Hi! I'm a Flight Attendant.

When an off duty flight attendant nonrevs on another airline (or even their own) it’s a common courtesy to introduce themselves to the working crew. As flight attendant’s during boarding we’re scoping out our “ABPs” or “able bodied persons” to assist us in the event of an emergency. The best ABPs are law enforcement officers or fellow crewmembers.

 

Recently, I was working a redeye flight from Phoenix to Fort Lauderdale. During boarding this woman walked up to be with a huge smile on her face, “hey there! I’m coming along with you, just want to let you know that I’m a flight attendant too, in case you need anything.” I replied “oh great! Thanks, welcome!”

 

She turns to walk down the aisle and placed her carryon bags in the overhead bins over first class. I was confused, we don’t allow nonrevs (airline employee travel) in first class. After her bags are put away she turns around and sits in 1D. I lean over to her and said, “so, what airline are you with anyway?” I thought if I got her talking I’d find out more about why she’s sitting in first class without flat out telling her that she must be mistaken.

 

“Pan Am,” she replied. I thought I was in the twilight zone. She works for Pan Am? Is she insane? She continued with “ugh, it’s been so long since I’ve worked a flight. We went out of business before you were born.” (I enjoyed the compliment that I look young so I let that one go). I asked her if she missed the job, and she said she did but would never do it again. A lot of people say that.

 

“You know what, I know redeye flights are hard. Wow, I remember doing them and hardly being able to stay awake.” She continued, “so, why don’t you just set up the first class galley with the food you have and I’ll just help myself and you can go to the back and hang out with your crew.” At first I thought she was joking, but she wasn’t. I only had two people in first class this on this particular night, so it was a tempting offer. “Now now, if I do that you’re not going to get the service you paid for. Trust me, you’re not going to be a bother and I’ll be okay staying awake.” She laughed and said “the offer is on the table.”

 

Through the flight she kept telling me stories about flying for Pan Am and the fun she had. She also mentioned why she quit prior to the airline going under. It all revolved around a passenger on an international flight to India. She said that flight put her over the edge and she “was the first to think about blowing the slide and grabbing a drink on the way down. Except I wouldn’t have picked beer.. At least take a few mini’s.”

 

I guess the thrill of flying and working a flight is something that never leaves you. It truly does get in your blood. Here she is, 19 years later, and she still misses the job.