Here’s what I think about those sexy flight attendant ads…

“Does Sex Sell Airline Seats? Some Airlines Hope so. ” originally appeared on TravelChannel.com

We asked Heather Poole, a 15-year flight attendant and author of Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet her thoughts about marketing flight attendants as sex symbols.

She wasn’t too impressed.

“Cheap airfare is the only thing that sells tickets today,” says Poole. “That and — oh! — on-time departures and good safety records. If passengers really cared about what their flight attendants looked like, Hooters Air would still be in business. They only lasted for 3 years!”

Poole adds: “The only airlines that seem to flaunt sexy flight attendants are the ones looking to sell calendars or get “likes” on their Facebook page. There’s a reason they’re selling sex over a quality airline. Business must not be quite as hot as the crew.“

Plus, what about women fliers? asks Poole. Sexting up campaigns aren’t likely to win over this huge travel demographic.

“Do most female fliers really care how sexy flight attendants are? I don’t think so. It’s like some airlines are only directing their marketing at male passengers. Last time I checked there were women not just sitting on the plane, but occupying business and first-class seats, serious hardcore frequent fliers! They’re also flying the plane. To which I say, God Bless America! I’m so thankful I work for a US carrier. “

So what do you think? Do the marketing attempts to present flight attendants as sex symbols make flying more attractive to you? Or should airlines focus their efforts elsewhere?

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[Photo credit: Heather Poole]

The company name is irrelevant…

I’m always asked, “which airline do you work for?” whenever I’m being interviewed.  As if the answer is going to give people a better understanding of why I wrote the book, Cruising Attitude, or why I feel the way I do about flying or travel in general.

“One of the big ones,” is the usual response, followed by something about how the book isn’t an airline expose so it doesn’t matter who I work for.   The company name is irrelevant.  Then I’ll remind the interviewer that the book is about being a flight attendant, not an airline, and how being a flight attendant is more of a lifestyle than a job.  ”Half of the book takes place on the ground!” I’ll exclaim to get my point across.   Then I’ll wrap it up by saying something like, “It doesn’t matter who you work for, the job is the same wherever  you go.”

I’ll admit that there have been times, not many, when I’ve wondered just how true that statement really is, like when I’m checking into a layover hotel and spot a foreign crew doing the exact same thing.  Because certainly the job has to be different overseas!   And by different, I mean better, of course.   What’s strange is whenever self doubt begins to creep in, something will happen to confirm what I believed all along.  Take for instance the time a newspaper out of Australia reviewed my book.  I was shocked to see so many Australians felt the exact same way about Qantas crews as Americans feel about U.S. crews.

One of the most exciting things about having published a book about flight attendants is getting feedback from other flight crews, and not just flight attendants from other airlines, but from crew who live in foreign countries and work for international carriers!  Sometimes it comes in the form of a really nice letter.  They’re always my favorite.  Other times it comes in gold and arrives wrapped in bubble wrap inside a Fed Ex envelope.  Imagine how excited I was to receive a pair of Saudi Airline flight crew wings yesterday!  A sign to me that flight attendants worldwide really do have parallel lives, regardless of the company name written on the side of the plane.

Saudi Airlines flight crew

How to answer flight attendant interview questions

I’m scheduled for a flight attendant interview on Tuesday! I’ve been through the process once before so I am familiar with the questions they may ask, but I’m just not confident in my answers sometimes. The hardest part is answering behavioral or situational questions. When they ask, “Name a time when…” I find it really hard to recall examples from my past work experience. I have trouble with these questions and I’m not sure what a good answer may be. I hope you can help. Here are a few examples.

1. How do you handle stress?
2. Name a time when you were under a lot of stress and how did you deal with it?
3. Describe a situation when you had to make a quick decision?

Krista

You’ve been through the interview process once before, so you already know what to expect. That’s half the battle. Try to relax and don’t forget to smile. Being able to keep your cool during a stressful situation is a big part of the job. The fact that the airline called you for a one-on-one interview says a lot about you. Thousands of people apply for the job, but very few applicants hear back from the airline. Remember that next time you’re not feeling overly confident. And try to have some fun.

