What are some of the pros and cons of being a flight attendant?

Question

Does anyone here do this for a living? I was just wondering what it's like. It's supposed to be glamorous and all, but there's definitely a lot more to it than that. Give me the inside scoop! =)

Answer 1

Hiya, I am a flight attendant for 7 plus years. I have a love/hate relationship with my job. First off, let me tell you.. I started it thinking I'd be young and have fun for a few yrs and quit, it is VERY hard to quit once you start because of the leisurely schedule.

Pros:
-- free (or very cheap) airfare (for your parents, spouse, and friends)
-- can work as much as you want (or if you are like me-not often at all
-- flexible schedule (you can switch things around, trade around)
-- VERY social job, I have met tons of friends in the airlines- pilots and flight attendants (as well as passnegers)
-- good dental, health, vision benefits (even if you only work a few days a month, you are still eligible)
-- you can work a second job and still get your pass travel benefits

Cons:
-- delays, DELAYS, delays--they are NO fun
-- the first few years you will be on reserve (on call), most airlines give you approximately 2 hours to get to the airport to get to the airport and report... RESERVE SUCKS, no better way to say it.. It is NOT fun at all.
-- being away from home
-- dealing with not-so-nice people and people treating you like you are a waitress, when you are highly trained (even if you NEVER have to use that info- and God help us-- that we NEVER do have to use it)
-- the pay isn't so great, BUT for the amount of time you work--it is good, if that makes sense!

gosh, I need to really think about this question more, LOL...sorry, I am sure I have more answers but those are the basics!

Answer 2

From what I have heard

- you have to be thin or what they call resonable weight. Remember that you have to going back and forth in the plane.

- When you first start out the chances are that you're going to be juniored meaning if they are short on people you're going to be on the top of the list to do overtime.

- Not exactly a bad thing depending on the company but you don't get paid per hour but by either air time or miles traveld in the air.

- Your going to have to go through (usually) unpaid training. (I think it depends on the company) But it isn't that long so if someone is willing to support you during that time it'll be ok.

- You must have excellent custumer service skills (mean you need to know how to deal with people)

- If the company goes to diffrent countries you must be able to speak more than one language.

- You must always be prepared since you may end up getting stuck at another satation if there is a cancelation.

- You have to be I think 21 or 20. (I wanted to apply to southwest but I'm only 19)

- It is important to know company rules (read the emplyee handbook!) since some have rules on execively over wieght passangers (they might need 2 seats) and breast feeding on the plane.

- From what my dad told me (he is a ramp agent but knows some flight attendant) they like their job and a lot of the girls go out together. Its like a little family. Plus lots of benafits

- If you interested in domestic flights try Southwest they doing really well right now.

- American and Jet Blue aren't doing so well right now.

hope it helps