Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: 10 Ways To Handle A Tight Connection]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/03/galley-gossip-10-ways-to-handle-a-tight-connection/http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/03/galley-gossip-10-ways-to-handle-a-tight-connection/http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/03/galley-gossip-10-ways-to-handle-a-tight-connection/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1. Book wisely. If you need to be somewhere really important, it's probably not a good idea to book your flights with less than an hour between them. Even an hour is pushing it. An hour and a half is good. Two hours, even better. Whatever you do, don't take the last flight out! Delays happen. So do cancelations.

2. Pay the extra fee. If you're the anxious type and travel is stressful, pay the extra fee to sit closer to the front of the airplane and be done with it. Why start your trip out on the wrong foot and the risk a snowball effect. Because once something goes wrong, everything seems to follow suit. Better to be out a few bucks than to miss a flight! It's worth it just to relax.

3. Check your boarding pass. Many airlines print the boarding time, not the departure time, on the boarding pass. Depending on the equipment type (smaller vs. larger aircraft), you can usually tag on another 30 to 40 minutes to your connection time. Read the fine print.

4. Switch seats. Ask a flight attendant if you can move closer to the front of the cabin on landing. Unfortunately, most flights are full these days and just because there's an open seat up front doesn't mean you'll find a spot in the overhead bin for your bag too. If you've booked a tight connection, you might want to make sure your carry-on luggage fits under the seat in front of you.

5. Relax: I know, I know, easier said than done. Just know that while it might feel like it takes forever to disembark, the truth is almost everyone is able to deplane in less than 15 minutes. So take a deep breath and ... exhale. Put in your earphones and play the most relaxing music you have. Then get ready to run. Here's to hoping you wore appropriate shoes to sprint across the airport terminal.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: 10 Ways To Handle A Tight Connection

Galley Gossip: 10 Ways To Handle A Tight Connection originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AgentsAirline feesAirlineFeesAirlinesairportsBoardingBoardingPassBooking flightsBookingFlightsConnectionsDelaysdeplaningflight attendantsFlight connectionsFlightAttendantsFlightConnectionsFlightsFlyinggate agentsGateAgentslayoversMechanicalsTight ConnectionsTightConnectionsTravelTwitterWeatherFri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: The Worst, Funniest And Most Common Bad Passengers I've Encountered]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/27/galley-gossip-the-worst-funniest-and-most-common-bad-passenge/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/27/galley-gossip-the-worst-funniest-and-most-common-bad-passenge/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/27/galley-gossip-the-worst-funniest-and-most-common-bad-passenge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

From time to time I get asked questions about bad passengers. I thought I'd share a few of them here.

What's the worst passenger behavior you've witnessed?

I've caught passengers taking other people's luggage out of the bin to make room for their own bags. I'm not joking. They'll pull out a bag, drop it on the floor and walk away leaving it in the middle of the aisle for the passengers behind them to crawl over. Have you ever tried stepping over a 21-inch Rollaboard? Not easy. Happened three times last month!

The funniest?

Recently a woman tried to stow her suitcase in that, oh, what do you call that spot? Crevice? Crack? Between the overhead bin and the ceiling? There's like a millimeter of space there! I don't care which airline you're traveling on, that's not going to fit. Then there are the recliners and the anti-recliners. One anti-recliner got upset at a recliner because she couldn't get her tray table down. I suggested if maybe she removed the gigantic fanny pack from around her waist it might go down. She looked at me like I was the crazy one! One man actually called me over because the passenger in front of him had reclined his seat. I had to point out that, uh ... his seat was reclined too!

What's the most common bad passenger behavior you've seen?

These days, people are so self-absorbed multitasking as they board a flight they don't even say hello to the flight attendant greeting them at the boarding door. They're too busy talking on the phone, typing on their laptops, listening to music and texting as they walk down the aisle to notice their backpacks and duffle bags are whacking people in the head. Recently a passenger got mad at me - ME! - because I wouldn't help him lift a heavy bag. That's because he couldn't get off the phone to improve his one arm bag swing. Two arms always work better than one when it comes to getting those bags into the overhead bins.

Gallery: Galley Gossip: The official laviators club

Continue reading Galley Gossip: The Worst, Funniest And Most Common Bad Passengers I've Encountered

Galley Gossip: The Worst, Funniest And Most Common Bad Passengers I've Encountered originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirplanesBad passengersBadPassengersCarry on luggageCarryOnLuggageElectronic DevicesElectronicDevicesFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsflightsFlo RidaFloRidaflyingLuggageOverhead BinsOverheadBinspassengersRulesstewardessTravelWed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Can Passengers View Pornography on the Airplane?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/01/11/galley-gossip-can-passengers-view-pornography-on-airplanes/http://www.gadling.com/2013/01/11/galley-gossip-can-passengers-view-pornography-on-airplanes/http://www.gadling.com/2013/01/11/galley-gossip-can-passengers-view-pornography-on-airplanes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

From time to time I get questions from readers who want to know what the rules are regarding viewing pornography in flight now that Wi-Fi is available on board most airplanes. Thankfully, it hasn't been much of an issue (knock on wood). But planes are crowded, personal space barely exits, and when passengers do things they shouldn't, well, they usually get caught.

Last week on a flight from New York to Fort Lauderdale, a coworker had to ask a 10-year-old boy to turn off the erotica and to fasten his seatbelt. On either side of him sat his younger brother and sister. Across the aisle were his parents who had no idea what was going on until we informed them why he may have been holding the computer screen so close to his face. On a different flight another passenger was caught reading a Playboy Magazine. Next to him sat his young son. What gave this man away was the opened centerfold he was eyeing up and down. When a flight attendant politely asked him to put it away, he yelled at her for embarrassing him.

