If you’ve always wanted to become a flight attendant, or maybe this is a new quest of yours, you may be wondering how to begin the process. Below you will find links to each US airline’s application process. But before you begin clicking and applying there are a few things you need to know.
Make sure you have a valid passport. If you don’t have one, or yours is about to expire or has expired, apply for it now. Sometimes it can take a while. Some airlines will still allow you to apply, and even interview, without one as long as it’s in process. So start the process right away. Whatever the case may be, don’t lie on your application. If you have to have a valid passport now to apply, wait to apply until you have it.
You don’t need a college degree but some experience in customer service is helpful. You don’t need medical training because you will be trained on CPR, first aid and AED in training. And you don’t need to speak a foreign language. That said, all of those things certainly can make you an even better candidate . But don’t fret if you don’t have any of those. There is no need to waste money on flight attendant “schools”. I don’t know of anyone that has actually helped and everything you need to learn will be taught in training.
Contrary to popular belief, you’re never too old to become a flight attendant either. You may be too young as some airlines require a minimum of 20 or 21 years of age. But if you’re younger than that, you know you won’t be forever. As far as getting hired, there are some things you need to know. So that’s what this blog is about.
In the old days, only young single women were hired as flight attendants. Some foreign carriers still have these rules as well as weight restrictions. Thankfully that is no longer the case here. As long as you can safely strap into a jumpseat and can reach the overhead bins (some regionals on small planes that have some height restrictions), you can apply. Up until recently most airlines didn’t allow visible tattoos. Many now have changed that and allow tattoos. Some require they be covered at all times, however.
Right now there is a huge demand for flight crew. Here is a list of US airlines in alphabetical order and links to apply. Shortly I'll be adding non-US and non-Canadian airlines as well.
A few things you should be aware of about the flight crew life: it’s actually more a new life style than just a job. With most jobs people go to work, clock in, work their day, clock out and go home. They’ll get paid for all of that time they were at work. Normally they work 8-9 hourd and sleep in their own bed everynight. When you’re flight crew, it’s quite different. Unless you just do day trips, you’ll be spending days away from your home. You’ll be carrying luggage around and staying at hotels between work days. You may be a commuter that has to catch a flight to your base to begin your trips and possibly stay in a crash pad in base during your reserve block. You get paid for your trip credit and the time clock begins when the airplane brake is released and the boarding door is closed. It ends when that brake is dropped again and boarding door reopened. You do not get paid for boarding. That is something we’d all like to see changed but, as of now, that’s how it is. You don’t get paid during deplaning either. You will, however, earn per diem, that is usually $2 or so, for every hour of your trip. And if you’re on reserve you will be paid a guarantee. Guarantee is an amount of hours you will be paid for whether you were assigned work or not (as long as you were available for assignment). Usually guarantee is somewhere between 72-80 hours per month. You can work beyond that and get paid additional for those hours. All of that is depending to the airline you work for.
Also, as you will soon find out, seniority is king. The more seniority you have, the better your life will be. You’ll start getting the schedules and the vacation weeks you want. You can have more choice over your layovers and how your trips are constructed. There is company seniority and base seniority. What your seniority is at your base is the bigger factor in determining how your schedule will be. Obviously you won’t start out with great seniority. But stick around and it’ll get better. Just know going in that, since you’re new, you probably will be working holidays and birthdays and other days you’d like to have off. You can always try to get them off and you might. But initially it won’t be easy. Hang in there, though, and life will get better. Both your pay and your seniority will improve with time!
Putting together a killer resume and stand out cover letter is the key to getting your foot in the door with becoming a flight attendant. You need to get it noticed in order to be invited for an initial screening (video or phone interview).
Your cover letter is important. If you're like me, you don't feel comfortable bragging or boasting about yourself. But in your cover letter, this is exactly what you need to do. Each letter you send out should be personalized with the exact airline you are applying to, so my advice is to do them one at a time and make sure you have the correct one attached.
A flight attendant job is highly customer serviced based so, unless you have prior flight attendant experience, which would be highlighted first, speak of this experience and how highly skilled you are at it. You don't need to list the experience here as your resume will do that. Any safety related experience or training you have should also be mentioned. If you trained as an EMT, for example, or maybe worked as a life guard, highlight that in your letter as well.
Do you speak another language other than English? Mention it here in your cover letter.
