A little about me. My name is Sarah and I’ll be here every Tuesday, chatting about airline life and adding a perspective on aviation topics from inside the cabin.
I’m a 15-year flight attendant with a major carrier. Nope, I won’t ever tell you which. Mostly, it’s just irrelevant. Airline life is remarkably consistent everywhere you go. I do love asking other flight attendants – especially foreign ones – about the details of their “set up.” It’s always interesting to hear about any differences, but better uniforms, shorter layovers, more exotic destinations, less flexibility…it all comes out in the wash. The only thing I’ve really learned is that it’s a whole lifestyle choice (even if we don’t realize how true that is when we start), and it generally looks the same everywhere you go.
The “other” reason I won’t tell you is because of the usual cliché disclaimer – “my opinions are mine and mine alone.” It’s boring but it has to be said. I never claim, desire or intend to speak for any airline in any capacity whatsoever, nor do they want me to. Quite frankly, that’s how you want it too – if you want me to say anything good!
So what’s my angle on airline life? I believe in keeping the glamorous dream alive! It is possible. You just “gotta use flight attending, or it’ll use you.” And I still love the job so it must be working. What you’ll find here is a column that admits that a lot of things about flight attending are a serious drag (pun not intended, but pleasing). But so are a lot of things about your job…probably. Right? Please don’t tell me if I’m wrong.
I just make sure to “work the perks” like living where I want. Like most flight staff I commute by plane. It so happens I chose London (yes, the one in England!), while my base is New York. This matters to you because – aside from telling you I’m a “bit” headstrong – it keeps me from forgetting what it’s like to be trapped in those seats for a long time with a uniform standing over you, even if I’m lucky enough to get the “big seats” now and then.
Meanwhile, I married a guy that’s terrified to fly. Not just white-knuckled, need-a-drink kind of scared but a full on, “I’m at the gate but can’t get on the plane” sort (that time it took four days to get him on). Honestly, I just told you that because I think it’s funny.
So on that note, I hope we have some fun here. Don’t be shy. I’m ready for your questions, stories or plain old airline curiosity. Believe it or not I still love talking to passengers. So let’s get started…
