Would like to hear from mothers who are flight attendants.

Brandy in Austin, Texas said: I have been an FA for 5 years & I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is time for you to get out if you feel this way. It is not fair to your PAX for your crumy attitude. I have a child & I spend 18 days a month a home. I work for Southwest airlines & I am very proud to say it. Please don't discourage others who would like to try the job, & get out so someone who really wants the job can have it. Brandy

Please, refer to the terms of service: "Be Polite"!! Besides, isn't it one of the characteristics of a good F/A?? Not everyone works for Southwest and has the same opportunities that you do. Companies and policies differ a lot. I totally agree with Jane (St. Paul), Busy Mom and May in Houston, who have more experience and wisdom and know what priorities in life are all about! It is so sad to read some comments from moms who have such young kids, who are willing to trade precious moments and memories with them with cranky, unpolite and rude passengers and crazy working hours! Besides, being on reserve is very stressful, you never know when you are going to get called and when it comes in the middle of the night, it's not fun! Being a F/A is not glamorous like many people might think it is!

Mary in Houston, Texas said: I think being a flight attendant is an awful job. Have been employed by major carrier for 10 years. Will soon be taking early retirement. I think it is very selfish to be a mother and leave your children for such a lowly job. It is repetitive and mindless. A waitress job,yet waitresses at least get to go home at night. If you want to be a good mother,stay on the ground and be there for your children. They are more important than serving sodas

Thank you for your common sense, Mary.

Lisa said: Wow I must say you are a true Beeyotch, a premadonna. You say you are employed with a major carrier but you do NOT say as a flight attendant. If you are a FA then that would also make you a hypocrite. How DARE you say any honest work is lowly? I don't care if you are a CEO or a fast food clerk. Moron many people work 2 jobs and do not see their children. A FA works a few days and the rest of the days it is full attention to children. I was just hired. My aunt has been a FA for many years since they had to be models or look like them and it helped her buy a new home, invest, and build a retirement and provide a nice living. You have to build seniority. Plus for me I want to be with my kids and be active but working the daily grind every single day is no fun and makes me a tired mom. My kids like to travel and I need the full medical coverage all of which a FA job offers. My corporate job doesn't offer free Med Ins! Plus I'm so tired after 12 hour days. I would rather make less and be a part of my kids lives and be able to run my own business too. You have some nerve and why are you even on this forum?

Hi Lisa,

That was such an unpleasant and disrespectful comment on your part!

Well "Jane" I think you are unpleasant. You never stated you are a fligth attendant. Nor did the original poster which I think is you as well. What you and the other poster show is you both are judgemental. How dare you assume what should be priorties for others? You say this lady has common sense? You question the decency of others yet you dare look down on someone for working a legal job? And assume that a woman's children are being neglected? You insult every single single working mom on the planet! You insult every parent who busts their butts overnight or on holidays to feed and cloth their families. You are insulting. PERIOD. I think being a FA is glamourous and it is a lot of fun. It is also a lot of WORK. And if there were no FA no one would be able to fly. And miss high and mighty a waitress is a much needed position. Even at a buffet the staff is needed. Many seniors rely on restaurants to eat daily and families bond over nights out to dinner. And why might I ask are two "ladies" so opposed to being FA are even on the internet talking and bashing FA? Ms Sally homemaker who is taking care of your children why you are posting. LOL!

Hi.... This is all new to me, I have been a stay at home mom for 10 years. I am more than ready to have a nonmother job. Please don't get me wrong, I love my family more than anything. I have three children 13,9 and 7. But, this is something that I have always wanted to do. I had a second interview and just recieved a letter today inviting me to the next step....drug screen,background check and the 4 1/2wks of training. I am thrilled but have a few concernes, maybe you all can help me out.
1. How common is it to be invited to the training? I am thinking that maybe they have a lot that drop so.......lets get many to come and only a few will survive.
2. I was hired by request as only "Part Time" which the hiring recruiter said they do not do very often, does anyone work just "part time" ?? And if so, how does that really work??? Thanks for any in put!!!!!!!!!!

hi Sue!!!
may i ask what carrier is hiring part time? i'd love something like that!
thanks so much!
MJ :)

Congrats! I'm new too but once you get invited to train you are in (unless you bomb in training i.e. tests, personality). My aunt works part time but she started back in the 70's and she only works a few days a month.

