My Former Life as A Flight Attendant
93
For a short time while I was in my twenties, I flew for an international airline as a Flight Attendant. After a number of unsuccessful attempts at getting a job with the airlines I had practically given up that option and was actively moving in a different direction.
I was on vacation in Fort Worth, Texas when I received a phone call that literally changed my life. I was near graduation from cosmetology school and about to begin a career as a hair stylist when I took a few days off to visit relatives. One of the regular customers who came to me as a client during the weeks of training knew of my travel plans and asked me to call her daughter while I was in Dallas.
At the time, long distance calls were expensive and local calls were free, so I agreed to make a call on her behalf. The lady gave me a business card that I tucked away into a pocket. Later, when I really looked at the card I couldn't believe my good fortune.
I had dreamed of becoming a flight attendant since Middle School, listing it as my employment choice on career day. When I finally turned twenty-one, I applied for a flight attendant position with Eastern Airlines. A short time later, I received a rejection letter explaining that the airline did not accept married applicants. Time passed, circumstances changed and when I was no longer married, I reapplied with EAL. After a quick interview in Miami, Florida and tense weeks of waiting, I got another rejection letter.
A few years went by before I drummed up the courage to apply again, this time with Northwest Orient Airlines. I was thrilled to be selected for an interview for one of thirty flight attendant positions open. The airline sent me a free ticket to fly to Minneapolis, St. Paul. It was the middle of winter and I'd put on about ten pounds and might have done better if I had shed a few of them. Back then it was acceptable to restrict the weight limit of airline employees.
The interview went by with lightning speed, not a good sign, and I felt as though I could have done better at answering the barrage of standard questions. A few weeks later, another form letter arrived explaining that another candidate was chosen to fill the position. It was then I found out there were 800 applicants for these 30 positions.
The Phone Call
Once I settled in to vacation with the family in Texas, I gave the lady's daughter a phone call. It turned out that she was an executive in the flight attendant department of an international airline.
She was happy to hear news from her mother in Florida and we had a nice chat during which I told her about my dreams to become a flight attendant. She told me that a major recruitment was underway for flight attendants and that she would ask someone to give me a call but she couldn't promise anything. She would excuse herself from the process to avoid any favoritism.
I thought that would be the end of it when the phone rang a few hours later and I was invited to interview in the Braniff flight attendant training department.
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Wardrobe
My vacation wardrobe included no suitable clothes for an interview so I went on a frantic shopping trip for something to wear, then borrowed the family car and headed out. I maneuvered the car through the confusing loops and turns of the massive Dallas Fort Worth Airport trying to read the road signs while driving. It seemed like I was on the road forever before I located the right building and found a parking space.
When I opened the car door I could feel my makeup melting and my hair withering in the stifling Dallas heat. I tried not stumble as I walked across the steaming asphalt headed toward the interview room.
The Dallas Interviews
Despite my nervousness, the first interview in Dallas went better than expected. The standard questions were asked about work history and others like: Why did I want to be a flight attendant?; What would make me a better flight attendant than someone else?; What related experience would I bring to the company?; What does a flight attendant do? While I responded the interviewers were busily scribbling notes on personality, composure and appearance.
Resuming my vacationing, I got another call inviting me back to participate in a group interview. A group of applicants would be interviewed together by a panel of pilots, senior flight attendants and training instructors. Immediately afterward the survivors of that session would be interviewed individually. The good news was we'd know right away if we made it to the final round. To my complete amazement, I was among the finalists.
The third go-round was tougher. The panel was tired of the syrupy cliches they'd heard all day and warned us not to say "I want to be a flight attendant because I love people!" Once the interviews were over I went home hoping to spend the rest of my vacation lounging by the pool. There's nothing like the Texas sun for a good tan. I doubted my chances in what seemed like an unlikely event. But then came that phone call.
I was in a state of shock during the flight home to Florida and for many days following my Texas vacation. It began to sink in when the official letter arrived from the airlines confirming my Flight Attendant Training School that would start in a matter of weeks. My life was about to change dramatically.
