Career Considerations as a Flight Attendant: Is This Role Suitable for Your Preferences?
Revamped Article:
The Allure of the Sky: Pros and Cons of Being a Flight Attendant
crack on, mate, let's talk about the highs and lows of working as a flight attendant - it's a job that's got a heap of perks, but it ain't for everyone.
Who the Heck is a Flight Attendant?
A flight attendant, or cabin crew member, is the hero of the skies who ensures the safety and comfort of passengers during their travels. We find 'em workin' for commercial airlines, private businesses, and even occasionally on private jets. Their job involves everything from usherin' passengers on board to tidyin' up once everyone disembarks. Some of 'em are even on-call, so they gotta be ready to hop on a flight when called upon.
Bits and Pieces About Flight Attendants: The Science Bit
We had a squiz at scientific articles about flight attendants in the Web of Science database. We found 141 of 'em, and this bar chart shows how many were published each year up to November 2024.
Take a gander at the chart below, and you'll see that the number of articles published increased over the years, with a few notable spikes in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Since 2018, the number of publications per year has remained steady, with a slight dip in 2023 before bouncin' back in 2024.
The Pros of Being a Flight Attendant
Workin' as a flight attendant can be an absolute blast, and that's not just 'cause they get to work in the sky. Here are some pros to consider:
1. Globetrotting Adventures
Flight attendants get to traverse the globe and see sights most people only dream about. Depending on their schedule, they might even have a bit of time to explore during layovers or before their next flight takes off. Plus, they get breathtakin' views of the world from the aircraft. And, did we mention they often get free or discounted tickets? It's a pretty sweet deal!
2. Air Travel Benefits
Flight attendants and their whānau often score some amazing discounts on air travel. That means budget-friendly vacays and visits to loved ones. Be sure to check out what sort of travel benefits your favorite airline offers.
3. Flexible Work Schedule
Flight attendants have the advantage of a bit of flexibility when it comes to their work schedule, thanks to the variable nature of takeoffs and landings. Many airlines will let employees swap flights with each other based on factors like seniority and logistics, so they can adjust to their personal preferences. They may even score some paid time off, too.
4. Making Friends from All Corners of the Earth
Flight attendants meet folks from all across the globe during their time on the job, and it's an excellent opportunity to develop those communication skills. Building connections with passengers and colleagues can lead to lifelong friendships and an expanded professional network.
5. Variety is the Spice of Life
Flight attendants have a constantly shifting work environment, with each flight bringing new experiences, destinations, and passengers. It's a pretty exciting gig, and it helps flight attendants keep things interesting by sharpening their professional skills.
6. Job Security
There's always gonna be a demand for air travel, and that means job security for flight attendants. So if you're after a stable career path, this might be the one for you.
7. Indoor Work Environment
Flight attendants work in climate-controlled aircraft and airports, avoidin' exposure to extreme temperatures. It's a comfy little workspace that helps them stay in tip-top shape.
8. Stayin' Active
Even though the work of a flight attendant ain't strenuous, they're always on the go. From boardin' planes to attendin' to passengers' needs, they're in constant motion, which promotes a healthy lifestyle.
9. Social Interaction
Flight attendants enjoy loads of opportunities to socialize and work on those communication skills. They interact with passengers, crew members, and various professionals in the aviation industry on a daily basis. That's a pretty swell part of the job for those who relish hobnobbin' with folks at work.
10. Complimentary Meals
Flight attendants receive meal reimbursements while on duty, which helps 'em stay well-fed during their shifts. It's one less thing to worry about, especially when travelin' and tryin' to eat good food.
11. Employee Perks
Airline companies usually offer their flight attendants a range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. Some airlines will even throw in a few extra travel perks like free or discounted flights, too.
The Cons of Being a Flight Attendant
While the pros of workin' as a flight attendant are pretty tough to beat, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well:
1. On-Call Scheduling
Flight attendants may be required to work on a flexible or on-call basis, which means they gotta be ready to hop on a flight at a moment's notice. And, that can be tough on personal plans and arrangements.
2. Time Away from Home
Flight attendants often spend extended periods of time far away from their families and loved ones, which can make it difficult to attend important events or milestones. While they can request time off, it ain't always possible to get it, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Irregular Working Hours
Flight attendants may work on weekends, holidays, and during unconventional hours. Their workin' schedule can be all over the place, which can mess with their circadian rhythms and disrupt their social life.
4. Jet Lag and Time Zone Changes
Frequent travel across different time zones can result in jet lag and physical exhaustion, with symptoms like fatigue, difficulty sleepin', and trouble adjustin' to new areas. Copin' with these changes can be demanding and impact overall well-being.
5. Customer Conflict Resolution
Flight attendants are responsible for keeping the peace onboard, which can involve sortin' out conflicts between passengers when they crop up. It ain't always easy to keep everyone happy, but sharp communication skills and a cool head can help handle these tricky situations.
6. Limited Career Growth
While flight attendants may get the occasional pay raise, there's a limit to how far they can move up the ladder in their current role. Folks lookin' for faster career progression may want to consider other avenues within the aviation industry.
7. Remote Work ain't an Option
Flight attendants can't work remotely. They gotta be present at the designated airport and onboard the aircraft for their assigned flights. Personal emergencies or other unexpected situations can affect their attendance and pay.
8. Travel Delays and Disruptions
Delays, cancellations, and rescheduled flights can be frustratin' for flight attendants. They gotta deal with the inconvenience while puttin' up with passengers who might be stressed and grumpy.
Is a career as a flight attendant the right fit for you? It's a job full of adventure, but it's got its challenges, too. Weigh up the pros and cons to determine if it's the stuff your dreams are made of.
References:
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/flight-attendants-benefits
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/flight-attendant/
- https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-beat-jet-lag-flight-attendants-advice
- https://www.flyingmag.com/guides/flight-attendant-schedule/
- With their job allowing them to travel extensively, a flight attendant's lifestyle often includes exploring new destinations during layovers, adding an exciting dimension to their work.
- For those seeking a career that offers opportunities for global interaction and travel benefits, consider pursuing a role as a flight attendant, as their job allows them to traverse the globe and even score discounted air travel for their family.