I have recently been offered a position as a FA and should hear soon when I am scheduled to start training. My family and I live in Kentucky, I have supportive older teens and a very supportive husband at home who want to see me fullfill my dream of 18 years to be a FA. The company I will be working for is not based anywhere near my home so my question is what is it like to have to stay in a crash pad in another city? How do you find these crash pads? How does this whole process work? I am extremely excited to be able to share my enthusiam for life and travel and meeting new people with passengers. I love people and love to make people smile so I feel this is the job for me and my family is so great about it I am just nervous about the whole living in another city and how often a week are you at that other home? Anyone have any advice for me so that I can help make this work for me and my family.

How and where do you learn to become a flight attendant?...

I live in kansas so if u look into it please consider

Jane in Kennesaw, Georgia said: Please, refer to the terms of service: "Be Polite"!! Besides, isn't it one of the characteristics of a good F/A?? Not everyone works for Southwest and has the same opportunities that you do. Companies and policies differ a lot. I totally agree with Jane (St. Paul), Busy Mom and May in Houston, who have more experience and wisdom and know what priorities in life are all about! It is so sad to read some comments from moms who have such young kids, who are willing to trade precious moments and memories with them with cranky, unpolite and rude passengers and crazy working hours! Besides, being on reserve is very stressful, you never know when you are going to get called and when it comes in the middle of the night, it's not fun! Being a F/A is not glamorous like many people might think it is!

I am being polite. FA is a great job, change your attiude & have fun because there is no other job as flexable. I was a nurse before this & never had this much fun. yes there are a few cranky people but have fun with them & change their attitude. I don't miss many moments with my child because I am at home 18 days. Who do you work for? if you are that unhappy stop complaining & find a new job

Lisa said: Bravo Brandy. I most certianly as a customer would not like to travel with a flight crew where the staff has an attitude like this lady.

Thank you for backing me. I would never want them to serve me either!!!

Hi can someone tell me what "reserve" is and also do you get paid per trip or hourly? Thank you.

Hi Anita I think it is just like being "on call"you have to fill in for sick or vacationing flight attendants. I think most airlines pay by flight hours which I think is the moment you board to when you get off or rather someone told me when the door opens on the plane (I think)

Lisa said: Well "Jane" I think you are unpleasant. You never stated you are a fligth attendant. Nor did the original poster which I think is you as well. What you and the other poster show is you both are judgemental. How dare you assume what should be priorties for others? You say this lady has common sense? You question the decency of others yet you dare look down on someone for working a legal job? And assume that a woman's children are being neglected? You insult every single single working mom on the planet! You insult every parent who busts their butts overnight or on holidays to feed and cloth their families. You are insulting. PERIOD. I think being a FA is glamourous and it is a lot of fun. It is also a lot of WORK. And if there were no FA no one would be able to fly. And miss high and mighty a waitress is a much needed position. Even at a buffet the staff is needed. Many seniors rely on restaurants to eat daily and families bond over nights out to dinner. And why might I ask are two "ladies" so opposed to being FA are even on the internet talking and bashing FA? Ms Sally homemaker who is taking care of your children why you are posting. LOL!

Why are you so defensive of honest, experienced advice? This is a blog asking for advice on flying w/children. Why do you assume one is a Sally Homemaker? Is that what you long for but are unable to have because your attitude is so poor and your tone so angry? It certainly isn't a good career choice for a single mother so good luck! Think of yourself first, children second. I believe your children need a grounded parent and especially after a recent divorce. I think you are selfish for abandoning your children after a divorce. And just for the record, it's a great career, I never disputed that, just not the best career choice for a mother who really wants to be there every moment; ie: @ bedtime and in the morning with young children. Wasn't looking to reprimand but you are the one who is misleading.

I realize you all are at war here but I had a serious question could someone scroll up and reread my question and answer it if ya can or have any advice. Thank you to all of you working moms lol

Please refrain from personal attacks in the forums.
Thanks!

Hi!
I am a sophmore in high school, and I am really considering a career as a flight attendant. Eventually, I want to start a family and I was wondering if there was a time that was best to start one.
I really would appreciate anyone taking the time to answer me to the best of their ability.
Thank you.

still dont understand why so many want this job when the pay is bad, the hotels are gross, and the risks to your health are so high. anyway, most of the mothers that work with me leave their kids with the grandparents to raise, something i would not do. i took fa training at age 50 after my kids were grown and on their own and the job stinks.