How common is it to see someone watching something rather risqué on a laptop, iPad, tablet or even the in-flight entertainment system in the air? I can only think of a few instances I've seen something that might raise a few eyebrows. When this happens, I'll gently inform the passenger that there are children on board and remind them that other passengers seated nearby might find what they're viewing distasteful. Nine times out of ten they'll either fast forward through the scene or turn it off - end of story.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Can Passengers View Pornography on the Airplane?

Galley Gossip: Can Passengers View Pornography on the Airplane? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIrlinesAirplanesbookscomputersElectronicsentertainmenteroticaFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsFlightsGOGOInflight entertainmentInflightEntertainmentipadsiphonesKidslaptopsmagazinespassengersPlayboyPornoPorongraphyRulesTraveling with kidsTravelingWithKidsWi-fiWirelessXXXFri, 11 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 10 Best Travel Apps For Flight Attendants]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/29/10-best-travel-apps-for-flight-attendants/http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/29/10-best-travel-apps-for-flight-attendants/http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/29/10-best-travel-apps-for-flight-attendants/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1. FAAWait - During a creeping weather delay a flight attendant who also works part time as an air traffic controller told me about FAAWait. It's his favorite app. One click and we knew which airports across the country were also experiencing delays, how long the delays were averaging, and what had caused the delays.

2. MyRadar: Recently a fearful flier on board one of my flights spent three hours watching the weather light up his iPad screen: blue, green, red - wow, so much red! He knew exactly when to expect turbulence, how bad it might get, and how long it would last. Knowing this kept him calm. At one point he even turned around in his seat to let the crew know it would be smooth flying from here on out. Two seconds later the captain called to tell us the exact same thing, it was safe to get up and finish the service. Since then I've been recommending the app to anyone who mentions they're afraid to fly.

3. WhatsApp: An Emirate's flight attendant from Bosnia based in Saudi Arabia told me about this app on a flight from Miami to New York. WhatsApp makes it possible to send text messages to friends and family out of the country free of charge. There is virtually no cost to stay in touch with loved ones. You can even share audio and video messages.

4. Twitter: Still the best way to get breaking news! You don't need to "get it." Just learn how to use the hashtags to find information as it's happening. For instance, not too long ago I was at an airport that was being evacuated and no one knew why. That was my cue to search the airport code - #DFW. That's how I found out there was a bomb threat on an incoming flight. I learned this from passengers who were actually on board the flight and tweeting about it as they taxied to the gate.

5. HappyHourFinder: Flight attendants don't make a lot of money. In fact new hires start out making less than $18,000 a year. And yet we're subjected to overpriced hotel and airport food on a regular basis. This is why we take advantage of happy hour specials, particularly ones that include half priced appetizers, which might explain how I ended up at Vince Neil's Bar, Tres Rios, in Las Vegas two hours after learning about the app in the crew van on our way from the airport to the layover hotel.

Continue reading The 10 Best Travel Apps For Flight Attendants

The 10 Best Travel Apps For Flight Attendants originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesAirplaneAirportsAppsFAAFAA WaitFAAWaitFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsfrequent fliersFrequentFliersGate GuruGateGuruHappy HourHappyHourHappyHourFinderHotel TonightHotelsHotelSpecialsHotelTonightinstagramMyRadarPhotographsPhotographypost cardspostagramPostCardsRadarStewardesstravelTravel appsTravelAppsTurbulenceTwitterWeatherWhatsAppYelpThu, 29 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Interview With A Saudi Airline Flight Attendant]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/05/galley-gossip-interview-with-a-saudi-airline-flight-attendant/http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/05/galley-gossip-interview-with-a-saudi-airline-flight-attendant/http://www.gadling.com/2012/11/05/galley-gossip-interview-with-a-saudi-airline-flight-attendant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Where are you from, Ahmed? Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I'm Jeddah based.

What are the requirements to become a flight attendant for Saudi Airlines? High school minimum, English language (reading writing and spoken fluent), minimum age is 19, maximum age is 35, flight attendant diploma or courses has a priority.

How long was your flight attendant training? 3 months. But the new procedure is 6 months.

What's the best thing about being a flight attendant for Saudi Airlines? Benefits. We receive 14 salary per year in addition housing and transportation allowances, many free tickets, 24 hour insurance for accidents, and social position.

What is the average time on the job as a flight attendant for Saudi Airlines? Retirement age 60 years or 40 years flying. Male flight attendants don't have contracts. We are government employees. Female have an open contract. 25 years maximum.

Are female flight attendants recruited from other countries? Yes. We recruit from Morocco, Tunis , Egypt , Sudan , Ethiopia , Algiers , Albania , Bosnia , Turkey , Lebanon , Jordan , Syria, Pakistan , India , Philippines , Malaysia , Indonesia and Bangladesh. We don't have any flight attendants from Saudi Arabia or The Gulf Countries.

How do you think being a flight attendant in the United States differs from being one in Saudi Arabia? Being a flight attendant in Saudi airlines is more secure then USA because we belong to the government and Ministry of Aviation and Defense. Nobody can fire you due to bankruptcy of the company. We receive a salary and benefits no matter what happens to the company.

Favorite airplane? If it's not Boeing, I'm not going - hehehe

Longest flight? Washington and New York is our longest flight. 14 hours of flying.

Favorite route? Flights to the US so I can reach my required flying time in three flights only.

