH solid moisturizer for my skin and disposable toothbrushes that don’t need water.

• The Ziploc: I keep eye drops in my tsa baggy. Flying is extremely dehydrating not to mention eye drops can be just the right thing to make you appear awake after a red-eye flight.

•  The right luggage. Black is key, it goes with everything and doesn’t show the dirt. (Use my discount code to enjoy 15% off at Travel Pro: theflyingpinto15)

Just prior to initial descent head to the lavatory adjust your outfit to suit your destination, brush your teeth, add lipstick and voila! You’ve arrived in style.

How do you travel? Is looking good important? What tips do you have for adding style to air travel? Join the conversation on Facebook and twitter. Interested in the flight attendant’s lifestyle? Take a peek behind the galley curtain by subscribing to my podcast, The Crew Lounge. 

*Shoes available at TBshoestore.com

It’s articles like these that make me realize how misinformed the flying public really is. Air travel is extremely safe and 2011 was one of the safest years in aviation. As much as we all love to hate the FAA they have FARs (federal aviation regulations) in place to protect us and keep air travel safe. Flight Attendants, who are often made out to be the bad guys are on the airplane to inform passengers of the FARs and make sure everyone is compliant. I’ve always felt that the airlines take a “do what I say because I said so” attitude when it comes to their rules which is partly why I started this blog, to inform and educate the flying public.

This story about the family of six, the Fickes is a perfect example of a family who doesn’t fly often and doesn’t understand the reason behind the rules. The explanation is simple but, if you don’t fly a lot you may not understand. The Fickes have four children under the age of three (three of which are under the age of two and eligible to be lap children). The Fickes assumed they could purchase three tickets and each have a lap child on their lap. All in the same row. There are two reasons they could not. The first being that a three year old cannot have a baby on their lap, you must be eighteen to hold a lap child on US Airways. The second being there is only one extra oxygen mask per row of seats on a plane. The FAA requires enough oxygen masks per person in each row. You know that part of the safety demonstration where we say, “put your mask on first before assisting others?” It’s actually extremely important that you have oxygen in the case of a decompression and unlike the rules about the electronic devices no one can argue this one! The family thought they were being discriminated against for having too many children. Not the case!

Anytime you are purchasing tickets be sure to read the airlines policies. All the information the Fickes needed was on the US Airways web site.

Confused about any of  the airlines rules? You can ask your question on Facebook or twitter. You can also write us at FA@upgrd.com and we may answer your question on The Crew Lounge Podcast.

What twelve days of (stressful, overbooked, weather-delayed, gate-checked, crowded, hilarious and fun) holiday travel gave to me:

Twelve Passengers Fuming

The “customer service” line at SEA airport was so long, and the weather across the entire country was so nice…I didn’t even want to ask.

Eleven Excuses for Drinking

Nothing says “holiday travel stress relief” like a Bloody Mary (or wine, or champagne) at 35,000 feet. ‘Tis the season!

Ten Miles of Schlepping

Airports keep getting bigger and bigger, and it seems that no matter where I’m flying, my gate is at the end of the furthest concourse in the terminal. I think it’s just one of the universal laws of holiday travel. My longest airport sprint (we’ll call it a “reindeer run”) took place at SFO, where half the passengers on a full 777-200 came down the jetway completely out of breath and dripping with sweat.

Nine Segments Flying

My holiday travel schedule in the weeks leading up to Christmas. EWR-ATL, ATL-EWR, EWR-LAS, LAS-EWR, EWR-SEA, SEA-SFO, SFO-LAX, LAX-AUS, DFW-EWR

Eight Bags a-Missing

It’s a bummer when luggage goes missing. I hope the owners of these suitcases have been happily reunited with their bags for the holidays.

Seven Pax Commuting

While taking the first morning BART train to San Francisco International Airport, I see one passenger who bears uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus. Perhaps his flying sleigh is stored at a hangar at SFO.