Julie in Houston, Texas said: Although I don't have any children at the present time, I do consider my 2 kitties as my children and they almost need just as much love & care, but my husband says that if it's something I want to do and that it will make me happy and to go for it.

Julie,
How did the group interview go? I have been invited to go to one at the end of this month and any advice you could give me would be great! sharvey995@hotmail.com

oh, i can't tell you how many husbands and boyfriends said "if it will make you happy..." and then later stewed over us spending our hotel overnights with 'hot pilots' (yeah, right) and never being home. most flight attendants are divorced or single? - you bet we are!

Hello,

I live in Louisville Ky and use to be a flight attendant for UPS which they no longer do flights, just wondering if there are any airlines that will let you live in Louisville ky and commute. There are no major hubs that I know of in Louisville KY. Thanks for any help.

pam

Brandy in Austin, Texas said: I have been doing it for 5 years & I work for a big company & I have not missed on event in my childs life of 2 years. I have not missed Christmas or Easter. We have a flexablity & can move things around. We have not mins, so check with your airline & see what you can do contractually. I may regret it in 20 years but right now I don't. I usually work 3 (3days) a month & not much more than that. GOod luck & you will be the only one too make that call.

Thanks, Brandy. I, too, am from Austin. Am now considering a second (really third)full time career as as flight attendant now that all my kids are grown and gone. What airline do you fly for that enables you to fly out of Austin? Are you based in Austin, or do you catch a flight to Dallas or Houston to begin your leg? Also, are you seeing many women my age (50) being hired right now?

Hi,

I have just been notified that I have been accepted to attend training program for Sky West. I have 2 children ages 10 and 6. My husband is very supportive, he is a fire fighter. I know it will be rough at first but I am very excited to take on this new opportunity.
Can anyone tell me about the training for Sky West? I am trying to memorise the PA pages and it is hard to keep in my head, any suggestions?
Thanks

What airline allows you to fly only 3 days a month? Most are hard pressed to find anybody at any age to take flight attendant jobs anymore now that the glamour is gone and it's become slave labor. Most are lucky to get 15 days off per month after a couple years of service.

Alrighty.. hello. I am currently engaged to be married and want to know some different things about being a flight attendant. I know by reading the boards that people have asked who is a good, reliable airline to work for but I havent seen any direct answers. I would really like to know a reliable airline to work for. Also- what about other positions in the airline industry? Like- a customer service representative? Does anyone know their pay rate? I do not want kids for about five years and by reading these boards it sounds like after that amount of time, you can have a very flexible schedule, which is what I want. Can I have more details on this? Also- I saw some negative comments about pay. What is the average starting salary? Do you get paid to train? How important is it to be bilingiual? Im sorry there are so many questions, I am just hoping for some good answers. Thank you so much. I am really interested and thank you in advance for your help! God bless. :)

~Heather Nicole :)

What do you mean by 'reliable' airline? Accidents, on time performance, etc? You can 'google' any of that info. Search for 'flight attendant' online and you'll get tons of info. Both fa's and agents work the worst shifts in the beginning. If you're looking in your home town, it is probably ASA. The training is paid at about $10 per day for 4 wks. The start pay is around $15,000/yr and $20,000/yr after 5 yrs. There are always openings as the work is grueling and turnover is very high. Delta is looking for bilingual fa's only. Expect to put your personal life on hold for the 1st yr as you will not be home very much and when you are you will be too exhausted to do much. I recommend you check out www.welcomeaboardtoxicairlines.com before making a decision. The risks are very high in this job for injuries and illness so much of your meager salary will go for medicine and doctor bills. I hope this info helps.

amber in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: i also am considering becoming a flight attendent, its like my dream job. ive always been intrigued by the job. i have a 3 year old and a hubby and not sure how my son is gonna take it. im currently a stay at home mom

My advice to you would be to stay local. I became a FA when my children were all grown. It's never too late. In my opinion, this is not a position for a mom of small children. They need you there every night. When you become a FA you are married to it. This will be your life. I

Julie in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: Hi

I would like to hear from mothers who are also flight attendants. How do you balance your career with children/family?

