Category Archives: Flight Attendant

ACP430 Low-Cost Airline Flight Attendant: A Day In The Life

August 25, 2025 CarlValeri Leave a comment

Today Jill Fergusen joins us to discuss a day in the life of a low-cost flight attendant, showcasing the unique challenges and rewards of working for a budget airline. Jill Ferguson provides a realistic glimpse into the demanding yet often fulfilling world of flight attendants.

Questions e-mail me us: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Talking Points:

A Day Begins: The Pre-Flight Rush
– Morning Routine
– Pre-Flight Preparations: Flight crew briefing, safety checks, and baggage loading, emphasize the fast-paced nature of the work.
– The Crew Room: Brief introduction of other crew members, showcasing the camaraderie and teamwork, with the emphasis on the tight schedule.

Taking Flight: The In-Flight Experience
– Safety First.
– Serving the Passengers: The challenges of serving passengers on budget flights, the differences in food and beverage service, the diverse range of passenger interactions, with a focus on time management and passenger management.
– The Unexpected.

The Rewards of the Job
– Traveling the World.
– Meeting New People.
– Making a Difference:.

The Final Word
– Summary of the challenges and rewards of being a low-cost flight attendant.
– Advice for Aspiring Flight Attendant
– Scholarships are available for flight attendants in our guide. Get one for free from our sponsor Stratus Financial.
– https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/
– Share your own travel experiences or thoughts on the flight attendant profession in the comments below or e-mail us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Visit Our Sponsor Stratus Financial:

Aviation Careers Podcast is sponsored by Stratus Financial – Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training, and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/

Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more, click here: https://stratus.finance

As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides, and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

Links:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/flight-attendants.htm

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Flight Attendant, Podcast

ACP355 True Tales From The Golden Age Of Flying: A Flight Attendant’s Perspective

November 22, 2022 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we answer the question: What was it like to be a flight attendant during the Golden Age Of Flying?

I have flown with many former TWA flight attendants and found them to be very professional and passionate about their jobs. I have always wondered why and today I hope to gain insight into the golden age of flying and possibly inspire you to consider a career as a flight attendant.

The authors of “True Tales of TWA Flight attendants: Memoirs and Memories from the Golden Age of Flying” are joining me today. Kathy Kompare and Stephanie Johnson. I am excited to listen to their perspective on the world of flying today compared to the Golden Age of Flight.

Talking Points:

What was it like that day?

What inspired you to write the book “True Tales of TWA Flight Attendants”?

How has the job changed?

How has the industry changed from a flight attendant’s perspective?

What has changed in the industry that you like?

What has changed you don’t like?

Would you still recommend this as a career?

Fun stories?

Where can we find out more about the book?

https://truetalestwa.com/

Links:

https://truetalestwa.com/

The golden age of air travel promised a life of glamour and adventure for beautiful, single, young women interested in exploring the world—and no airline offered more glamour or excitement than Trans World Airlines.

TWA provided an enviable jet-set lifestyle for flight attendants—and the opportunity to travel to exotic destinations like London, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, and Bombay. Flight attendants appeared on TV and in movies, and rubbed elbows with the rich and famous, from Elizabeth Taylor and John F. Kennedy Jr., to presidents and Popes, all while decked out in designer uniforms from clothing designers like Oleg Cassini and Ralph Lauren.

In the 1960s and 1970s, TWA accepted fewer than 1% of applicants to be flight attendants—making it tougher to get into than Harvard. Plus, a flying career offered the best education money could ever buy.

TWA flight attendants could cook chateaubriand medium rare, deliver a baby at 35,000 feet, and survive a plane crash—all the while immaculately dressed from their never-a-strand-out-of-place hairstyles, all the way down to their mandatory high heeled shoes. But the glamorous lifestyle of a TWA flight attendant sometimes came at a cost.

True Tales of TWA Flight Attendants is a diary-style fly-girl memoir with stories from hundreds of TWA flight attendants, and filled with a fascinating behind-the-scenes, never-before-seen look at the glamour, excitement, and struggles faced by young women as they traveled the world with TWA during this exciting time in airline history—from the golden age of air travel through the great stewardess rebellion and beyond.

