happywanderer

I just returned on UA 898 (NRT/IAD) today and have some observations. Certainly I understand that the trans-Pacific routes are generally staffed with the most senior FAs but I have noticed over the past year in my Asian travels -- and especially today -- that these aging FAs (most, but not all) are unpleasant, unkempt, and provide minimal service. I can tell you that I did not see one FA smile or show any measure of pleasantness on today's flight. On an even more serious note, I am concerned about their ability to physically deal with a safety issue because of their fragility, and in other cases, their excessive weight. I know that these FAs have many years of experience and I should not be concerned about their abilities to meet both safety and service requirements but after today's flight I am not so sure. With the exception of the purser -- who was excellent -- I cannot find one single positive comment to say about the other other FAs serving the biz class. Skies just weren't friendly on today's flight.

SEA1K4EVR

Yet another thread about aging FA's... it comes up here a lot... people say the young FA's on the Asian carriers are so wonderful..etc etc.

UA's FA's meet the FAA physical requirements for the job (whatever those are). What is UA supposed to do? Fire them? Impossible..and illegal in the United States. People over 40 are in a protected class of employees and you absolutely cannot terminate them because of age. Asian carriers have different laws...they can keep their FA's young and sexy. Is that fair to their older FA's who don't want to retire? Or to the woman who gains 20 pounds because of a thyroid condition, or difficulty losing pregnancy weight? No, it isn't.

Termination for bad service? Oh how I wish it were so... but there are plenty of older FA's who give outstanding service. I would fully support UA actively monitoring and rating service by its FA's and terminate those who fall short. But termination should have nothing to do with age or whether someone appears to be frail or overweight.

todera

+2

I fly on occasion the 889/888 route to/from PEK in F and I don't think the biggest problem is the frailty but the rudeness (especially what I have seen to non-English speaking customers).

iquitos

are a surly bunch ime. best of lot is the gang out of sea to nrt.

kkg

+3

mahasamatman

I don't know if the FAA has any physical requirements for an FA. There definitely should be, as they are "there primarily for our safety", but there are some (not strictly based on age) who couldn't pass a physical.

Not based on appearance, but if they can't perform their safety duties, they shouldn't have the job. I don't know what FA recertification is like, but I can't believe it's anything close to realistic for what they're supposed to be able to do.

bschaff1

+4

While many crews are fine, I've seen my share of poor ones too. When a FA can't make it down the aisle without hitting both sides of the aisle with their oversized behind, I think that hampers their abilities to do their job properly.

MatthewLAX

+1

EnvoyBoy

+5

On a recent HKG-ORD flight a FA refused to help an older woman with putting her back in the overhead locker because she couldn't lift her arms that high. My immediate thought had nothing to do with her age or her size but how she was suppose to be there for my safety? It gave me zero confidence.

Condition One

United used to have some sort of service director onboard NRT flights to monitor service and quality. When did this stop?

JohnnyJet

FAs are required to go through Annual Recurrent Training. At that time they have to prove they can successfully conduct all safety related duties including opening doors, window exits, etc. Those who are physically incapable are grounded.

The rude/bitterness? No argument there.

kb1992

+6

I like young, pretty and energetic FAs.

Javan69

I like the ones who bring me Glenlivet from F, regardless of their age.

happywanderer

All I ask is they be polite, courteous, smile, and have a neat appearance.

SFOSpiff

I don't have a lot of experience flying UA transpac but based on my last trip, we could do without the FA in biz who wanted to get past me as I retrieved something from the overhead and just pushed me out of her way.