I am a FA for 5 years and I love it. But my advice to moms with small children is too stay at home with them or work locally. Sure you have a lot of days off but not at the beginning. When you are on reserve you have no choice but to work those flights that they give to you so you can be gone up to 4 nights maybe more. I decided to do this because my children are grown now which I find this was the time for me now and am enjoying every minute of it.

I have been an fa for 8+ years. I didn't start this job until my children were out of college. I could never have done this job when the children were younger as I would have missed being with them on their birthdays, Christmas, etc. and could not have been a parent being absent from home so much. For at least the first year you will have no life but the airline. I was once kept on the road and away from home for 12 days in a row. Typically, you will be away for 4 days and then home for 2 - those 2 days off you will be exhausted and need time to prepare for your next trip.

I work with several moms of small children and have found that in many cases, either a grandmother lives with the family or grandparents are made to shoulder the burden of raising the children. In several cases, the children live out of state or even out of the country with relatives and visit with their fa moms. I think this is awful for those children but this is just my opinion.

The airlines have changed. There is no more glamour. We often work 14 hr days with no breaks, no food except granola bars and food we pack in our suitcases. In many cases we are now expected to clean the planes between flights, haul trash, and load heavy cases of catering supplies. We stay in a lot of cheap gross hotel/motels on our overnights and are exposed to a lot of germs and viruses and spend a lot of time sick.

I'd really like to hear from more of the moms who have become FAs after their children were grown. Mine have all "flown the coop" (college, married...) I'm looking for a new career. I've just turned 51. I'm in good shape, have a degree in Psychology. How old are some of you that have started this career later in life? How do the airlines respond to us older gals applying? How are you received by your younger crew mates? What airlines are you with and would it be possible for me to do this and fly from Austin, Tx or commute from Austin? I can't move due to my husband's job. Any and all advice welcome!

ATL FA in Marietta, Georgia said: I have been an fa for 8+ years. I didn't start this job until my children were out of college. I could never have done this job when the children were younger as I would have missed being with them on their birthdays, Christmas, etc. and could not have been a parent being absent from home so much. For at least the first year you will have no life but the airline. I was once kept on the road and away from home for 12 days in a row. Typically, you will be away for 4 days and then home for 2 - those 2 days off you will be exhausted and need time to prepare for your next trip.

I work with several moms of small children and have found that in many cases, either a grandmother lives with the family or grandparents are made to shoulder the burden of raising the children. In several cases, the children live out of state or even out of the country with relatives and visit with their fa moms. I think this is awful for those children but this is just my opinion.

The airlines have changed. There is no more glamour. We often work 14 hr days with no breaks, no food except granola bars and food we pack in our suitcases. In many cases we are now expected to clean the planes between flights, haul trash, and load heavy cases of catering supplies. We stay in a lot of cheap gross hotel/motels on our overnights and are exposed to a lot of germs and viruses and spend a lot of time sick.

What airline are you with?

Work at ASA. Want to join us? We have tons of FA openings because so many quit the first month on the job. The rest of us are out sick. Our jobs are not unique with any airline right now. The only fa's doing ok are the ones working for major airlines that have 15 or more yrs seniority if they were lucky enough to avoid serious injury or illness during that time. Don't recommend this Job.

Brandy in Austin, Texas said: I have been an FA for 5 years & I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is time for you to get out if you feel this way. It is not fair to your PAX for your crumy attitude. I have a child & I spend 18 days a month a home. I work for Southwest airlines & I am very proud to say it. Please don't discourage others who would like to try the job, & get out so someone who really wants the job can have it. Brandy

Sorry I have to disagree with you Brandy in Austin. I must continue to discourage anyone and everyone who wants to be a flight attendant, if they have kids at home or not. Do you have Any idea what kind of infections you are exposing yourself to in that job? Take it from somebody who found out the hard way! After 7 yrs of flying I am now stuck at home attached to an IV pole. I haven't been able to fly for several months and I may never be able to hold any job again. I am now disabled due to one of those infections - my 2nd one in the last 3 yrs and the worst. One of my fellow co-workers got a viral infection that traveled to her heart and is now on a donors list! You could leave your kid an orphan because you like catering to your pax and wearing the uniform more than you care about your health! And yes, all this would give ANYBODY a crummy attitude.

