Flight attendant exists in many people’s dreams, but little do we know that the job is so challenging despite the fun. There are many flight attendant facts that only flight attendants know, and they have revealed some for others to know. Being a flight attendant is awesome because you get to go to different countries, and look good all the time. At the same time, it is also life-risking and super challenging since you have to deal with different types of people all the time. In case you still want to be a flight attendant, check out some flight attendant facts below and see if you know them.
1Back-Up Flight Attendants
If you see a flight attendant rushing into the airport to get onto the plane, they are not late. The flight attendant that you see is the backup flight attendant who covers for another cabin crew member. So in case a crew member cannot make it to work, the standby flight attendant will take that place. And yes, with uniforms on and their luggage packed.
2Flight Attendants Are The Ones Who Keep Everyone Safe
Some rich passengers take flight attendants as waitresses and waiters in the sky, but that is only a small part of their job. Flight attendants know how to cope with people who are in different moods on the plane. There are babies that cry, elders who are nervous, and other passenger types that you can think of. They assist passengers and comfort them at their best to make sure that their journey is pleasant and satisfying for everyone.
3Flight Attendants Can Legally Use Tasers On Passengers
That only applies to some airlines where flight attendants can tase their passengers in some cases. If passengers are flipping out, breaking laws, or ignoring every attempt made by the airline staff, the flight attendants have legal permission to tase them. Bear in mind that a plane contains many passengers, and actions have to be taken if one or two among them are harmful to the others.
That means if the passengers are threatened by the behavior of one rogue troublemaker, tasing is one of the most effective ways. Flight attendants might have a slender body, but they are stronger than you think especially with tasers in their hands. So large and aggressive passengers who disrespect others deserve a little shock as a lesson.
As a matter of fact, it is illegal to disobey a crew member’s instructions on a plane. Refusing to settle down, using hate speech, or doing other inappropriate things is like giving permission to flight attendants to use their hard ways. Actually, every flight cabin is equipped with thick plastic zip-tie handcuffs or even actual handcuffs.
Flight attendants have the authority to cuff you and buckle you into a seat separately from other passengers. Not to mention they can also request the pilots to make an emergency landing to drop you off with the police. The good thing is such a case doesn’t happen too often.
4Flight Attendants Can’t Gain Weight
Weight restrictions are one of the rules that every flight attendant has to abide by. The weight restriction requires flight attendants to have healthy results on Body Mass Index (BMI) test. Once a flight attendant receives her uniforms, that is the size that she is going to wear. Imagine you go through different timezone and eat at different hours all the time but are expected to have the same weight. Not to mention the hectic schedules that are not favorable for gym time, the flight attendant is not one easy job.
5Flight Attendants Don’t Get Paid Until The Plane Takes Off
Some thought working as a flight attendant is paid a fixed salary like regular jobs, but actually, they’re not. Most if not all, flight attendants get paid for flight hours, not for boarding or deplaning. So coming 2 hours earlier or staying late a couple of hours more does not count in the payment. Some flights take just an hour or two, and that is the most unsatisfying trip to take.
6Flight Attendants Don’t Sleep Much
We all hate flight delays, but flight attendants hate that even more than us. A long hours delay might bring you to a small trip around the airport to kill the time. As for flight attendants, they have to stay put and lose their sleeping time before their next flight during a flight delay. Apart from not being able to rest as planned, they still have to be on board and put a smile on their faces.
7Flight Attendants Go Through A Lot Of Training
It is not just about basic training that they have to smile all the time and serve food and drinks. All airlines have different training programs and requirements, especially in case of emergency. Most flight attendants will have to go through simulation training for turbulence, emergency landings, high jacking, fire, and more. Some flight attendants even go through a training course on how to deliver babies on board. Another cool thing is they also know how to unlock the airplane bathrooms from the outside.
8Tattoos Are Not On The Menu
Most airlines don’t allow their flight attendants to have visible tattoos or piercings (besides earlobes) at all. As for male flight attendants, they have to make sure their faces are clean-shaven without Tarzan’s beard. However, there are a few airlines that allow tattoos but in places that their uniform can cover. An example is British Airways, they require their flight attendants to wear appropriate undergarments if they have tattoos on their upper body. That is because their uniforms are white, so flight attendants have to make sure that their tattoos are invisible.
9Teeth Have To Be White But Not Too White
Flight attendants smile a lot, and a bright smile is a big part of a flight attendant’s appearance. That is why bright, white, and healthy teeth framed in neatly-applied lipstick or lip gloss are par with the requirements. Good oral hygiene is a must, but airlines like Las Vegas-based Allegiance Air do not allow teeth bleaching because it is “Too White”.
10The Rules Are Strict
Flight attendants who are new to the job have to go through strict probation in their first six months. That includes grooming, shoe choice, hairstyle, lipstick shades, and clean nails, and flight attendants have to look their best in an appropriate way. Grooming standards are very necessary, and you will not get any benefits until the probation is off. Plus, certain mistakes can cost a job if a flight attendant does not do the right things during their probation period.
Bonus
Have you ever wondered why height and weight are one of the most important requirements to be a flight attendant? The key is to choose a flight attendant with a height that can reach the overhead compartment with ease. Simply because their job is to provide ease for the passengers. So how can they help if they are not even tall enough to reach the overhead compartment? The balance between slim and strong is also part of the requirements. Meaning flight attendants are not only capable of reaching the overhead compartment but also strong enough to lift and put your bags and luggage in there.
Related Post: Facts About Black Box
