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Galley Gossip: A question about being a flight attendant on reserve
Dear Heather,
I am intrigued by reserve. Must you queue up each day?
Have fun but be safe,
Geno
Dear Geno,
You are correct, we do queue up each day on reserve. Today I'm # 61 on the reserve list. Because there are 34 other flight attendants who are good to work four days in a row, like me, I've just made an appointment with Alice - master of hair. But now that the weather channel is reporting ice in Dallas, even though I'm based in New York, I'm getting a little nervous about my appointment with Alice today. When one airport is affected by weather, all the airports will eventually be affected by weather. Trips will cancel and crews will go illegal and that's when my phone will ring.
RESERVE - Reserve flight attendants do not have a line (schedule of trips). On reserve we bid for days off only. When we don't have a day off we remain on-call. The company can (and will) assign us a trip at any time of day (or night) with at least two hours time to get to the airport. Reserve duty is much like being an on-call doctor in that we must stay within a manageable radius of our base (mine covers three airports - JFK, LGA and EWR) and there are no late nights out and absolutely no alcohol, since you can (and will) be called out to work any time of day and night. I remember one night having a quiet evening at home with a movie and Chinese take out. The food had not even arrived to my apartment and I was already leaving for a trip to London! There's no warning, no lead time, and no excuses. You just have to zip up your bag and go!
On the days we are good to work we have a four hour window to call in and retrieve our assignments for the following day. Because there are only so many available trips each day, not every flight attendant on-call will get one. Flight attendants who are not assigned a trip will be awarded a number. This number is based on the hours the flight attendant has flown during the month. The flight attendant with the least amount of hours is assigned the lowest number and will be called out first if a trip comes up.
While a high number on the reserve list is always a relief to a flight attendant who did not get awarded a trip, a flight attendant who is just about to go to bed, that flight attendant may still get a call in the middle of the night from crew schedule to fly. Here's why...
LEGALITIES - While layovers can be as short as eight hours (no less), a flight attendant is guaranteed 12 hours off between trips. That means some flight attendants will not be legal to fly until a certain time the following day. For instance, # 5 on the reserve list may get called out first to work a trip because # 1- 4 are not legal to work until noon.
NUMBER OF DAYS ON-CALL - A flight attendant will usually be on-call for five to six days in a row, and then the flight attendant will have anywhere from two to five days off, depending on the line the flight attendant was awarded. Because not everyone has days off at the same time, some flight attendants are good to work one day while others are good for four days. That means if # 1 on the reserve list is only good to work one day, but a two-day trip pops up in the computer, the trip will be assigned to the first flight attendant on the list who is legal to work the trip, and that could be #10 on the reserve list.
EQUIPMENT - The airline I work for has several different types of aircraft and each flight attendant is trained to work on the equipment they fly, but not all flight attendants are trained to work on all the equipment. At least that's how it is at my airline. For instance, the airline I work for has six different types of aircraft. I'm only trained to work on four of those airplanes. If I'm #1 on the reserve list, but a three-day, 737 trip pops up, which is an airplane I'm not trained to work on, I'll be skipped over and the trip will go to the first 737 qualified flight attendant who is good to work the two-day trip, a flight attendant who is also legal for the departure time.
I know, I know, it's all very confusing, which is why flight attendants have a tendency to be on edge when they're on reserve, why they go to sleep with their cell phones right beside the bed, why they have a tendency to jump five feet into the air and curse whenever the phone rings, and why they have no life. This is why reserve sucks. And this is why I commute from Los Angeles (where I live) to New York (where I work), even though I am on reserve this month.
Last week I went to bed # 28 on the reserve list and got called out in the middle of the night to cover an early morning departure to Los Angeles out of Newark. There were a lot of sick calls that night. Three nights ago I was # 2 on the reserve list and couldn't fall asleep because I spent the entire night tossing and turning, dreading the unavoidable call. Trust me, there's nothing worse than hearing, "Crew schedule calling for flight attendant Poole," in the middle of the night. So imagine my surprise when I awoke to the sun shining through my window, not a ringing cell phone. Of course by five o'clock that same day I was on the airplane and headed to Las Vegas.
