Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Recent Comments:
Let's Go, Girl! Fifth Grade Cheerleader Fights Off Would-Be Attacker {ParentDish}
Apr 12th 2010 7:59PM As a flight attendant, I always tell unaccompaned minors to ring the call button if anything or anyONE makes them feel uncomfortable or "funny" in any way. I also check out those around the child and make it known to those who look responsible (traveling with their own children, etc.), that this child is traveling alone. Most end up entertaining the child, making it a pleasant experience for all. It's a shame that we have to be so careful and on high alert at all times.
Galley Gossip: A question about turbulence and being scared at work {Gadling}
Mar 16th 2009 9:27PM Leesa, I actually get seasick when the boat is not in motion and as a child could barely take a road trip without feeling green. For me, however, flying is different. I much prefer working a flight as opposed to being a passenger. I just don't notice the turbulence as much since I am busy and my mind is occupied. You kind of get used to balancing yourself and know all the secret handholds, like the "notches" on the A319/320. It seems F/A's either love or hate this job. I think you'd be crazy not to give it a shot! It could be the best thing you ever do for yourself. Just remember the first five years or so are the hardest. I wish you the best of luck!!
Galley Gossip: Lost in first class {Gadling}
Mar 16th 2009 9:10PM Yes, I am a flight attendant-just to be up front. I cannot, for the life of me get the animosity towards us as a work group. Granted, there are disgruntled, nasty flight attendants as there are nasty, disgruntled employees in any workgroup, however, most of those I encounter are pleasant, professional, and genuinely care about their passengers. And yes (I don't remember the name of the person who posted about this) it is true that out of hundreds of people that attend an open house for hiring only a couple of people are actually invited for the first interview. Not all make it after that, a point that was divulged at training (I wish I could remember the stats on how many actually end up on the line, but that was years ago. I just remember feeling proud to have made it for whatever reason).This person who posted never mentioned his/her looks. They merely stated the fact that few were chosen. I certainly don't know why I was chosen but hope it was more for my personality and apptitude rather than my looks (the mirror kind of confirms this to me!) I am sorry for those of you who end up with an unpleasant flight attendant. Maybe if you try and focus on the positive and keep in mind that your flight attendant is just as stressed and tired as you are, show a little respect, you will find that you will be treated in the same manner. I personally enjoy enteracting with most of you and try to take it in stride with those who are less engaging. Heather, I would love to meet you and compare notes! You seem to enjoy your job as much as I do.
United crew - it's time to serve drinks to the idiots in coach {Gadling}
Feb 26th 2009 12:36AM As a UAL flight attendant I can only laugh at most of the info posted here. $19,000. a year? First year, maybe. After 5 years (B scale to A scale) brings a considerable difference in pay. Although we won't ever be accused of getting rich from our salaries, most of us stay for the flexibility and time off that this job affords us. No offense to waiters/waitresses, but, do you have to go through two months of training dealing with security, medical emergencies, ect. (unpaid) before starting work? It is also true that many of us have other jobs. I have encountered several lawyers, nurses, actors (think Ester of The Young and the Restless-UAL F/A), major radio personalities, writers (books, review columnists), impersonators ("Oprah" is my dear friend whom you may have actually seen on stage with Oprah and Gayle and in In Touch magazine) and, yes, even a rocket scientist! Once a flight attendant you either love it or hate it. It is hard to get out of your system if you love it. I love my job and have fun with my passengers. Maybe being based in Las Vegas with a small domicile has something to do with it, but gotta say, most people tell us what fun we are and what a great flight they had. I have done many things over and beyond my job description to help out people, including going to the hospital with a very ill elderly man from overseas to make sure he had everything he needed, including contacting family members-after arriving home and no incentive to do so other than it was the right thing to do. I say this not to pat myself on the back but to remind you all that you comment on small negative things, but rarely the good things that flight attendants do. I guess it is more interesting to point out a mistake rather than appreciate some small gesture one does to make an experience more pleasant (and there are MANY things alot of us do to make your experience with us pleasant). So, if you are on a flight with me and treat me with basic respect, you will receive courteous, professional service, with a smile to boot!
Olympic Silver Medalist Kills Himself {Fanhouse Backporch}
Feb 22nd 2009 10:05PM Micky, your wife is lucky to have you. If only more people were willing to enlighten themselves in regards to mental health, addictions, etc., perhaps we would see more success stories like yours. I mentioned a friend earlier that has recently attempted suicide and you would not believe the conversations I had with her parents. Never in a millions years would I have expected their reaction, especially since I have interacted with them several times. They do not deserve to be parents to this only child of theirs. I am grateful to have my friend around and will continue to do anything in my power to help her. I truly wish you and your wife many more healthy and happy years together!
Olympic Silver Medalist Kills Himself {Fanhouse Backporch}
Feb 19th 2009 9:48PM I literally just returned home minutes ago from flying across country after helping my dear, dear friend get help after a failed suicide attempt. She has severe depression and other issues that appear to be genetic. She is a lovely, warm, compassionate person who just couldn't deal with the (perceived) pain she was inflicting on her family and the few friends who were aware of the situation. Several posts here mention one or more family members committing suicide. Get a clue folks. Oftentimes, genetics are a huge factor, once again proving that this is an illness issue. My friend is lucky. Those of us involved love her immensely and are committed to making sure she gets the help she so desparately needs. There are many things contributing to her situation as I am sure were in Mike's case. It truly horrifies me to read some of the ignorant posts here. To those of you who are in pain or know someone else who is, I strongly encourage you to seek help. Mental health care is inadequate at best and in these troubling economic times not likely to get better anytime soon. Be an advocate for who cannot advocate for themselves.
Galley Gossip: Ask a flight attendant - Positano, Italy {Gadling}
Aug 17th 2008 7:02PM Carl-you forget that most flight attendants also travel on their own time. As a f/a, I always go to other f/as before the travel books. I have never been let down! I also have found that most passengers seem to really enjoy talking to us and I have met some wonderful people on almost all of my flights. Most of us are smart enough to be able to figure out how to do a service and converse with others at the same time!
One too many: Drunk flight attendant causes six hour flight delay {Gadling}
Aug 9th 2008 1:36AM Citation-you can't open the door at 31,000 ft!
Galley Gossip: Ma'am, is that a frying pan in your bag? {Gadling}
Aug 9th 2008 1:27AM While on a layover I was headed down the hotel corrider to my room when I heard a distinctive buzzing sound. As the sound continued, I became a bit concerned thinking of bombs and other dangerous goods. It hit me (around the same time I noticed two other patrons behind me giggling) that it sounded like a vibrator-coming from my bag! Once in my room I discovered the culprit; my new cordless electric toothbrush, which apparently may be housed in a plastic container designed to keep it in the off position!
Plane Answers: Breathe Normally? {Gadling}
Aug 9th 2008 12:54AM Also, when asleep, we don't automatically swallow as when awake. Therefore, those prone to problems on descent should be awakened prior to the actual descent. This is especially important for infants (a bottle, pacifier, etc. should help with ear discomfort unless an ear infection or cold is present). As a flight attendant, I have had many painful landings due to sinus problems and even had part of my face go numb combined with excrutiating head pain until we descended to under 10,000 ft.
