Quiz: What Kind of Flight Attendant Would You Be?

Do you like those little quizzes that float around Facebook? Who doesn’t yearn to know what vegetable they are, right? Today I’ve thrown together a quiz telling you what you’re really dying to know: What kind of flight attendant would you be?

1. You find a suitcase abandoned in the aisle during boarding. You…

a. Throw it onto the jet bridge and leave it behind without a word. You can’t wait to see the passenger’s face when they come looking for it!
b. Set it out of the way, then question passengers until you’ve located the owner to inform them they must stow it before departure.
c. Pick it up and stow it for them. You’ll have time inflight to find the right passenger to tell them where you’ve placed it.
d. Stand by the bag and cheerfully say, “Who am I lucky enough to help today? Just point to where you want it!”

2. You’re working Business Class on an international flight. The aircraft is boarding and your cabin is packed. You and your colleague on the other aisle are carrying large trays full of pre-departure drinks while navigating the oncoming traffic. A passenger several rows away holds up his jacket to indicate he wants it hung up. You…

a. Yell, “Does it look like I have a free hand, bro?”
b. Say, “Why don’t you leave it on your coat hook until we have a moment?”
c. Say, “Of course!” Then you dash to the galley against traffic to put down your tray, and make your way up the other aisle to get the jacket as quickly as possible.
d. You smile and say, “We here at Awesome Airlines are honored to hang your coat!” Then you make desperate eyes at your colleague working the other aisle because he can get it faster. He’s probably important!

3. You’re on an overnight flight that is scheduled at 7 hours and 59 minutes long and the plane is only half full. The service finishes early. You say…

a. “If the passengers can sleep, so can I!”
b. “Maybe just a little break. The flight time could easily go longer.”
c. “I’m scared of getting into trouble, but I’ll do what everyone else wants.”
d. “Bummer, one minute too short. But the company knows best! We’ll just make some coffee!”

4. You’re working First Class and a full meal is scheduled on a relatively short flight (apparently it’s the year 1999). Boarding was chaotic and catering was late so you didn’t have time to prep anything before take off, and you’re understaffed. You…

a. Skip the meal service altogether. You don’t have time. If these people were hungry they should have bought something at the airport!
b. Modify the service so you can be sure to finish in time, and let the passengers know individually that you’ve had to make some changes.
c. Stick to procedure, but  you’re flustered the whole flight. When the passengers complain that it’s taking too long, you feel like a failure and apologize profusely.
d. Are too busy being thrilled that the plane is full (good news for the company!) to be stressed. No worry, the passengers will be so charmed by the little smiley faces you draw with the sauce for the chicken that surely they won’t notice if there’s no time for dessert.

5. You’re on reserve and just returned from an all-nighter, getting home at 7:30 a.m. You’re entitled to rest until 4 p.m., but Crew Scheduling rings you an hour early. You…

a. Answer angrily and dare them to send you back to the airport so soon.
b. Don’t answer. You know you’re off the clock, but if you answer, you’re obligated. The cheek of ’em!
c. Answer anyway. Surely if you do them a favor now, they’ll do you a favor another time, right?
d. Answer. They must really need you. Knowing the company, they’ll send you somewhere great!

6. You’re walking out of the terminal at the end of a long day of flying when a passenger flags you down to say something. You…

a. Walk by, waving your hand in their face.
b. Stop and listen to see if it’s a quick question. For a more involved issue, you direct them to someone who can help before heading on your way.
c. Are going to miss your flight home if you don’t run, but what can you do?
d. Are in uniform, so of course you help! You’ll see the problem through to resolution, even if it takes all day. Another chance to be an ambassador for your airline!

Scoring key: Give yourself 0 points for every “a” answer, 2 for each “b”, 4 for each “c” and 5 for each “d.”

0-7 points
Crabby Crew: Sometimes we’re all thinking it, but you never miss a chance to say it! Maybe you just need a vacation! Take one – and while you’re there consider whether this is still something you enjoy doing.

8-16 points
Solid Stew: You have good days and bad days like everyone, but you still dig the job. You don’t let people take advantage of you, yet remain empathetic. Sounds like you have stew stamina!

17-25 points
Burnout Alert: You’re super sweet, which is awesome, but you gotta toughen up or you won’t last long. Everything is not on your shoulders and some people will take advantage of your sweetness. Make sure to look out for yourself as well. It’s part of your job – some requests might mean injury or security risk!

26-30 points
The Company Cheerleader: You love every single thing about your company and it shows! No denying you’re popular with the passengers. There’s nothing you won’t do for them or your company. Just don’t get your feelings hurt if you catch colleagues rolling their eyes from time to time. Remember: you can criticize something and still be a fan.

[Photo: iStock]