"You're not trained on the 737!" my husband just exclaimed when I read him this post over the phone. He's in Los Angeles and I'm in New York.
"No!" I told him, and then I went on to explain why. Ya see, as long as I'm on reserve I'm not going to get trained on another aircraft. No way. Not unless I'm forced to. I'm going to sit in my crashpad and let someone else work the twenty hour, three-day, 737 trip, while I wait for a cush twelve hour, two-day, 767 trip to Los Angeles. Hey, that's just me.
Thanks for the question, Geno. If you, or anyone else, have another question email me at Skydoll123@yahoo.com
Heather Poole
Photo courtesy of Frak-tal (man sleeping) and volliem (hand holding phone) - from flickr.com
Filed under: Galley Gossip
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brian Jan 28th 2009 10:15AM
What a crazy way to earn a living ; )
Lola Jan 28th 2009 2:08PM
Brian and Jennifer,
I have traveled and lived on nearly every continent and flown a number of different airlines. By far, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are #1. I accidentally came across this website while doing some research and felt I should take the time to make at least a couple of observations. First, it certainly seems that someone is not happy with their chosen livelihood. If you are looking for greater job satisfaction I would suggest trying Emirates as from what I understand they have the best benefits for flight attendants. This might help to improve your overall attitude regarding your employment. No everyone can do this type of work but for those that can what a great way to see the world and meeting incredibly interesting people.
Betty Feb 5th 2009 8:07PM
I didn't read where this F/A said she didn't like her job, she was just relaying things that happen day to day with passengers. I have a relative who is a F/A and totally loves her job, but does have passengers sometimes who don't realize that she has a job to do with little time to accomplish it. Also, I have seen passengers accuse a F/A of being rude because she didn't smile. You can't smile for hours on end. Sometimes their day has been horrible with delays, cranky passengers, not enough meals, etc. It's a tough job, give'em a break.
Jennifer Morsink Jan 28th 2009 10:53AM
I find the comments of the flight attendants quite disturbing. They have a job to do, and sometimes there are things in the job you don't like to do, but you do it. What is the problem with asking for water to have a pill? Maybe the passenger was nervous, or late, and did not have time, or simply forgot. So what is the big deal!!!!!! Some of the other comments also really are quite ridiculous. In TACA airlines all the flight attendants, for example, always help the passengers with their luggage, so what is the big deal!!!!!!
They should do their job and do it with a smile. How many times to I have to go on a flight with a flight attendant that barks at you everytime you ask for something, 90% of them are always in a bad mood. And yes, they should know where they are, it is simple geography which many are not exactly very good at. It should be part of their responsibilities, part of their job description.
So do a good job, make the flight confortable and pleasant for the passenger. In this time when things are financially tough for companies, people have a choice as to what airline they want to take, and they will take the one where they are better treated. It is called customer service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Willy Jan 28th 2009 12:02PM
The comment about the pills - why can't the passenger just wait until the drinks are passed around? If they needed to take a pill so soon, why not take it just before boarding? Sorry, I'm on the side of the flight attendant on that one. Oh, and the luggage - if you cannot put it in the overhead because it's too heavy, you should have checked it, or not brought so much crap. Another one where I agree with the flight attendant! I'll bet you're one of those people who bring two carry-ons, a purse, a camera, a ditty bag, an umbrella, an overcoat, a scarf, a windbreaker, gloves, mittens, and a shopping bag, and then get upset because they don't want to let you bring all that inside the plane with you. Never mind you would be taking up other people's space for their ONE carry-on. It's all about you, isn't it, Jennifer?