Six Whack Jobs Waiting

Everyone gets so! excited! to fly! during the holiday season! These six eager beavers are ready and waiting, though boarding won’t actually commence for another 35 minutes.

Five Inflight Films

Crazy Stupid Love, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, The Hangover Part II, Horrible Bosses, Bad Teacher

Four Rising Suns

I’ve never seen so many consecutive sunrises over so many different cities. I’m normally a sunSET kind of girl. It’s nice to see how the early side lives for a change.

Three Boogie Boards

I spent a good chunk of time at this boogie board-adorned LAX baggage carousel. I flew into Los Angeles on one plane, but my tardy bag made it onto another, giving me an extra hour to grab a holiday-themed latte.

Two French Toasts

After years of choosing between eggs or cereal on morning flights, I was stunned when recently given a new third option of French Toast. Variety is the spice of life!

One Crazy Lady in the Lounge

I was so taken by an Australian passenger wearing a paper Christmas tiara in the United lounge at LAX, I asked her if I could snap a photo of her “holiday spirit.” She offered to take one of me (wearing her crown) instead. Here’s my dramatic reenactment of one very…happy holiday traveler.

Another great guest post from our favorite foodie frequent flier, Foodie International! Be sure to follow her adventures on Facebook and twitter!

]]> http://www.theflyingpinto.com/2011/12/twelve-days-of-holiday-travel.html/feed 4 http://www.theflyingpinto.com/2011/12/the-crazy-things-passengers-say-to-flight-attendants.html http://www.theflyingpinto.com/2011/12/the-crazy-things-passengers-say-to-flight-attendants.html#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:00:31 +0000 The Flying Pinto http://www.theflyingpinto.com/?p=1724 If you haven’t had a chance check out my podcast The Crew Lounge on upgrd.com! I’m proud to say we’re up to 79 episodes which you can subscribe to for free on itunes! And, while you’re there be sure to rate and review us! You can also check out a whole section of airline bloggers at upgrd.com called The Crew Room! Each week on UPGRD I’ll be posting some things I “over hear” from other flight attendants!

The idea for The Crew Lounge was to give everyone a peek inside the life of a flight attendant. Social media has become a great resource for me to not only give you my insights but, that of my fellow co-workers. I belong to a private flight attendant chat room, and though I can’t share everything with you sometimes there are funny or interesting threads that I can. So, here’s what I overheard in “the crew room” this week!

A flight attendant asks, “what is the craziest thing a passenger has said to you?”

• Kim: I had a lady ring her call bell and ask me how to roll the window down…SERIOUSLY!! I had to hold in my reaction. I asked another flight attendant to go help the lady, as I couldn’t. We laughed about that one the rest of the flight!!

Head over to UPGRD.com to see more!

• VIOlight Personal/Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer The convenient personal toothbrush sanitizer for people on-the-go!The Violight Personal/Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer uses  germ-eliminating UV technology in a go-anywhere package. The germicidal light activates as soon as you close the lid, and in 6 minutes your toothbrush is sanitized and stored.
• Travel Power Strip Ever been frustrated by lack of outlets in your hotel room? Me too!
• Eco Tools Travel Set This is for the ladies. I love my eco tools travel make-up brushes.
• Travel Laundry Clothes Line The Flexoline has loops on both ends that can stretch across the bathroom up to 7 feet and be attached to a shower head or towel rack.
• Moleskine Journals Great for notes on your journey, lots of colors and designs to choose from they’re incredibly durable with thick acid-free paper and a high quality binding.
• Starbucks Gift Cards All the airports have them and we all need our caffeine fix while traveling!
• Ear Plugs They’re simple, they’re cheap and they work! A must have for anyone getting on an airplane!
• Immersion Heater Portable heater for warming coffee, tea, soup, and more. A perfect travel companion.

And, remember if you’re shopping for a flight attendant you can probably get away with waiting for the sales after the holidays to buy for them! Most of us are flying!

Any questions about air travel? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge and hang out with me and some of my flight attendant friends while we discuss industry news, and have great conversation with our guests! Have a kindle? Subscribe to The Flying Pinto for automatic downloads.