When it comes to answering interview questions, the most important thing to do is let the airline know you’re a customer service oriented person – as often as possible. Talk about how you go above and beyond the call of duty to help people. Airlines are looking for flight attendants who are friendly, work well with others and take pride in their job. Try not to read too much into the questions. There’s no such thing as a right answer. You don’t have to share life-altering events for an airline to realize you’d make a great fit. Think in terms of the job. Keep it simple.

KEEP READING

[photo courtesy of Kudumomo]

Lufthansa Airline Commercial

I love this commercial!  Doesn’t matter if I have no idea what they’re saying.  Now how do I get cool music like that playing in the background whenever I walk through the terminal?

Travel quote of the week: Airline ticket prices & level of service

“In 1974 I flew L.A. to New York for $250.00 round trip.  Adjusted for inflation (google “inflation calculator”) that would be $1107.00 today. Orbitz has a roundtrip price for the same flight for $278.00 (advance booking) right now.  We are not paying for the level of service we had back in the good old days and to expect it is very naive. Airlines that try to give anything more than cheap basic service don’t last long. With the wages  that flight attendants earn (and they do earn it) I’m surprised anyone would take the job.  Give’em a break!” – Greg (a comment found on my Indigo Airlines post)

Photo courtesy of Nutmeg

The Bachelor – Airline employees, spouses & why Vienna is perfect for Jake

If you think long distance dating is difficult, try being married to an airline employee. It ain’t easy. Because working for an airline is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, a very unusual one. Even now, seven years later, my husband, a man who travels more often than I do, doesn’t completely understand how things work in the aviation industry and will often times get frustrated whenever we’re discussing our travel schedules. That’s because my schedule, much like a pilot’s schedule, can change at a moments notice, making it difficult to create long term plans. I work holidays and weekends and I’m away from home for days at a time. Not many people can handle that.

Pilots, for the most part, are type A personalities. They’re logical thinkers who remain calm, cool, and in control as they command the aircraft. Think Captain Sullenberger. There’s no room for emotion when faced with ditching an airplane into the Hudson River. Flight attendants, on the other hand, tend to be caretakers. We can pretty much make do in just about any situation. There’s a reason why so many flight attendants end up on reality television shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, etc. Now they say opposites attract. I believe it. So is it any wonder that many pilots and flight attendants wind up having relationships with people who are completely different from themselves? Quite a few pilots tend to choose nurturing types like flight attendants, nurses and teachers, while a lot of flight attendants seem to get involved with pilots, police officers and firemen. Makes sense.

In my last post, The Bachelor – pilots, fashion & a few pilot fashion tips, I mentioned that I’m a fan of the reality television show The Bachelor. Well it just so happens that this season the man in command of the rose ceremony is a pilot named Jake. I truly believe that Vienna, one of the final four contestants, will be the last woman standing. What can I say, I always go for the underdog. Also, I admire strength in the face of adversity. Oh, sure, Vienna’s a little immature, sharing intimate details of her dates with Jake that would have been better left unsaid, but she’s young, thinks she’s in love, and excited about what the future may hold. No one is perfect. So why would I choose the wild child who rubs everyone the wrong way, the woman who snuck into bed with the captain of her dreams only to be turned away and sent back to where she came from? Two reasons: 1. She has the type of personality that can handle life as a pilot’s wife. 2. The psychological effect of fear.

Continue reading: GALLEY GOSSIP: THE BACHELOR – AIRLINE EMPLOYEES, SPOUSES & WHY VIENNA IS PERFECT FOR JAKE

How to prepare for a flight attendant interview

Dear Heather,

I’m interested in becoming a flight attendant. I was wondering if you could give me a little advice as to what to expect in an interview, how should I prepare for it, etc. I would really appreciate it.

Donna

Dear Donna,

Whatever you do, do not wear a canary yellow suit to the interview. That’s exactly what I did the first time I interviewed with a major airline. Needless to say, I didn’t get hired. Not that that was a bad thing because I wound up graduating from college instead. Not to mention, I prefer the airline I work for now. That said, education is key. There aren’t many airlines hiring these days so competition is fierce. Only the most qualified will succeed. Since the aviation industry isn’t as stable as it once was, it’s always a good idea to have something to fall back on.