Least favorite route & why? London. Some of the passengers cannot ask for anything without mentioning their British passport.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Interview With A Saudi Airline Flight Attendant

Galley Gossip: Interview With A Saudi Airline Flight Attendant originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirlinesBritish passportEmiratesFlight attendant interviewFlight attendantsFlightAttendantInterviewFlightAttendantsJeddahJeddehLong Island City, QueensMilanNew York CityRamadanSaudi AirlineSaudi ArabiaSaudi Arabian Airlinessaudi+airlinesSaudiAirlinesaudiairlinesSaudiArabiaMon, 05 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: How Being Married To A Flight Attendant Is Great Training For The Job]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/08/30/galley-gossip-how-being-married-to-a-flight-attendant-is-great/http://www.gadling.com/2012/08/30/galley-gossip-how-being-married-to-a-flight-attendant-is-great/http://www.gadling.com/2012/08/30/galley-gossip-how-being-married-to-a-flight-attendant-is-great/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hi Heather, My wife is a flight attendant and for some time now I've been looking to make a career change and was thinking of becoming a flight attendant myself. I can see how she enjoys it and has fun with it and I'd like to try it, too. Do you think it would be a good or bad thing to bring up in an interview situation that I am married to a flight attendant or does it matter at all? Obviously being married to one gives me a greater insight and depth of understanding of the job and what it involves compared to many other candidates. I have a degree in Microbiology so I have somewhat of a brain, although my wife might debate that with you. I also co-managed a bar in Ireland before I came to the United States so I know what it's like to have to deal with difficult and intoxicated customers. I also was an airport screener for a while and I'm a state certified emergency responder. I'd like to think these things would make me a strong candidate. Just curious what you think. Thanks for your time, Brian.

Based on your work experience alone, you sound like the perfect candidate to me! You're comfortable cutting people off handling intoxicated passengers, you're familiar with the responsibilities that go along with working at an airport, and you have a pretty good idea of what life is like in the sky. Being a certified emergency trainer will only make you more attractive to the airlines. Your wife, I'm sure, has mentioned that no one ever dies in flight, right? At least not until a doctor can make an official pronouncement. This might be why so many flight attendants have nursing backgrounds. Some are even senior enough to hold a flying schedule that allows them to balance a nursing career at the same time. These are always my favorite flight attendants to work with because when there's an emergency in flight, they tend to take over. That being said, I truly believe it's your wife that makes you a standout.

You've Got Heather Poole

Continue reading Galley Gossip: How Being Married To A Flight Attendant Is Great Training For The Job

Galley Gossip: How Being Married To A Flight Attendant Is Great Training For The Job originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirlinesFlight attendant interviewFlight attendantsFlightAttendantInterviewFlightAttendantsNursenursingRelationshipsStewardessThu, 30 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: How To Answer Difficult Flight Attendant Interview Questions]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/08/28/galley-gossip-how-to-answer-difficult-flight-attendant-intervie/http://www.gadling.com/2012/08/28/galley-gossip-how-to-answer-difficult-flight-attendant-intervie/http://www.gadling.com/2012/08/28/galley-gossip-how-to-answer-difficult-flight-attendant-intervie/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm scheduled for a flight attendant interview on Tuesday! I've been through the process once before so I am familiar with the questions they may ask, but I'm just not confident in my answers sometimes. The hardest part is answering behavioral or situational questions. When they ask, "Name a time when..." I find it really hard to recall examples from my past work experience. I have trouble with these questions and I'm not sure what a good answer may be. I hope you can help. Here are a few examples.

1. How do you handle stress?
2. Name a time when you were under a lot of stress and how did you deal with it?
3. Describe a situation when you had to make a quick decision?

Krista

You've been through the interview process once before, so you already know what to expect. That's half the battle. Try to relax and don't forget to smile. Being able to keep your cool during a stressful situation is a big part of the job. The fact that the airline called you for a one-on-one interview says a lot about you. Thousands of people apply for the job, but very few applicants hear back from the airline. Remember that next time you're not feeling overly confident. And try to have some fun.

When it comes to answering interview questions, the most important thing to do is let the airline know you're a customer service oriented person - as often as possible. Talk about how you go above and beyond the call of duty to help people. Airlines are looking for flight attendants who are friendly, work well with others and take pride in their job. Try not to read too much into the questions. There's no such thing as a right answer. You don't have to share life-altering events for an airline to realize you'd make a great fit. Think in terms of the job. Keep it simple.

I can't answer the questions for you, but I can give you a few things to think about when it comes to stress and making quick decisions.


Continue reading Galley Gossip: How To Answer Difficult Flight Attendant Interview Questions

Galley Gossip: How To Answer Difficult Flight Attendant Interview Questions originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesamerican airlines flight attendant interview questionsamericanairlinesflightattendantinterviewquestionsflight attendant interviewflight attendant interview questionsflight attendant interview questions and answersFlight attendantsFlightAttendantInterviewFlightAttendantInterviewQuestionsflightattendantinterviewquestionsandanswersFlightAttendantsinterviewInterview questionsinterview questions for flight attendantInterviewQuestionsinterviewquestionsforflightattendantstewardessunited airlines flight attendant interview questionsunitedairlinesflightattendantinterviewquestionsTue, 28 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: How Do New Flight Attendants On Probation Commute To Work? (And Who Pays For It?)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/07/19/galley-gossip-how-do-new-flight-attendants-on-probation-commute/http://www.gadling.com/2012/07/19/galley-gossip-how-do-new-flight-attendants-on-probation-commute/http://www.gadling.com/2012/07/19/galley-gossip-how-do-new-flight-attendants-on-probation-commute/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I would love to become a flight attendant. I live close to Fort Lauderdale airport, only about 30 miles from Miami International Airport and 80 miles from West Palm Beach Airport. I also have two teenagers (13 and 16) so that's where my question begins. If I live in Florida but my base is in New York, will I have to agree to relocate? How does that work if I live in Florida and have kids and a husband? Would the airline pay me to fly out to my base station every time I need to report to work or do I have to pay for that? Or would I just have to move there? This is what I don't really understand. - Gladys

On the flight attendant job application you'll probably find the question, "Are you willing to relocate?" Check the box "no" instead of "yes" and it's safe to assume you probably won't get called in for an interview. It's common knowledge that flight attendants must be willing to cut their hair and go anywhere.