Jennifer Morsink Jan 28th 2009 1:11PM
No, Willy, I only take one carry on with me and I can usually put it in the upper bin with one arm, and many times I don´t have any at all. But many times I do see elder ladies who need help with theirs and the flight attendants of US airlines will not move one finger to help them, so I personally help them. And on the pill, some passengers travel with children, others get airsick and in all their nervousness of flying for the first time, forget to take the pill. But my question is what is the big deal, to help a passenger who needs help and get some water for someone who is asking for it. This is why I personally prefer Latinamerican or Asian airlines, ones where the flight attendants are trained to be the best in customer service. They don´t make a big deal out of simple tasks that do not take much effort to complete.
Brandi Jan 28th 2009 9:49PM
"In TACA airlines all the flight attendants, for example, always help the passengers with their luggage, so what is the big deal!!!!!!"
Hmmm well would you pick up a strangers 250 pound luggage and throw it in an overhead ben when they just brought it all the way through security and YOU HAVE A HURT BACK? I don't think so. I don't.
The pill and water thing, I don't care about giving anyone a glass of water. I just do it. I have a problem with everyone around them askign for it as well when they just walked through the whole airport.
AND just because we complain about our jobs now and then doesn't mean we hate the whole thing. You can't say you have NEVER complained about your job.
Betty Feb 5th 2009 7:56PM
RE: not lifting passengers bags is dictated by the airline who does not want the flight attendants injuring their backs doing it. Airlines pay out huge sums for back injuries to their employees, for flight attendants and ground employees. I'm a retired ticket agent, and I suffered several back injuries before bag handlers were hired to assist us after 9-11. If you're traveling by plane you should not carry on a bag you can't handle. Check it!
charlotte Jan 28th 2009 10:55AM
Wow!!! Makes you respect the flight attendants even more for the great job they do
David Jan 28th 2009 11:37AM
So does the airline put you up in a hotel in New York while you are on reserve or is that your responsibility?
Harry Jan 28th 2009 12:16PM
Having been in corporate aviation for over 35 years, I can sympathize with some of the things Heather is saying. But you are in a customer service job, if you do not like the service you are having to provide then perhaps you need to find another career. The airlines just cram people onto their planes in spaces that a grown man can not fit into without his kness being against the seat in front of him and so narrow that he must keep his arms and hands in his lap and you expect us to be in a good mood when we have to sit there for hours. And by the way, you are paid to be there the passengers are having to pay to be treated like so many cattle. Of course in corporate aviation I do not have to deal with the normal (or abnormal at times) flying public. And from the times I am forced to fly on a commercial fllight (and I try to make that rarely), I am always reminded how glad and fortunate I am to not have to deal with some of the rude and obnoxious travelers who frequent the airlines. Sometimes I think that the next rude passenger in front of me that slams their seat back against my knees and into my face is going to get a swift slap on the back of their obnoxious head. Especially when they do it when they are supposed to keep their seats upright during takeoff and landing. But in spite of the fact that I am a pilot and in spite of the rude flying public, I still have no sympathy for flight attendants that seem to think that they should not have to provide polite and pleasant service to the passengers on board the plane. Most commercial flight attendants, and I do mean Most, are just as rude as any passenger and seem completely annoyed anytime someone asks them for anything. And why, the airlines have cut back to the point that all you really have to do anymore is throw a bag of peanuts and a watered down drink in a tiny plastic cup at us and then go hide in the galley. Again, I point out that if you do not like your job, quit. You would really do nuts if you had to provide the service our corporate flight attendant does. She has to prepare gourmet meals with china and linen service, go shopping for special requests from our passengers, be polite and smile no matter what, even dog sit once in a while. And she is terrific! Why, because she loves her job and takes pride in her work. And as a result, the passengers love her, some have even refused to go on the trip unless she is on board. And why, because she pampers them. Of course, our passengers happen to be our bosses and own the planes and treat us very very well in return. But regardless, it is still a customer service job and if you don't want to do it with a smile and take pride in your work, then do something else and stop taking it out on your passengers!