Over the next few weeks I finished up the beauty school coursework, quit my receptionist job at the hair salon and sold most of my belongings. The remaining items of my household were jammed into the back of my tiny car as I headed out on the road, leaving behind dear friends and my home state of Florida.
I routed my trip through Pensacola, Florida to take the State Board of Cosmetology Exam on my way to Texas. After all that training and money spent on school, I wanted to have the license just in case I ever needed it. The practical part of the exam required performing cosmetology services on a real person so I talked my former roommate, Anne, into driving up state with me to be my hair model. Afterwards she flew back to Tampa while I continued the 1200 mile drive to Dallas alone.
Training
During the six-week flight attendant training course we were housed in an old English style hotel in Dallas, assigned shared rooms and provided three meals a day. Under the rigorous schedule we were bussed to the training facility every morning where we sat in lectures, practiced emergency drills and learned CPR. Most evenings were spent at the hotel studying the flight manual in our rooms.
By day we jumped out of windows onto scorching hot evacuation slides and extinguished practice fires. We trained locating safety equipment in dark airplanes and opened the emergency hatches.
"Again!"
"Now toss that door onto the seats and move the passengers along."
We were required to open hatch doors including the ones on the upper deck of a 747 Jumbo Jet five stories above the ground. Looking out was kind of cool and scary at the same time.
We learned to work the airplane convection ovens and drip coffee makers; serve seven course meals on real dishes; how to uncork and serve wine, mix cocktails and make real Cappuccino. We drilled each other on making the routine airline announcements and operating the public address system and airplane intercom.
At night in our small rooms, we memorized airplane configurations for the fleet of Braniff's jets and quizzed each other on abbreviated airport codes. We studied theory and read about managing passenger expectations during travel delays. We practiced smiling after the long hours of training. It was nothing like the real thing serving on board a flight.
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Brannif BabesEmilo Pucci's 1966 Uniforms Boeing SST TeNeues Greetin Card
Current Bid: $3.99
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Braniff Airline Stewardesses Pucci Uniforms 1965 Photo
Current Bid: $7.95
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Travel Assignments
We got our monthly travel assignments by bidding on the different routes scheduled. Those with more seniority would get the best routes, for example, a month with five trips to Hawaii. But with the number of classes that were graduating every week, there were hundreds of flight attendants more senior than us and that schedule wasn't likely. Mostly, I won routes with specific days off and the rest of the month on 24 hour call.
New Flight Attendants lived on a salary of $515 a month based on flying a minimum of hours. It could be supplemented if overtime hours were flown beyond the base hours. That was rare with all the newbies graduating each week. On a reserve schedule we could be sent out on a trip with a one hour notice. Recruits lived with a packed suitcase by the door ready to work a flight anywhere, anytime.
During my first month on the job I got a call from scheduling and was assigned the "Kansas City Meal Run". This was a series of short flight segments full of commuters that might start off with an evening trip from Dallas to New Orleans then a layover. Not too bad.
The next day the real fun began, serving dinner to a full plane from MSY (New Orleans) to SHV (Shreveport LA), and another meal service en route to TUL (Tulsa), then serve another meal on the way to MCI (Kansas City). After the meal services were over we would do a beverage-only service on the legs between MCI-ORD and (Chicago O'Hare) ORD back to MCI for the evening. And a layover in Kansas City before doing it again the next day.
Most of the graduates were in their early twenties. At twenty seven, I was the third oldest in my class, about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime for me. I'm forever grateful to the sweet customer I met in beauty school through whose friendship my life would completely change.
“Those were the days, my friends; we thought they’d never end. Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days”.
Other stories about flying
- A History of Commercial Airliners
An incredibly informative history on air travel and the origins of different aircraft written by James A. Watkins. - Flight Memories from a Former Flight Attendant
If there was one trip I remember more clearly than others, it would be the one I worked from Dallas-Fort Worth to Acapulco Mexico. I was very lucky to get this trip since International Flights were primarily...
- Dallas Historical Society - Color in the Sky: 1971 - Pucci IV
Dallas Historical Society Braniff Airways flight attendant uniform exhibit.
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CommentsLoading...
You're right there lmmartin! Only there are no more peanuts unless you buy them or bring them along. In June when I flew to FL they announced the end of cash as well. If you want a snack or a meal you have to use a credit card. What is the world coming to?
Thank you so much for stopping by to read and comment! I enjoy reading your hubs.
You can bring peanuts on board an airplane ? Wow, when did that happen ? The last time I flew in a plane, long-haul, was in 1984 to Europe. We had all kinds of yummy food, snacks, beverages and even pillows and blankets. I mean I really enjoyed that first and only long-haul experience. Thank you so much for sharing your experience proving, in there own time, dreams do manifest in our waking lives and we can enjoy the rewards.
sharing the light,
miss erica hidvegi
the Enlightenment Advisor
Nice one Peg .... No doubt, a flight attendant's job is a tough one. But it helps you so much in facing all of life, no matter what it throws at you and when ... always with a smile, with consideration and compassion for others, and also with self confidence and courage.
Hi enlightenedpsych2 - Wow, if you haven't flown since the 80s you're in for a few surprises. In most cases on domestic flights there are no meals served, except in first class. Coach passengers still get beverages free but snacks may be purchased at $3-4 using credit cards only on some airlines. Most passengers bring fast food on board from the restaurants beyond the security checkpoints.
Since you can't bring liquids through security in quantities greater than a few ounces it makes traveling quite different. A one-quart zip lock bag is your limit for items like toothpaste, shampoo, make-up and must fit inside the bag to pass through security.
Thanks for sharing your international experience. Yep, we used to offer pillows, blankets, playing cards, crayons and more, along with second coffees and free cappucino. The grand old days.
Jaspal, The long hours can be tough but the experiences of traveling to different cities and entering new worlds, meeting a variety of people balances it out. Thanks so much for taking time to comment.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us PegCole17. I had a desire to be an air stewardess in my youthful days, but I am glad I did not have that desire as an adult. Flying is not what it used to be. I am sure you have had some rewarding experiences. Have you ever had any regrets about choosing the career?
Hello Create a page.
My biggest regret? That I did not stick it out and make it a career. After all the years of wishing, hoping and waiting, I became discouraged after an injury, quit the airlines and returned to Florida to an old flame. Nope it wasn't true love. :(
"Regrets? I've had a few. But then again, too few to mention."
Sorry you didn't get to experience the airlines. I'm sure you had some fascinating adventures of your own.
Lovely adventure you have here... Peg wow you have one of the greatest job on earth and I think that was a great blessing... Keep Hubbing Peg and Im looking forward reading them...
Thanks GeneralHowitzer. So long ago . . . Yes, I'm truly grateful that I had this opportunity. Ahhhh, Memories . . .
Peg, this was very intersting to read and photos were fantastic. In the past, becoming a flight attendant or air hostess was a dream job but now opportunities has increased manifold with so many airlines operating and perks (to employees) and facilities (to passengers) has decreased that has made the job less lucrative. But getting such an glamorous job is still something great to feel/experience.
True, this used to be a dream job. I never imagined the airlines would change so much over the years. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment, premsingh. I love reading your hubs.
I used to think that being a flight attendant would be a glamorous job. They were called stewardesses back in the day :)
It's interesting how things have changed over the years. I took a flight a few years ago but my last international flight was 1982. Man that makes me feel old. Taking one this month so I will get to see first hand some of the many changes that have taken place. Thankfully, even though it is an international flight, it is only 1 hour. Here's hoping the weather holds.
Duchess, Hope your flight is a pleasant one. You will be in for a few surprises. Be sure to wear slip on shoes since you'll have to take them off at security, along with your jacket, metal jewelry and your belt, just to be sure you don't set off the alarm and get pulled aside for personal frisking. When I travelled as a project manager I seemed to get frisked (or wanded) a lot. You never get used to it.
I never minded being called a stewardess, but like the term secretary it fell out of fashion. Can't figure that one out except for the male admins who may not like it. Oh well.
Thanks so much for commenting and reading. As always, it's a pleasure to hear from you. p
Hi PegCole17
I know your work must have had lots of un-glamourous moments, but it still must have been so exciting, and what a great experience. It makes you sit and think sometimes about how our lives can be taken down another route because of a chance meeting. What would we have done if we hadn't met whoever. It's a bit like "Sliding Doors". I met Alan in Majorca, and if I hadn't gone there at that particular time, I wouldn't have. Then I'd never have moved to Belfast, and would have stayed in Felixstow,and what ifs and maybes. Makes you think though.
Pastella13, so right you are, much of the work is repetitive and unglamorous, which was a stark realization once training was done. Still it was something I had always wanted to do and thankful that the opportunity finally presented itself. Otherwise I would always have wondered.
You're right also about chance meetings, which was the gist of what I was trying to say here. If we open our awareness things sometimes present themselves unexpectedy. Thanks for your astute observation and for sharing your experiences.
Dear Cole : Thank you for sharing such a memorable time in your life. It took so much courage for you to brave all those wonderful horizons. You were like the baby bird leaving the nest to strengthen your wings in the mighty Heavens. Jets and air ships, they are such formidable wonders. The beauty of modern minds that create the great eagles of the great ships of the sky. A wonderful Hub. God Bless You
Dear stars439, Thanks for reading this memoir of days gone by. Now that I'm retired I have time to look back and remember things that flew by in my earlier life. Yes, flying was a real treat for me and I'll ever be grateful for even the short time I had that opportunity. GBY too stars.
Awesome! I am jealous of that chapter of your life - so much fun - thank you for sharing.
GmaGoldie - Not entirely as much fun as most people think it is. True, a chapter that I wouldn't trade now that I'm mature (haha - old). From your picture, you look like you would meet the qualifications. I'm sure you've heard this before, Doris Day? Thanks for taking time to comment.
hi!
I found this hub really informative. I'm glad you have the hair stylist training; sounds as if it saved your professional life. I like to write about scoundrels in business too!
Hi stephanie o, Thanks. The stylist license came back around in a different time when I was working my way through college. I was glad I kept it up after all. Still do after all these years!
Scoundrels in business? That sounds interesting. I'll have to check out your hub. Thanks for stopping in to read.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful story, it keeps dreams alive for others like you.
I am a 27year old Kenyan girl and i have always dreamed of being a flight attendant, unfortunately there are not too many opportunities for Africans. I do meet all requirements so i guess am going to keep applying and praying to get a breakthroigh.
Your story just restored my zeal and i will keep on trying no matter how many times am turned down.
Hi Fiffs, I'm so grateful for your sweet comments. Thanks! You are a person with definite goals and direction and I love your optimism. All the best in your pursuit of being a flight attendant - keep trying - I hope one day the dream will come true for you. Sometimes an opportunity comes when you least expect it. Good luck to you.
Thanks Peg for the read. I love my flying career! I fly mostly international and we cook for the passengers. We still have pillows, blankets, playing cards, and toys for the kiddies.
I keep hearing and reading, "Where's the glamour?" and I can answer that! It's in the romance of getting paid to wake up in another country, have a day or two (if I'm really lucky 3)to play, shop, eat, and meet amazing people before working to another destination to repeat.
Ahhh, the life of a gypsy. It's amazing and it still makes me giddy!
I love your name Leather or Feather. And I bet you've said "Chicken or Beef" a few times. I'm impressed that you are cooking in the air. Wow. Thanks so much for stopping by to read and comment.
You've restored my faith that there's still a little glamour in the skies. And it's wonderful to hear from someone who loves their work! Yeaaasaaa! True - waking up somewhere different, getting your bearings, scoping out some new places . . . what a life. Cheers, gypsy.
Oh, my! Your training is similar to our as sailors! Very rigid indeed! With all the code memorization, water and fire safety training...I almost back out.
When our joining port is at Texas or any other part of the US, our manning agency usually boarded us at KLM planes... cheap, affordable and with cool flight attendants. I never hear them whine because of long travel and they always give what the passengers have requested.
Travel_man1971, I never considered the training as rigid but you're right. We definitely had to study and learn a great deal of info in a short time. Some of my best memories were the fun we had in our study groups and on our practice flights.
It's nice to hear a positive comment about the service provided by flight attendants. They work long hours, standing on their feet most of the time. But the rewards are really great.
Travel_man1971, I never considered the training as rigid but you're right. We definitely had to study and learn a great deal of info in a short time. Some of my best memories were the fun we had in our study groups and on our practice flights.
It's nice to hear a positive comment about the service provided by flight attendants. They work long hours, standing on their feet most of the time. But the rewards are really great.
Hi Peg! I loved reading your story. I am a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines since 1997 and while the role has changed even since then, it is still exciting and fascinating. Sure, the work can be repetitive and some passengers not so nice, but even with a family and a second baby on the way, I make it work because I love it so! Thanks for sharing. God bless!
Thanks for stopping in to read and comment, Betsy. I'll bet you have your share of stories to tell. Yes, the work is fascinating . . . never the same two days in a row. Congrats on your baby on the way! How exciting! I'm so glad to hear you love your work. God bless you too!
I used to fly commercial twice a week, but I no longer care to subject myself to being treated worse than a criminal (a cop cannot frisk a criminal without probable cause, but a high school drop-out, TSA agent can frisk anyone without probable cause!)
I will not pay substantial money to be treated like dirt from the time I set foot in the departure terminal until I exit the one at my destination.
I sure miss the good old days when flying was sheer pleasure.
Yes Will, It is frustrating to be patted down and have people shuffle their (dirty) hands through your clean shirts. I traveled extensively on business after the 9 eleven events when the intense security was first put in place. It seems like I always got pulled from the line for a random check. Some of those folks liked using their "wands" a little too much. But each time I got where I was going and back home safely. And for that I'm thankful.
So glad you stopped in here to comment and thanks for reading my story. You're a good story teller Will.
Wow that Salon was a nice size.
I dated Barry Johnson and Randy Routan back in the days and both were pilots for Eastern.
My cousin Lynne was a ( stewardess ) Flight Attendent for Delta for 9 years I know back in those days becoming a Flight Attendant was no easy task.
I remember Lynne had a bit of a weight problem and because of it she had to weigh in before each flight and she actually got grounded for 3 months for being too overweight.
I also remember when she first started flying too. She always had to be made up perfectly just in case she got called.
Your story was a beautiful walk down memory lane. I loved it.
Hi Mrs. J.B. - Yes, the salon was huge and popular. Our stylist divas competed in national events and were masters of the latest Pyramid, Bi-level, Wedges and blow back styles of the day. In the mid 70s we were among the first salons to locate in a shopping mall. When I left the airlines I went back there as a stylist.
Your cousin Lynne and I had similar troubles. I had to lose 5 pounds in 3 days or I wouldn't be allowed to graduate. Did it though. Wish I had stayed longer but I got injured.
I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and telling me about Lynne. Thanks so much.
I hope you write more stories about your flying days. I love reading them over and over.
Thanks Mrs. J.B. - Love to remember the old days. . . ahhh memories, light the corner of my mind.
Awesome hub, hence the vote.
Life is really about who you know, I think the biggest changes in my life were because of who I knew and how they influenced my path. I also love the personal photos, nice touch!
Hey there Brett,
Yes, when I think of it I realize that had I not met that woman's mother, my whole life might have been different. Of course, if we move a grain of sand. . .
Life is about who you know and how you respond to them. Thanks for your very thoughtful comments.
Peg
Great story. I really never thought about all the hassle involved in becoming a flight attendant. Seems like it would be a cool job though.
Hello there DIY,
Some jobs are really worth pursuing. I would always have wondered about this career if I had never tried it.
Nice to see you here.
Hello Hybridjohn, As much as I appreciate your very nice comment I'm sorry that I'm reluctant to publish comments with a link that takes people off the HubPages site. That can negatively affect hubs and bounce rate. I am so sorry. Please drop back in if you have time and thank you, once again.
Hi there Peg! I was just offered a job as a flight attendant and I happily accepted! I am 25 years old and graduating college in December. I realize that being a flight attendant nowadays is nothing like it used to be, but it has always been a dream of mine since I can remember. I knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity, and if I did, I'd regret it forever. I am definitely a bit scared and a little nervous because my life is about to change...big-time! I start training in January and that's when I'll find out what base I will be assigned to...on reserve, that is! :) I've read that a lot of people quit before making it a whole year. If I can stick it out long enough to gain some seniority, I think it would end up being a great career! Anyways, I just love coming across other people's experiences as a flight attendant. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your story! Thanks for sharing - and by the way, your pictures are great!
Congratulations Jess! I'm so thrilled for you to start your new adventure and even more thankful that you will have completed your college degree soon. For that effort you will always be glad. I hope you'll come back to HubPages when you find time and write about your flight attendant training and your latest experiences when flying.
Yes, your life is about to change...big-time. But it will create memories that you will forever come back and relive in your mind. Look at me, forty some years later and I'm still reliving the glory days! Oh you will soon understand and I'm so happy for your and your new opportunity. Do well and come back soon to visit! Thank you so much for sharing your news here.
All the best to you,
Peg
Hi Peg! great to came across your blog. :)i have been reading articles to get myself notified the ups and downs of being a flight attendant and i'm prepared for all the downside of this job. There is another thing which is the future advancement.i know i can;t return to the field that i have once studied. I'm not as young as 21 anymore as i just accept the offer and go work for a few years if i like it i can set it as my career to move further. but given my age, i need to think of the future after i quite flying after 5 years.
For any airline that i heard, its not easy to get a ground job, first you must be qualified second is whether that department have any jobs for you. i don;t mind working as ground staff as i would like to contribute my talent and knowledge in the aviation industry as this is the industry that i interested in :) but do i stand any chance? and what position that are available for the ex- FA?
another question is for 4/5 years experience in being a flight attendant. to move on further to hospitality/ service industry or becoming a PR in any company. Will the experience to recognized, if it is recognized, is to what extant? for eg at the age of 30, one need to work from junior level again up to the managerial level?
Could you please enlighten and share with me more on the future? i know some people will start their own business is another option.but how about the others? where did they end up in?
thanks for spending time reading this and hope you could give some advice and correct me if i'm wrong.:)
my name is stacey, and i want to become a flight attendant. I am currently in college and ofter am finish i wishes to be come a flight attendant at my country's airline. I would like to know, if it is possible as a flight attendant to have a family of your own or become pregnant
Hello Xandra - Wow, you've got a lot going on right now and it looks like you are trying to plan out your career beyond your current flight attendant offer. You've asked several great questions, some that I can't answer for only the future will reveal what it holds.
Ground jobs with an airline? Sorry I don't know what type of jobs you seek, their requirements and if your flight attendant experience will help qualify you. Perhaps you mean a gate agent or reservationist? I never applied for those jobs nor worked them.
You speak of leaving the airline after five years to move into the hospitality industry, which seems like that is the business of a flight attendant: hospitality. Restaurants and hotels are in this field and some of your FA experience will help you there. But PR? Public relations - that may require college coursework and maybe a degree. I do not know what your previous field of study was, whether it is related or not.
As far as working up from a junior level to managerial level - that takes the right opportunity, the right track record of performance and ambition. I have started at the bottom many times in order to get a foot in the door of a great company where those opportunities might happen. It took many years to move up the ladder.
Starting your own business? Yes, that is a great option with the right product or service but be sure to do the homework. Draw up a written business plan detailing your total costs versus total revenue and determine how long to get to your break even point. Take some business courses to help you learn the laws that govern the type of business you want to start.
These thoughts are just the tip of the iceberg and I'm certainly no expert in these things. I hope this will give you a little help even if it doesn't answer all your questions. Your age is not a factor. Thanks for your great comment and all the best to you.
Peg
Hello Stacey,
I wish you the best in your pursuit of being a flight attendant. It takes persistence with the number of applications they receive versus the number of available positions. Sometimes, as in my case, it takes years.
The airline that you apply to will be the source to answer your question about maternity issues as a flight attendant. A word of caution when you apply: I wouldn't mention that you're eager to start a family. It sends a signal that an employer will weigh if they are trying to decide between two equally qualified candidates they want to hire. Just IMHO. Think like the employer.
