Flight Attendants are charged primarily with the safety of their passengers from the moment they enter an airplane until they leave. They instruct passengers on safety procedures dealing with seat belts, seats, oxygen masks, and emergency evacuations and landings. They also try to make the flight as comfortable as possible for passengers by providing some food (less frequently these days) and beverages, pillows, blankets (also less frequently these days), and other items as dictated by the individual airline. This means attendants are on their feet for most of the flight.
Generally, Flight Attendants work 75 to 85 flight hours per month and about the same amount of time preparing the plane for the flight, writing postflight reports, and performing other nonflying duties. They are expected to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. When they have a layover away from home, the airline provides for their hotel rooms, meals, and other related expenses. Because the Flight Attendant’s schedule can have predictable days home, many attendants take college courses, volunteer, or work on other long-term goals.
Because attendants work in a moving vehicle that is subject to sudden wind shifts, they are susceptible to injuries when there is unexpected turbulence. Other injuries may occur when opening overhead bin doors or from lifting heavy luggage into and out of the bins. Unusual eating and sleeping patterns and heavy stress from a high-pressure job and occasional dealings with difficult passengers can also cause adverse health reactions. Frequent pressure changes within the aircraft (during takeoffs and landings) and breathing recycled air are other factors that may take a toll on the body.
Flight Attendants may be required to administer CPR or other emergency procedures when a passenger or crewmember suffers a heart attack or other ailment.Attendants bid for the routes they want, usually on a monthly basis, with the first choice going to those with the most seniority. Attendants and their immediate family members receive free or discounted travel on their own airline and most other airlines, although it may be on a standby basis.
Salaries are based on seniority and the contract agreed to by the union members and the individual airlines. Additional pay may be earned by working overnight or international flights, working holidays, or assuming more responsible jobs. These may include completing flight-related paperwork or serving as a purser.
A per diem is provided for meals and travel expenses. Among the best benefits are free or reduced airfares for personal travel and that of their immediate families on their own airline and on other carriers. Attendants must usually pay for their own uniforms, although cleaning and upkeep expenses may be covered by the airline. Life and health insurance and annual and sick leave are usually part of the pay package. Retirement and stock investment programs may also be available.
Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Articleinput.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.
Note: This article was sent to us by: Brandon H. Porter at 09292010
1. Relationships and trust consolidate businesses
All articles are property of their respective authors. Please read our Privacy Policy!
© 2009 ArticleInput.com.
Partners: Damenmode