Jake*: After reading about Alec Baldwin being removed from a flight for refusing to turn off his cell phone and verbally berating the crew, it got me thinking about enforcing the electronics policy. How little is too little? How far is too far? For me, I tell them it needs to be turned off and walk away. End of story. I really can’t be bothered policing every single electronic device. And giving a written warning for a phone! For some reason I can’t even see e-readers (wink, wink), which, by the way, do not use electricity unless the page is turned. What about y’all?

Beth: I inform and walk away!

Kim: Inform, not enforce.

Seth: Depends on my mood. Lol!

Sara: I’m an informer. It is ridiculous. If we really enforced everyone to turn off their electronic devices we’d never get a plane off the ground!

Carol: Inform once, remind once, then stare at them, roll your eyes and walk away. I am wearing as many hats as I can. Police is not one I signed up for.

Kris: “Informers not enforcers” also means we can inform the enforcers of the violators.

Angel: What happens when you have to evacuate and they aren’t paying attention because they are too busy on their electronic device to be paying attention to you? …just playing devils advocate.

Jay: Sounds like their personal problem to me. Maybe they’re live Tweeting the evac?

Jason: Which begs another question: how responsible are we for people paying attention to the safety demo and other critical phases of flight? The other day I had a lead flight attendant make an announcement prior to the demo requesting that all passengers cease conversations and focus solely on the video screens, no matter how well traveled they were. That was extreme and annoying!

Grant: I wait for the lead to make their announcement. Then arm the door. Then make my OWN announcement to turn them off. Then I go through the cabin from the aft and lean in and say “We’ve asked you three times now I’m telling you turn it off” It works every time.

Casey: I guess I’m in the minority, but I don’t mind asking as many times as needed to get the electronics turned off. It’s just another in a long line of regulations that passengers need to comply with, and the passengers that do comply aren’t very happy if others continue to use them. But, I’m nice about informing!

Lisa:  Pick your battles. somethings aren’t worth it when the company comes to you and gives you the 3rd degree for enforcing their policy!

Diane: I inform and enforce….it’s a FAR (federal aviation regulation) and I don’t want a big personal fine from the FAA>…I am not sure why everyone thinks we just inform and not enforce?

Cindy: I also inform and enforce. Had a guy in first…I asked him to turn off his computer….then he turns on his phone. I asked him to turn it off….after asking twice I said “Sir, this is the third time I’m asking you to turn off your phone” He gave me the look…I said, we can always go back to the gate. Passenger behind him said :Turn off your f*^%@*g phone!!!” He did

Sam: I find it sad how complacent most flight attendants have become about customers using their electronic devices. We have gotten this “whatever” attitude about it, but I find it personally annoying when I ask them to turn it off and they roll their eyes at me and give me this…Well, they didn’t make me on the last flight. Well, they didn’t give a rat’s ass on the last flight, but I do, so, turn it off…thank you. Not enforcing it creates the a-holes like Alec…..

Nadine: Remember the movie Clueless when being “a Baldwin” was a good thing? Perhaps we have a new catch phrase for the peeps who don’t turn off their stuff.

What do you all think? Everyone argues how stupid and/or mean flight attendants are, because we inform you that you need to turn off your electronic device. The reality is flight attendants are doing their jobs. It doesn’t matter what we think, it is a federal aviation regulation that we must enforce. The airline and the flight attendants can be fined for not enforcing this rule. The flight attendant can actually lose their job. It is pointless to tell a flight attendant your opinion about it, it’s not a judgement call.  Do you turn off and stow your electronic devices? Do you wait to be informed when the flight attendant walks through or do you do it on your own when you hear the announcement?

Any questions about air travel? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge and hang out with me and some of my flight attendant friends while we discuss industry news, and have great conversation with our guests! Have a kindle? Subscribe to The Flying Pinto for automatic downloads….just be sure to turn it off when informed;)

*All names have been changed.