Flight Attendant, Podcast

ACP163 How To Become A Flight Attendant Part 2

December 18, 2017 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent podcast about aviation careers. Today we have a special guest to discuss flight attendant careers in Part 2 of How to Become a Flight Attendant.

Dan Freemen has been a flight attendant for 6 years and flies out of Las Vegas. Dan has been on previous episodes to discuss accelerated flight training because he is looking to move into the pilot seat. Today Dan is going to discuss how and why you should become a flight attendant.

Announcements:

Please visit our Facebook page to find out where our co-hosts will be and where you can come say hi.

In This Episode We Discuss:

Schedule
Bidding the month before – full month schedule at a time
Line vs Reserve (AM, PM, RR)
Types of Trips
- Turn, Two-Day, Three-Day, Four-Day
Pay
How am I paid? (Per hour vs per trip)
Trip being nonstop mileage of 243 miles or less between airports and then one tenth every 40 miles.
TFP vs. Hourly examples: (rounded) $26/$30 – $56/$65

Hours Per Month	$24.41	$40.96	$61.46
80	$23,433.60	$39,321.60	$59,001.60
100	$29,292.00	$49,152.00	$73,752.00
136	$39,837.12	$66,846.72	$100,000.00
200	$58,584.00	$98,304.00	$147,504.00

Per Diem
$2.15: $110 per average 3-day (52 hours) – Roughly $500/mo
Vacation
Paid for any trips awarded that lie within vacation days. Can then work at the same time.
Profit Sharing
Time and a Half, Double Time, VJA/White Flag …

Other Benefits
- Travel Benefits

Pick Of the Week:

Bureau Of Labor Statistics – Flight Attendant

Flight Attendant, Podcast

ACP162 How To Become A Flight Attendant Part 1

December 11, 2017 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent podcast about aviation careers. Today we have a special guest to discuss flight attendant careers.

Announcements:

For more information about where we are going to be and where you can meet up members of our crew, visit our Facebook page.

In This Episode We Discuss:

Getting Hired

Where to apply
- Online/Job Fairs
- Airline website and facebook page
How easy?
- Regional vs. Major/Legacy
- Knowing someone on the inside
Is it right for me
- What is the right type of person for the job?
- Customer Service
- Patience
- Leadership

Training

How long?
- Average of 4 weeks
What’s involved?
- Classroom
- Hands-on
- Electronic Exams
- Practical Exams

Job duties – what does a flight attendant actually do?

Security and safety vs. slinging peanuts and coke
- Safety of flight during normal operation
- Evacuations
- Medicals
- Other security issues

Pick Of the Week:

How To Become A Corporate Flight Attendant with Mary Lou Gallagher of Beyond And Above – ACP060

ACP040 – How To Get Your FAA Dispatcher Certificate; Corporate Flight Attendant Jobs with ExecuJet Flight Coordinator Daniel Slapo

ACP015 Flight Attendant Careers, Interview With Betty In The Sky With A Suitcase

Airline Pilot, Flight Attendant, Podcast

ACP137 From Flight Attendant To Airline Pilot : A Pilot’s Journey

May 1, 2017 CarlValeri 2 Comments

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At least once a week I am asked by a flight attendant how they can become an airline pilot. To help understand the journey from Flight Attendant to Airline Pilot I have joining me Jim, a flight attendant with a legacy airline. Jim’s journey is unique and exciting. We also discuss the qualifications and lifestyle of a flight attendant.

Announcements:

NAFI & King Schools Scholarship for certified Flight professionals

We Discuss:

What it is like to be a flight attendant for a legacy carrier.
Qualifications to be a flight attendant.
Flight Attendant Pay and benefits.
As Per the BLS Median Pay was $44,860 in May 2015
Bureau of Labor Statistics Flight Attendant Pay And Benefits
Journey to the cockpit.
Why transition to pilot now?
How vision standards have changed to allow many into the cockpit.
Accelerated flight training benefits and challenges.
Per BLS median pay for airline and commercial pilots was $102,520 in May 2015.
Timing starting flight school if intending to continue working as flight attendant.
What to look for in a flight school.
Will I have to go to a regional?
If not, how will I accumulate the hours needed?
Who do I want to work for and why?

