United Airlines has created a video which recounts a “typical” day in the life of four FAs.
It is highly choreographed, but I still enjoyed watching it. As much as we passengers love to complain, it has been a long time since I have encountered on grumpy FA (on United or any airline). While I often do not sense the enthusiasm posited in the video, most FAs display a positive attitude before passengers.
One thing that struck me in the video is at that three FAs were asked what makes a great FA. Their answers:
Kimberly:
The quality that a great flight attendant possesses is having the natural spirit of service. When I’m on the aircraft, I treat all passengers as though they were guests at my home.
Dana:
A great flight attendant possess qualities such as being gracious, being friendly, being patient, being kind, an also in being professional, in taking pride in your appearance and putting on the uniform every morning.
Danielle:
The thing I would tell new hire flight attendants is really to come to work ready to work in your full uniform. When I put it on every day, it kind of feels like a little special event. It brings pride to my job so I love wearing the uniform.
Oh Kimberly, if that were always the case, United would be the best airline in the world.
CONCLUSION
Again, a very corporate video, yet still worth watching. I still cringe when I hear FAs say, “We are here primarily for your safety,” but let’s not forget we often overlook good service.
Another great profile: Business Insider did a story on Denver-based FA Robert “Bingo” Bingochea who I have had the pleasure of flying with before. This story brings out his love for his job, something that is infectious.
(H/T: Point Me to the Plane)
Edited to add: As a reader reminded me, SWISS sets the standard for FA videos:
Flew Economy SIN-SFO in February. I go back to the galley to get a Diet Coke. All the FAs are sitting around talking. One looks up at me and says “what do you want”. Pretty grumpy to me.
They should have included the flight attendants sitting round for most of the flight, complaining about management, bad-mouthing the passengers and chowing don on the business class meals. Then there would have been some resemblance to the United reality of highly unionized worked who actually don’t give a hoot who think the company exists solely to serve their needs.
You will NEVER guess which airline uses that exact song as their boarding music!! I bet United wouldn’t have picked it if they realised!
Compared to the SWISS-video from a year or two back, this was unsatisfyingly bland and extremely superficial (at best).
It’s true…that SWISS video was amazing:
http://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2016/02/16/you-must-watch-this-swiss-video/
United needs to videotape FA’s at random, not people who have been made up like models and probably choreographed for the video weeks or months in advance. Seems the most emphasis was on how they can travel and see the world – a great perk indeed. Go film the overweight, sloppily dressed flight attendants with nary a smile or kind word – everyone onboard is treated like an interruption to their day…..unthankful when all they cry about is a lousy salary – as they make their $50,000 – $100,000 a year (with overtime). Not impressed. Ever.
This article reminded me a scene from the sitcom “The middle”. Sue was trying hard to engage her distant roommate in conversation when she replied understanding Sue wanting to be close. But all she wanted was to graduate from nursing school as soon as possible because she hated dealing with people.
““We are here primarily for your safety.”
That is just something you would never hear on an Australian, Asian or Middle Eastern airline.
Within 10 years this job won’t exist, having been replaced by robots …with the consequent lower fares and better service.