The stress of traveling around the holidays can drive anyone to drink. Long lines at security, overbooked flights and the sometimes-tearful surrendering of oversized carry-ons are just a few contributing factors. A recent rise in bad behavior on airplanes (think episodes of crotch-grabbing, aisle-peeing and futile in-flight attempts to open the exit door) should make even the most experienced traveler think twice about tippling this holiday season. The lesson here is: don’t be these passengers. In honor of holiday travel: a look at the airline industry’s most infamous inebriates.

10. The Erotic Dancer: (August 26, 2011) A woman on a BMI flight from Moscow to London got drunk enough to let her freak flag fly. Channeling her inner exhibitionist, the inebriated passenger performed a one-woman erotic dance show, fondling other passengers and removing their eyeglasses. The live in-flight entertainment only lasted 15 minutes before the aircraft turned around and returned to Russia.

9. Those Crazy Ukrainians: (March 11, 2010) A DonbassAero flight from Simferopol to Kiev was boarded by police minutes before departure. According to Gadling, the flight attendants, the pilot and the flight engineer were arrested. For the record, that’s the entire crew. Every employee working the flight that morning had a blood alcohol level above .05% (more than two times the legal limit).

8. The Rule-Bender: (December 11, 2007) Though he technically never made it onto the aircraft, one genius decided to outwit airport security. When stopped at a German airport checkpoint with liquids (in this case, a one liter bottle of vodka) the man refused to surrender his purchase or pay a checked bag fee. Instead, the would-be passenger stood in the security line and chugged the entire bottle of vodka. He was soon incapacitated and was taken to a nearby hospital with severe alcohol poisoning.

7. The Wifebeater (December 2006) In 2008 An unusual court case surfaced. The Telegraph reported that a man traveling with his wife from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco got wasted on Burgundy wine and found out the hard way that he’s an angry drunk. As the couple proceeded through US immigrations, the man became irritable and smacked his wife across the face six times, prompting an arrest for domestic abuse. Claiming it wasn’t his fault the couple sued United Airlines for “negligently” over-serving the wine, causing the man to beat his wife.

6. The Golden Summer (June-August, 2011) Between late June and mid-August of this year, three separate passengers on three different airlines decided to get drunk and relieve themselves anywhere but the lavatory.

• June 27, 2011 An unknowing trendsetter on a Jetstar flight from Auckland to Singapore never located the lav. Instead, he decided to let it all out in the aisle, splashing several passengers including one man’s leg and a woman’s scarf.
• August 11, 2011 An 18-year old US ski team hopeful decided to get wasted before taking a Jet Blue flight from Portland, Oregon to New York and miscounted the distance to the lavatory when he turned and urinated on the leg of a sleeping 11-year old girl.
• August 17, 2011 French actor Gerard Depardieu brought celebrity status to the summer trend. Allegedly he was not drunk at the time, though some people claim that allegedly he was. Either way, BBC News reported he repeatedly announced, “Je veux pisser” and used a seatmate’s empty bottle until it overflowed onto the floor. First classy!

5. The Initiative-Taker: (July 4, 2008) A do-you-know-who-I-am drunken first class passenger traveling from New York to Guyana became infuriated that economy class passengers made it to the exit door (located behind him) before he did. Not to be outpaced by the unwashed masses, the passenger took initiative by opening the door closest to him. This activated the emergency slide, which the passenger then used to exit the aircraft and to enter handcuffs.

4. The Firestarter (June 18, 2008) A Delta passenger flying from Atlanta to Vienna, Austria drunkenly insisted he required more booze. Flight attendants disagreed, refusing to serve him. CNN reported that the man became enraged and slapped one flight attendant’s hand. He then produced a cigarette lighter and attempted to set the galley curtains on fire. Because that was going to get him another round.

3. The Charmer: (May 20, 2011) Wasted from weather delay boredom, a Delta passenger made the moves on his seatmate by falsely claiming he was a federal air marshal and in possession of gas canisters that could render the entire plane unconscious. He then began sparking a cigarette lighter by his wholly unimpressed seatmate’s knees. With quick thinking, she turned him in to the cabin crew, who were equally unimpressed with his sloppy seductions, diverting the flight to Memphis.