Before applying, do a little homework on each airline you want to apply to. Learn as much as you can and try to incorporate specific information into your cover letter. Some airlines have certain values they would like to see highlighted. Soon I will provide some detailed information on specific U.S. based airlines that can help with this. But for now try researching online. There are some keywords you should consider including in your cover letter: team player, reliable, caring, efficient, competent, adaptable, problem solver, responsible.
Airlines received thousands and thousands of resumes. Yours needs to stand out if you want it to lead to an interview. It's best if you don't use complicated formatting. Here are a couple of samples you can use but remember, you don't need it to be super fancy. Simple and stream lined will work best.
Here are some other great sources for putting together both an attention grabbing cover letter and a winning resume is:
Your resume should only be one page long. I know you may feel like you don't want to leave anything critical out, but only list the last ten years of experience and focus on experience related to the flight attendant position. In other words: customer service and medical related. If you follow one of the formats above that should guide you sufficiently. But don't be afraid to get another pair of eyes on your resume. If you message me with your resume, I'll be happy to look at it and offer some advice. If you have any friends, relations or acquaintances in the airline business, maybe ask them to take a look at yours if you feel comfortable. This is going to be your first step towards getting that foot in the door so take the time and get the resume and cover letter perfected.
Once you do apply and attach your resume and cover letter, most airlines application systems will parse your resume and prefill in some fields. Make sure after you're done you go through the application with a fine tooth comb and assure that everything is correct. Look for spelling errors and that dates are correct. The parse process is not always precise. Also ensure that you are not referring to another airline you've applied to. For example: if you're applying at JetBlue don't leave references to Southwest or United.
When you've finished don't forget to hit SUBMIT. It seems so simple but it can be easy to think you're done and exit out. You may or may not get an email confirmation. Make sure you take your phone off Do Not Disturb and allow calls from unknown callers. Check your email often. You could get a phone call or an email. If you're able to take the call when it comes through, please do. Sometimes it can take a while to get through when you call back, But it may be unavoidable at times. Try and return the call as soon as you're able to.
You could get an invitation to fill out a questionnaire or even take a test. Don't stress over it but be looking for this in your email. If you get a lot of spam email you may want to highlight email from the airlines you've applied at so they don't fall through the cracks with your unread spam. Answer any prescreening questions honestly and authentically. Don't overthink it. Avoid distractions if it's a test. Those tests are mainly to make sure you have a certain level of intelligence and I know you do because you're researching getting hired here! So go to a quiet room or place and take your time with it.
In a following post I'll have tips for your screening interview if you get the invite. You may have a live phone screen or be sent an invitation to a video interview. You want to nail it. So check back for the tips and helpful information coming soon in following posts.
When you've been selected to move on in the application process, you will probably first be invited to a phone screening and/or a video interview. You should receive a link in the invitation email. Usually there is a time frame they'd like you to complete it by. By all means, prepare and give yourself time, but don't wait until the last minute. If it's a live phone interview, they will offer you a time appointment for the call. Make sure your phone is off Do Not Disturb and is allowing calls from unknown callers because you'll probably have no idea what number the call is going to be coming from. Answer any calls that come through around the time of the appointment. If it's not the right caller, get off the call quickly. Make sure you are alone and will be undisturbed. Don't do it while driving. You don't want your dog barking, kids crying or a TV on in the background.
For video interviews, I recommend using a computer rather than a mobile device. But if you don't have a choice, make sure you don't have apps popping up with notifications. That would be a good time to activate Do Not Disturb. Usually these videos will be you recording your answers, not talking live on video to a recruiter. This could be the case but most likely it will be using a program they'll send you a link to where you are recording your answers. Make sure you have good wifi. You don't want to encounter any connection problems.
Find a spot where there is good lighting and the background isn't too chaotic. You don't want to be disturbed so make sure anyone in your home knows this and will leave you alone. Silence any background noise.
Research the airline you're applying to so you're prepared for questions that could be specific them. Study the same list of questions you could get at a Face to Face interview. You could get similar questions. Practice and prepare your answers. You don't know the questions you're going to get so plan for any and all. Use the STAR method for answering (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Don't start until you're ready.
Dress as you would for the in-person interview. This includes your hair and makeup. Look professional and polished. Smile and try and be as relaxed as possible. You can have fun with it too. I know it can ne nerve wracking but don't let your nerves get the best of you.
