It seems like it might be the most idyllic job -- flying around the world, getting layovers in some of the most scenic countries known to man, serving the elite in first class, ... . There are some pretty cool perks associated with becoming a flight attendant, but that doesn't mean the job is without its stresses. In fact, being a flight attendant is one of the more demanding jobs in the travel industry.
Just ask Marty. Marty has been working with one of the major carriers in the U.S. for nearly 10 years, having taken the job with an eye on it becoming his retirement career, but "after 9/11, the industry drastically changed." And how. But nearly 10 years ago, Marty started his training and the odyssey began.
On Training:You'd be surprised at what the hiring process is actually like -- it's pretty intense. A very small percentage of people make it from the initial interview into actual training. I would say that 350 people were at my initial interview and
maybe 10 of those were selected to train. So basically, they are sifting through sand for a few "nuggets." They were masterful at selection, in my opinion.
One week of my training was very relevant to my job -- that was the safety training week. But the other five? Barbie Boot Camp might describe them very well. It's fairly rigorous, but more emotionally than physically -- there's lots of artificially induced stress to see how you work under pressure. There's also the myth that there are cameras watching everything you do, and those rumors live for years, which only adds to the training stress. The class content was very "fluffy." Some of the presenters seemed to be friends of someone who could land them the job. For example, half a day was spent with someone dryly lecturing us on four personality types and how to handle them. Yawn!
But mostly, training was five weeks of learning to use an FAA required Handbook. "If you can read, you can be a flight attendant," the instructors would joke. The remainder of the course, other than the very specific safety week, was how to set up a tray and how to open a bottle of champagne (useful, but lame none the less.) I specifically remember a hair and makeup class that we were all required to attend, but there was nothing for the men to learn. It felt like it was still the 60's. If you’re going to hire men, treat them like men even if you think they would prefer to be in the hair and makeup class! One of the public perceptions seems to be that all male flight attendant's are gay, but I'd say from my personal experience, maybe 50% are.
On His First Day:
I was slotted as first flight attendant, the person in charge of the flight. Fortunately the other two flight attendants on the flight were in my class. I had no idea what I was doing because all of the training had been so concept oriented -- more role playing type situations would have helped. But just like anything else, it's experience that ultimately gets you to some level of comfort. That being said, the first six months were very stressful. The adjustment period wreaked havoc on my health.
On Unruly Passengers:
I've definitely had incidents with unruly passengers, and often they seem to involve medication or alcohol. One of the most amusing incidents I had was when a woman dropped her cell phone down the toilet. She very seriously walked up to me and asked me if there was anything that could be done. You can imagine what was going through my head and at that point... I didn't bother to ask if she had turned it on to check messages or something obvious like that. I told her that I could give her a plastic trash bag and she could "go fishing" if she wanted. About 15 minutes later, she came to me and told me that she had found it. Now wrap your mind around that one! I have never told that story to anyone who wasn't totally appalled. But on the more abusive side of things, I have heard every expletive, seen the most abusive treatment and been asked to do things like stop cracking ice. People always want to hear the dirt, but I can honestly say that the good far outweighs the bad where passengers are concerned. Public perception is mostly that the job is still like it was in the 60's and 70's.
But let me just say that if you're a passenger and you like flying, you don't want to push a situation over the edge. If the authorities get involved it will follow you for a long time and it won’t be pleasant. Set practicality and ego aside and cooperate -- you'll be glad you did. If you feel that your issue deserves to be addressed, then follow up with appropriate communication to people that can help once your flight is over. Do not escalate a situation by being pushy or belligerent.