After you've successfully completed training, you'll probably be put on probation. At my airline, probation lasts six months and new hires on probation do not receive travel benefits during this time. New flight attendants who choose to live in another city are on their own when it comes to covering the expense of getting to and from work during the first six months. Once off probation, commuters at my airline fly for free by standing by for an open seat. This is called non-reving because you are now a non-revenue passenger. Keep in mind there are very few open seats available on flights today, especially around holidays, during weekends and all through the summer. I've actually seen flight attendants come to blows over the jump seat on the last flight out. Which is why you're lucky you live so close to three airports. You have options when flights are full or when delays and cancellations affect air travel.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: How Do New Flight Attendants On Probation Commute To Work? (And Who Pays For It?)

Galley Gossip: How Do New Flight Attendants On Probation Commute To Work? (And Who Pays For It?) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinescrash padsCrashPadsFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsnon-revingreserveThu, 19 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: 10 Signs You're Commuting, Non-Reving, Or Traveling Standby]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/06/06/galley-gossip-10-signs-youre-commuting-non-reving-or-traveli/http://www.gadling.com/2012/06/06/galley-gossip-10-signs-youre-commuting-non-reving-or-traveli/http://www.gadling.com/2012/06/06/galley-gossip-10-signs-youre-commuting-non-reving-or-traveli/#commentsFiled under: ,

You know you're a commuter when you pack 20 pairs of pantyhose inside your crew bag. This is what I was thinking as I packed my suitcase to go back to work last week. Of course two seconds later I had to stop what I was doing so I could update my Facebook page with that very thought. Priorities, people! It didn't take long for the hilarious comments to come rolling in. That's when I knew I had to create the list: 10 signs you're commuting, non-reving, or traveling standby.

But first a little airline 101:

NON-REV, NON-REVING, NON-REVENUE PASSENGER: Airline employees and/or eligible family members and friends who are traveling on an employee pass. Travel passes are also known as buddy passes. Non-revs will standby for open seats.

COMMUTER, COMMUTING: is the process of getting to work, in other words, flying to one's base city. Commuters are Non-Revs, but non-revs are not always commuters.

STANDBY PASSENGER- A passenger or airline employee who is waiting for an open or available seat on a flight they are not ticketed on. Full-fare passengers will often "standby" for earlier flights, while non-revs and commuters standby for every flight.


10 signs you're commuting, non-reving, or traveling standby

1. You know 10 different ways to make your uniform look like you're NOT in uniform - so you can have a cocktail. - Kelley Fulmer

2. Your workday starts 15 hours before you sign in or get paid. - Beth Henry

3. A three-hour delay doesn't even faze you as long as you have boarding pass in hand! Or for that matter an hour sit on the taxiway doesn't bother you simply because you're on the aircraft - Sonja Hollen

Continue reading Galley Gossip: 10 Signs You're Commuting, Non-Reving, Or Traveling Standby

Galley Gossip: 10 Signs You're Commuting, Non-Reving, Or Traveling Standby originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airline lingoAirlineLingoairplanesBuddy passesBuddyPassesCommutersCommutingEmployee passesEmployeePassesFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsflyingNonrevingStandby passengerStandby travelStandbyPassengerStandbyTravelTravel passesTraveling StandbyTravelingStandbyTravelPassesWed, 06 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Giving Thanks To Military Men And Women This Memorial Day]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/28/galley-gossip-giving-thanks-to-military-men-and-women-this-memo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/28/galley-gossip-giving-thanks-to-military-men-and-women-this-memo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/28/galley-gossip-giving-thanks-to-military-men-and-women-this-memo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Near the end of a flight from New York to Dallas, a little girl, 9 years old, handed me a piece of paper that read: "Everyone on this plane that works on this plane is very kind and welcoming, comforting and makes me feel safe, happy and comfy, so thank you to everyone. Love, Fallyn." She made what would have been an ordinary day extra special. For that, I thank her.

Receiving thanks in the air travel industry is rare so when it happens it's always appreciated. In fact, sometimes it's so appreciated it feels kind of weird, like do I really deserve this? Did I really do something that deserves so much kindness? Usually, the answer is no. I'm just doing my job, what I've been hired to do - assist passengers and provide safety and comfort in flight. Then I'll blush from the embarrassment of being acknowledged and either quickly refill an empty cup or ask if there's anything else I can do to make the flight more enjoyable.

Those who do deserve a special thank you for just doing their job are our military men and women. Long ago, my grandpa confessed that not one person thanked him for fighting in WWII. My father experienced the same thing while he was in the navy. This is why I make it a point to say thank you to those who protect us. Once I offered my cellphone to a soldier I spotted putting money into a pay phone at an airport. A couple of times I offered to buy lunch for those I've seen in uniform waiting in line at food courts located at airport terminals. It's the least I can do. They always decline with a blush and then they thank me for thinking of them.

One passenger who went out of his way to thank a serviceman on board an airplane is my friend Will. Here, in his words, is what happened on a recent flight from Dallas to Oklahoma City.