DRESS THE PART: If you want to become a flight attendant, try looking like one. Start by wearing a blue or black suit to the interview. Skirt length should be no more than an inch above the knee and pantyhose are a must. Keep fingernails clean and polished and long hair pulled back or styled conservatively. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum – no dangly earrings! Do not overdo the makeup. Think fresh and neat.

BE YOURSELF: First impressions count. It’s a nerve wracking experience, but try to relax and don’t forget to smile. Introduce yourself to other candidates in the room. Airlines prefer applicants who are friendly. So be yourself, enjoy the moment, and laugh! Have fun.

Continue reading GALLEY GOSSIP: HOW TO PREPARE FOR A FLIGHT ATTENDANT INTERVIEW

photo courtesy of GeorgeParrilla’s

10 signs there’s a newbie in first class

1. PHONES HOME - As soon as the first class virgin settles into the big, comfy, leather chair, they immediately begin to phone everyone they know during boarding to share exactly where they are, and they do so in a very loud voice as they recline the seat all the way back, giving a detailed description of just how far the seat actually goes. Amazing, isn’t it? Calls are followed by a self portrait which gets sent via text. Hi mom! 

 2. WON’T GIVE UP THE COAT - Flight attendants working in first class hang coats during boarding. Because the virgin is unfamiliar with airline procedures, they’ll usually wad up the jacket and shove it inside an overhead bin. If a flight attendant offers to hang it in the closet, the virgin always looks a tad bit worried about parting with the item. Don’t be afraid, coats will be returned fifteen minutes prior to landing.

3. STRANGE USE OF HOT TOWELS - Hot towels are distributed in first class before the meal is served. Most passengers use the steamy cloth to wash their hands, while some will use it to clean their eyeglasses or wipe down the tray table, all of which are acceptable uses of a hot towel. The virgin has been known to do things a tad bit differently. I’ve witnessed quite a few passengers giving the old armpits a good rub down. A couple of coworkers have even spotted passengers trying to eat the thing as if it were a spring roll.

4. ORDERS THE BREAD BASKET - Menus are passed out in first class. Inside passengers will find a selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts and wine. Off to the side it mentions that sourdough and multigrain rolls are served alongside the main course. The virgin has been known to order the bread basket as an entree choice. 

Continue reading GALLEY GOSSIP: 10 SIGNS THERE’S A NEWBIE IN FIRST CLASS 

  

Enforcing rules in flight!

Hi Heather,

I listened to your Frommers podcast recently and found it very funny. I especially liked your comments about people’s attitudes to flying and the bit about control freaks. It made me realize what I’ve suspected for some time which is that I am a control freak, especially when flying!

My last trip a couple of weeks ago I ended up shouting halfway up the plane at another passenger who got up to stroll to the toilets when the seat belt signs were on. They were the latest in a line of many and had also stopped to have a little chat with their mates on the way back. Being British I get a bit huffy about people not following instructions, I think it’s a national quirk, and, normally being British I might just have carried on muttering to the lady next to me along the lines of “Well really, can people not read, what’s the point of putting the signs on, what are the crew doing about it, nothing etc etc”. But it was a miserable flight in economy on Continental across the Atlantic and the fact that I’d unexpectedly just had to pay 5$ for a bottle of white wine vinegar was doing nothing to improve my temper.

I’d like to report that the effect of my outburst was instantaneous, that the guilty party sat down and no one else got up. Sadly she just shouted back “I’ll go to the toilet when I want to, thank you VERY much.” Everyone between her and me on the flight went quiet and I just felt like a right idiot. I bought another bottle of white wine vinegar and fumed quietly for a bit, half wishing we’d hit a bit of turbulence next time someone got up when the signs were on, “to teach them a lesson.” How sad is that! Next time I’ll do as you suggest and try and relax more!

Regards,

Marie B.

Dear Marie,

Your letter cracked me up and now you’ve got me thinking that I may have been British in a past life or something because I, too, am a bit of a rule follower. Nothing drives me crazier than a passenger who thinks they’re exempt from following the rules. Really, how many times do I have to ask someone to turn off the electronic device before takeoff? Hello, Mr. Exit Row, I know what you’re doing all bent over like that with your head crammed between your knees. Do ya really think that I think you’re whispering to the floor? Please, do me a favor and don’t make tap, tap, tap you in front of your seatmates who are now giving you the evil eye. I mean really!

