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Galley Gossip: A question about why flight attendants are fat, old, grumpy, lazy and ugly
Dear Heather,
Here's another you hate to hear but I will say it anyway... Why is it that US domestic flight attendants are so much more fat, grumpy, lazy and uglier than their foreign counterparts? They are ALL drop dead gorgeous, smile and don't ask me for any money when I fly with them. Why is that?
Big Daddy
Dear Big Daddy,
Why am I not surprised that a question like this is coming from a person addressing himself as Big Daddy? Why is it that I shake my head as I read this question and wonder just how big Big Daddy is and whether or not Big Daddy is fatter, grumpier, lazier, or uglier than his foreign counterparts? Does Big Daddy not realize that flight attendants are people, too, and that a flight attendant has every right to grow older and get a little fatter and uglier as the years go by, and that a flight attendant can remain a flight attendant as long as he/she can perform the job? Doesn't big Daddy realize that flight attendants are allowed the same rights as passengers?
Perhaps Big Daddy doesn't know that the flight attendants working the US Airways flight that landed in the Hudson River last month were all senior flight attendants in their 50's. Does Big Daddy honestly believe that all of the passengers who were evacuated safely off that flight and onto the wings and into the slide / rafts in freezing temperature really cared whether or not their flight attendants had hips a tad bit bigger, or a belly slightly larger, or faces not quite as pretty as their foreign counterparts? What is it, Big Daddy, that brings out such backwards thinking in people? And what will become of our foreign counterparts when they, too, get older and fatter and uglier, Big Daddy?
Just a couple questions, Big Daddy - are you married? Do you have children? Run with a good group of friends? If so, do you judge them as lesser than if they're fatter and older than their foreign counterparts? So why are flight attendants any different?
As far as only experiencing grumpy flight attendants on board your flights, I only know what I know, and what I know is I always try to be kind and friendly with my passengers, always making small talk while serving drinks and doing whatever I can with what little is provided. Most of my passengers deplane with a smile on their face. I say most, not all, because one person can only do so much for 160 passengers (or more).
As far as lazy flight attendants go, there's only so much a flight attendant can do in this day and age of travel besides offer a drink and apologize because we don't have this and we don't have that to a full flight of miserably cramped passengers. I'm sorry the airlines have had to drastically change due to the weak economy. I'm sorry that I have to constantly say I'm sorry. And I'm sorry you feel the level of service and the looks of your attendant are inferior. I'm sorry, always sorry.
But at a time when companies are going under, my airline is still flying strong. I'm proud of that. Even if that means I have to ask you to pay for your headset, alcoholic beverage and snack. At a time when companies are cutting back, my airline has yet to lay off within the last few years. I'm proud of that. Even if that means there are no more pillows and peanuts and the average age of a flight attendant is forty years-old due to the fact that we haven't hired in years.
If all that matters to you, Big Daddy, when choosing an airline is a gorgeous flight attendant who smiles and doesn't ask you for money, than yes, our foreign counterparts are by far superior. I hope that answered your question. If you have another question email me at Skydoll123@yahoo.com.
Happy travels,
Heather Poole
Photos courtesy of (black and white flight attendant) Alexindigo, (flight attendants) praziquantel - flickr
Filed under: Galley Gossip
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
rrgg Feb 9th 2009 10:15AM
It's simply evidence that sexism is even worse in other countries. Why people care about the sex appeal of their FA is beyond me.
Heather Poole Feb 9th 2009 4:33PM
THANK YOU! But honestly, I think the sexist attitude has to do with fear, which is something I may have to touch on in another Galley Gossip post. Trust me, it's not what you're thinking, so make sure to check back!
DC Feb 9th 2009 10:08AM
I have to agree with Big Daddy on this one. Foreign flight attendants, particularly from asia, are better looking, more polite, and more inclined to do a better job. They are like a throwback to the good old days of aviation when being a flight attendant was a glamorous job. Today, on most US airlines, the majority of flight attendants are rude, grumpy, and overweight.
Katie Feb 9th 2009 11:51AM
It's worth noting that many of the foreign airlines with younger, more "glamorous" flight attendants also adhere to hiring and firing policies that in the United States are considered to be discriminatory and are now illegal.
Heather Poole Feb 9th 2009 4:29PM
DC - I think you should know that foreign passengers are also more polite, particularly passengers from Asia, and they, too, are more inclined to be better passengers. Why is that, you think?
Sean Feb 10th 2009 8:09PM
DC, you are just as narrow minded and bigoted as "Big Daddy". You are superficial and probably have social problems. So hide behind your computer and keep the insults coming. What comes around...
M Feb 18th 2009 12:52PM
Heather,
I work for a major US carrier that has many Asian routes and I beg to differ with your statement.
The majority of the PAX on my Asian flights are far more demanding and fussy than North American or European customers.
It is primarily a cultural difference that I do not take any issue with since I understand that in their cultures our position is viewed as that of a servant, not a professional. Most are not at all "polite" by western standards, although usually quite respectful.
-M
Michele Feb 9th 2009 12:23PM
I feel pretty certain that Big Daddy has the same opinion about nurses. He probably thinks that his nurse should weigh in at 120lbs and be drop dead georgeous when she sweetly asks him to "turn over please for your pain injection". He probably pinches her on the ass as she leaves the room too, just as he would like to FA's foreign counterparts. Thankfully, in today's world, both FA's and RN's are hired for their skills, not for what they look like or how old they are. We all work hard and have to make do with the budget cuts and reduced staffing. So Big Daddy, the next time your plane goes down in the Hudson River, or you are in the ER having a heart attack, we will be sure to remember your post here. "Oh I'm sorry Sir, but I am just too old and fat to help you today".