Last evening while standing by the gate and waiting for boarding to commence, I noticed a military serviceman in uniform approach the line, look at his boarding pass and walk to the back of the waiting area - nothing I haven't seen before. As I sat there on the corner of the room speaking with my kids on the cellphone, pre-boarding was announced for all customers with disabilities or special needs as well as any military personnel in uniform. A few folks boarded but not the soldier.

As a perk for flying a "few thousand" miles a year with American Airlines, I'd been upgraded from coach to first with its wider seats, more legroom, free drinks and more. Sitting in 3E, thoughts about my wife and children ran through my head. As I remembered our recent phone call my heart tightened. It had been only four days since I'd seen my family but it seemed like a month. Just a few more hours... it didn't seem like much longer.

Boarding continued for another twenty minutes when suddenly I observed the same serviceman from earlier. He was the last one on. Holding his backpack slightly crooked over his right shoulder and a boarding pass on the left hand he quickly went by me towards his seat in coach.

That's when it clicked.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Giving Thanks To Military Men And Women This Memorial Day

Galley Gossip: Giving Thanks To Military Men And Women This Memorial Day originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 28 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirlinesAirplanesCoachFirst classFirstClassflight attendantsFlightAttendantsMemorial DayMemorialDayMilitaryPassengersSoldiersUpgradesMon, 28 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: In Defense Of Old And Weary Flight Attendants]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/02/galley-gossip-in-defense-of-old-and-weary-flight-attendants/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/02/galley-gossip-in-defense-of-old-and-weary-flight-attendants/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/02/galley-gossip-in-defense-of-old-and-weary-flight-attendants/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Wouldn't it be nice to be served by flight attendants that are actually excited to come to work? Yes, safety training is important. But there is no reason to believe that a fit and alert 29-year-old should perform less safely in an emergency than a weary, overweight 60-year-old." -Bill Frezza, Forbes.com

If you want to talk safety, Bill, let's talk safety. But what's with using "weary" and "overweight" to describe 60-year-old flight attendants? Maybe the point you were trying to make in your article about airline bankruptcy is that new labor is cheap labor. What you've seem to have forgotten is times have changed over the last thirty years and some airlines now deliberately hire older people in an effort to save money on retirement and pensions. And did you know new flight attendants start out making between $14,000-18,000 in the first year? Each year we're given an across-the-board raise with most flight attendants maxing out around the 13-year mark. Flight attendants don't cost the airlines half as much as the airlines would love the flying public to believe.

Going back to safety, Bill, let's ask the passengers on board US Airways flight 1549 how they felt about the crew who evacuated a plane full of 150-plus passengers after the aircraft ditched into the Hudson River. The entire crew of the "Miracle on the Hudson" (including Captain Sullenberger) was over 50, leaning closer to 60. I'd say they did a wonderful job of getting passengers out safely. Personally, I'd be more concerned with my fellow passengers moving quickly than I would be about flight attendants of any age - after all, we are only allowed to work if we can pass a yearly recurrent training program. Passengers just have to buy a ticket.

Now, as for being excited to come to work, it's true that sometimes it's hard to love passengers who verbalize how miserable they feel about flying, especially when these same passengers go on to wonder why we aren't younger and prettier. Last time I checked, flight attendants were people, too. I know it's hard to believe but we, too, are allowed to grow old just like passengers. I'm talking to you, Bill!

But Bill is not alone.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: In Defense Of Old And Weary Flight Attendants

Galley Gossip: In Defense Of Old And Weary Flight Attendants originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirlinesBill FrezzaBillFrezzaCaptain SullyCaptainSullyChesley SullenbergerChicago Sun-TimesCrashpadsflight attendantsFlight crewFlightAttendantsFlightCrewHudson RiverJoe CrowleyJoeCrowleySalariesstewardessesTravelUS Airways Flight 1549Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: 5 Of The Best 'Worst Flight Attendant' Comedy Skits Of All Time]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/25/galley-gossip-5-of-the-best-worst-flight-attendant-comedy-ski/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/25/galley-gossip-5-of-the-best-worst-flight-attendant-comedy-ski/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/25/galley-gossip-5-of-the-best-worst-flight-attendant-comedy-ski/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1. Saturday Night Live: Flight Announcement (staring Kristen Wiig and Megan Fox)





2. Pam Ann: Cabin Service (staring Pam Ann)


Continue reading Galley Gossip: 5 Of The Best 'Worst Flight Attendant' Comedy Skits Of All Time

Galley Gossip: 5 Of The Best 'Worst Flight Attendant' Comedy Skits Of All Time originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirlinesAirplanesCarole BurnettCaroleBurnettComedyComedy RoutinesComedyRoutinesDavid SpadeDavidSpadeFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsHelen HuntHelenHuntKirsten WiigKirstenWiigLow Cost CarriersLowCostCarriersMad TVMadTvMegan FoxMeganFoxNo Frills AirlineNoFrillsAirlineSaturday Night LiveSaturdayNightLiveSkitsStewardessVideosWed, 25 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Even flight attendants deserve the right to choose pants]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/12/galley-gossip-even-flight-attendants-deserve-the-right-to-choos/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/12/galley-gossip-even-flight-attendants-deserve-the-right-to-choos/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/12/galley-gossip-even-flight-attendants-deserve-the-right-to-choos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Asiana Airlines, flight attendant, stewardessIn a magazine I read years ago, a bigwig working for an international Asian carrier was quoted stating, "Passengers wouldn't dare yell at a flight attendant wearing a dress." It felt like a snide remark directed toward flight attendants in the United States who prefer to wear pants. Instead, it just demonstrated that he hadn't spent much time with U.S. passengers, who are non-discriminating. They are happy to yell both at flight attendants wearing dresses and passengers wearing dresses.

