At
the heart of the flight attendant
job lies the sweetness provided by the fruits
of labor. Amid the frustration of crazy schedules, rude passengers,
bad weather and difficult co-workers, the flight
attendant job provides perks like no other.
Many times this wonderful lifestyle is downplayed, in order
to ensure that the job applicant is made aware of the difficulty
experienced in the beginning.
If you are
able to withstand the irregularities of the position for the
first few months, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
After the probationary period is over, as an airline employee
you will receive space-available air travel for a minimal charge,
or in some cases complimentary, on your own airline. In addition
this, you will be provided with a plethora of travel discounts
on other carriers, anywhere from a 50% discount to 90%. Some
even offer an annual “freebie”, on a space-available
basis! I remember flying to England and Ireland once on another
carrier for the humongous fare of $40! We enjoyed seeing castles
and the beautiful Yorkshire countryside; we toured Buckingham
Palace and the Tower of London, shopped at Piccadilly Circus,
and boogied the nights away in the discos. Nothing will ever
erase this wonderful experience from my mind!
Hotels and
car rental agencies also give reduced rates to airline employees,
as well as some eateries and tour packages. Most establishments
around airline hub cities cater to airline employees and give
generous discounts. Many courtesies are extended to airline
employees that are usually extended only to high rolling jet
setters. I once stayed in a hotel that had biking and horseback
riding trails – free to us, and unlimited access to a
Jacuzzi and workout room. The owners also provided a private
car for our use only, to go into town and shop during our 23-hour
layover in that city. I have been to the Grand Canyon and hiked
the Appalachian Trail; I have sunned in the Caribbean and snow
skied in Portland; I have beheld the magnificence of Niagara
Falls, shopped-till-I-dropped at the Mall of the Americas and
strolled the monuments and historical sights in Washington,
D.C. Most of the vacation spots in America have been my stomping
grounds. If you fly internationally as a flight attendant, the
world will be your playground; even if you fly for a domestic
carrier, you can go virtually ANYWHERE on vacation!
Some of
the people I have met while onboard an airplane have been quite
memorable and I consider this a perk of the job. I have met
really nice folks who generously gave the flight crews samples
of their various wares, including shoes I received from a shoe
salesman, a very large box of retail size cosmetics from a cosmetics
rep, clothing from apparel store owners, and autographed books
from celebrities. Some of the famous people I met while flying
include legendary actors, rock musicians, politicians, poets,
writers, athletes and artists. For the most part, these folks
can be quite down-to-earth and interesting to talk to. I’ve
gotten many a free ticket to a concert or ball game from celebs
I have met and it’s a real kick to meet them!
The company
benefits for airline employees are also quite generous, affording
paid days off, medical and dental benefits, credit unions and
401K’s. And what other job gives you as many days off
per month (10 – 15)? But, putting aside all the wonderful
above mentioned benefits you reap when working for an airline,
nothing can compare to the emotional benefits you get from providing
comfort and companionship to scared or emotionally distraught
folks. When lending an ear to someone who is going through a
family crisis and being told by them that you were the ray of
sunshine in their day, the personal gratification you will receive
for a job well done is one of the most rewarding parts of the
job.
Finally,
the one thing not often mentioned is that there is also a certain
unexplainable joy when walking through an airport terminal in
your uniform. Nothing warms my heart like hearing a little girl
say to her mommy, “I want to be an airplane lady when
I grow up!” Not everyone who relishes the honor of being
chosen for this outstanding position is bestowed with the revered
flight wings. The flight attendant job holds a curious mystique
that attracts many admirers, envious of the adventure and excitement
we experience on a daily basis. And the camaraderie experienced
is typical only to this industry – where else can 5 perfect
strangers, with diverse personalities and backgrounds, at the
end of a 4-day trip, click and become lifelong friends?
And that, my friend, is why we fly!
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