So, you've been invited to the Face to Face (F2F)
interview. Congratulations! Now you need to stand out from the
others. The first interview I went to I
wore a navy-blue pencil skirt suit with a red scarf. I was hoping the red scarf would help me
stand out. But literally every female in
there was wearing the exact same thing.
Some had black suits. The males
all wore dark suits with red ties. Out
of almost 100 of us only two were hired and guess what they were wearing: that
exact thing. One male, one female. So how do you stand out then? Here are some tips:
First and foremost: be on time! Actually show up a little early. It's absolutely essential that you are not late to this interview. You could be disqualified immediately. They may not even let you in. So set your alarms, wake up early, plan ahead. If you're driving in allow for possible traffic, parking issues, or just having any difficulties at all.
This sounds so cliche and, I apologize in advance, but the
most important thing you can wear is a smile.
I hate even writing that because it sounds so dumb but it's so
true. You need to be smiling and
friendly the whole time you're there.
Introduce yourself to other interviewees. Mingle.
Be enthusiastic. Even if it's not
in your nature to be that way, be that way.
Fake it if you have to but get out there and talk to people and look
happy and excited to be there. That
being said, be yourself. I know, that
may be contradicting to someone who is shy and introverted. But ask yourself, if you are shy and
introverted, is this the right career choice for you? It still could be and if so, you’ll need to
come out of your shell.
Very important; STAY OFF YOUR PHONE! Put it away. At the very minimum put it on silent and/or Do Not Disturb. Whatever you do, don’t touch it until you’re all done.
If they ask if anyone has any questions, ask a
question. Listen, though, to make sure
you don’t ask something that was already asked.
Don’t be obnoxious but don’t be a shy little mouse either. Show initiative but don’t be aggressive. Listen carefully to everything the recruiters
are saying. They may give you very
specific instructions. You need to show
you were listening by following these to a T.
Some of these instructions will come in advance in an email. Read all of the material sent to you in
advance fully and follow all of those instructions as well. Bring everything they tell you to bring. I recommend gathering those items and
packing them the night before. You’ll
probably need a copy of your resume. They may ask for several copies. Bring your passport and social security
card. If you don’t have these, get them
now.
Dress the part. Yes,
you may be wearing what most others are wearing but if you’re a female, I
highly recommend wearing a business suit with a skirt. A scarf is not required. Feel free if you like but the suit is
essential. Dark colors are best. Make
sure it fits well. Pants and sleeves
should not be too long or too short and all items need to be in great
condition. Skirts shouldn’t be too long
or too short. I’d suggest at the knee or
not more than two inches above the knee. Men definitely need to wear a tie and
a belt. Women should wear
pantyhose. Bring an extra pair. And heels for women. I wouldn’t go too high. Two inches maybe, whatever you're comfortable with but no stilettos.
I highly recommend wearing your hair up if you have longer hair. Not all airlines require it but wear it that
way for the interview. Make up should
look professional and not overdone.
Facial hair on men should be neatly groomed. It’s not necessary to be clean shaven (check
with the airline you are applying too first, though) but if you don’t have
facial hair at all, you must be freshly shaved. No 5-o'clock shadow! Find out if your airline allows men to wear ponytails or man buns. If so, if you have longer hair, it too needs
to be up.
How to dress for your flight to the interview? Remember you are making an impression from the get go. Please don’t treat this flight like any other flight you may take and dress super casual. You don’t necessarily have to wear a skirt if you are a female but consider nice professional pants and dressier shirt. Men, this goes for you as well Dress professionally. Be polite and take whatever seat you are given. Consider your interview has already started with the flight in.
Interviews can be stressful and intimidating. But the more prepared you are the better you
will do. Do your homework and study
these interview questions. You will most
likely be asked many of these. Each
airline has their own format for interviews.
I’ll get together a list in the near future of what you may generally
expect from each airline at their interview.
Some airlines have you broken into groups and questions ask in those
group settings. Then you may be
separated further into smaller groups of two or three or you could be
alone. You may have just a one-on-one
question and answer session or two on one.
At my current airline we started by being paired with one other interviewee and it
was a two-on-two question and answer session.
Afterward we were paired with another interviewee and had one
interviewer. I would expect something
similar at most airlines. Another interview I had we had a question and answer session with a group of other people being interviewed. We each got one question.