That's a quote from my book "Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 feet." I'm only sharing it with you because there's been a lot in the news lately about Asiana Airlines. Its flight attendants are upset because they aren't allowed to wear pants (or even glasses!). Their union recently filed a complaint to the human rights commission of Korea. The airline claims the uniform was designed based on hanbok, the Korean traditional dress. The flight attendants understand the airline has an image it wants to pursue, but they also believe the most important function of their job is to assist passengers.

I prefer to wear my skirt over the uniform pants and dress. In fact, I've only worn the pants a handful of times during my career -- and I've been a flight attendant for 17 years! At first, it was the big bulky pleats with the high waist that was a problem for me. Now that the pleats are gone, the pants fit lower on the hips and the ankles aren't tapered, it's the material I have an issue with; it's so thin you can practically see through it!

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Even flight attendants deserve the right to choose pants

Galley Gossip: Even flight attendants deserve the right to choose pants originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesairplanesAsiana AirlinesAsianaAirlinesFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsKoreaUniformsMon, 12 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Why flight attendants might not open an emergency exit during an evacuation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/galley-gossip-why-flight-attendants-might-not-open-an-emergency/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/galley-gossip-why-flight-attendants-might-not-open-an-emergency/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/galley-gossip-why-flight-attendants-might-not-open-an-emergency/#commentsFiled under: ,

The first thing a flight attendant does before opening an emergency exit during an evacuation is assess the conditions outside. This is one reason why some airlines require passengers seated in the exit rows to keep their window shades up during takeoff and landing. The last thing you want to do is escape one bad situation only to find yourself in an even worse one. Think fire. Water. Captain Chesley Sullenberger.

BRACE FOR IMPACT!

That's what everyone on board US Airways flight 1549 heard right before Captain Sully ditched the aircraft into the Hudson River after experiencing a double-engine failure while in route to Charlotte, North Carolina January 15, 2009. There were 150 passengers on board and 5 flight crew.

Flight attendant Doreen Walsh did exactly what she was trained to do. After unbuckling her belt and jumping out of her seat, she looked through the tiny porthole window to make sure it was safe outside to open the door. This is when she noticed they hadn't landed at an airport, and that there was water outside! For a split second she wondered if maybe, just maybe, she could get the slide raft inflated before the water became too high to safely do so, but then quickly realized it was already too late. Before she could begin directing passengers to another exit, a safe exit, the window exit only a few feet away, passengers pushed Doreen out of the way and cracked the door open. Water began flooding inside until it was all the way up to their necks. With only a few seconds left to escape, Doreen ordered everyone standing in the aisle to crawl over the seats.

Three years have passed since the Miracle on the Hudson flight crew gave their testimony to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. And yet I just saw the video for the first time last week. I'm a flight attendant for a major US carrier. I write about travel. Usually I'm up on these things. So if I missed the short clip of the flight attendants detailing their experiences, chances are you probably did, too. That's why I've posted it here.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Why flight attendants might not open an emergency exit during an evacuation

Galley Gossip: Why flight attendants might not open an emergency exit during an evacuation originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Captain Sullenbergercaptain sullyCaptainSullenbergerCaptainSullyDoreen WalshDoreenWalshEmergency evacuationemergency exitemergency landingEmergencyEvacuationEmergencyExitEmergencyLandingevacuationsFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsMiracle on the HudsonMiracleOnTheHudsonUS Airwaysus airways flight 1549UsAirwaysUsAirwaysFlight1549Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Improve your travel with Bruce Lee]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/galley-gossip-traveling-with-bruce-lee-10-quotes-to-think-abo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/galley-gossip-traveling-with-bruce-lee-10-quotes-to-think-abo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/galley-gossip-traveling-with-bruce-lee-10-quotes-to-think-abo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The following quotes are from the book Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living by John Little.

1. Something for nothing - "There is only something for something, never something for nothing."

Think about that next time you feel nickel and dimed by an airline. Ticket prices are less than they were twenty years ago, so in the end you're still paying the same price you were in 1992, maybe even less. Keep in mind the Barbie Glam Vacation Jet costs $119.99 at ToysRus. That's more than most one way tickets.

2. Emptiness is the starting point - "In order to taste my cup of water you must first empty your cup. Drop all your preconceived fixed ideas and be neutral. Do you know why this cup is so useful? Because it is empty!"

Don't let what happened on your last flight affect your next flight. Often passengers will board and immediately want to rehash the details of what went wrong on another trip. Things don't usually go so well from here. How could it? I've just been linked to the worst flight ever!

3. "Is" vs. "Should" - "What IS is more important than WHAT SHOULD BE. Too many people are looking at "what is" from a position of thinking "what should be."

To become a flight attendant one must be flexible. Being able to quickly adapt to change is essential on the job. If there's one thing we can count on in the aviation industry, it's something is bound to go wrong. This is why we always have back up plans A, B, C, and D. So next time something doesn't seem to be going right, do what a flight attendant would do and instead of getting upset about what should be happening, focus on what is happening, and start making alternative plans - QUICKLY! Before all the hotel rooms are booked and the rental agencies run out of cars.

4. Anxiety - Anxiety is the gap between the NOW and the THEN. So if you are in the now, you can't be anxious, because your excitement flows immediately into ongoing spontaneous activity.

