Seven years ago I took a personality test that told me I should be a flight attendant, and it’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. But it’s not all glitz and glamour.
Here are some of the best and worst things about being a flight attendant.
I can choose who I work with, which makes my job easier.
Being able to choose who I work with, or not, is a luxury. When I make my schedule, I can add the credentials of my favorite colleagues to ensure a good shift.
The most exciting advantage of being a flight attendant is travel to dream destinations with my colleagues. We love taking turns together and we enjoy the stopovers to the fullest.
I can make my own schedule
At my airline, we work a maximum of 14 days a month and still get paid full-time. The process is simple: we request our schedule in an online system and choose the place, hours and days we want to work.
This makes it easier for me to live life my way.
5 flight attendants share their thoughts on asking people to change seats on a plane, as the debate continues on TikTok
I enjoy luxury at work
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After work, Private cars pick us up at the airport and drop us off at luxury hotelsThe airline I work for prioritizes the comfort of its crew, so staying in four or five star hotels has become the norm for me.
Even though I spend my days serving drinks, living these experiences makes me feel like a star. It’s quite a paradox.
I travel to my dream destinations with all expenses paid
There is something extraordinary about travelling to a new country at no cost. I can go almost anywhere in the world and get paid for it.
I’ve noticed that many crew members avoid early retirement simply because they love this part of the job, and I don’t blame them.
On the other hand, I often have to adapt to different time zones.
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One of the most irritating things I have encountered over the past seven years is adjusting to time changes and dealing with the jet lag.
I try to avoid flying internationally too much because I end up at least five hours ahead or behind my usual sleep schedule, and it can take days for my body to readjust.
My friends and family think I have the “cure” for it. jet lagBut the truth is, as a flight attendant, I never get over it, I just learn to live with it.
People always ask me for discounts on flights
People I barely know ask me discounts for your flightsand it is very uncomfortable.
Most airlines have different rules about exchanging discount codes. Also, “buddy passes” — waitlisted airline tickets — have annual limits.
I usually reserve my discounts for a few friends and family members, but unfortunately I still get bombarded all year round. It’s become part of the reality of the job.
As a flight attendant, I often have to deal with angry passengers.
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Dealing with angry customers is one of the worst parts of my job.
I understand that there is frustrating situations on tripsand people in uniform are usually the easiest to pay. It’s not a pleasant task, but I’ve become quite seasoned over the past seven years.
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Tags: Airplanes, Airlines, Job, Flights