A lot of questions are “tell me about a time” questions, also known as Situational questions. They may begin “tell me about a time when…”,
“describe a situation where…”, “give me an example of..”, “have you ever…”.
These should be answered in the STAR format.
The STAR format is comprised of S – Situation, T – Task, A – Action, R –
Result.
Situation: give the background of your story and what
situation was.
Task: what was your role in this situation? What were you required to do?
Action: what did you do and what steps did you take?
Result: what was the outcome? Feel free to brag a little about your
achievements. When as ked these situational type of questions, this format is best for answering them. Not all questions should be answered this way, however. You may get questions asking how you would handle a hypothetical situation. Answer this from the perspective of a flight attendant.
Some common questions you could be asked are:
• Tell me
about yourself
• Why do
you want to work at _____ Airlines
• What does
being a flight attendant mean to you
• What are the primary flight attendant duties
• Tell me
about a time you had to deal with a sudden unexpected change
• Tell me
about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker
• Tell me
about a time you were required to go above and beyond for your employer
• Where do
you see yourself in five years
• Tell me
about a time you had to deal with a particularly demanding customer
• Tell me
about a time you had to deal with an emergency
• What is the most challenging part of being a flight attendant
• How would you handle a passenger that refuses to follow the rules
There are many more.
Get a good grasp of common questions and try in your head to come up
with answers that flow easily from you.
I’ll provide some links that will help.
You want your answers to flow, yes, but not sound over rehearsed. You may be asked about previous positions
you’ve had. Stay positive in your
answers. You could be asked why you left
or why you want to leave. Your answer
should be a positive one. For example:
you want to leave because your dream is to become a flight attendant and you’re
pursuing that now. Or perhaps you’re
hoping to leave because you want to fly on larger aircraft with a team of
flight attendants now. Never ever ever
ever say bad things about this employer or your boss. No matter how tempting. Don’t do it!
If asked the common question: "tell me what you think one of your biggest weaknesses is" (or "what do you want to change most about yourself") try to answer in a way that minimizes the negative. Don't say you have trouble with time management or honesty. I'm not suggesting you answer this way but when I was asked this I said I felt I needed to learn to pack lighter, that I brought too many clothes on trips and I was working on that.
Again, interviews are stressful. Everyone there is feeling the same
thing. You're not alone in this. Try and stay calm. Preparation is the key. The more prepared you are the more relaxed
and confident you will be. Here are those
links that should be helpful to you:
To send a thank you note or not? I've heard a statistic that 85-90% of interviewees that send a followup thank you note get the job. So it can't hurt! Feel free to use this one as a start and adapt to your situation.
January 1, 2023
Ms. Jane Doe
Director of Inflight Recruiting
United Airlines
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606.
Dear Ms. Doe:
Thank you for taking time to speak with me
yesterday about the flight attendant position at United Airlines.
I am extremely motivated and interested in a
flight attendant career at your airline.
My strong customer service background, along with my Spanish language
skills and Emergency Medical Technician
training would allow me to contribute to United Airlines.
I was so impressed with the professional exhibited at the interview
and during the entire process. I feel
that my experience, training and background would make me a great asset to the
United Airlines team.
Again, thank
you again for your time and I hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Jones
Please do not get discouraged if you get a TBNT (thanks but no thanks). It happens to so many of us. Don't take this personally. I've had them too and tried to learn from them. Analyze your answers and everything involved. Did you under dress for the interview? Some airlines are strict about hair. Was yours up or down? Were you clean shaven or was your facial hair not groomed? Were you engaging with others at the interview and with the recruiters? Go over the question and answer portion. It's a learning experience. Don't give up. You may not even have made it past the video interview. Keep applying, though. I've been there too. I have bombed video interviews and face to face interviews. I've had interviews that I thought went really well but only 2 out of a huge group of us were selected. I've had interviews where I got kind of a bad vibe from one of the interviewers. I had one where they had us play a little game in groups Then get up and tell a little about ourselves. Afterward they called about 5 or 6 people to speak with the recruiters and the rest of us were sent home. We never even got to talk to anyone! That was very discouraging. I've had a few experiences where I felt they were rejecting me right of the bat based on age. I kept at it, though. Consider applying at a regional if you haven't had success at a legacy carrier. It's a good way to get flight attendant experience and perhaps your foot in the door. If this is your dream job, though, don't give up on it. Keep pressing forward and you'll get there eventually.
