After deciding to become a Corporate Flight Attendant, then completing my flight attendant training, I bought my uniform and then worked my first trip.
You may wonder, “how did your first trip go??”
Answer - I’d give myself a C minus.
I showed up on time despite being called that morning (it was what we call a pop up trip – last minute which is very common among this industry as most of these flights are not scheduled), I looked good, adhering to the appearance regulation, and got a great tip at the end of the flight (tips are allowed on corporate flights). I fed the cockpit, offered them drinks and hot towels and checked in with them regularly. I didn't act like a bumbling newbie as I'm comfortable being around people.
That’s where the ‘good’ list ends, though.
I would have eliminated a lot of extra opening and closing of the drawers/storage doors had I planned or thought out a lot of things ahead when getting my galley set up.
I missed a few things before the flight causing my pilot to actually make an extra trip back to the stock room. (We take a golf cart to the aircraft which is parked outside of the hangar, so if I forget anything, I have to have someone drive me back to the hangar where the stock room is.)
On one of the take offs one of my dish drawer flew open, as well as on landing I almost lost the flower vase that I left on the counter. I’ve done blunders like that commercially, but the difference is in the dollar sign, and if anything breaks, it’s going to be pricey to replenish.
The galley is also unlike commercial where I can literally throw something in a cart or a bin and call it cleaning. There are no carts, and the drawers are very specific, we don't have just a random empty space.
I forgot to distribute hot towels for my first group of guests, and I also couldn’t figure out how to put the DirecTV on the screen and ended up having the family’s son do it for me.
All the dishes I use on board need to be hand washed and returned to the appropriate place, and the utensils are counted before and after each flight, and on the first leg I had to leave some in the sink as we were landing as I had waited too long to start cleaning up as there are no “prepare for landing” announcement from the pilots.
I have to learn how to pace myself, and think about the best steps in order to accommodate all the requests in time, but not in a rush.
Being the only one on board really has its perks (I can do everything my way) but since I have nobody to give me feedback and remind me of things I have skipped, all responsibility falls on myself.
I ended up having to go in to the flight department the next day in order to finish some of my duties I forgot the night before.
The gal in the operation offered to do it, but I wanted to make sure that I did everything I was supposed to, even if it was a delayed reaction.
I knew my first trip would not be perfect, and I am actually glad that the mistakes I made were somewhat recovered, and it wasn't something that was extremely crucial.
Now I know better and can do a better job.
See what's in my bag on my next post! Beauty items, and other items I carry with me on my trips.
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My Personal blog: http://www.dayinthelifeofaskygurl.blogspot.com
Comments
Doesn't sound that bad. At least you know what not to do for the next trips.
Dear Seiko, A very interesting and self-effacing report on your first trip. Indeed, the first day at any job can be potentially hectic. I remember my first trip out of training, and I too was on a steep learning curve. I recall vividly being chided by the Austrian-born FA I was paired up with during the beverage service and subsequent pick-up of meal trays and miscellaneous trash. Though I admittedly didn't like being hectored while in the moment, I soon realized that the feedback I received could only benefit me if I chose to learn the lessons of my mistakes. As you mentioned in your post, your position as the lone FA on a corporate jet only magnifies the level of responsibility on your shoulders. I have worked with you enough to know that you will only improve and eventually flourish in your new position Seiko. You are a consummate professional and you will do well. Thank you for posting these timely reports on your experiences. They are interesting as they are informative. Best of luck to you Seiko and I look forward to reading future entries.
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