Heather Poole
- http://www.HeatherPoole.com
Heather is a flight attendant for a major US carrier. She lives in California and works in New York.
Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Galley Gossip: The Bachelor - airline employees, spouses & why Vienna is perfect for Jake
If you think long distance dating is difficult, try being married to an airline employee. It ain't easy. Because working for an airline is not just a job, it's a lifestyle, a very unusual one. Even now, seven years later, my husband, a man who travels more often than I do, doesn't completely understand how things work in the aviation industry and will often times get frustrated whenever we're discussing our travel schedules. That's because my schedule, much like a pilot's schedule, can change at a moments notice, making it difficult to create long term plans. I work holidays and weekends and I'm away from home for days at a time. Not many people can handle that.Pilots, for the most part, are type A personalities. They're logical thinkers who remain calm, cool, and in control as they command the aircraft. Think Captain Sullenberger. There's no room for emotion when faced with ditching an airplane into the Hudson River. Flight attendants, on the other hand, tend to be caretakers. We can pretty much make do in just about any situation. There's a reason why so many flight attendants end up on reality television shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, etc. Now they say opposites attract. I believe it. So is it any wonder that many pilots and flight attendants wind up having relationships with people who are completely different from themselves? Quite a few pilots tend to choose nurturing types like flight attendants, nurses and teachers, while a lot of flight attendants seem to get involved with pilots, police officers and firemen. Makes sense.
In my last post, The Bachelor - pilots, fashion & a few pilot fashion tips, I mentioned that I'm a fan of the reality television show The Bachelor. Well it just so happens that this season the man in command of the rose ceremony is a pilot named Jake. I truly believe that Vienna, one of the final four contestants, will be the last woman standing. What can I say, I always go for the underdog. Also, I admire strength in the face of adversity. Oh, sure, Vienna's a little immature, sharing intimate details of her dates with Jake that would have been better left unsaid, but she's young, thinks she's in love, and excited about what the future may hold. No one is perfect. So why would I choose the wild child who rubs everyone the wrong way, the woman who snuck into bed with the captain of her dreams only to be turned away and sent back to where she came from? Two reasons: 1. She has the type of personality that can handle life as a pilot's wife. 2. The psychological effect of fear.
Galley Gossip: The Bachelor - pilots, fashion & a few pilot fashion tips
Women love pilots. What's not to like? Even men have a thing for pilots. Think Brad Pitt. He fell in love with one. The word itself conjures up images of Richard Gere (Officer and a Gentleman), Tom Cruise (Top Gun), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Aviator), Andy Garcia (When a Man Loves a Woman), John Travolta (pilots his own 707), and Jake Pavelka. Jake Pavelka?
Jake Pavelka. Ya know, The Bachelor this season. Rumor has it he's a Captain for ASA.
I like Jake. He seems like a nice guy. This is why I'm afraid he may be in over his head. The women have been fawning all over him. I don't blame them. He's a handsome pilot who looks dreamy dressed in a tux! But that tuxedo got me thinking. Would they have given him a second glance if they'd seen him say passing through the lobby of a hotel - not dressed in his uniform, nor in a wardrobe chosen by a professional stylist for a popular television show, but in his (gasp) "layover clothes?" If you're a flight attendant, you know exactly what I'm talking about!
Pilots and fashion. I'm not sure you can even use the two words in the same sentence since they go as well together as orange juice and toothpaste. Ask any flight attendant if they can easily spot a pilot in civilian "layover clothes" and they will emphatically say yes. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm just saying...
Pilots and fashion. I'm not sure you can even use the two words in the same sentence since they go as well together as orange juice and toothpaste. Ask any flight attendant if they can easily spot a pilot in civilian "layover clothes" and they will emphatically say yes. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm just saying...
Galley Gossip: Special requests, two cubes of ice & a man's pair of pants
Dear Heather,
So the other day I was on a flight from Boston to San Francisco and I thought you might get a kick out of the following conversation that took place between the flight attendant working in first class and the passenger sitting beside me...
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Miss did you get a chance to look at the menu?
PASSENGER: Unfortunately
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Miss did you get a chance to look at the menu?
PASSENGER: Unfortunately
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: (Pauses. Smiles) Will you be dining with us tonight?
PASSENGER: I don't like anything on the menu, I mean clam chowder and steak - gross and gross!
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: I'm sorry, but that is all I have tonight.
PASSENGER: I mean, all of us are from California. We don't like CLAMS or STEAK! I want two portions of salad, the dessert fruit plate as my meal, with still water - not sparkling, and red wine - but not with my nuts, WITH my meal, and NO dessert!
