Should I try being a Flight Attendant? looking for info?

Question

I am thinking about applying to become a Flight Attendant...I hear it is harder than it seems...Does anyone know details regarding time on and time off? Like, are you allowed certain days off...from a 40hr week or something? Also, just looking to find the pros and cons of it all!
thanks :)

Answer 1

Here is a site with FAQ about becoming a flight attendant: http://www.flightattendantcareer.com/

Good luck with the career!

Answer 2

First off, its not easy work. The work rules for F/A's (flight attendants) have changed so much since 9/11 that although not the most mentally challenging job, it does require a lot of stamina to do the work. We work 12-16 days a month. Usually 1-4 day trips. Flip side of that is 12-16 days off a month. Broken down, app. 6 months off a year, but 6 months AWAY from home and loved ones(usually most HOLIDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, WEEKENDS, etc..) each year.

The pay is good considering the highest education requirement.

Flip side to pay is that you aren't compensated for all your time at work. We sign in an hour b4 departure and don't get paid. Boarding and deplaning=no pay. Ground delays, weather delays=no pay. Layovers=no pay (expect perdiem) IT's CALLED FLIGHT ATTENDANT FOR A REASON. No air time, no pay!

All and all you can be gone from home for 52 hours, and only be paid for 15 of them. When you calculate this out with the 52 hours you were gone (lets say you made $35.00), it would equal about $10 an hour. EX 15hr trip (x) $35 = $525 (/) 52 hrs away from home and at work = $10.09 As you see not the best paying job.

I personally have flown for 10 years, but 2007 will be my last year in the industry. I'm very tired of the long work days (12-15 hrs) and the short layovers (usually 8, 9, or 10 hours). I'm also tired of weather delays, broken airplanes, bankruptcy and terrorism. I've been almost laid off twice now because of terrorism and I've decided that I need some stability in my life. There are so MANY things you don't have control over as a f/a. One of them is your work schedule. Most f/a's will sit reserve (ON CALL STATUS) for years and years before they have enough seniority to hold a set schedule. And even then your trip has to go with no screw ups along the way (weather, etc....)

I wouldn't advise anyone to consider this career. The glamour isn't there. Think about your future, think about your life and family, do you want a pension some day? You won't find that with the airlines, I guarantee it. 10-15 years ago, I would of told you to do it, because once upon a time it was GREAT! Back when I started you could be anything you wanted to be w/in the company, the skies the limit (nopunintended)! Not so anymore. Most majors (nowadays) will treat you like a number, a body on a plane filling a jumpseat.

DON'T DO IT!

Answer 3

NO- DO IT! Yes everything Cam said is true- but he has done it for TEN years- I'm on 7 and I have no intention of leaving anytime soon. But ten years- there's gotta be something to be said about it. If it was so bad he'd have left years ago. But times have changed since 9/11 but you 'd be ok since you don't have the old days to compare your new experience to. Yes- do prepare for lots of time away from home and it does get lonely- but you are not alone- most of the people you will fly with are in the same boat. It is worth the time- even if you only go a year and then quit. You will have some great stories and great memories. DO IT!

Answer 4

any job in the airline industry is not stable. ive been with one for almost ten yrs and everyday i wonder if ill have job 2mrw. flight attendant is easy but training is not. dealing w the public frm all parts of the world can be different. u work 1 month w a confirmed schedule----usually work 4days off 3. work 3 off 4. next monthe is reserve---basically on-call. its not a glamorous job anymore.

Answer 5

i wanna share this with you coz ive been a flight attendant too... it's not hard as you think it is although the sad part is when you're 24/7 away from your family and loved ones... but you can enjoy a great deal of time off (13 to 17 days off per month, roughly 6 months off per year...so not bad ...
you can be offered also as a benefit, a reduced cost of travel benefits for yourself and your IMMEDIATE family inclusive of air travel, lodging, car rentals and cruises...You also will be a benefit package for health and life (of course), credit union membership kits, stock options and 401(K) retirement plan. ... good thing about this is you expand your horizon by meeting new people from all walks of life including CELEBRITIES and FAMOUS people, see the world and feel more independent and responsible... it's nice but corresponds to the position name still marks as not different to being a nanny, not of the babies but of the passengers... :) but its truly exciting to be one... best luck..