Don't let anyone convince you that Flight Attendant training is a walk in the park. It's tough, it's long, you'll be testing constantly and frequently you aren't paid until you finish (although some airlines do pay). Once you've received a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) you'll be assigned a training class date and emailed materials to prepare yourself. Don't waste anytime in going over these materials. There will be information in there they may expect you to know on day one. On the first day of training for my airline we were tested on airport codes, the 24-hour clock and had to have most of the safety demonstration announcement memorized.
In another post I have a list of airport codes. It's mostly U.S. domestic but I will be updating that soon to include international as well. Here is a link to practice the 24-hour clock. Or you can download these documents to practice as well.
You're going to be learning A LOT in training. There will be emergency medical training, evacuation training, basic aerodynamics, dealing with passengers, security, fighting fires, You'll also learn the various aircrafts you'll be expected to work on. Your airline may have a large fleet of multiple aircraft or there may be only one. But even if there is only one, for example, maybe only Airbus or Boeing 737, there will be differences between the different models of this aircraft that you will have to learn and will be tested on. You'll learn how to check all the safety equipment (preflight) and how to do a security search. International procedures will be taught as well, if your airline goes abroad. You will have to know the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and learn aviation terminology. Inflight announcements will be covered and you will learn the exact way your airline performs the safety demonstration. Any devices you'll be using will be taught.
Customer service is not going to be a big part of training. That's why they tend to hire people who already have a background in that as well as people skills. You'll learn the basics of a beverage service and, if your airline has multi-class service, you'll most likely receive training in the difference classes of service. No doubt passengers interactions will be discussed. But a good majority of this will be gone over during your IOE.
Make friends
Make friends. Be social. You may be making lifelong friends in training, even if you part ways and go to different bases or leave the airline. These friends can also be study buddies and people to learn from as well. You'll most likely come across these new friends afterward many times. Expect there to be a Facebook group formed for your class and to get many friend requests from your classmates. You'll learn from these classmates and they will learn from you. So don't be a loner! Open yourself up to new friendships.
Get Enough Sleep
It's important during training that you get enough sleep. I remember during both the training sessions I've been through with both airlines some of my younger classmates spent a lot of time partying and staying up late. Some still succeeded in training but some did not. I can guarantee that had I been doing that I wouldn't have succeeded. Don't be tempted to stay up super late or all night studying as well. It's essential to get enough to sleep to absorb all the information you will be expected to learn.
Be on Time
Tardiness is frequently grounds for dismissal. Consider training an extension of the interview. You don't actually have the job until you've completed training. On time performance is at the goal of all airlines so they're not going to take kindly to their employees being lax in this area. If training begins at 0800 be there at 0750.
Take Notes
Bring a notebook and pen to class and write it down. Sometimes you'll notice your instructors giving you clues that something will be on the test. They may say "you might want to write this down". In my most recent training I had an instructor that would "a little golden nugget for you". That meant we needed to write it down and remember it. You'll probably be given lots of handouts for that days training. Feel free to take notes on those as well.
Study
Study every night, especially if there is a test the night before. You'll probably be given homework. Sometimes this homework is optional but it is a way to study for an upcoming test. DO this homework even if you don't have to. People study best in different ways. If you're someone who studies best in a group then join one or form one. If you're not sure if it would helpful or not at least try it out if offered. You may find it very beneficial. If you're like me you study better on your own or with just one other person. But remove all distractions. Turn off the TV and stay off the phone and focus. Match your studying method to the exam method. There may be oral exams, written exams or demonstrative exams. You may find that, depending on the exam, you'll study better with classmates or on your own. Evacuations and CPR/AED training are examples of things you may want to study for with others. It's helpful if you're doing these commands outloud.
Study Aids
Use study aids such a flashcards that you can make yourself. Look online for training aids such as Quizlet I know people who've had posters of the different aircraft on their walls with the different parts outlined. A lot of people, including myself, learn visually, so use these visual aids.
Participate
Participate in training. Ask questions and get involved in classroom discussions. If volunteers are needed: volunteer. Get involved and become engaged in the entire day to day process.