Kim Jan 28th 2009 8:45PM
Harry,
What is the primary function of the flight attendant? If you said service, you are wrong.
The primary function of the flight attendant is aircraft safety. The next function is passenger safety/first aid.
Then we get around to the service area of the job, which I hope is the only side of the job you see.
The airline I work for will not cover you as an injury on the job if you hurt yourself with a passenger's bag. I have permenant damage to my lower back from lifting an elderly lady's luggage. A rather round, rude male couldn't wait the 5 seconds for me to put the bag in the bin, as he had to shove me aside to pass. I didnt have the roll a board wheels in the bin, almost fell and I twisted backward. I don't touch a bag now.
A carry on bag means you can carry it on and stow it yourself.
Noah Jan 28th 2009 1:34PM
I wish my airline allowed us to only be trained on certain aircraft. I'd drop the 737 in a hearbeat, and maybe the 757 for good measure. Of course that leaves only the 767 and 777, but I think I could handle that. :)
Reserve sucks, main reason why I'm in EWR and not IAH.
Jimmy Mack Jan 28th 2009 2:09PM
To Jennifer Morsink:
You sound a bit sanctimonius and angry. "...90% of them are always in a bad mood...". That so?? You keep track of things like that do you? Are you sure you're not talking about the passengers? You offer up various excuses why some people lack personal accountability, yet flight attendants in your breathing space must be infallible in all areas, from human psychology to world geography..... A demanding soul you are. Are you a CEO or something? How did you get so important that you can re-write someone else's job description with little or no knowledge of what the job entails. And by the way, people take the airline that's cheaper. But you knew that right Ms Chairman?
Ann Sifers Jan 28th 2009 3:57PM
I know that only the agents are supposed to rearrange seating but I personally saw an occasion where a young mother and her whiney kid were sitting in business class. Every so often the Grandma would appear from cabin class to check on things and sometimes the kid would wander back to cabin. Finally, Grandma just sat down in an empty seat in business and stayed there for the flight. I know it is against the rules but is happened on a Zurich to Dallas flight.
jerrytcher Jan 28th 2009 6:09PM
Thanks for the info Heather!! The only question I have is about pay. Are you paid the same to be on-call as to working a flight? If it is the same, then I can see why you would "dread" these calls. If working a flight is more pay, then I guess it would depend on how much moeny you need that month :) Thanks again!
Max Williams Jan 28th 2009 9:05PM
Hey, I know it's a tough job, but with your attitude, the best place for you is on the unemployment line. What exactly did you think was going to happen when you took this job? You're a flying waitress with way to many benefits whose union has helped cripple the entire industry, so get over yourself. Good luck finding a job when you lose this one, because it sounds like you're in a people oriented job, but you hate people. It's no wonder you never hear anyone crying for stewardesses when there are mass layoffs. A good number of you deserve it. Your job is to make the flight more enjoyable for people forking over large amounts of money to travel, not be a whining, surley pain in the butt. Do us all a favor and quit.