Contine reading GALLEY GOSSIP: ENFORCING RULES IN FLIGHT

Photo courtesy of Carrib (flickr.com)

Laviators 63 – 82

  

 

 Getting my laviation on! – @Catchapamilla

 I have to agree with Pamilla, she’s got it goin on!  Without a doubt, this girl wins the award for sexiest laviator!  And she’s a flight attendant, too!  You go, girl!

 

 

 

 

Brushing my teeth on the SFO-JFK redeye *on my birthday* after a 24 hr business trip, no upgrade as I was like #6 on the list. WAhhhhh, poor me, sound of many teeny violins playing! haha I was feeling pretty sorry for myself.   Lawyer Chick

  

Lawyer Chick and I go way back.  We met on a New York – Las Vegas flight.  Her seat was right in front of my jumpseat.  We didn’t speak until we were well into our approach to land and the chatty guy seated next to her said something to me about “a lawyer chick” he knew.  Ona, being a lawyer chick herself, spoke up and put the guy in his place.  The rest is history.  Lawyer chick wins the award for Laviator keeping it most real! 

  

  

  

 The photo is in the lav of a Dash 8 Q400..enroute to Iceland.  Cheers – Lynnette Thate-McCoubrey

  

   

 

  

  

  

  

LGA – MCO (thru ORD):  It was a wild day as my 7am flight turned back to gate after we were on the runway due to mechanical difficulties.  United managed to do a great job of getting all passengers on next flight (8 am) which left at 8:30 am.  I seriously did not think I was going to make my connection but I did & my bags made it too! – Beatriz

 

Oh my God, Bea, did you just compliment an airline?  I think you did.  United, did you hear that?  For the love of God, give the lady some miles!

  

  

I laviated – @bigskymom74

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

It’s Cynthia from Jaunted.com, but you may know better as “JetSetCD.”  I just flew to Chicago for the weekend on Jetblue  and managed to come though. Sorry the photo is so green, but the bathroom had that weird yellowy lighting. Also my boyfriend Christopher laviated on a Jetblue flight between JFKand PWM.  Yes, I do wear red lipstick when I fly It’s Diane von Furstenberg’s color called “Foreign Affair” and I think it helps bring some of the old glamor back. 

 

 Cynthia Drescher

  

Editor – Jaunted.com

Contributing Editor – HotelChatter. com

Contributor – Racked.com

  

Now writing that down, ”foreign affair” by Diane von Furstenberg.  Thank you.  

    

 

  

  I’ve been meaning to do this for a while… it occurred to me on Monday morningon flight DJ726 from the Gold Coast to Melbourne on a Virgin Blue 737-800, so I did – Steven Pam

  

  

    

  

 This is me and @flightblogger in the lavatory of the Gulfstream GIV that used to be owned by Oprah. That lav was bigger than my 1st apartment!

 Cheers,

 Benet

 

Ladies and gentleman, laviators everywhere, we have a record.  Benet of Aviationweek.com wins the award for most laviations!  Laviations?  Yeah, that’s right, laviations.  First she submitted the you-can’t-see-my-face-behind-this-big-ass-camera photo.  Then came a very sweet shot of the youngest laviator, baby laviator, posing with his super cool mom, Benet - minus the ginormous camera.  And now this – an almost-celebrity, tag-team laviator shot!  Benet, you’re on fire!  And not only are you laviating with the amazing @flightblogger, Jon Ostrower, you’re doin it with him on Oprah’s plane – OPRAH!   Wait a minute, you guys  were on Oprah’s plane and didn’t invite me?  Umm…okay…what’s up with that?  We need to talk.

   

I tried to convince my hubby to do it, but he was a no go and didn’t think I would make it on your site, so PLEASE prove him wrong, so I can maybe convince him next time!  This is from SFO-OGG First Class Bathroom (Thank you mileage upgrades!!)  Keep on writing so I have fun stuff to distract me from actually working! 

Your Loyal Blog Follower!

Sarah

 

Dear Sarah, my loyal blog follower (oh I like that!)