x flight attendant in Marietta, Georgia said: What do you mean by 'reliable' airline? Accidents, on time performance, etc? You can 'google' any of that info. Search for 'flight attendant' online and you'll get tons of info. Both fa's and agents work the worst shifts in the beginning. If you're looking in your home town, it is probably ASA. The training is paid at about $10 per day for 4 wks. The start pay is around $15,000/yr and $20,000/yr after 5 yrs. There are always openings as the work is grueling and turnover is very high. Delta is looking for bilingual fa's only. Expect to put your personal life on hold for the 1st yr as you will not be home very much and when you are you will be too exhausted to do much. I recommend you check out www.welcomeaboardtoxicairlines.com before making a decision. The risks are very high in this job for injuries and illness so much of your meager salary will go for medicine and doctor bills. I hope this info helps.

Thanks- this really helped. I dont think Id want to be away from home that much on that pay when I can easily get a job down here for the same. Thanks you very much for everything! :)

~Heather Nicole :)

Julie in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: Hi

I would like to hear from mothers who are also flight attendants. How do you balance your career with children/family?

How do i get started, do i have to go to school if so how long?

Penny in Dallas, Texas said: How do i get started, do i have to go to school if so how long?

Hi Penny,

I also have children and I just got accepted to go to training in two weeks working for Sky West. I went to a group interview and then was selected for training. I have no idea how it will work and how long you will be away from home. All I can tell you is if you realy want this make sure you have a great support system to help with the kids when you are gone.

The previous posts answer most of your questions but I would like the emphasize again. You can make more money working at your local WalMart. You will need the grandparent to raise your children almost 100% for the first couple years. Some of the fa's I work with leave their children with their mother (sometimes out of the country) and only visit them. Why on earth you would want this job is a personal choice but huge sacrifices will have to be made.

I have to agree with what the two atl f/a's have said. This is not a job for women with small children. I say that with no attitude or sour grapes. I too worked for a major carrier for 6 years. It had always been my dream to be a flight attendant. Granted, there were some perks (a FEW only) that came with the job when I started working but I was also single, was willing to relocate to New York and had no real responsibilities. I lived in a one room studio crash pad w/ 6 other girls and I'm talking we literally had a 'corner' for our air mattress to sleep on. You are married to the airline at first, especially if you are on reserve. They piggy backed trips onto 3 day trips and I always got called at 3 and 4 am. I didn't see a holiday for 3 years. Now there are the lucky few who did get a christmas or easter off, but trust me, that is not the norm in the beginning. I got more sinus and respiratory infections than I care to count- I am not one to be sick. My girlfriend got a staff infection from one of the overhead pillows that kept her out of work for months and almost deformed her face. That stuff is real. My days were long, my rest breaks were not long enough and even though there were times I would not get called for several days in a row, I was so tired, both physically and of dealing w/ people that I wanted to rest and hybernate.Having said all of that, I did get to see some amazing places and still to this day get wanderlust and wonder if one day I could go back. The job does get in your blood but just know going into it that it isn't a 'normal' life by any means and it definately isn't 'glamourous'. Your children will miss you. They need you and unfortunately, you won't be there and will only have the cell phone and airport trinkets for them. It's even really hard to get your entire family somewhere for free by non-revving because all of the flights are full.I quit when I had my children and have not regretted it. The job doesn't jive w/ being 'mommy'.Good luck

I just became a flight attendant on Jul 31st for American Eagle. I love it. It is my passion. I am 49 years old and a mother of 4. I made the decision to wait until my kids are grown. My youngest is a senior in high school. I sacrified and raised my family. I have been a PTA MOM at our local high school for the past 8 years. I enjoyed and cherished raising my family. Now it is my time. I am not here the money. You must have another source of income. Network marketing part-time is what I do. Look for ways to help people and serve people. That is the way to make extra money. I have been in the airline industry off and on for twenty years. I tried working while my kids were little. I started as Ramp Agent with Midway Airlines, then transferred to Ticket Agent. I did that for a year, then had another baby. Then I became a travel agent for two years. I have been a customer service representative with American Airlines and laid off after 9/11. After that I was a seasonal flight attendant with Ryan Airlines for six months. Then I became an Account Executive with United Airlines for about a year then furloughed again. Then I was rehired at Flight Attendant Service Center. All my experiences have contributed to being a gracious flight attendant. The travel industry offers a wealth of choice. You should try different things. You can be what you want to be. For my next adventure, I am considering becoming a pilot. American Eagle has quite a few female pilots. American Eagle has an intern program which allows you to begin as a pilot with less hours. Mothers, enjoy your children. I put my children first. You don't HAVE to be a mother. You GET to be a mother. Motherhood is the most blessed and rewarding career a woman could have in my opinion. Cherish it.