Flight Attendant, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP127 Don’t let a setback stop you from moving forward in your career

February 20, 2017 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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In episode 127 we discuss how to keep moving forward in your life and career even when faced with a setback and answer your questions. I’m joined again by Tom Wachowski of the Pilot Jet Podcast. Tom has great insight and experience in the Aviation Industry, but he comes by it from a slightly different perspective working on the Corporate or Business side of Aviation.

Announcements: The 2017 version of the Aerospace Scholarships guide should be out and available by the time you listen to this episode. It is available for Kindle and iBooks for $9.99 on either platform.

Listener Email:

57 years old with dispatcher certificate, wants to know if he is too old to start work and wants to know what he can do to keep current.
Studying aviation but is looking for options other than being a CFI to build your hours.
Student Pilot, working on Private Pilot, is there a Masters in Aviation that would qualify for GI Bill and help pay for the rest of the ratings?
Answers on questions about income as a Flight Attendant.
High School Senior, dream is to become a commercial pilot, dual enrollment program with high school and college, inquiring about process to becoming a commercial pilot and getting to majors.

Corporate Aviation Flight Attendant, Corporate Flight Attendant, Flight Attendant, Podcast, Private Flight Attendant

How To Become A Corporate Flight Attendant with Mary Lou Gallagher of Beyond And Above – ACP060

June 6, 2014 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Welcome to the podcast where we give you an inside look at the many careers in aviation. One of the more exciting jobs is that of corporate or private aviation flight attendant.

Some of you have contacted me and related there is much information on how you can become an airline flight attendant but not much information concerning corporate and private aviation jobs. Today I have with me someone who will help us understand the unique aspects of being a corporate flight attendant and how to successfully navigate towards a fulfilling and exciting career in corporate and private aviation.

Mary Lou Gallagher has traveled the world as a flight attendant and has helped hundreds of people “achieve fantastic success” as a corporate flight attendant through her school Beyond and Above. Today Mary Lou and I will discuss how you can successfully navigate towards an exciting career as a corporate flight attendant.

Mary Lou and I Discuss:

Hou Mary Lou developed her passion for aviation.
What is a corporate and private aviation?
Why become a corporate flight attendant?
The challenges and rewards of being a corporate flight attendant.
Some misconceptions about corporate aviation.
Advice if you want to become a successful flight attendant.
How her school beyond and above is helping people fulfill their aviation dreams of becoming a corporate flight attendant.

Links:

Beyond And Above Corporate Flight Attendant Training

Scholarship Of The Week:

Harrison Ford Flight Training Scholarship $1500

Aircraft Scheduler, Business Aviation, Corporate Aviation Flight Attendant, Dispatcher, Flight Attendant, Podcast

ACP040 – How To Get Your FAA Dispatcher Certificate; Corporate Flight Attendant Jobs with ExecuJet Flight Coordinator Daniel Slapo

September 26, 2013 CarlValeri 1 Comment

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DanielSlapo2 What does an aircraft scheduler do? How do you become a flight dispatcher? What is it like to be a corporate flight attendant? What jobs are available in all of these fields?

I am excited today to have with me someone who can help answer these questions. His name is Daniel Slapo and he has had a varied and interesting career which has included all the jobs mentioned.

Today Daniel and I discuss:

How he became interested in aviation.
Why he enjoys his job.
What is an aircraft scheduler and how to become one.
What is a flight dispatcher.
The licenses necessary to become a flight dispatcher.
How to become a corporate flight attendant.
What are Part 91, 91 Sub Park K, and Part 135.
What a “normal” day is in the life of each of these interesting careers.
What action you should take now if you are interested in one or all of these careers.