I can spot a fearful flier a mile away. If they're not asking about the weather, they're clutching the armrest and sweating profusely. A little unknown fact is more people die falling off donkeys than they do in plane crashes. Remember that next time you start to feel anxious. Focus on the fact that you're sitting in a somewhat uncomfortable seat and drinking the beverage of your choice. There's probably even a very nice person sitting beside you. If that doesn't work, tell a flight attendant what's going on and we'll do what we can to help. We're trained professionals. That's what we're there for.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Improve your travel with Bruce Lee

Galley Gossip: Improve your travel with Bruce Lee originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bruce LeeBruceLeeFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsInspirational quotesInspirationalQuotesphilosophyquotesTraveltravel tipsTravelTipsFri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: How do flight attendants survive on such a small salary?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/galley-gossip-how-do-flight-attendants-survive-on-such-a-small/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/galley-gossip-how-do-flight-attendants-survive-on-such-a-small/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/16/galley-gossip-how-do-flight-attendants-survive-on-such-a-small/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I've been offered a position as a flight attendant. Training hasn't started yet, but I'm freaking out a little. Should I back out? It seems like a fun and exciting job, but the pay is $20/hour with only a 79-hour guarantee of work per month. The first year I would have to be on reserve and would need to live within 20 minutes of the airport. A one bedroom/studio within 30 minutes of the airport averages $1400-$1800 per month! We were told that during our six weeks of training we will be paid $1400, which will be prorated. Huh? How do flight attendants afford to pay for rent and living expenses? I am trying to calculate it and there is no way to make ends meet...even with a roommate! What do you suggest to those of us who have not started? Should we turn around and run for the hills? - Cold Feet

Dear Cold Feet,

I've said it before and I'll say it again, no one becomes a flight attendant for the money! This is why the majority of new flight attendants are either right out of college or looking to make a career change after the kids are grown and out of the house. While $20 an hour may look good on paper, the reality is it doesn't add up to much, not when we're only paid for flight hours. That's strictly time spent in the air. And with so many FAA regulations limiting us to the number of hours and days in a row we can work, most of us average between 80-90 hours a month. Keep in mind flight time does not include boarding, deplaning, delays, scheduled sit time between flights and layovers away from home, even though we're on company time. However we are paid a per diem from sign-in to the time we arrive back to base. It's less than two-dollars an hour.

You've been offered $20 an hour with a 79 hour guarantee. That's roughly $18,000 a year. It's more than most first year flight attendants get paid. The average flight attendant makes between $14,000-$18,000 the first year on the job. Each year we're offered a standard raise. Flight attendants who work international routes, speak a second language, work high time (over 100 hours) and have seniority with a major carrier have the potential to earn up to $80,000 a year, if not more, but this is rare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Median annual wages of flight attendants were $35,930 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $28,420 and $49,910. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,350."

Continue reading Galley Gossip: How do flight attendants survive on such a small salary?

Galley Gossip: How do flight attendants survive on such a small salary? originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commuterscrash padCrashPaddo+flight+attendants+make+good+moneydoflightattendantsmakegoodmoneyFlight attendant payFlight attendant salaryFlight attendant trainingFlight attendantsflight+attendant+salary+2011FlightAttendantPayFlightAttendantsFlightAttendantSalaryflightattendantsalary2011galley+gossipgalleygossippaysalaryshould i be a flight attendantshouldibeaflightattendantwhere+do+flight+attendants+livewheredoflightattendantsliveWed, 16 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Flight attendant haunted layover hotel ghost stories (and a haunted plane!)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/31/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-haunted-layover-hotel-ghost-stor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/31/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-haunted-layover-hotel-ghost-stor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/31/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-haunted-layover-hotel-ghost-stor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In the spirit of Halloween, I'd like to share a few layover hotel ghost stories from flight attendants I know...

At a hotel in San Francisco the water kept turning itself on during the night. After the 3rd or 4th time, instead of getting up and turning it off, I had a little talk with the ghost. I was thinking I must have lost my mind. Water went off automatically. Never came on again! - Vicki Howell

At our current Paris hotel, I had an apparition appear at the foot of my bed. At first I didn't think it was anything until I felt somebody sit on my bed. I turned on the light near the bed and of course there was nothing there. - John Gonzales

On a layover in Miami, I felt someone/something pull the covers off of my shoulder and breathe cold air onto the back of my neck. I jumped out of bed, ran for the door, turned on the light... and no one was there. On the next trip another flight attendant couldn't get into that same room with her key. Security couldn't get in either. They had to change her room. Gives me the chills even talking about it. - Penni Reynolds Piskor

At a Sheraton in New Jersey in 1989, I kept thinking there was someone in my room. Woke up several times convinced. Searched the room. Nothing was there. Found out later the hotel was reputedly haunted, and one of the elevators was known to run all night, stopping at each floor even though nobody called it - Julie Meyer

I always clip my curtains closed so the light will not shine through and wake me up. In the middle of the night it was like someone used their hands to push both curtains back forcefully. I was lying there freaking out! Another time I woke up to find the decorative bed quilt folded neatly in the corner of the room. I don't fold at home nor am I good at it, so I know I didn't do it in my sleep. The third time we did a seance. We asked for a sign and all the elevators opened simultaneously. We jumped up and ran! - Lynne Smith

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Flight attendant haunted layover hotel ghost stories (and a haunted plane!)

Galley Gossip: Flight attendant haunted layover hotel ghost stories (and a haunted plane!) originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Flight attendantsFlightAttendantsGhost StoriesGhostsGhostStoriesHauntedHaunted HotelsHauntedHotelsHotelsMon, 31 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Pilot sexually harassed by a passenger!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/galley-gossip-pilot-sexually-harassed-by-a-passenger/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/galley-gossip-pilot-sexually-harassed-by-a-passenger/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/galley-gossip-pilot-sexually-harassed-by-a-passenger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dear Heather, I have to share this with you. I'm a pilot and I was sexually harassed last night. While jump-seating home, the lead flight attendant calls the cockpit and says a passenger thinks one of the flaps is out of position. The captain sends me back to check the wings. I squeeze into the fully occupied exit row to peer out the window. While looking out the window, a female passenger sitting in the middle seat puts her hands on my butt. Her friend then shouts, "Woo, get some!" Passengers nearby all start laughing. Anyway, turns out what the initial passenger saw and thought was a problem were the outboard ailerons on the wings of the Super 80. One was up and the other was down. This is normal while on the ground. Anyway, I returned to the cockpit and told the pilots what just happened and we all had a good laugh. I should mention the Captain was female! Thought you'd find it funny! - Bob (the singing pilot)

My first thought when I read Bob's letter was, wow! What kind of person places their hands on a pilot's you-know-what and yells out something like that.