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: (repeats the order) Got it!
PASSENGER: Wait, can I just have almonds? Oh forget it. I'll pick out what I don't want.
Galley Gossip: 5 ways flight attendants handle difficult passengers
Flight attendants deal with unruly passengers all the time. How we handle a problem passenger depends on the situation. Most of the time a few simple techniques can be used to diffuse a situation, but I'll get to that in a moment. Because sometimes, every once in awhile, we have no choice but to involve law enforcement - not just for our safety, but for the comfort and safety of passengers on board. What kind of behavior could possibly result in an arrest? The following scenarios actually took place in flight and are just a few examples of what not to do on an airplane.
THE GROPER: When I first started flying, a big wig studio executive sitting in first class from New York to Los Angeles walked into the business class galley and pinched my you-know-what in front of three coworkers. Shocked, we all just stood there trying to comprehend what had just happened. That's when Mr. Big Wig actually did it again.
THE FIGHTER: A young woman dressed suggestively wandered around the coach cabin talking to several different male passengers. Later on we learned she had asked each one of them to buy her an alcoholic beverage. After they refused, she finally came back to the galley and requested a beer. The flight attendant refused to serve her since she appeared to be a minor. The passenger responded by punching the flight attendant in the face.
THE FLASHER: A passenger stood inside the lavatory with his pants down around his ankles. Whenever he'd hear someone pass by, he'd push the accordion door open and quickly expose himself.
Here's a tip: If you wouldn't do it at your mama's house, don't do it on the airplane.
Galley Gossip: How to prepare for a flight attendant interview
Dear Heather,I'm interested in becoming a flight attendant. I was wondering if you could give me a little advice as to what to expect in an interview, how should I prepare for it, etc. I would really appreciate it.
Donna
Dear Donna,
Whatever you do, do not wear a canary yellow suit to the interview. That's exactly what I did the first time I interviewed with a major airline. Needless to say, I didn't get hired. Not that that was a bad thing because I wound up graduating from college instead. Not to mention, I prefer the airline I work for now. That said, education is key. There aren't many airlines hiring these days so competition is fierce. Only the most qualified will succeed. Since the aviation industry isn't as stable as it once was, it's always a good idea to have something to fall back on.
DRESS THE PART: If you want to become a flight attendant, try looking like one. Start by wearing a blue or black suit to the interview. Skirt length should be no more than an inch above the knee and pantyhose are a must. Keep fingernails clean and polished and long hair pulled back or styled conservatively. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum - no dangly earrings! Do not overdo the makeup. Think fresh and neat.
BE YOURSELF: First impressions count. It's a nerve wracking experience, but try to relax and don't forget to smile. Introduce yourself to other candidates in the room. Airlines prefer applicants who are friendly. So be yourself, enjoy the moment, and laugh! Have fun.
Galley Gossip: Interview with musician Josh Wilson (The Hey, Jude Newark Airport guy)
On January 3rd, 2010, there was a security breach at Newark Liberty International Airport. As a result, all passengers in the secure area were required to clear the concourse and pass through security checkpoints a second time. This process took almost six hours. While most travelers were annoyed and frustrated, one imaginative traveler, musician Josh Wilson, decided to lighten the mood. This is his story.Name: Josh Wilson
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter signed to Sparrow Records (EMI's Christian Label).
I'm always saying, "This is your life, enjoy it -- even if you're stuck at an airport!" It looks like you know how to do just that based on your popular video making the rounds. So where were you traveling to the day of the Newark Security Breach? I was headed to Mumbai, India with my wife and some others doing mission work
Now that's funny! Have you ever played for a crowd of passengers before? You know, as a musician at some point you feel you've played ever possible type of gig. But I do think it was my first airport performance.
Galley Gossip: Lawyer wants to become a flight attendant
Dear Heather,
I am an attorney, but I stopped working to go back to school for a tax-law post graduate degree and learned so much in school about flight attendants - weird right? Well it's not really that weird because my professor used to work as a tax lawyer for an airline, so income tax and flight attendant benefits were a big topic! It really got me thinking... wait a minute... this could be an AWESOME way to see the world and have fun being in customer service. I'm a pretty personable person and love meeting people and helping them out. Does it take a certain type of person to be a flight attendant? I just really want to have some fun and adventure. I know there is a lot more to the job than that, but is there ENOUGH fun and adventure to make the not -so -glamorous parts of the job worth it?