YOU GIRLS ARE CRACKING ME UP!

I have scrolled through these "mom" comments and am now reconsidering taking a FA job. I am divorced so unfortunately I share my boys with my ex husband and am away from them half of the time. I figured I should just join the industry if I am alone half the time anyways.
I am currently a nurse working crazy hours, weekends, mandatory overtime, etc.
My question is does it get better? Do you ever get a set schedule after being on reserve?

you want to give up nursing pay to fly? $16,000 yr is enough to live on? yes, you have crazy hours but at least you know in advance what they will be. as a new fa on reserve for about the first year you will have to keep a uniform in your car 24/7 as well as luggage to keep you going for up to a dozen days at a time. you may work 5 or 6 days in a row for 14 hrs each and then 'duty out' for 8 hrs only to be called back to the airport at 3 am. so what is 'cracking you up' about this?

Lacey2 in oneida, New York said: YOU GIRLS ARE CRACKING ME UP!

I have scrolled through these "mom" comments and am now reconsidering taking a FA job. I am divorced so unfortunately I share my boys with my ex husband and am away from them half of the time. I figured I should just join the industry if I am alone half the time anyways.
I am currently a nurse working crazy hours, weekends, mandatory overtime, etc.
My question is does it get better? Do you ever get a set schedule after being on reserve?

oh, an no, it doesn't get much better when you get a 'set' schedule (called a Line). Only plus I see, you won't be fighting over who gets the kids for holidays because you'll be up in the air working most of them for the next few years - without holiday pay. fa's don't get any paid holidays or extra pay for weekends, etc.

ATL FA MARIETTA GA
Thank you for your input and I will take this into consideration when making my decision. The "cracking me up" part was reading the hostile comments regarding some of the flight attendants on this discussion board. This is suppose to be a place to share information without hostility. Stating the facts while maintaining poise and respect without attacking people for wanting to explore new opportunities should be kept in mind.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I understand you have had a bad experience. I realize while this may be extremely frustrating for you, as an EDUCATED NURSE I can tell you and others reading this that are considering a position as a FLIGHT ATTENDANT some information.....

ANY Field you go into has risks to your health. While true that the confinement of an airplane and pressurized cabin air could cause an increase to exposure of bacteria and viral infections, any position in customer service can lead to this. You deal with a large number of people from all over the world. The same risks are true for ANYONE that deals with people, a waitress, store worker, nurse, postal worker....etc.
A healthy individual without a compromised immune system has an extremely rare chance of ending up in the situation that you are in. This is unfortunate and I feel for you but the FACTS must be known that this is extremely rare. As far as hazardous materials you may be exposed to?... that is something that is in your vehicle, x-rays, food that we eat, medications, Botox, the air we breathe everyday. I think you see where I am going with this.
TIPS TO MAINTAIN IMMUNE SYSTEM Proper nutrition, daily multi vitamin exercise, rest..that simple TIPS TO DECREASE BACTERIA AND VIRUS TRANSMISSION: Liquid hand sanitizer was just found to be AS effective to that of handwashing for 15 seconds (which is found to kill most bacteria that cause infections. Put it on and RUB VIGOROUSLY for 15 SECONDS. Good luck everyone