Just to be fair, I later on found myself yelling out the exact same phrase several times throughout the course of my day. I couldn't help it! And each time my voice become lower and before I knew it I had developed this southern accent, kind of like that famous redneck comedian I can't remember the name of. Next thing I knew I was visualizing it, the whole exit row groping, only it was I who slapped the pilots and a few lucky passengers as I passed them in the terminal. Mmm hmm, get it girl!

NOTE: I would NEVER do something like that in real life!

Now back to Bob.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Pilot sexually harassed by a passenger!

Galley Gossip: Pilot sexually harassed by a passenger! originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesairplanesflight attendantsFlightAttendantsPassenger dramaPassengerDramapassengerspilotsSexsexual harrassmentSexualHarrassmentTue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Elbow attacks and armrest wars (the battle continues)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/13/galley-gossip-elbow-attacks-and-armrest-wars-the-battle-conti/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/13/galley-gossip-elbow-attacks-and-armrest-wars-the-battle-conti/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/13/galley-gossip-elbow-attacks-and-armrest-wars-the-battle-conti/#commentsFiled under: ,

Recently a friend shared a story about a woman who accused him of being an "elbow assaulter" on a flight from San Francisco to Dallas. To make a long story short, my friend is 6' 2" and 230 pounds. The woman who sat beside him was, in his words, not petite. During the flight he made various maneuvers in his seat to try and flatten himself against the wall to give her as much room as possible while still being able to type on his computer. Unfortunately his attempt at making himself smaller failed because the woman became upset when his right elbow accidentally made contact with her left shoulder - not once, not twice, but three (possibly four) times! God forbid.

In his blog post detailing the incident, Brian Cuban (AKA the elbow assaulter) wrote, "This was coach. Space is tight. Baby's are going to cry. There are going to be unwelcome smells. People are going to recline their seat into your groin. Shoulders are going to occasionally touch."

I have to agree with Brian. An airplane is public transportation. Unfortunately there is very little personal space on board and therefore anything in the armrest area is fare game for accidental contact.

Sixteen years ago when I first started flying, my roommate who was also new got called out to cover a trip as the lead flight attendant on a 767. As she got ready for the trip, we discussed all the things that could possibly go wrong in flight with her in command of the crew; oven fires, faulty hydraulics, decompressions, medical emergencies, and worse. Not once did it occur to us that an armrest could cause two passengers to come to blows! Which is what would have happened if my roommate hadn't stepped in and assigned the armrest to one passenger for the first three hours of flight and the same armrest to the other passenger for the last half of the flight. Afterwards we laughed at how ridiculous it was that two grown men couldn't work it out amongst themselves. Little did we know just how often we'd be summoned to settle disputes over reclined seats and claimed armrests.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Elbow attacks and armrest wars (the battle continues)

Galley Gossip: Elbow attacks and armrest wars (the battle continues) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesAirplane etiquetteAirplaneEtiquetteairplanesarmrest warsArmrestsArmrestWarsBad passengersBadPassengersBrian CubanBrianCubancrew dramaCrewDramaFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsflyingThu, 13 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Flight attendant interview - The pros and cons of speaking a second language and how it affects reserve]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-interview-the-pros-and-cons-of/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-interview-the-pros-and-cons-of/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-interview-the-pros-and-cons-of/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear Heather, I am hoping to become a flight attendant soon (have a face to face interview next week!) and have a question about reserve status. I speak Japanese fluently and was wondering how different things are for flight attendants who speak a different language. Are they on reserve for the same amount of time? Is anything different? - Natasha

For the first time in history being a flight attendant is considered a profession, not just a job. Fewer flight attendants are quitting, turnover is not as high as it once was, and competition to become a flight attendant has gotten fierce. Ninety-six percent of people who apply to become a flight attendant do not get a call back. In December of 2010 Delta Airlines received more than 100,000 applications after announcing they had an opening for 1,000 flight attendants. Even though it is not a requirement to have a college degree, only the most qualified applicants are hired. Being able to speak a second language will greatly improve your chance!

The only thing that affects reserve status is company seniority (class hire date). Seniority is assigned by date of birth within each training class. This means the oldest classmate will become the most senior flight attendant in your class. Seniority is everything at an airline, and I mean everything! It determines whether you'll work holidays, weekends and when, if ever, you'll be off reserve. So it's important to accept the earliest training date offered.

While speaking another language doesn't affect how long you'll serve reserve, it will have an impact on your flying career.

PROS

1. MORE MONEY. "Speakers" earn more per hour than non-speakers. Unfortunately it's only a few dollars on top of what a regular flight attendant is paid. Remember most flight attendants make between fourteen to eighteen thousand a year the first year on the job, so every dollar counts.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Flight attendant interview - The pros and cons of speaking a second language and how it affects reserve

Galley Gossip: Flight attendant interview - The pros and cons of speaking a second language and how it affects reserve originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flight attendant interviewflight attendantsFlightAttendantInterviewFlightAttendantsJapaneseLanguagesReserveSpeakersstewardessesFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST