Flight Attendants have special needs when it comes to filing taxes and are allowed certain deductions that could make itemizing well worth it.  The airline gives a flight attendant what’s called per diem. It’s like an expense account. A really small expense account. So small in fact that the government allows us to write off  much more. Which is why it’s to our benefit to seek out a tax professional that specializes in airline crews. Flightax.com is exactly that and it is owned by a flight attendant. Flightax understands how beneficial our per diem deductions are that they will actually look at a flight attendants schedule and get exact allowances for the day and city they were in. The amounts change day to day and city to city and some tax places will just estimate the amounts. An average crew schedule of 80 hours a month can result in as much as $10-$15,000. in deductions!

Per diem is not all that is special to airline crew members.  Flight attendants can also write off  uniform shoes, but only if you purchase them from a uniform store. Union dues? Yes! Ever hear of emergency cab fare deduction? Check it out and much more on flightax.com. Did I mention they’ve never lost an audit?

More questions? Join us on facebook and twitter. And, don’t forget to buy new luggage from Travel Pro using my discount code: theflyingpinto15….and then write it off;)

• The Business Traveler: A wheeled garment bag is best for most business travelers. The clothes packed need to arrive as pressed as possible. Packing in a garment bag allows you arrive to that business meeting that starts an hour after you land looking like you didn’t just get off an airplane. It also has ample room for everything else you need to pack.
• The Family: When the entire family travels together and there are two adults involved, I recommend two roller boards. A larger one (22″ or larger) for checking and a smaller (18-22″) for carrying on. Mix and match clothing, meaning make sure everyone has at least a couple of outfits in the carry on suitcase just in case the airline “ahem” misplaces your checked bag. Checking one bag allows you to bring whatever size liquids you need while helping stream line your trip through security…one less thing to pull out in the TSA line. Also, it frees one parents hands to help with the kids while the carry on suitcase can “carry” your cooler and smaller carry on.
• The Solo Traveler: A perfect bag for you is the 18″-22″ roller board. If you’re headed on vacation and not packing business attire you are free to roll your clothes which saves space and keeps your clothes mostly wrinkle free. Choose outfits that mix and match and softer fabrics that can be rolled tight. You’ll be surprised how much fits.
• The Over-nighter: (the deluxe rolling tote with computer sleeve) I know some extremely talented packers (flight attendants) and if you are going somewhere for just a day or two this bag can suit all your needs. Fits both your clothes and computer and less is always more when flying.

Visit Travelproluggageoutlet.com for these and many more bags to fit your travel needs. I’ve even scored an extra 15% off their already discounted prices for my readers! Just use the promo code: theflyingpinto15 at check out.

“Do you have to possess a college degree or prior flight attendant training upon applying to be a flight attendant?”

The short answer is no. Most major airlines prefer a college degree but, do not require one. Since most major airlines now require you to be twenty one before you apply it makes sense to go to school before becoming a flight attendant. Not only will you make yourself more attractive to the airlines but, it will also give you something to fall back on. Once you are off reserve status, a career as a flight attendant offers a lot of flexibility. You may choose to have a side career, or retire your wings after twenty years as a flight attendant and pursue another career.

If becoming a flight attendant is a second career for you, then you do not need a degree to apply at most airlines. There’s a misconception that you have to be young to apply to be a flight attendant but, many people join the airlines later in life. Most major airlines value life experience. Especially from those who have raised families. I have also found that people who have had “real” jobs appreciate their new career as flight attendants the most.

One thing you definitely don’t need is flight attendant training prior to applying with the airlines. All airlines will provide training once you are hired.

Have you considered becoming a flight attendant as a second career? It’s a wonderful way to travel and see the world once the nest is empty! Bonus if you have a pension coming in from your first career! Have questions? Join us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also tune into The Crew Lounge to hear more about the lives and careers of flight attendants.

Photo courtesy

• A big warm sweater is a great place to start. Invest in a nice sweater for travel. Underneath wear layers, a tank top, and a long sleeved shirt. This works anytime of year. You can peel your layers as you get to a warm destination or add the layers if you get cold on your flight.

• Stylish leggings or pants. The key to comfort is to make sure your pants have stretch. You can even find jeans that will work. I’m not against yoga pants but, if you go this route make sure the rest of you is dressed with style by wearing a nice top, scarf, jewelry and shoes not sneakers.

• Speaking of shoes. You don’t need to to wear sneakers to be comfortable. I travel in ballet flats or loafers (think: slip on) unless I really need boots at my destination in which case I wear the boots because they take up way to much space in the suitcase. If you travel frequently think of buying a few pair of shoes special for travel. Your feet swell when flying so I have shoes that are a half size too big just for travel.

• The right carry on. You know that bag that extra purse, or laptop bag that you are allowed in addition to your one carry-on? That’s the bag I’m talking about. Make it count. Big bags are in, take advantage of it and use it for all your carry-on essentials. The right bag can add a lot of style to your whole look.

• A great scarf that will complete your outfit and double as a small blanket. Anything that does double duty while traveling is worth its weight in gold.

• The right cosmetics. I travel with bare essentials make-up, not only is it great for your skin but, it’s powder (tsa friendly). Lip balm, LUSH solid moisturizer for my skin and disposable toothbrushes that don’t need water.

• The Ziploc: I keep eye drops in my tsa baggy. Flying is extremely dehydrating not to mention eye drops can be just the right thing to make you appear awake after a red-eye flight.

•  The right luggage. Black is key, it goes with everything and doesn’t show the dirt. (Use my discount code to enjoy 15% off at Travel Pro: theflyingpinto15)

Just prior to initial descent head to the lavatory adjust your outfit to suit your destination, brush your teeth, add lipstick and voila! You’ve arrived in style.

How do you travel? Is looking good important? What tips do you have for adding style to air travel? Join the conversation on Facebook and twitter. Interested in the flight attendant’s lifestyle? Take a peek behind the galley curtain by subscribing to my podcast, The Crew Lounge. 

*Shoes available at TBshoestore.com

It’s articles like these that make me realize how misinformed the flying public really is. Air travel is extremely safe and 2011 was one of the safest years in aviation. As much as we all love to hate the FAA they have FARs (federal aviation regulations) in place to protect us and keep air travel safe. Flight Attendants, who are often made out to be the bad guys are on the airplane to inform passengers of the FARs and make sure everyone is compliant. I’ve always felt that the airlines take a “do what I say because I said so” attitude when it comes to their rules which is partly why I started this blog, to inform and educate the flying public.

This story about the family of six, the Fickes is a perfect example of a family who doesn’t fly often and doesn’t understand the reason behind the rules. The explanation is simple but, if you don’t fly a lot you may not understand. The Fickes have four children under the age of three (three of which are under the age of two and eligible to be lap children). The Fickes assumed they could purchase three tickets and each have a lap child on their lap. All in the same row. There are two reasons they could not. The first being that a three year old cannot have a baby on their lap, you must be eighteen to hold a lap child on US Airways. The second being there is only one extra oxygen mask per row of seats on a plane. The FAA requires enough oxygen masks per person in each row. You know that part of the safety demonstration where we say, “put your mask on first before assisting others?” It’s actually extremely important that you have oxygen in the case of a decompression and unlike the rules about the electronic devices no one can argue this one! The family thought they were being discriminated against for having too many children. Not the case!

Anytime you are purchasing tickets be sure to read the airlines policies. All the information the Fickes needed was on the US Airways web site.

Confused about any of  the airlines rules? You can ask your question on Facebook or twitter. You can also write us at FA@upgrd.com and we may answer your question on The Crew Lounge Podcast.

What twelve days of (stressful, overbooked, weather-delayed, gate-checked, crowded, hilarious and fun) holiday travel gave to me:

Twelve Passengers Fuming

The “customer service” line at SEA airport was so long, and the weather across the entire country was so nice…I didn’t even want to ask.

Eleven Excuses for Drinking

Nothing says “holiday travel stress relief” like a Bloody Mary (or wine, or champagne) at 35,000 feet. ‘Tis the season!

Ten Miles of Schlepping

Airports keep getting bigger and bigger, and it seems that no matter where I’m flying, my gate is at the end of the furthest concourse in the terminal. I think it’s just one of the universal laws of holiday travel. My longest airport sprint (we’ll call it a “reindeer run”) took place at SFO, where half the passengers on a full 777-200 came down the jetway completely out of breath and dripping with sweat.

Nine Segments Flying

My holiday travel schedule in the weeks leading up to Christmas. EWR-ATL, ATL-EWR, EWR-LAS, LAS-EWR, EWR-SEA, SEA-SFO, SFO-LAX, LAX-AUS, DFW-EWR

Eight Bags a-Missing

It’s a bummer when luggage goes missing. I hope the owners of these suitcases have been happily reunited with their bags for the holidays.

Seven Pax Commuting

While taking the first morning BART train to San Francisco International Airport, I see one passenger who bears uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus. Perhaps his flying sleigh is stored at a hangar at SFO.

Six Whack Jobs Waiting

Everyone gets so! excited! to fly! during the holiday season! These six eager beavers are ready and waiting, though boarding won’t actually commence for another 35 minutes.

Five Inflight Films

Crazy Stupid Love, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, The Hangover Part II, Horrible Bosses, Bad Teacher

Four Rising Suns

I’ve never seen so many consecutive sunrises over so many different cities. I’m normally a sunSET kind of girl. It’s nice to see how the early side lives for a change.

Three Boogie Boards

I spent a good chunk of time at this boogie board-adorned LAX baggage carousel. I flew into Los Angeles on one plane, but my tardy bag made it onto another, giving me an extra hour to grab a holiday-themed latte.

Two French Toasts

After years of choosing between eggs or cereal on morning flights, I was stunned when recently given a new third option of French Toast. Variety is the spice of life!

One Crazy Lady in the Lounge

I was so taken by an Australian passenger wearing a paper Christmas tiara in the United lounge at LAX, I asked her if I could snap a photo of her “holiday spirit.” She offered to take one of me (wearing her crown) instead. Here’s my dramatic reenactment of one very…happy holiday traveler.

Another great guest post from our favorite foodie frequent flier, Foodie International! Be sure to follow her adventures on Facebook and twitter!

]]> http://www.theflyingpinto.com/2011/12/twelve-days-of-holiday-travel.html/feed 4 http://www.theflyingpinto.com/2011/12/twelve-days-of-holiday-travel.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/theflyingpinto/gpyN/~3/vRZy3-t2S4w/the-crazy-things-passengers-say-to-flight-attendants.html http://www.theflyingpinto.com/2011/12/the-crazy-things-passengers-say-to-flight-attendants.html#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:00:31 +0000 The Flying Pinto http://www.theflyingpinto.com/?p=1724 If you haven’t had a chance check out my podcast The Crew Lounge on upgrd.com! I’m proud to say we’re up to 79 episodes which you can subscribe to for free on itunes! And, while you’re there be sure to rate and review us! You can also check out a whole section of airline bloggers at upgrd.com called The Crew Room! Each week on UPGRD I’ll be posting some things I “over hear” from other flight attendants!

The idea for The Crew Lounge was to give everyone a peek inside the life of a flight attendant. Social media has become a great resource for me to not only give you my insights but, that of my fellow co-workers. I belong to a private flight attendant chat room, and though I can’t share everything with you sometimes there are funny or interesting threads that I can. So, here’s what I overheard in “the crew room” this week!

A flight attendant asks, “what is the craziest thing a passenger has said to you?”

• Kim: I had a lady ring her call bell and ask me how to roll the window down…SERIOUSLY!! I had to hold in my reaction. I asked another flight attendant to go help the lady, as I couldn’t. We laughed about that one the rest of the flight!!

Head over to UPGRD.com to see more!

• VIOlight Personal/Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer The convenient personal toothbrush sanitizer for people on-the-go!The Violight Personal/Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer uses  germ-eliminating UV technology in a go-anywhere package. The germicidal light activates as soon as you close the lid, and in 6 minutes your toothbrush is sanitized and stored.
• Travel Power Strip Ever been frustrated by lack of outlets in your hotel room? Me too!
• Eco Tools Travel Set This is for the ladies. I love my eco tools travel make-up brushes.
• Travel Laundry Clothes Line The Flexoline has loops on both ends that can stretch across the bathroom up to 7 feet and be attached to a shower head or towel rack.
• Moleskine Journals Great for notes on your journey, lots of colors and designs to choose from they’re incredibly durable with thick acid-free paper and a high quality binding.
• Starbucks Gift Cards All the airports have them and we all need our caffeine fix while traveling!
• Ear Plugs They’re simple, they’re cheap and they work! A must have for anyone getting on an airplane!
• Immersion Heater Portable heater for warming coffee, tea, soup, and more. A perfect travel companion.

And, remember if you’re shopping for a flight attendant you can probably get away with waiting for the sales after the holidays to buy for them! Most of us are flying!

Any questions about air travel? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge and hang out with me and some of my flight attendant friends while we discuss industry news, and have great conversation with our guests! Have a kindle? Subscribe to The Flying Pinto for automatic downloads.

Jake*: After reading about Alec Baldwin being removed from a flight for refusing to turn off his cell phone and verbally berating the crew, it got me thinking about enforcing the electronics policy. How little is too little? How far is too far? For me, I tell them it needs to be turned off and walk away. End of story. I really can’t be bothered policing every single electronic device. And giving a written warning for a phone! For some reason I can’t even see e-readers (wink, wink), which, by the way, do not use electricity unless the page is turned. What about y’all?

Beth: I inform and walk away!

Kim: Inform, not enforce.

Seth: Depends on my mood. Lol!

Sara: I’m an informer. It is ridiculous. If we really enforced everyone to turn off their electronic devices we’d never get a plane off the ground!

Carol: Inform once, remind once, then stare at them, roll your eyes and walk away. I am wearing as many hats as I can. Police is not one I signed up for.

Kris: “Informers not enforcers” also means we can inform the enforcers of the violators.

Angel: What happens when you have to evacuate and they aren’t paying attention because they are too busy on their electronic device to be paying attention to you? …just playing devils advocate.

Jay: Sounds like their personal problem to me. Maybe they’re live Tweeting the evac?

Jason: Which begs another question: how responsible are we for people paying attention to the safety demo and other critical phases of flight? The other day I had a lead flight attendant make an announcement prior to the demo requesting that all passengers cease conversations and focus solely on the video screens, no matter how well traveled they were. That was extreme and annoying!

Grant: I wait for the lead to make their announcement. Then arm the door. Then make my OWN announcement to turn them off. Then I go through the cabin from the aft and lean in and say “We’ve asked you three times now I’m telling you turn it off” It works every time.

Casey: I guess I’m in the minority, but I don’t mind asking as many times as needed to get the electronics turned off. It’s just another in a long line of regulations that passengers need to comply with, and the passengers that do comply aren’t very happy if others continue to use them. But, I’m nice about informing!

Lisa:  Pick your battles. somethings aren’t worth it when the company comes to you and gives you the 3rd degree for enforcing their policy!

Diane: I inform and enforce….it’s a FAR (federal aviation regulation) and I don’t want a big personal fine from the FAA>…I am not sure why everyone thinks we just inform and not enforce?

Cindy: I also inform and enforce. Had a guy in first…I asked him to turn off his computer….then he turns on his phone. I asked him to turn it off….after asking twice I said “Sir, this is the third time I’m asking you to turn off your phone” He gave me the look…I said, we can always go back to the gate. Passenger behind him said :Turn off your f*^%@*g phone!!!” He did

Sam: I find it sad how complacent most flight attendants have become about customers using their electronic devices. We have gotten this “whatever” attitude about it, but I find it personally annoying when I ask them to turn it off and they roll their eyes at me and give me this…Well, they didn’t make me on the last flight. Well, they didn’t give a rat’s ass on the last flight, but I do, so, turn it off…thank you. Not enforcing it creates the a-holes like Alec…..

Nadine: Remember the movie Clueless when being “a Baldwin” was a good thing? Perhaps we have a new catch phrase for the peeps who don’t turn off their stuff.

What do you all think? Everyone argues how stupid and/or mean flight attendants are, because we inform you that you need to turn off your electronic device. The reality is flight attendants are doing their jobs. It doesn’t matter what we think, it is a federal aviation regulation that we must enforce. The airline and the flight attendants can be fined for not enforcing this rule. The flight attendant can actually lose their job. It is pointless to tell a flight attendant your opinion about it, it’s not a judgement call.  Do you turn off and stow your electronic devices? Do you wait to be informed when the flight attendant walks through or do you do it on your own when you hear the announcement?

Any questions about air travel? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge and hang out with me and some of my flight attendant friends while we discuss industry news, and have great conversation with our guests! Have a kindle? Subscribe to The Flying Pinto for automatic downloads….just be sure to turn it off when informed;)

*All names have been changed.

The stress of traveling around the holidays can drive anyone to drink. Long lines at security, overbooked flights and the sometimes-tearful surrendering of oversized carry-ons are just a few contributing factors. A recent rise in bad behavior on airplanes (think episodes of crotch-grabbing, aisle-peeing and futile in-flight attempts to open the exit door) should make even the most experienced traveler think twice about tippling this holiday season. The lesson here is: don’t be these passengers. In honor of holiday travel: a look at the airline industry’s most infamous inebriates.

10. The Erotic Dancer: (August 26, 2011) A woman on a BMI flight from Moscow to London got drunk enough to let her freak flag fly. Channeling her inner exhibitionist, the inebriated passenger performed a one-woman erotic dance show, fondling other passengers and removing their eyeglasses. The live in-flight entertainment only lasted 15 minutes before the aircraft turned around and returned to Russia.

9. Those Crazy Ukrainians: (March 11, 2010) A DonbassAero flight from Simferopol to Kiev was boarded by police minutes before departure. According to Gadling, the flight attendants, the pilot and the flight engineer were arrested. For the record, that’s the entire crew. Every employee working the flight that morning had a blood alcohol level above .05% (more than two times the legal limit).

8. The Rule-Bender: (December 11, 2007) Though he technically never made it onto the aircraft, one genius decided to outwit airport security. When stopped at a German airport checkpoint with liquids (in this case, a one liter bottle of vodka) the man refused to surrender his purchase or pay a checked bag fee. Instead, the would-be passenger stood in the security line and chugged the entire bottle of vodka. He was soon incapacitated and was taken to a nearby hospital with severe alcohol poisoning.

7. The Wifebeater (December 2006) In 2008 An unusual court case surfaced. The Telegraph reported that a man traveling with his wife from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco got wasted on Burgundy wine and found out the hard way that he’s an angry drunk. As the couple proceeded through US immigrations, the man became irritable and smacked his wife across the face six times, prompting an arrest for domestic abuse. Claiming it wasn’t his fault the couple sued United Airlines for “negligently” over-serving the wine, causing the man to beat his wife.

6. The Golden Summer (June-August, 2011) Between late June and mid-August of this year, three separate passengers on three different airlines decided to get drunk and relieve themselves anywhere but the lavatory.

• June 27, 2011 An unknowing trendsetter on a Jetstar flight from Auckland to Singapore never located the lav. Instead, he decided to let it all out in the aisle, splashing several passengers including one man’s leg and a woman’s scarf.
• August 11, 2011 An 18-year old US ski team hopeful decided to get wasted before taking a Jet Blue flight from Portland, Oregon to New York and miscounted the distance to the lavatory when he turned and urinated on the leg of a sleeping 11-year old girl.
• August 17, 2011 French actor Gerard Depardieu brought celebrity status to the summer trend. Allegedly he was not drunk at the time, though some people claim that allegedly he was. Either way, BBC News reported he repeatedly announced, “Je veux pisser” and used a seatmate’s empty bottle until it overflowed onto the floor. First classy!

5. The Initiative-Taker: (July 4, 2008) A do-you-know-who-I-am drunken first class passenger traveling from New York to Guyana became infuriated that economy class passengers made it to the exit door (located behind him) before he did. Not to be outpaced by the unwashed masses, the passenger took initiative by opening the door closest to him. This activated the emergency slide, which the passenger then used to exit the aircraft and to enter handcuffs.

4. The Firestarter (June 18, 2008) A Delta passenger flying from Atlanta to Vienna, Austria drunkenly insisted he required more booze. Flight attendants disagreed, refusing to serve him. CNN reported that the man became enraged and slapped one flight attendant’s hand. He then produced a cigarette lighter and attempted to set the galley curtains on fire. Because that was going to get him another round.

3. The Charmer: (May 20, 2011) Wasted from weather delay boredom, a Delta passenger made the moves on his seatmate by falsely claiming he was a federal air marshal and in possession of gas canisters that could render the entire plane unconscious. He then began sparking a cigarette lighter by his wholly unimpressed seatmate’s knees. With quick thinking, she turned him in to the cabin crew, who were equally unimpressed with his sloppy seductions, diverting the flight to Memphis.

2. The Castaway: (June 29, 2005) Sometimes enough is enough. A passenger flying from Manchester, UK to the Canary Island of Tenerife became belligerent after his drink service was cut short by the crew. He cursed at flight attendants and passengers until the pilot had had enough, diverting the aircraft to a tiny (3-by-10 mile) island in the West African nation of Cape Verde. The abusive passenger was booted from the plane into the hands of local authorities. The aircraft then took off, continuing on its original course.

1. The Liquid Soap Lady: (April 29, 2009) A woman on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to London used her fear of flying as an excuse to mix sleeping pills with several mini bottles of wine. After she was found with her feet up on the tray table kicking the seat in front of her, she was denied additional alcoholic beverages. This prompted the unruly passenger to remove a bottle of liquid soap from the lavatory and drink it at her seat. Apparently hand soap contains alcohol. When flight attendants tried to subdue her into handcuffs, the passenger punched, kicked and snapped like a dog, attempting to bite a crewmember’s leg. Once she sobered up, all she remembered of the flight was that she was unhappy about the quality of United’s wine. (psst: it was soap!) The Telegraph reports that when she spoke with FBI agents, her explanation was: “I sometimes do crazy things.”

Thanks Elyse! Wonder what stories we’ll be talking about after this holiday season! I have a feeling you’ll be updating your list:)  You’ll want to follow Elyse’s foodie adventures at her blog, FoodieInternational.com and join the discussion on Facebook and twitter. I’m a flight attendant and I live vicariously through her! Think lots of travel, a home base in NYC, and Tuscany, with great food thrown in…well mostly great food…check it out, you’ll quickly know what I mean!

Holidays can be particularly difficult for flight attendants. I just flew with a flight attendant who has been on reserve status for the past five years, usually light hearted and bubbly she was stressed and anxious. Not surprised, it’s that time of year in the airline industry. While most people are gearing up to spend time with their loved ones airline employees are struggling to find time with their families. I remember many years celebrating Thanksgiving on the Wednesday before and telling myself it’s just a day! But, it never failed, when “that” day rolled around and scheduling got a hold of me I always felt sad, like I was missing something! But, once on my assigned trip my crew inevitably became “family” and our hotels more often than not take very good care of us and have a holiday spread waiting for us! In honor of Thanksgiving I thought I would take a moment and ask my crew members  what they are thankful for as flight attendants. Here is what a few had to say:

The Flexibility

Tisha: “I absolutely love the flexibility and not taking the job home with me. BEST JOB IN THE WORLD!!!”

Kelly: “Even though I fly a lot and commute, I have NEVER missed my children’s school functions or sporting events. This job allows me the time to be “team mom.” I am able to be there and bring in a great income for my family. I am truly blessed.”

Ginger: “Where else can you tell your company when you want to work and where you want to go? Once upon a time I was an escrow secretary, and had to be at work everyday! I am thankful this job has helped me overcome the trauma of that experience:-)”

Free Travel

Mary: ” I am grateful that I am able to give my entire family the gift of travel. My parents have given me so much over my life so to see them jet setting around the world, often in first class, in their retirement is such an honor. My husband grew up in a third world country. Now he has been all over the world and is still in awe. As my children get older I know their education will come alive as they see the places they learn about with their own eyes. It really is priceless!”

Freedom

Kemberley: ” I am thankful for the fact that as long as I am a good flight attendant I don’t have to see my supervisor everyday like a corporate job.”

Charlie: “I have loved the way our job allows each of us to become authentic. The lack of office politics has allowed me to develop without regard for gay glass ceilings and things of that nature.”

Friendships

Michelle: “I’m thankful this job has given me the opportunity to make life long friends all over the world!”

Greg: ” I am thankful to be surrounded by some of the most caring, selfless, clever and giving people I meet everyday in the air. I love my co-workers!”

John: “Definitely the people I meet and work with. Every trip it’s like meeting long lost cousins or new best friends. It’s always like instant family.”

Opportunity

Anna: ” I am thankful for this airline job. My children and I were immigrants to the US and we are from Hong Kong. This job has allowed me to fly back to see my parents to tell them how much we love them while they were alive. I have the opportunity to see the whole world. I have money to pay my bills and help others. I have too many things to be thankful for with this job. Hallelujah!!!”

Dean: “With limited education and finances, this job has afforded me the opportunity to travel and expand my cultural awareness while earning a respectable income. This is the easiest part time job in the world, with full time earnings and no stress.”

Experiences

Lisa: “I am thankful that everyday is something new and that I am constantly amazed by the stories of life that I hear daily.”

Tracey: “I am thankful for the experiences I’ve witnessed. A marriage proposal, bringing a baby to her adopted parents for the first time, bringing a fallen soldier home…”

Amanda: “This past week I picked up a long Denver layover and got paid to have dinner with my nephew, sister and dad. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

Any questions about air travel? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto. You can also join me in The Crew Lounge and hang out with me and some of my flight attendant friends while we discuss industry news, and have great conversation with our guests! Have a kindle? Subscribe to The Flying Pinto for automatic downloads.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Fly Safe!

post photos courtesy of flyertalk.com and bellafoxglove.blogspot.com

“Why do you want to become a flight attendant?”

The running joke with this question is to say, “I love people and I love to travel!” Ask any flight attendant on a bad day why they’re a flight attendant and it’s likely they’ll say that phrase….sarcastically. I consulted my friend Kate who is an airline recruiter, who by the way is a flight attendant. Most airlines hire their own flight attendants to recruit, which is great because who understands what it takes to do this job more than someone who already does it? Luckily Kate was more than happy to answer this question:

“That question is a standard part of our interview, but not always asked. I liked to ask it. It wasn’t unusual for the applicant to answer “I love people and I love to travel”. That is fine, but they need to be more specific. Such as, in what areas of prior employment did you get the most interaction with customers and why does that lead them to the airline industry. We both know the importance of personal interaction with customers, even though some flight attendants think they are only there for safety!

Also, regarding the “love to travel”, the applicants should have a good understanding of the of time involved in travel away from home. It was important to me to get a good job fit, with the job fitting the applicant. The new flight attendant is happy and she makes the customer happy. I could go on, but it’s cocktail hour!”

Lol, typical flight attendant! Thanks, Kate! That is very good advice! I think what she mentions about being more specific is extremely important with every question you are asked in the flight attendant interview. When they ask something like, “What is a good example of customer service?” They’re are not looking for a vague answer of what you might think customer service is. What the recruiter wants to hear is a specific example of customer service that you have delivered! Be specific with every question asked and give personal experiences, it will separate you from the crowd and might just be the beginning of your flight attendant career !

Interested in becoming a flight attendant? Join me on Facebook/theflyingpintoblog or @theflyingpinto and ask me your questions. You can also find out what it’s really like being a flight attendant by joining me and my flight attendant friends in The Crew Lounge. Have a kindle? You can subscribe to The Flying Pinto and get automatic downloads right to your kindle.

Cheers and happy flying!