Claire
Dear Claire,
Believe it or not, you're not the only attorney interested in becoming a flight attendant. One of my colleagues who works part time for the airline owns his own law firm in Boston. There's a reason he still flies when he really doesn't have to. That's because the job is still filled with enough fun and adventure to make the not-so-glamorous parts of the job worth it! But it's up to each flight attendant to make the most of the job, to focus on the positive and take advantage of the flexibility and flying benefits. You'd be surprised to learn how many flight attendants don't do that. Otherwise it becomes just like any other job. And remember no one ever becomes a flight attendant for the money, but you probably already learned that in tax-law class.
Galley Gossip: 10 signs there's a newbie in first class
1. PHONES HOME - As soon as the first class virgin settles into the big, comfy, leather chair, they immediately begin to phone everyone they know during boarding to share exactly where they are, and they do so in a very loud voice as they recline the seat all the way back, giving a detailed description of just how far the seat actually goes. Amazing, isn't it? Calls are followed by a self portrait which gets sent via text. Hi mom!
3. STRANGE USE OF HOT TOWELS - Hot towels are distributed in first class before the meal is served. Most passengers use the steamy cloth to wash their hands, while some will use it to clean their eyeglasses or wipe down the tray table, all of which are acceptable uses of a hot towel. The virgin has been known to do things a tad bit differently. I've witnessed quite a few passengers giving the old armpits a good rub down. A couple of coworkers have even spotted passengers trying to eat the thing as if it were a spring roll.
4. ORDERS THE BREAD BASKET - Menus are passed out in first class. Inside passengers will find a selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts and wine. Off to the side it mentions that sourdough and multigrain rolls are served alongside the main course. The virgin has been known to order the bread basket as an entree choice.
Galley Gossip: A flight attendant responds to Senator Schumer's outburst
No one likes to be told what to do.
After the announcement had been made to turn off and stow all electronic devices, a flight attendant noticed Senator Schumer still chatting away on his cell phone and asked him to turn it off. He complied, but not without a fight. He argued that because the aircraft door had not been shut at the time of the announcement he was entitled to use the phone. The flight attendant, who was reported by Politico.com as being polite throughout the incident, told Schumer that she didn't make the rules, just followed them, and with that she walked away. That's when Senator Schumer made a big time passenger faux pas. He turned to his seat mate, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and uttered the B_word under his breath.
I can't help but wonder what Senator Kirsten Gillibrand had to think of Senator Schumer's childish behavior. Especially at the ease in which the word was used!
While I understand that passengers don't like to be ordered around, especially on an airplane by a lowly flight attendant who should know the customer is always right even when that customer is breaking an FAA regulation, this story is really much deeper than that. It's about respect - or lack thereof. The airplane is a microcosm of the world and the Senator's outburst is just another example of how society behaves today. Take it from me, the one stuck in a flying tube for hours on end with passengers from all walks of life, it's a me-me-me, A.D.D world out there. Don't believe me? Pay attention next time.
When I heard Brian Fallon, Senator Schumer's spokesperson, had stated that the senator regrets making the "off-the-cuff comment," I wondered if the Senator would have thought twice about what he'd said if the story hadn't made headlines? Doubt it. Oh and did you notice that nothing was mentioned in terms of an apology regarding the use of his cell phone at a time when it was not permitted, which is what triggered the outburst in the first place? I'm not surprised.
Want to know what I love most about this story?
Galley Gossip: The first class / orange juice passenger responds to what happened in flight
My Galley Gossip post, a flight attendant responds to the first class orange juice debacle, created quite a flurry of comments from people venting their frustrations out on flight attendants. Many readers accused me of defending Helen, the flight attendant mentioned in the letter published on the Consumerist web site. But I did not defend Helen. As a matter of fact, if the story is true, I think Helen needs time off until her issues are sorted out. That said, I did defend flight attendants in general. At the end of the letter the witness to the orange juice incident transfers his anger from Helen on to flight attendants in general over the last twenty years. I've been a flight attendant for over fifteen years and I take pride in my job, as does so many of my colleagues whom provide excellent customer service on a regular bases. It saddens me that one bad apple can affect so many people.
Now this story was originally brought to light by David Koss, the passenger who wrote the letter to the Consumerist. He sat behind the passenger who ordered the orange juice, witnessing the entire debacle first hand. No one deserves to be treated badly - passengers and flight attendants alike. But I'm a firm believer that there are always two sides to every story, so who knows what really went down on that flight!
Now imagine my surprise, while scanning the comments under my post, when I found this, an actual response from the passenger directly involved in the incident...
