Have you ever wondered what it’s like to soar through the skies as a flight attendant? The unique lifestyle, the challenges, and the unforgettable stories that come with it are vividly captured by Heather Poole in her book, Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama, and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet. I had the pleasure of meeting Heather at a travel blog conference, where we instantly clicked over shared experiences in the travel world. Recently, I caught up with her at cruising altitude to delve deeper into her life and work.
Life at 35,000 Feet: The Reality of Being a Flight Attendant
Being a flight attendant is often perceived as a glamorous job filled with jet-setting adventures. However, the reality is layered with challenges and nuances that many people overlook. Heather describes the role as a mix of fun and responsibility, highlighting the need for patience and resilience. Flight attendants are the frontline representatives of airlines, and with that comes the burden of managing passenger emotions, especially during travel disruptions.
The airline industry is notoriously unpredictable. Flight attendants must be adaptable, always ready with backup plans. Heather emphasizes the importance of having multiple strategies in place due to frequent issues such as:
- Mechanical failures
- Flight delays
- Cancellations
- Weather-related disruptions
These factors can complicate both their work and personal lives, particularly during the holidays when many wish to be home with family. Despite these challenges, Heather finds joy in the independence that the job offers. Each flight presents a new adventure, allowing her to leave the stress behind once she steps off the aircraft.
The Work Schedule: A Unique Rhythm
Flight attendants typically average around 85 flying hours per month, but this figure can be misleading. The majority of their work occurs on the ground, which goes unpaid and unaccounted for in their schedules. This leads to a desire among many crew members to maximize their time in the air rather than spending long intervals between flights on layovers.
Seniority plays a crucial role in determining the type of flights a flight attendant can work. As Heather explains, international long-haul flights are generally staffed by more experienced crew members. Once a flight attendant establishes enough seniority, they often stick to the same routes until they can advance further in their careers.
This system can lead to some flight attendants trading trips to create longer breaks for themselves, tailoring their schedules to maximize time off between flights.
Writing about Flight Attendant Life
Heather’s journey as an author was not without its apprehensions. Many of her coworkers may not even know she has published a book, and if they do, they likely assume she is still in the process of writing it. This reflects a common sentiment among flight attendants—they often prefer to keep a low profile.
Importantly, Heather did not seek permission from her airline to publish her book, nor did she announce it formally. Her work focuses on the everyday realities of being a flight attendant, eschewing sensationalism in favor of authenticity. She aims to dispel myths and clarify misconceptions about the profession, emphasizing that it encompasses more than just the flying aspect; it’s a lifestyle.
Memorable Stories from the Skies
Among the many anecdotes Heather has accumulated over her career, one particularly captivating story was unfortunately left out of her book: a celebrity who claimed to possess magical powers after a passenger fainted mid-flight. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the incident remain unsolved, leaving both crew and passengers to wonder whether it was the celebrity’s influence or simply a lucky nudge from the passenger’s husband that revived her.
Is Flight Attending a Stable Career Choice?
In light of the changing nature of the airline industry, Heather has mixed feelings about encouraging new entrants into the field. While the job is ideal for those who dislike a traditional 9-to-5 routine, the initial adjustment period can be quite challenging. Conditions can be extreme, leading to high turnover rates—some flight attendants thrive for decades, while others leave within weeks.
Over the past few years, the environment for flight attendants has indeed worsened, aligning with trends across various job sectors. Newcomers often start with salaries ranging from $14,000 to $18,000 annually, a figure that has decreased due to industry cutbacks. Flight attendants now endure longer hours with shorter layovers, often just enough to eat, sleep, and shower before the cycle repeats.
Commuting: A Flight Attendant’s Life
Heather’s home base is New York City, even though she doesn’t reside there. This is common in the industry; flight attendants often commute by air to their assigned bases. This practice, however, is becoming increasingly difficult, as competition for limited jump seats can lead to tense situations among crew members. Many flight attendants opt for “crash pads” to save money, sharing accommodations rather than paying for individual rooms, which adds another layer of complexity to their lifestyle.
Career Entry and Competition
The perception of being a flight attendant has shifted significantly over the years. As evidenced by a Delta Airlines recruitment effort in 2010, where over 100,000 people applied for just 1,000 positions, the job has evolved into a sought-after career. Today, competition is fierce, and the turnover rate has decreased, making entry into the profession more challenging than ever.
The Challenges of Love in the Skies
Heather candidly shares that dating can be particularly difficult for flight attendants. The unique demands of the job require partners who can understand and adapt to an irregular schedule. Many relationships struggle due to the nature of the work, leading to a high rate of breakups. Interestingly, while some flight attendants may find themselves in relationships with pilots, the dynamics can be complicated as both professions come with their own sets of challenges and unpredictability.
Advice for Passengers: Navigating the Flight Experience
As a seasoned flight attendant, Heather has some straightforward advice for passengers: Be kind. This simple mantra can make a significant difference when navigating the complexities of air travel. She encourages passengers to refrain from displaying frustration until they are safely on the ground, fostering a more pleasant environment for everyone onboard.
Tips for Upgrades and Complimentary Perks
Many travelers dream of scoring upgrades from coach to first class; however, Heather offers a dose of reality. While it’s not impossible for miracles to happen, she notes that today’s full flights and established frequent flyer systems make such upgrades increasingly rare. Additionally, complimentary meals are seldom available, as the catering for flights is tightly managed to ensure there are enough provisions for paying passengers.
Flight attendants sometimes extend goodwill to passengers who assist with logistical issues, such as switching seats for families, which can lead to a beverage on the house.
To learn more about Heather Poole and her adventures, you can follow her on Twitter. And don’t forget to check out her book, Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama, and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet, available on Amazon.
