The Sun UK: Why flight attendants prefer to work in economy over first class
Feb 21, 2017, 10:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA/AA
Posts: 1,741
The Sun UK: Why flight attendants prefer to work in economy over first class
The demands of 10 rich people can often be more exhausting than serving 100 regular passengers.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/2917...usiness-class/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/2917...usiness-class/
Feb 22, 2017, 3:55 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
Hardly surprising. Working the coach cabin, you have the opportunity to do one run through the cabin with beverages and pretzels, and then retire to the galley to play on your phone. One more pass through to collect the trash a bit later. Then that's it until it's time to land. I think it's misguided to categorically label First/Business Class fliers as "demanding" - a premium level of service is what has been sold, after all.
For example, Delta First Class is advertised as follows:
Yes, I'm sure there are passengers who occasionally take it over the top. But flight attendants who hide behind "we're primarily here to ensure your safety" as an excuse to provide minimal service don't belong working a premium cabin.
For example, Delta First Class is advertised as follows:
For amenities and superior service you won’t find just anywhere, choose First Class on your next Delta flight. You’ll enjoy personalized service from a dedicated flight attendant, Sky Priority® service throughout your journey and a thoughtful travel experience from start to finish.
Last edited by javabytes; Feb 22, 2017 at 4:59 pm
Feb 26, 2017, 7:58 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat, DL GM and Flying Colonel; Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 24,233
On my last long-haul trip in F, PVG (Shanghai Pudong for those who don't memorize all the airport codes) - ORD, there were three FAs and five passengers, most of whom spent several hours sleeping. I can assure you that they were not overworked, and that's not because their service was deficient in any way.
If the premise of this article were consistently true, we would not always see the purser (by whatever title), who can work whatever cabin he or she wants to, in F or occasionally J.
If the premise of this article were consistently true, we would not always see the purser (by whatever title), who can work whatever cabin he or she wants to, in F or occasionally J.
Mar 4, 2017, 5:27 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
Regulations govern the minimum number of flight attendants that must be on board. In the US, it's one FA per 50 seats of capacity (without regard for the actual number of passengers on the plane). Whether to add more flight attendants, and where the flight attendants actually work, is up to the airlines.
Mar 30, 2017, 3:39 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Orlando
Programs: AA Exec Plat, HH Lifetime Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, Marrriott Silver, SPG, National Exec Elite
Posts: 187
So true. I never liked that line US Airways used to say in their announcements 'we're here primarily for your safety'. While true, it gives the impression that service is an after thought, so don't expect much.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:18 pm
#9
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I know several FAs who prefer working First or Business cabins, and at least one who prefers working the galley in those cabins.
OTOH, I know or have flown with others who prefer Coach, often on flights they can do one outbound and return and be done with the "day's work". One of those I flew with a few years ago was AA's No. 2 in seniority, so she could genuinely choose her work flights (but she preferred and worked First).
OTOH, I know or have flown with others who prefer Coach, often on flights they can do one outbound and return and be done with the "day's work". One of those I flew with a few years ago was AA's No. 2 in seniority, so she could genuinely choose her work flights (but she preferred and worked First).
Apr 3, 2017, 12:27 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: AA LT PLT (3.6+ MM), UA 1K LT Gold, Hilton LT Diamond, Bonvoy Gold.
Posts: 1,662
This line is a classic “It honestly made me feel like a sky waitress.” Yep, understand your are there for our safety, yada, yada but at the end of the day, yep, the cabin crew are sky waiters and waitresses....