Money
Training can be 4-8 weeks or longer. Some airlines will pay a set amount, or you could get the basic guarantee or just per diem for the time while there. You may not get paid until training is completed. Plan ahead and make sure you have some money set aside and that your bills while you are away are taken care of. This can be tough for some people, so do what you can do.
Packing
Here is a list of items you should bring with you to training. Although you will get some chances to head to the store, make sure you've packed everything you need before you go. You'll be able to bring a large suitcase but pack wisely. Don't pack items you most likely won't wear or need. In your pre-training package emailed to you there should be information on a dress code. It may be business attire or business casual. At my training we were required to wear black and white everyday. It could've been a black dress, or white dress with a black jacket, black pants with a white shirt, white pants with a black shirt, etc. So after gathering up everything I already had and could use, I had to buy some more items. I highly recommend investing in packing cubes. You can use them once you're on the line as well. These are the ones I bought.
Here is a packing list you can use as a guide.
Required
Items ·Passport ·Watch ·Vaccine card
Clothing ·Coat or jacket ·Dress skirts ·Dress Pants ·Dress socks ·Pantyhose or tights or compression hose ·Sweaters ·Blouse or button down shirts ·One complete business suit (what you wore to the
interview) ·Jeans ·PJs ·Uniform shoes/heels/closed toed flats ·Athletic shoes ·Casual shirts such as polos
Study Materials ·Notebooks ·Pens ·Flashcards ·Highlighters ·Training Printouts
Miscellaneous ·Laundry soap ·Dryer Sheets ·Quarters ·Tide to Go Pen
This is obviously not an exhaustive list. And you will need to tailor it to you and your situation. But pack wisely and try not to OVERPACK. Also make sure you bring a small lightweight bag you can bring your materials with you to training.
One thing to keep in mind is you may be leaving training with a new travel roller board and tote. This CAN make heading home a little more awkward since you'll also have your large suitcase with you.
Here are some other links that also have information on preparing for training.
Flight Attendant School After you finish training you will then complete your Initial Operating Experience (IOE) Your IOE will be a number of hours flying with a line instructor where you will be tested on how you perform safety related duties as required by the FAA. Be prepared for any type of assignment. I know of some that just did a turn while others did a full 4 day trip. At the regional I worked for my IOE was a 2 day trip for me. At my current carrier it was a red eye turn. It's normal to be nervous but try and relax. You'll probably be contacted by your IOE instructor before hand. Ask questions about anything you are unsure about. Make sure you follow any instructions you are given. Just remember your training and you will do fine!
I can so relate to this picture. Commuting is no joke. It’s tough and, let be known, it can make
your first and last day of trips much longer and harder than they should be. Being a commuter can also make certain types
of trips not possible unless you’re willing to fork out money for a crash pad
or hotels. I will go over that in this post
as well.
But commuting is always an option for someone who really
wants to be a flight attendant or pilot and really is not able, or willing, to
move to a base. There are ways you can
make it somewhat easier, though.
I’ll go over those in a minute too.
I’ve been commuting pretty much all of my flight attendant
career, except for about a year and half when I was based in IAD (Washington Dulles)
and I could drive in. It was still an hour and a half drive but at least I COULDdrive. Other than that, I’ve had to
try and catch a flight into my base to start my trips. Currently my employer does not service my
nearest airport so I have to take other airlines to get in. We can do that because we all have reciprocal
agreements and that’s so nice. But keep
in mind, if you fly a carrier you don’t work for, your priority on the standby
list is rock bottom.
So basically how it works is I first figure out what time I
need to be there. Most airlines have a
requirement to be there an hour prior to departure time. Example: if my first leg of my trip departs
at 6:00 pm, I need to be at the airport checking in for it at 5:00 pm. I begin by searching for flights that can get
me there with plenty of time to spare.
If you can commute on your own airline that is great because you can simply
log in and list yourself for a flight and check in for it too. You can see how the loads look (how many
seats are available and if any other standbys will be ahead of you on the
list). You’ll also have a better priority
to get a seat than if you don’t work for that airline. Me? I have to use a website such as Passrider.com to see what my options are. To see how the loads are I usually use an app
called StaffTraveler or Staff Airlines
(Apple or Google
Play ). Both are good. Staff Traveler
will show you how many standbys are already listed and what seats are available
by class. You do need to have credits
with them for each flight you check but you can earn them for free by checking
flights for other people . Staff Airlines is free to use but won’t show the
standbys. It’s still very useful.
