One of my friends says that if they have a choice (i.e., if they have seniority), flight attendants will work somewhere other than the first-class section of the plane, many passengers there being surly and unpleasant. Any truth to this?

Are you talking International or Domestic. On Domestic the cabin is usually ful and the service is much more complicated. On International, Business Class is usually the worst for attitude especially if they have been denied an upgrade to which they felt entitled.

Can't say generally but, a friend who is a FA with AA once told me they call domestic first class (especially at rush hour) "12 Angry Men"

It would be difficult and unfair to generalize with so many variables coming into play here. The best I can offer you are the comments from two FA friends, who have offered two different opinions over the past several months:

One, who flies internationally for AA with 18 years seniority, almost always works Economy largely, I believe, for the simplicity of the service. He has never said anything to me about Business or First Class customers being surly or unpleasant.

Another, who flies internationally for DL with about 19 years seniority, will often work BusinessElite because he enjoys providing the lengthy and detailed service. He has reported, however, that some of the BusinessElite customers can be rather cold and distant. The only reason it bothers him is that he really loves taking care of people and feels almost hurt if someone declines his wonderful, from-the-heart service. Still, I am certain there are plenty of cold, distant customers in Economy from time to time but, again, it is not good to paint any group of people with a broad brush.

(edited for clarity and to correct typo)


[This message has been edited by bbinchi (edited 06-21-2001).]

On UA Int'l I've never seen a prison matron in Y, only in C and F.

jtrader - your post made me laugh

Whenever I fly during the week, daytime hours, I am *almost always* the only female in a cabin of middle-aged, casual-professional men.


So I can totally relate to that comment!

Paul Palmer, domestic or international.

First Class allows them to pilfer liquor a lot more easily.

Based on my experience on DL, the senior FA's go for the Intn'l flights and the scary ones end up in BizE.

I try to remember to say on departing from the airplane:

THANK YOU FOR THE NICE FLIGHT!

Sorry B747-437B, on international most reputable airlines give booze away in ALL classes. If however they are stopped and searched and customs find these items, it is good-bye job.

I once dated an FA on NW. She was based at JFK and I was living in Tokyo at the time. I had actually met her on a NRT-JFK flight she was working and picked her up and had dinner with her after we landed in NYC (but that's another story). She was actually quite young and had only been with NW for a few years but because she was based at JFK she ended up being quite senior on those flights. She said that it was true that the service is "easier" in economy and most of the senior attendants chose to work in back leaving the more junior personnel to work the front cabins where it was "harder".

Of course we could go into lengthy discussions about exactly how "hard" the work is that's performed. I don't date her anymore so it's ok. And this attitude goes somewhat counter to the "we're here for your safety not to service you" frame of mind they like to hitch their horse to.

But I'm sure you're all more curious about how it ended up. Well, she being a FA could easily get to Tokyo whenever she wanted. We had fun for a while but after a few too many "surprise" visits from her I decided there was a reason I liked living in Tokyo far away from the person I was dating.

It all depends on the mood I am in, whether or not I am up to facing First Class. Some days I feel emotionally strong and can deal with anything. Those days I also feel I can go the extra mile to give the service that is expected. And deal with the cold responses, the rude demands and everything else that happens up there. Most days I can fake it pretty well. But there are some days that one more sarcastic comment, or one more person answering my "would you care for a beverage?" while not bothering to look up at me and I swear I'll scream!!! Those are the days I beg another crew member to trade positions with me. We usually help each other out that way since we've all been there. But those days are few and far between and I am always grateful that on every flight, even in FC there is always at least one passenger that will treat me as though he/she acknowledges that I am a human being with feelings and not just a part of the airplane!

We may serve you beverages and meals but I personally don't know any F/A's that will service you! Marketing may wish we did, but then they'd have to add additional staffing and that would chip away at the bottom line.

Skymaid80:

Welcome to FlyerTalk! We always appreciate the perspective and insight of our airline employee members. I hope you will enjoy participating in these forums.

Bill