Readers Respond: The Real Life of a Flight Attendant

1. Describe what you do as a flight attendant?
2. What do you like about being a flight attendant? What don't you like about it?
3. With the proper training, how easy or difficult is it for someone to get an entry level job as a flight attendant?
4. Are you happy you became a flight attendant? Why or why not?

I hate it

It's horrible, you work ridiculous hours, fly up & down seeing nothing but different airports, have no life, always worn out, nobody acknowledges your existence, nothing but rude inconsiderate passengers I hate it & am quitting soon for a real job with a decent salary!!

—Guest Air hostess

Not for Me

I was FA with a major airline for two years. Although the other flight attendants and the passengers were friendly for the most part, I struggled with not having a regular routine and fatigue from flying so many red-eyes. I was also on reserve for a year, which meant that my schedule was unpredictable.

—Guest Jess

"Luv" Flight Attendant

1) DESCRIPTION: First & foremost, F/As are primarily there for passengers' safety. Time & turbulence permitting, we'll serve drinks, snacks, & (on occasion) provide inflight entertainment. 2) I LIKE having the option to work as often or as little as I want. I'm able to enjoy time away from the chaos of everyday life. I'm grateful for our passengers who make my paycheck possible. I DISLIKE seeing how inconsiderate people are of their fellow travelers & how these same people don't bother saying please, thank you, or even acknowledge your existence. 3) EMPLOYMENT depends upon how well you conduct yourself during Barbie Boot Camp (inflight training) & probation. Many airlines wont consider you an employee until you've successfully maneuvered your way thru the probationary period. 4) BECOMING a Flight Attendant with the "***" Airline was the best thing I had ever done. I am so proud to say that I'm a member of the *** family...

—Guest : Mistress Dubya

fa (flight attendant)

I enjoy being a flight attendant for over a year.... I visit many country .... if I have a free day off I bring my family in different place specially my mother and father ....

—Guest haruka

fly girl

I have been a flight attendant with a major airline for the past 14 years. Overall, I have enjoyed my career. I have seen the world! It has allowed me to visit continents and countries that I may have not been able to see otherwise. I've also visited almost every U.S. state (at least the airport!). If travel is important to you, this is a good way to do it. Besides the travel involved in the job, most airlines allow their employees to travel for free or at greatly reduced rates. A downside is that you will be away from home A LOT and it can be isolating and quite lonely at times. You will be working as a team with other flight attendants. You must be able to deal with various different personalities. I really enjoy my fellow flight attendants. You will meet so many people with different backgrounds and histories. Not to mention all the passengers you will meet. I have had lovely experiences. Of course, there are some not-so-lovely experiences, so patience is a must!

—Guest suzie

flight attendant

After 24 years of flying, I can still say that I love my career as a flight attendant. Every flight is a challenge and every destination can be as different as you would like it to be. You can bid for whatever destination you would like to go to every month. Whatever you get is based on your seniority as a flight attendant. Although it is not all glamorous...there are lots of free flying on days off to enjoy with your family. And of course my kids are spoiled -- they love first class.

—Guest ginger

fligthattendant

Responsible for everything inside the aircraft; listen to and answer questions; report passengers' medical problems; lost and found articles; and condition of cabin equipment.

—Guest noor