Welcome back to our “6 questions” series where we ask someone 6 career-centric questions about themselves.
This week we’re chatting with Stacey Townsend, a flight attendant at a major US airline. Townsend gives us a glimpse into her journey to becoming a flight attendant and traveling the world.
What did you major in & did you work in a different industry before becoming a flight attendant?
I majored in Recreation and Tourism with no intention of becoming a flight attendant, actually. After graduating, I dabbled in the hospitality industry with an internship at a luxury hotel in downtown Seattle and then worked my way up at zulily.com as an assistant buyer for 4 years. I tried the normal 9-5 job, but it just was not for me. It was taking away from what I loved to do outside of work and found myself working 24/7. I always had a desire to travel so when I found out that my airline was accepting applicants, I didn’t think twice before submitting my resume.
What does a week/month in the life of a flight attendant look like?
Our schedules can be very inconsistent and every month is different. Seniority is EVERYTHING! We bid for our preferred schedule but it all depends on where you’re at on the totem pole. I have been flying for 4 years and although I don’t always get what I want, there is always some flexibility with the ability to swap, trade or drop trips. As you gain seniority, you are able to determine which trips you fly and the days you want to take off.
How is the process of becoming a flight attendant?
The hiring process is extremely difficult and competitive. Not going to lie, it was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through. Don’t let this discourage you, though. If you don’t make it through the interview process the first time… keep trying! I know people who went through 7 rounds before getting hired.
Once you submit your application online, you also have to go through a video interview, phone interview, and an in-person interview before receiving your conditional job offer. From there you are invited to 2 months of training at the headquarters in Atlanta where you have to pass a multitude of emergency, medical and service tests before receiving your wings.
What is something most people wouldn’t expect about your job?
It is not always glamorous. Despite what you may see on social media, being a flight attendant doesn’t always mean an afternoon in Paris or swimming in the ocean on Maui. The reality of this job can sometimes mean working up to 4 flights a day, dealing with rude customers, and then sleeping for only 6-7 hours in a hotel room in a random city just to wake up at an unruly hour and do it all over again the next day. Overall, it really isn’t all that bad but some days can be extremely exhausting.
What’s the hardest part of your job? And most rewarding?
There is a laundry list of what flight attendants like and dislike about the job. For me, being a flight attendant really is everything you make it. You can make it the hardest job in the world or the easiest… it all really depends on your attitude. I would say the hardest part of the job is dealing with the diverse people and how their needs vary greatly. I have learned how to be flexible and to not let upset passengers get to me. The tradeoff is getting to see the world and not having work to take home with you. I love taking advantage of my travel benefits!
What is your biggest advice for someone trying to get a job with a major US airline?
DO NOT GIVE UP! They say it’s harder to become a flight attendant at a major US airline than getting into Harvard. When you get invited to interview… use your resources! When I went through the process, I relied on forums on glassdoor.com where you can familiarize yourself with interview questions and tips. Good luck!
Stacey was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Her travel bug bit in 2015 when she made a New Years resolution to hike more and fell in love with the mountains. By the end of the year, she was living by the by motto of “the higher the altitude the happier the attitude!”… which now applies to her career in the sky! An amazing thing happens when you find your passion and start doing what you love. Her constant pursuit of wander and wonder propelled her to quit her 9-5 and become a flight attendant for a major US airline!