2. The Castaway: (June 29, 2005) Sometimes enough is enough. A passenger flying from Manchester, UK to the Canary Island of Tenerife became belligerent after his drink service was cut short by the crew. He cursed at flight attendants and passengers until the pilot had had enough, diverting the aircraft to a tiny (3-by-10 mile) island in the West African nation of Cape Verde. The abusive passenger was booted from the plane into the hands of local authorities. The aircraft then took off, continuing on its original course.

1. The Liquid Soap Lady: (April 29, 2009) A woman on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to London used her fear of flying as an excuse to mix sleeping pills with several mini bottles of wine. After she was found with her feet up on the tray table kicking the seat in front of her, she was denied additional alcoholic beverages. This prompted the unruly passenger to remove a bottle of liquid soap from the lavatory and drink it at her seat. Apparently hand soap contains alcohol. When flight attendants tried to subdue her into handcuffs, the passenger punched, kicked and snapped like a dog, attempting to bite a crewmember’s leg. Once she sobered up, all she remembered of the flight was that she was unhappy about the quality of United’s wine. (psst: it was soap!) The Telegraph reports that when she spoke with FBI agents, her explanation was: “I sometimes do crazy things.”

Thanks Elyse! Wonder what stories we’ll be talking about after this holiday season! I have a feeling you’ll be updating your list:)  You’ll want to follow Elyse’s foodie adventures at her blog, FoodieInternational.com and join the discussion on Facebook and twitter. I’m a flight attendant and I live vicariously through her! Think lots of travel, a home base in NYC, and Tuscany, with great food thrown in…well mostly great food…check it out, you’ll quickly know what I mean!

Holidays can be particularly difficult for flight attendants. I just flew with a flight attendant who has been on reserve status for the past five years, usually light hearted and bubbly she was stressed and anxious. Not surprised, it’s that time of year in the airline industry. While most people are gearing up to spend time with their loved ones airline employees are struggling to find time with their families. I remember many years celebrating Thanksgiving on the Wednesday before and telling myself it’s just a day! But, it never failed, when “that” day rolled around and scheduling got a hold of me I always felt sad, like I was missing something! But, once on my assigned trip my crew inevitably became “family” and our hotels more often than not take very good care of us and have a holiday spread waiting for us! In honor of Thanksgiving I thought I would take a moment and ask my crew members  what they are thankful for as flight attendants. Here is what a few had to say:

The Flexibility

Tisha: “I absolutely love the flexibility and not taking the job home with me. BEST JOB IN THE WORLD!!!”

Kelly: “Even though I fly a lot and commute, I have NEVER missed my children’s school functions or sporting events. This job allows me the time to be “team mom.” I am able to be there and bring in a great income for my family. I am truly blessed.”

Ginger: “Where else can you tell your company when you want to work and where you want to go? Once upon a time I was an escrow secretary, and had to be at work everyday! I am thankful this job has helped me overcome the trauma of that experience:-)”

Free Travel

Mary: ” I am grateful that I am able to give my entire family the gift of travel. My parents have given me so much over my life so to see them jet setting around the world, often in first class, in their retirement is such an honor. My husband grew up in a third world country. Now he has been all over the world and is still in awe. As my children get older I know their education will come alive as they see the places they learn about with their own eyes. It really is priceless!”

Freedom

Kemberley: ” I am thankful for the fact that as long as I am a good flight attendant I don’t have to see my supervisor everyday like a corporate job.”

Charlie: “I have loved the way our job allows each of us to become authentic. The lack of office politics has allowed me to develop without regard for gay glass ceilings and things of that nature.”

Friendships

Michelle: “I’m thankful this job has given me the opportunity to make life long friends all over the world!”

Greg: ” I am thankful to be surrounded by some of the most caring, selfless, clever and giving people I meet everyday in the air. I love my co-workers!”