 

First of all, tell that husband of yours that everyone makes the club, okay.  Well everyone except for that guy who submitted a photo that was a little too risquee to post here, we’re talking XXX, people!  Oh and I had to reject that guy who not only sat on the toilet, but actually looked like he might be using it.  Yeah, he got blocked.  Twice.  I also had to turn down the guy who keeps submitting laviator shots that are not taken in the lav.  I’m sorry, but airline clubs and hotel rooms do not count!  I don’t care how germaphobic you are.  You can also tell that husband of yours that not only did you make the page, Sarah, but you’re positioned right next to Oprah’s laviator shot, which is, I realize, not really Oprah’s laviator shot, but as close to one as I’ll ever get!   

 

 

 

  I recently flew from Chicagoto Munich on a huge A340-600 plane that had steps in the middle of the plane that took you to 5 bathrooms….it was really nice.

Alecs Variny
www.cookieandcupcake.com
 

Right away the jacket told me you had style, so when I clicked the link above I was  not at all surprised to find a cool web site.  However, I can not believe how many cute things you have for kids – and all travel related!   

  

   

 

  I stumbled across your blog today and love it.  Then I found the Laviators.  What a relief!  I’m not as much of a sick twisted freak as I thought.  There are others who share my secret shame.  I love sneaking photos in flight… that camera is an electronic device I sometimes don’t turn off.  My favorite inflight photos are of an ExpressJet first officer proposing to a CO flight attendant on an EWR-BOS flight on the PA… but I digress. I saw the Laviators pictures about 15 minutes ago.. and, as you can tell, I didn’t have to wait for my next flight to join that club. – R.F.

R.F, you hereby win the award for sick and twisted laviator freak because you’ve been laviating before there were even “laviators”.  And that’s a good thing!  I think.   Just make sure to turn that camera off when the flight attendant makes the announcement that all electronic devices must be turned off and put away.  I mean it, R.F., stop playing around with the camera.   Turn it off and put it away or a sick and twisted freaky flight attendant will put it away for you.  I’m just saying… 

 

Here’s my laviator shot from this morning’s AA517. I really don’t know why I look so happy since I got up at 4:15am! – Ron

 You’re not happy, Ron, you’re delirious.  It’s too early to fly.  Go back to bed and take a later departure with me. 

 

  This was shot heading back from PHXto ATL on the redeye this past weekend.  I waited till about half way through the flight to make sure most of the other pax were asleep to ask the FA for a Maxi-pad to put it on my head rest to give it a little more cussion…I wish I would have taken a pic of her face!  She looked at me like I was crazy..I quickly pulled out the maxi pad post that you wrote and handed it to her to read.  She found the humor in it..and not two seconds later I had my new head rest.  Not only did I use it as the headrest I went as far as making me a bow tiesince I managed to snag a seat in 1A.  This hardly ever happens on a long flight flying non rev. Enjoy.

 Chris

 

It’s official, Chris, you win the most brilliant laviator award for coming up with another way to use a maxi pad in flight while laviating!  I’m seriously impressed.    

 

 

 

    

This is my friend Claudette on her way from Córdoba, Argentina (LAN Airlines) to Lima, Peru, last month when she flew to visit her mom on her birthday.  She’s not that computer savvy, so she asked me to send this picture on her behalf.  I hope you can make some room for her picture in the Laviators Club!!  If you do, please let me know so I can check it online!!

 

Regards,

Carlos

   

 

Italked my friend who works in the cvg ramp tower with me  into taking a pix in the love from fra-cvg. Thought I would share. – Bennett

 

   

 

Hey!! I’m so happy I finally get to join the Laviators Club. That’s a picture from a Delta flight from JFK to Colombia. It was a really bumpy flight, out of like 10 pictures that’s the only one were I’m smiling, I was also tired because it was a red-eye flight but we arrive safe and sound. I’m so honor to be a member!!
Carolin

Honored to have you!

  

 

Good morning Heather.  I would be honored to be added to the fine list of fellow laviators. This photo was taken enroute from Syr to jfk on jetblue.  Check out the enthusiasm.  I think someone should design a laviating tshirt.
Kevin

Good evening Kevin.  I love your enthusiasm.  If there was an award for best tongue, you’d win, but I don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea.  I, too, think someone should design a laviator T-shirt, which is why I have someone doing  just that as I type.  Let me know where to mail it.