Best of luck to you in all you do
Peg
hi peg !! wow! that really gave me lots of informations.I've always wanted to be a 'stewardess', im only 14 and been dreaming of flying and exploring the world ..so what does it take to be a flight attendant or also called as stewardess?? :-) hope to see your reply soon ..!!
Hello Alexandria,
Thanks for dropping by to read this article. You understand it has been many years since I applied as a Flight Attendant and interviewed but I will share a couple of things that may still be considered important. First, I admire your determination and drive considering your age. It is tough to decide a career direction and those decisions change over time as your interests evolve. Like you, I knew at 14 that's what I wanted to do.
I recommend you continue reading (like you are doing now) about the different airline companies to become more knowledgeable about their travel routes and company policies. When you fill out the application and they ask why you want to fly for their company, you will have the answer.
Pay attention in school when they cover geography and history so you will know more about the world. Try to take a foreign language. Becoming bi-lingual (if you are not already) can give you an advantage with an international airline. Take some college classes when the time comes. It shows you are eager and willing to learn and study.
What seemed important back in the day was the candidate's outgoing, friendly personality; cheerfullness; kindness; graciousness; good hygiene and manners; eagerness to be of help; and a positive attitude. These things will go a long way in whatever you decide to do.
I wish you all the best in your pursuit of an airline career and hope this is of some help.
Kind regards,
Peg
Sista,
I love reading about your life experiences that make you the beautiful woman you are today! Wow, what a grueling, yet fun, experience where you showed so much determination and motivation. The age of 27 is not hardly old but I can see, in comparison to the other younger chicks, where you may have felt the need to try even a bit harder... as I see in some of my students today.
It is kinda kooky that your flight attendant outfit looks exactly like my nursing student scrubs (hee-hee), even the color! I was just a 'tad' heavier!! And I would have needed an oxygen mask to get through your training regime... whew! You are amazing. girlfriend!
Voted UP & across the board. Love, Maria
Loved your article - thanks for laying out the processes in becoming a flight attendant. I've been doing my research as I want to be a flight attendant. I have a few concerns though. 1, I have a fear of heights. 2, I pretty much suck at geography. Do you think these will affect my chances of becoming a flight attendant?
Thanks so much, and I wish you all the best!
Hello Michelle, Thank you for your nice comment and I have a question for you. Have you ever taken a trip in an airplane and if so, did your fear of heights give you any trouble?
When working a flight there is little time to look out the window so it will most likely not be a problem. If you experience air sickness, then it may not be a good choice for a career. The geography issue can easily be resolved by studying the routes of the airline where you intend to apply. Prior to an interview you can brush up on applicable destinations although I doubt that you will be asked much about geography during the process.
I wish for you all the success in whatever you decide and again, thanks for your visit.
Peg
I have been a Flight Attendant for 5 years and have hung up my wings for new career horizons. This job is a fun experience that I will never regret doing but flying definitely has a life span!
Hi Amy, My guess is that your new career could include writing some very interesting stories from the experiences you've had. The life that goes along with flying is a tough one when your job takes you away from home so many nights. I wish you all the best in your new career horizons. Thanks for your nice comment.
Peg
They say evrything happens for a reason and your friend asking you to make that phone call was fate.
I always thought that being an air hostess was a glamour job and travelling to see other parts of the world. I never thought about the rigerous traing that you girls (and boys) had to put in. The fact that at the end of a flight you would be so whacked that sightseeing would be the last thing on your minds. So thank you for the insight Peg.
The flying experience has certainly changed over the years.
A wonderful read of your experiences Peg.
Hi Rosemay,
I believe that everything happens for a reason too. It is strange how a small incident like meeting that lady could make all the difference in the world.
The only glamorous part of the job was walking through the airport in our uniforms dragging our luggage. There were days when I woke up and didn't know what city I was in. It became a blur after a while. After all these years though I can look back on it as a fun experience.
Thanks for stopping in today Rosemay, and for reading over these old memories.
Peg
lmmartin Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago
Loved it. And yes, those were the days, my friend -- but they did end. Today you'd be throwing a quick bag of peanuts at the uncomfortable travellers crammed into their far too small economy seats. There is no glamor and elegance left in today's world for most of us.