John: “Definitely the people I meet and work with. Every trip it’s like meeting long lost cousins or new best friends. It’s always like instant family.”

Opportunity

Anna: ” I am thankful for this airline job. My children and I were immigrants to the US and we are from Hong Kong. This job has allowed me to fly back to see my parents to tell them how much we love them while they were alive. I have the opportunity to see the whole world. I have money to pay my bills and help others. I have too many things to be thankful for with this job. Hallelujah!!!”

Dean: “With limited education and finances, this job has afforded me the opportunity to travel and expand my cultural awareness while earning a respectable income. This is the easiest part time job in the world, with full time earnings and no stress.”

Experiences

Lisa: “I am thankful that everyday is something new and that I am constantly amazed by the stories of life that I hear daily.”

Tracey: “I am thankful for the experiences I’ve witnessed. A marriage proposal, bringing a baby to her adopted parents for the first time, bringing a fallen soldier home…”

Amanda: “This past week I picked up a long Denver layover and got paid to have dinner with my nephew, sister and dad. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

Any questions about air travel? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge and hang out with me and some of my flight attendant friends while we discuss industry news, and have great conversation with our guests! Have a kindle? Subscribe to The Flying Pinto for automatic downloads.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Fly Safe!

post photos courtesy of flyertalk.com and bellafoxglove.blogspot.com

“Why do you want to become a flight attendant?”

The running joke with this question is to say, “I love people and I love to travel!” Ask any flight attendant on a bad day why they’re a flight attendant and it’s likely they’ll say that phrase….sarcastically. I consulted my friend Kate who is an airline recruiter, who by the way is a flight attendant. Most airlines hire their own flight attendants to recruit, which is great because who understands what it takes to do this job more than someone who already does it? Luckily Kate was more than happy to answer this question:

“That question is a standard part of our interview, but not always asked. I liked to ask it. It wasn’t unusual for the applicant to answer “I love people and I love to travel”. That is fine, but they need to be more specific. Such as, in what areas of prior employment did you get the most interaction with customers and why does that lead them to the airline industry. We both know the importance of personal interaction with customers, even though some flight attendants think they are only there for safety!

Also, regarding the “love to travel”, the applicants should have a good understanding of the of time involved in travel away from home. It was important to me to get a good job fit, with the job fitting the applicant. The new flight attendant is happy and she makes the customer happy. I could go on, but it’s cocktail hour!”

Lol, typical flight attendant! Thanks, Kate! That is very good advice! I think what she mentions about being more specific is extremely important with every question you are asked in the flight attendant interview. When they ask something like, “What is a good example of customer service?” They’re are not looking for a vague answer of what you might think customer service is. What the recruiter wants to hear is a specific example of customer service that you have delivered! Be specific with every question asked and give personal experiences, it will separate you from the crowd and might just be the beginning of your flight attendant career !

Interested in becoming a flight attendant? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto and ask me your questions. You can also find out what it’s really like being a flight attendant by joining me and my flight attendant friends in The Crew Lounge. Have a kindle? You can subscribe to The Flying Pinto and get automatic downloads right to your kindle.

Cheers and happy flying!

The trick to stress free air travel is to be able to roll with the punches. The trick to being able to roll with the punches when flying is a well packed carry on! Pack your bag with these items and you will be prepared for any delays or inconveniences you may encounter:

• A change of clothes, Something easy to roll that won’t take up too much space. A pair of yoga pants or light weight skirt for women, or light weight workout clothes for men. Remember this is in case of emergency not a fashion show.
• Chewing gum for take-off and landing. Helps with the change in pressure.
• Entertainment including things that don’t require batteries or have an off/on switch. You never know when you’ll be stuck on the ground without anywhere to plug your computer or smart phone in. Bring an old fashion book and/or crossword puzzles. (don’t forget a pen and the charger cords)
• Ear plugs! I always recommend bringing enough for your unprepared neighbors too. Flying is public transportation and you never know when the baby will start screaming.
• Snacks! Lots of things that don’t require refrigeration like nuts, granola bars, or trail mix. Skip the junk food, it will only deplete your energy and make you more tired and stressed.
• An empty re-usable water bottle, such as Klean Kanteesn or Sigg. Fill it with water after you get through security at a water fountain. If you’re in a delay situation the flight attendants will probably pass out water, but not on your time table. I like to have my own.
• A small blanket or sweater. Most airlines do not have blankets anymore. The temperature is never to everybody’s liking and I know when I’m working I prefer it on the cooler side. Germs fester in the warm air.
• A list of any phone numbers or information you may need. Cell phone batteries run out sometimes and borrowing your neighbors phone won’t do any good if you don’t know the number!
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes. They are great for cleaning your hands, but also for tray tables that are not washed in between flights.
• A small first aid kit with band aids, aspirin, nasal spray, tissues and an anti-diarrhea medicine.
• neck pillow and eye shades
• lip balm and hand lotion. The air is extremely dry at 35,000 ft.
• toothbrush and tooth paste. Nothing makes you feel better than brushing your teeth after a long flight!

Also, if you are on any medication or wear contact lenses don’t forget to add these in! Never check valuables always keep your money, credit and debit cards on you at all times.

Tip: When the flight attendants make their initial descent announcement, take that as an opportunity to gather any items you took out during the flight and re-pack your carry on. Not only will you be prepared for landing, which will make your crew happy, but you’ll be less likely to forget anything!

Any questions about air travel? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge and hang out with me and some of my flight attendant friends while we discuss industry news, and have great conversation with our guests! Have a kindle? Subscribe to The Flying Pinto for automatic downloads.

Cheers and happy flying!

For your very own “Keep Calm and Carry On” bag visit etsy.

Flight Attendants are there to help if you get sick right? So what happens if the Flight Attendant gets sick? Think of all the germs flight attendants are exposed to everyday! A few things get factored in. How critical is the illness? Can the flight continue on? Obviously, if the flight attendant is in critical condition, the Captain would find the quickest safest place to land. But, what happens if the crew member is just too sick to preform his or her duties? There are two things to consider, the service portion and the safety responsibilities.

The Service:

You’d be surprised at how adaptable flight attendants can be. This is one of the things we are hired for. Because no two days are quite the same and we need to be prepared for anything. If a fellow flight attendant falls ill, we would tend to them just the same way we would a passenger. Assuming they are ok, and just can’t perform the service, the remaining flight attendants would do the best they can to finish the service. On a recent trip to Las Vegas we had a flight attendant stricken with food poisoning. Luckily we had four lavs in coach because she went in one and didn’t come out until landing! We continued on and managed to get the service done on our on. Not really a big deal, just more work. But, remember our main job is safety and our sick flight attendant needed someone to assume her door responsibilities for landing.

The Safety Aspect:

We had FAA (federal aviation administration) minimum crew with the sick flight attendant, and now we were short one flight attendant. What do we do? We find an ABA or able bodied assistant and ask them if they are willing and able to help in an emergency (similar to when you are seated in an exit row seat). The only difference is our ABA won’t sit in a flight attendant jump seat, we would sit them as close to the exit they are responsible for. The ABA is then briefed by a flight attendant on the operation of their assigned door and told what to say and do should an evacuation be necessary.

What happens if a flight attendant falls ill on a layover?

Normally, if a flight attendant find themselves ill on layover and too sick to work/fly home they would have to call scheduling. Scheduling is in charge of making sure the flights are covered with the minimum amount of flight attendants needed on every flight. Hopefully, the flight wasn’t already down to FAA minimum although most flights seem to be staffed at minimum crew these days. If this is the case scheduling will do whatever it takes to get the flight staffed properly. What if it is short notice and they need to get the flight out on time? Sometimes they are able to find another flight attendant laying over at the same hotel and they might pull that flight attendant from their pairing (trip) and dead head another flight attendant in from a base that will replace the flight attendant that was pulled to cover the first flight.