Some airlines will allow you to list and check in
online. Others you have to do both in
person. This is annoying but what can
you do? If it’s my best option for getting there on time I just plan
accordingly. By the way, always ALWAYS ALWAYS
be respectfulto the customer service/gate agent assisting you. No matter how tired, annoyed or irritated you
are or how unfriendly they may be: hold it in! Bite your lip.
I have had many trips where I have had to commute in hours,
and I mean HOURS, ahead of time. If
there is an unbroken recliner in the crew room I usually head there to chill
and maybe take a catnap. I’ve used
broken recliners too when I really don’t give a youknowwhat. In fact I'll be doing this on my trip that starts tomorrow. I’ve also gone out of pocket to doze in a
Minute Suite before as well. They’re not
cheap anymore so I don’t go that route these days. When I have a trip that
starts too early to commute in that day, I have to commute in the night
before. I try and get a hotel room. There are hotels that offer crew rates. It can still be pricy but here are some
places you can search for these discounts.
Also, if you’re on reserve you must be within two hours of
your base when on call. This means, if
you don’t live in your base and commute you’ll need a crashpad. This is an apartment, house or a hotel room
that you pay to share with other airline commuters. Some are “hot beds” which means you won’t
have your own dedicated bed. I had one
of these before. All the residents kept
our bedding in plastic tubs and we’d make up an available bed when we
arrived. “Cold bed” crashpads allow you
your own dedicated bed you can leave set up when not using it. I had one these before as well. Some crashpads offer transportation to and
from the airport. Otherwise you may need
to catch an Uber, Lyft or taxi. One I
had I’d hop on a train at the airport, take it two stops and then walk a couple
blocks to my crashpad. Not just reserves
use crashpads. Many lineholders do as
well so that they have a place to “crash” before or after a trip. Cost can vary greatly depending on the area
and ammenties. Some crashpads are gender specific and some are co-ed. Make sure you're aware of that if you're not comfortable with it.
Here are some links that can help finding a crashpad:
There is also the stress of actually getting on the flight. If it’s on your own metal (the airline you
work for) there is usually the possibility of getting the jumpseat. But usually that’s not an option if you’re
trying to commute on another airline. There
is a list of priority for standbys and each airline is different. But in general their own active employees go
first, followed by the employee’s passriders, in seniority order. Retirees are usually next. There may be buddy passes and regional carrier
employees in the mix as well. But,
generally speaking, if you work for one airline and are trying to fly on
another you’ll be rock bottom. Make sure
your airline has a generous commuter clause in the contract in the contract if you’re planning to be a commuter.
Once you're on the line, if you're working for a United States carrier you'll be able to sign up for Known Crewmember (KCM) There are very specific rules you do have to follow to use this but it's such a Godsend and time saver. You don't have to be in uniform but keep in mind there are a lot of random selections for regular security. If you're out of uniform the same rules for the general public will apply to you. This means the 3-2-1 rule and others. Check here. You can't bring items for someone not eligible for KCM as well as items you would expect. Check here for a complete list of rules. And don't lose your badge. Clip it on to your lanyard along with your work ID badge.
Getting back home after your trip can be stressful as
well. You may be delayed just enough to
miss your flight home. I’ve had many
times where I missed the flight by minutes, sometimes when it was the only
flight or the last one of the day. It’s
frustrating. That’s why I can relate to
the photo at the top.
Plan your commute. Know
when you need to be there and look for flights that get you there with plenty
of time. Check loads. Have back up plans and backup plans to the backup plans.. There are Facebook groups you can join to ask
for load checks. Here are two I use (this one and this one) Above I
mentioned Stafftraveler and StaffAirlines.
Scroll up for the links.
Again, commuting sucks.
If you can move to your base DO IT.
I would so love to live in base.
But everyone has their own reasons why they can’t or won’t. If you have to you have options, though. Have a
plan, a Plan B and a Plan C. Maybe even
a Plan D. Try to look at it as an adventure,
if you can! Who am I kidding? Commuting isn't fun for me at all. But with PPP (proper prior planning) you can make it work.
next to it doesn't mean they're not hiring. Check anyway. I may not have updated in while.)
next to it doesn't mean they're not hiring. Check anyway. I may not have updated in while.)
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