Heather Poole Feb 9th 2009 4:42PM
I'm so glad you said this. I do believe that flight attendants and nurses have a lot in common - we deal with people not always acting their best, we have crazy schedules that most of our loved ones do not understand, and our jobs are still viewed as "sexy jobs." Again, I think fear is the reason many people act out against us and why our jobs are considered sexy jobs. More on the subject of fear to come...
Matt Feb 9th 2009 11:10AM
Perhaps if the USA didn't have laws like those banning sexism, age-based hiring, and weight standards, we could have "throwback" employment laws too. The time of sex in the aisles is gone. Being an FA is a profession, just like any other for which there is constant training and emphasis on service delivery. Too bad that "Big Daddy" is confusing the airplane with a Hooters.
I'm a red-blooded American male, but I would hate to think of the consequences to my family if those same foreign employment laws applied to me or my wife. Would you get fired for gaining 20 pounds, or even being married? Those were the old "throwback" laws that existed in the 1970's here. I'd much rather have a professional workforce than a ditz parade down the aisle.
Now if you want to talk about service delivery and onboard experience, sure the foreign carriers have the US beat. But remember that most are state-sponsored and are an extension of the country's tourism board. Coupled with discriminatory hiring practices, well yes it's easier to have throwback standards.
-Signed,
A UA dispatcher who is glad to work with some of the finest in the industry.
Heather Poole Feb 9th 2009 4:34PM
I couldn't have said it better
Nathaniel Feb 9th 2009 11:13AM
DC you and people like "Big Daddy" disturb me as I doubt either of you know what good service truly is. How a flight attendant looks should not play a role into if they get a job or not. Don't get me wrong I can be a bit sexist at times to, having a pretty stewardess to look at always seems to make the flight a little bit faster, but I have no issue with ones who are not. 99% of the FA's I have flown with have been really nice. Though occasionally you get a bad egg it is the exception not the rule.
masanddjs Feb 9th 2009 11:21AM
I live in Europe and have to agree that the flight attendants are all young and very attractive (Gulf Air, Emerites and Qatar to name a few). Having said that,
I'd take an older, more experienced F/A anyday. I've heard that the 18 year F/A's on some of these budget airlines have been known to cry during an emergency.
They don't give off a professional attitude (with the exception of the above mentioned). You don't see many older "air hostesses". I think they boot them out when they reach a certain age. You have to be under 30 to even apply. Appearance means nothing. EFFICIENCY without complaining means everything. Unfortunately, the attitude of a lot of American carriers is far from courteous. It would be nice to see more smiling, less whining "trolley dollies" on those US airlines.
masanddjs Feb 9th 2009 11:47AM
I meant to say 18 year olds...........I think the average age for most of the budget airlines over here in Europe is about 20
Heather Poole Feb 9th 2009 4:36PM
I was nodding my head in agreement until I got to the very end! Perhaps they're not smiling anymore because they're tired of being called Trolley-Dollies! You're going to like my upcoming post - Just a waitress in the sky.
masanddjs Feb 10th 2009 1:01AM
I've also heard the term "cart tart"..I thought trolley dolley sounded nicer
Heather Poole Feb 11th 2009 6:10PM
I know it's bad, but that made me laugh - cart tart
masanddjs Feb 17th 2009 8:27AM
Besides, Heather, you introduced the term trolley dolly in your own blog..and I quote-------
"Ever wonder what it's like to be a flight attendant, air hostess, trolley dolly and let's not forget my least favorite of all, waitress in the sky? "
Jeff Billimek Feb 9th 2009 12:48PM
Appearances aside, I have noticed that (especially on the legacy carriers), the prime long-haul flights are staffed more often than not by grumpy & bitter FAs. I can only guess that this is so because those flights are the ones that the FAs with the most seniority can bid on & get. And it seems that the ones with the most seniority are the ones who are the oldest and, in some cases, the most bitter & angry.
Obviously not all FAs are like that, and at least with some carriers, they have had to contend with some deep pay & benefits cuts - but it really is disappointing to have a bitter & grumpy FA scowling at everyone who dares ask a question. It definitely doesn't reflect well on the airline.
Like it or not, but there is probably some truth to what 'Big Daddy' is pointing out. Appearances shouldn't matter, but attitudes certainly do. Attacking people for pointing that out won't change what is really going on.
Caz Feb 11th 2009 5:31PM
I have to agree with this. I've flown two legacy carriers internationally lately; the older US flight attendants looked miserable, and the international FA's seemed calm and cheerful. (I actually talked to some of the United attendants and asked what was up, and got a HUGE earful about possibly losing pensions, reducing hours, etc. while the CEO got a bonus...which made their bitterness very understandable!)
That said, I flew Air France a few years ago, and FA attractiveness aside, I found them to be standoffish and rude. I remember going to the galley to ask for a Customs card (you were supposed to get one at CDG but they ran out) and got the Look of Death. Stereotypes, sure, and DC was pretty boorish, but there is something about older US legacy FAs that makes me want to avoid getting near their scowls.
(I also have to agree with other posters too that both DC and Heather are either presenting extreme viewpoints or getting far too defensive too quickly, BTW.)