Julie Feb 1st 2009 12:15PM
Max, my how sour the grapes are today! I know people who think like you are not open minded enough to be reasonable, but I'm going to try to enlighten you anyway. You don't know anything about the flight attendant job. You say our job is to make the flight more enjoyable for people "forking over large amounts of money". When was that? 1978? Up until recently, nobody was forking over more than 99$ one way. Barely enough to cover the cost of jet fuel to carry them. And our job? Is not about giving you three drinks and extra pretzels and water "to take a pill" the minute you (and 150 other people) step on the aircraft. It's about safety. Bottom line. Period. For all those people who like to sling the term "waitress" at us, I hope the next time you're at TGIFriday's, and you choke or have a heart attack, your waitress, (who is trained to handle these emergencies, of course,) steps in to save your ungrateful life. Or evacuates you out of the restaurant if it's on fire, and is the last person out. No offense to servers, that is not their job. But service on an airplane comes after, not in spite of, safety. And about those "many" benefits. I have been flying for twenty years, and haven't had a pay raise since 1996. I am a single parent, and can barely afford the group rate for health insurance for me and my son. That, you see, was cut in one of the many contract re-negotiations that took place so people like you could keep flying cheap despite the rising cost of jet fuel. Neither my union nor any other has "destroyed the industry". (Not your comment, someone else's but I'm on a roll.) My days are longer, my pay lower, and the removal of all the traditional services apparently all my fault. So, why, you say, don't I quit? Because, jacka$$, even on a bad day, my job is still pretty good. Why don't I lift your bag? Because it is not in my job description, therefore my company will not cover any injury I might sustain as "on the job". So I will be in pain, without a paycheck, and paying a lawyer to fight for me because you had to pack a heavy bag, but didn't want to check it, or lift it yourself. Sorry, I can't afford to be that nice. What I CAN afford to do is smile at you, attempt to serve you in a manner commensurate with the tools at my disposal, (yes, I have TWO degrees, and use big words with frequency) help you if you have a medical emergency, and, hopefully neither you nor I will never have to face this possibility, but I can save your life in the event of an accident. And I do it because I enjoy it. I rise above people like you, who are blessedly in the minority, and have a great time with the majority of passengers, who are pleasant and appreciate what I do. Have some respect.
Betty Feb 5th 2009 8:49PM
"...way too many benefits"???!!! You are out of touch with reality. Maybe 15 years ago the benefits were great, but that ceased to be the case, especially after 9-11. Airline employees lost nearly half their pay, sick days, vacation and pensions. I was a ticket agent, so I speak from experience. I still loved my job, but security issues for the passengers added a lot of stress to their travel experience, and increased our stress in dealing with them. Layoffs left us with little or no help in doing our jobs in a timely manner or even with a smile on bad weather days when flights cancelled and tempers were short. Get a grip with today's reality in air travel. It isn't what it used to be on so many levels.
frank96 Jan 28th 2009 9:26PM
Jennifer Morsink said...
But my question is what is the big deal, to help a passenger who needs help and get some water for someone who is asking for it.
==============================
I find this remark insulting. I've helped passengers for the last 25 years, locate and sometimes lift carry-on bags into the overhead bins. If it looked heavy or it was, then I've always said, "I'll lift one side." That's even after an injury that had me recovering for FIVE MONTHS at home. Surgery on my hand. Having the company dispute my bills, where I finally had to hire a lawyer to have them paid. I now have permanent DAMAGE to my hand, with limited mobility.
I think the water request during boarding was mentioned only because boarding is SO CHAOTIC. If you're working first class, pre-departure drinks are done. The aisle is PACKED with passengers and LUGGAGE. How nice that no one cares that you're trying to do a service while on the ground per company policy. I've been run over by several rollaboards, in my day. Or, hit with shoulder bags. Let's NOT forget the family who couldnt get seats together and EXPECT the flight attendant to perform miracles. (get someone to sit in a middle seat for 5 hours). They need your attention immediately too. You sometimes have Unaccompanied minors onboard. Getting them settled. Disabled passengers as well. Catering may have shown up late and you know from experience, you better RE-CHECK what they left you.
Oh, lets NOT forget the PILOTS, who love to ring you for beverages while everyone is boarding the flight. And, those passengers who just spent plenty of time in the boarding area, run back to the lavatory while boarding, lock themselves in there for 5 minutes, exit the lavatory, LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN and STINK UP the entire back of the aircraft. Which makes one wonder, if you were just outside in the boarding area, why didnt you use the WATER FOUNTAIN?
Next time you fly, stand behind a flight attendant and watch the TWO HUNDRED PASSENGERS herded onto an aircraft with 30 minutes. Get everyone settled, bags stowed and the flight out ON-TIME.
WHEW.