This happened to me in Stockholm and there was nothing normal about my situation. I was so sick and barely managed to get a hold of my lead flight attendant. The hotel was having issues with their phones! I did manage to talk to my lead and she assured me they still had minimum crew and not to worry about calling scheduling she would handle it. This was also before internet and international cell phones and since the hotel was having issues with their phones I couldn’t contact my Mom who I was living with at the time to tell her I wouldn’t be back on time. It turned into a huge mess. When I arrived at the airport in Stockholm the next day, still not feeling well, the agent didn’t want to let me on the flight because he said I needed to contact scheduling. The problem was, I had no idea how to contact scheduling from the airport. Luckily I came across another agent who was more than helpful and actually carried my bags down to the plane for me. By the time I landed back in NY I had a feeling I should check in with my supervisor to see if she knew what was going on. Just as I suspected she did not and I was still scheduled to work a flight to Paris that night! I finally made it home, my poor mother was worried to death. At least now there is internet! What did we do without it?

Questions about airline travel? Join the conversation on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto on twitter. Join me in The Crew Lounge

Photo from MSNBC.com

Last weeks post about carry on baggage brought in a couple emails and comments:

"Of course, there's the other side of this -- why are the bins always full of
little tiny bags that fit under the seat? I've lost track of the number of 2
bag passengers I see who put both bags in the overhead."

Let me shed some light! The airlines are staffing planes at minimum crew more and more these days. Minimum crew is the amount of flight attendants the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) mandates per flight. In the old days airlines used to staff flights with more than minimum crew for service purposes, and well, since we all know how that’s going these days we’ll save that for another post!

There is a lot going on during the boarding process. Let’s talk about a narrow body plane with less than 150 passenger seats. The FAA requires three flight attendants in this example. Flight attendant responsibilities vary, but no one is the designated aisle flight attendant. All airlines are a little different, but here is an example of who might be working where:

• flight attendant A: the lead. Makes all announcements, greets passengers, gathers and hangs first class coats, takes drink orders and delivers first class pre-departure drinks. Helps and seats any unaccompanied minors, or other passengers requiring special assistance. Also, handles any issues that come up during boarding….and there are issues!
• flight attendant B: First Class. preparing galley for on board service, checking to make sure all service items are present, counting meals, counting alcohol in bar cart, completing any prep work, preparing pre-departure drinks for FA A to deliver. Checking on flight deck and getting drinks for them if needed.
• flight attendant C: Back galley. preparing the galley for service, taking inventory of all food for sale, inventory of the bar cart, setting up the bar cart, and as a secondary duty assisting in the aisle.

All three flight attendants are busy completing their tasks before it is time to shut the door. With so little time to assist in the aisle, their time there is to answer call lights and handle things like seat duplications, families with small children not seated together, and making sure the passengers seated in the exit row meet the criteria for sitting in that row. We also try to turn bags, and rearrange bags while we’re out there, but as you can imagine “policing” for bags that shouldn’t be there because either there small or a passenger placed two in the overhead is not very realistic. That is unless we’re working a flight and there is a designated aisle flight attendant. International flights have the staffing, but there is so much space on those planes that it never seems to be an issue.

Tip: If a flight attendant is rearranging luggage in the overhead don’t be defensive about your bag being moved a little, it’s like a big puzzle for us and we’re are just trying to accommodate everyone in the shared space. Also, please hang on to your coats and jackets until all bags have been stowed, thank you:)

And, I know from this tweet I saw that sometimes our hard work is noticed:

@followneal: The flight attendant’s ability to uncover more space for bags in overhead bins is a marvel.

Thanks Neal!

Have any airline related questions? Join the conversation on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto on twitter. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge, today for a special episode with Cliff Muskiet, flight attendant and uniform collector. He has an impressive collection of over 1000 flight attendant uniforms!  Do you have a kindle? You can subscribe to TheFlyingPinto.com and posts will be automatically downloaded for you!

Cheers and happy flying!