I’ve never considered being a flight attendant, it was actually my dad’s dream that one day I would come up to him and tell him that I finally decided to use the skies as my new working environment. He used to tell me that I would make a great flight attendant because of my height and “elegance”, characteristic that until today I firmly believe was only evident to him.
Most people think that elegance and beauty is what flight attendants are all about, they see it as a glamorous life where you get paid for traveling around the world and get to wear a classy uniform. But is that all there is to it? Do this people really sacrifice time with family, the comfort of being at home and their hours of sleep just to travel and look good?
I think the best answer we can get is from someone who has done the journey as a cabin crew, therefore the following points come from a friend who worked for a South American Airline for a few years and completely loved it. So if you are thinking of joining the sky crews, don’t get discouraged because it involves more fun than you could imagine.
1. You have the privilege of seeing the world
If you love not only traveling but enjoying the destination, this is the place for you. Even though sometimes you will not get to stay at a place more than a few hours, a day or a few days, simply the experience of being on a strange land and getting to know a bit of what’s around you will totally refresh you and change your perspective on the world.
Imagine traveling with friends and enjoying all-covered hotels and city hangs. Is there anything better than that? Depending on how you decide to enjoy and make the most out the experience these moments will remain on your memory forever.
2. You get to learn different languages and about different cultures
It is amazing how much more your mind can expand once you encounter different cultures and get the opportunity to communicate on a different language other than your mother tongue. As you encounter people from around the world, you will realise how much you didn’t know and how much there is to learn from different countries.
3. You get to meet amazing people and hear crazy stories
The long hours of flight are the perfect timing to get to know your peers and why not the people you are serving during the flight. You will be amazed to see how people can open up if you simply ask them about their day.
4. The views and landscapes you get to appreciate are priceless
We all know you haven’t seen a real sunset until you have seen it from a plane’s perspective. The majesty of creation and the different views of it you get to experience are things that not even a million Rand could buy.
5. You are considered a hero also because of your insane working schedule
One of the biggest honours of being a flight attendant is that you get to serve people from around the world and this is not insignificant. You are a part of making someone’s trip unforgettable and great by helping them feel comfortable and having all their needs covered. That is the reason why you are a hero, but attached to that are your crazy hours of work, that will probably leave you with a constant jet lag.
6. Great connections with unexpected people
You never know who you will meet on the plane. You might have the opportunity of serving someone that works in an important position in politics, or an artist, or someone that will be the connection you needed to step into the next season of your life after you finish flying. Don’t despite the conversations you have and the people you encounter, they might open the door to a great opportunity.
7. Even though you are on a different place every day, your days never look the same
A pastor used to tell us the different experiences he had flying around the world with his 6 year old son. On this specific ride, the kid decided to ask many different questions about the aircraft and its procedures. Tired of listening, the pastor told him to stop being annoying for this was not the first time he was on a plane. The kid looked at him and said: “ Dad I know this is not the first time I’ve been on a plane, but it is the first time I’ve been on this plane”.
After you enter the routine of flying, days will look the same, but it is up to you to grab the same attitude the kid had and remember that even though it may seem the same, every day is different and it is up to you to enjoy it.
Let us know, what else do you think would be useful for those considering a flying career?