You've made some good points Lacey and I agree that vigorous hygene and habits certainly do help. I would like to share what the doctors at the infectious disease center in Atlanta have to say about all this. I was a nut when it came to germs while I was flying. I used gallons of anti bac stuff, washed my hands raw, carried my own anti bac sprays which i used liberally on the galley, passenger armrests, aircraft doors and lavatory as well as a thorough dousing in my hotel room. The doctors thought that was all well and good BUT until we figure out how to not breathe for the entire flight - we're pretty much doomed. Of course, a mask would be helpful but not allowed by the airlines. An even higher risk than the cabin air is your hotel room. The airlines have cut back over and over in what they want to pay for crew lodging. These are hotel rooms that you would never ever pay to stay in. Many have visible black mold, contaminated a/c systems, and.. you get the picture. On overnights we have been bitten by bed bugs and spiders and fought off other hideous creatures. My situation is unfortunate but NOT rare. At my airline we have over 200 flight attendants currently on long term medical leave. Surely this says something. I have over 30 years experience in the airline industry and enough knowledge and experience to know when 'enough is enough' and want to make sure the health risks are known to as many wanna be flight attendants as possible. Have you done any reading on the effects of bleed air yet? It's just another scary airline secret. How about the time we had hypoxia on a flight from North Carolina to Atlanta and the entire crew and all 62 passengers were asleep for almost 5 minutes. How many near collisions do we have each day? You don't want to know and crew are not allowed to discuss 'events' outside of work. I am not happy about being sick but I will recover. However, I am not dumb enough to put those wings back on.

Wow, I did not know this forum would be so hostile. I decided to post simply to answer questions and hopefully help some people in their decision to pursue the career they want. I, after being a successful makeup artist for over 10 years decided to become a flight attendant. My first job was with SkyWest, and the only problem I had was trying to get my southern born and raised body to adjust to the thin air in Colorado. I left due to my health concerns, but absolutely miss the joy of flying, so I interviewed with ASA and will be training with them starting next week. By the way, training is now paid at $20 a day for ground school and classroom training lasts a little over 3 weeks.

I encourage anyone who wants to do this job to give it a try, and if it is right for you, you won't want to do anything else. I will say that it is a lifestyle, not a career. And, no, the job itself is not glamourous, but it is up to YOU to feel that way (the fabulous makeup artist in me is always glamourous and it is projected in the way I carry myself when hurrying across the terminal to get to my next adventure)! This job will give you what you give it, and I encourage those who are interested to not allow negative opinions to dissuade you from giving it a try.

Best of luck everyone, and I'll post again after I've gotten my shiny new wings!

Brandy in Austin, Texas said: I have been an FA for 5 years & I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is time for you to get out if you feel this way. It is not fair to your PAX for your crumy attitude. I have a child & I spend 18 days a month a home. I work for Southwest airlines & I am very proud to say it. Please don't discourage others who would like to try the job, & get out so someone who really wants the job can have it. Brandy

Brandy,

What are hearing from the new FAs for SW? How are the schedules for the "newbies" the first year to two.....or longer? Are they stuck with the holidays? Can you go into SW policy re: Reserve? and how that works for them? Am assuming that varies airline by airline. How many days at a time are you gone? All my kids are grown and gone but would like a few weekends and holidays here and there!

I am a single mom of a 6yr old, I am 26 yrs old. 2 yrs ago I was a flight attendent for American Eagle. I did the job for about 4 months before I quit. I had a big family and a very good support system, my daughter stayed with my mom and my grandmother while I was away. I was based in Chicago. I had to commute from Chicago and Atlant 8 times a month (which is every off day I had). My advice to all single mothers out there who wants to become a Flight Attendant is:

1) make sure you have a good support system
2) always choose an airline that is based
where you live or near you live.
3) if you relocate make sure you have money saved

4) crash pads are not always a great idea
5) know that you will be on reserve for awhile before anything becomes glamourous
6) always take your vitamins
7) know you will be broke for a while, flight attendant don tmake that much money starting off.

In conclusion, when I worked for Eagle, I was always sick, Hungry, broke and home sick.
commuting cost money and it came out of my paycheck. I was also paying for a crash pad.
keep in mind when you travel you have to tip ppl cab/van drivers, ect...
you will not see you kids that often in the first year or so
and crash pads are not good, because if you have 10 pll in a crash pad, and one drops out..... you have to cover that persons cost and split it with the other flight attendent in you crash pad.

Being a flight attendent is not bad, but its not glamourous. I had several flight emergencies and scares. But do I regrt doing the job. NO, I loved it and I had a great appreciation for it after I left. Flying really does get in you blood, but I wouldnt do it for no more than 5- 8yrs.
please if you have any questions let me know.