Hi people! I thought I'd introduce myself after lurking here for a short time. I'm a longhaul flight attendant for Air NZ. Basically 'longhaul' means I crew 747, 767, and 777 flights.

So feel free to ask me anything you want and I"ll try and give an honest, accurate and spin-free answer if such things still exist!

I thought I'd start off with some information about the onboard crew ranks as they are different to other airlines (I just use he/they in the descriptions as I'm a male - no offence intended)

ISD - Inflight Service Director (soon to be disestablished)
This is the head f/a on the flight - he wears the pinstripe suit jacket rather than the teal green and sits at door 1L on the 767/777, 2L on the 747. During the meal service he works in economy class.

FSM - Flight Service Manager (replacing ISD)
Still the head f/a, he'll be wearing the darker coloured new uniform. He won't be taking part in the inflight service at all, but rather will be coordinating it all, ensuring customer satisfaction, taking care of any complaints/issues that crop up, and generally ensuring the passengers get off happy.

ISC - Inflight Service Coordinator
This is the deputy head f/a on the flight. He sits at the rear right door of the aircraft and currently directs the economy service flow in consultation with the ISD, as well as taking overall responsibility for the flight during the ISD's res period.

FAPS - Flight Attendant Premium Service
These f/as are specially trained in the premium service and only work in the premium cabin. They are paid extra, apply for the job, and are selected based on merit and length of service.

FAPC - Flight Attendant Pacific Class
This is the entry level f/a position, although many stay there out of choice. They work primarily in the Y class cabin but may assist in premium cabin if shortage of crew or full premium load.


A couple of other points where we differ from other airlines - the specific positions we work in the cabin (ie galley, bar, meal cart) are assigned by the ISD just prior to the flight - we don't bid for them.

Also, our rosters are not based on seniority - we can request one trip per month, the rest is assigned by computer to ensure maximum efficiency. Certain trips (day trips to Australia, all-night Tahiti return trips, etc) are flagged as 'less desirable' and are shared equally amongst all crew regardless of seniority. Our one trip per month request is assigned based on when we last achieved our request.