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

Execujet Charter

NBAA (National Business Aircraft Assoction)

Reasons To Use A Scheduler Dispatcher

Tampa Bay Aviation Association

Episode 6 – National Aviation Academy

Jet Professionals

Flight Safety Flight Attendant Training

Air Care Crews – Business Aviation Staffing

Beyond and Above Flight Attendant Training

Airline Pilot, Embraer 190, Flight Attendant, Flight Instructing, Part 121, Pilot, Podcast, SunN Fun

ACP030 – Inspiring The Future Of Aviation – JetBlue and Sun N Fun 2013.

May 3, 2013 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Welcome to Episode 30. This is the podcast where we give you an inside look at aviation careers. I am excited to be speaking with you today for two reasons. First, I have completed my training on the Airbus A320 and am able to focus on bringing you inspirational and educational content on a more frequent basis.

Second, I just returned from Sun N Fun 2013 and was able to visit with numerous people inside the aviation industry who are truly passionate about their careers. In the next two episodes I will be sharing many inspirational and informative interviews which describe various aviation careers. I think you will enjoy them. One of my favorite interviews is at the end of this show with a surprise guest. I hope you will enjoy these interviews as much as I enjoyed speaking with these truly wonderful aviation enthusiasts.

Before we begin, I appreciate all the feedback I have received from you the listener and I appreciate how this podcast has become a part of your weekly routine. Your feedback and questions are very important to me and I will include the answers in an upcoming episode. With that said if you do have a question please feel free to contact me and I will answer them on an individual basis before putting them on air. It is important to me that you have your aviation careers questions answered in a timely manner.

Remember to go to AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on the contact page. You can also call in your questions at 347-MY-WINGS or 347-699-4647.

If you want to hear about my experience in obtaining my A320 type rating at the airlines I would encourage you to listen to The Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 43. I relate both my experience in obtaining the type rating and explain the process of obtaining a type rating.

Sun N Fun:

SUN ’n FUN’s mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events while inspiring and educating people of all ages.

The many year round educational opportunities include:

Summer camps to interest students in aerospace science while including much of the history and art of aviation.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs including summer, weekend, holiday, and online programs. Their program is named STEMtastic and include programs for ages 7 through 14.
Future Eagles Aviation Club which allows students to meet on a regular basis and explore the many fields in aviation.
Lakeland Aeroclub which actually teaches high school students how to fly. This program is made possible through the partnership of local businesses in Polk County and through dedicated flight instructors.
School tours of the Museum Of Flight tailored to your group’s specific goals and needs.
On a per request basis provide docents and teachers to visit schools and discuss development of STEM programs in your school.

Intro To Interviews:

Again, this episode contains inspiring interviews which all who are interested in a career in aviation will enjoy. In these interviews we discuss many aviation career fields including : commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, mechanic, engineer, and management.

Most of the volunteers at Sun N Fun Radio represent many podcasts. In my case I was representing The Stuck Mic AvCast: an aviation podcast about learning to fly, living to fly, and loving to fly. I encourage you to listen to at StuckMicAvCast.com.

One quick disclaimer before we begin listening to these amazing aviation advocates. In some of these interviews I speak with my fellow crew members from my job as an airline pilot. I am very proud of my employers contribution to Sun N Fun and aviation careers but would like to clarify that I am not a representative of my employer and the comments and opinions during this show are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

Now with that said, lets get started listening to some of these wonderful discussions. Since there are many interviews and much information related during this episode I highly recommend you refer to the extensive show notes at AviatoinCareersPodcast.com Episode 30.

In this episode I discuss:

Sun N Fun Fly In At Lakeland, FL
Year Round Educational Opportunities at the Sun N Fun Campus
Inspirational interviews including many aviation career paths On Sun N Fun Radio.
Listening to Sun N Fun Radio Year Round.
Should you transition from a regional to a major airline?
Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 43 – My experience obtaining the A320 type rating.
Listener Mail.
The voicemail line at 347-MY-WINGS or 347-699-4647

Interviews From Sun N Fun Include:

Mike Stromer – Vice President, Customer Connections, JetBlue – Mike discusses how JetBlue is a leading contributor in assisting and inspiring young people to foster and interest and achieve their educational and aviation career goals.
Sergio – Tech Ops, JetBlue – Sergio discusses Aviation High School and the various internships with JetBlue. Sergio describes various educational programs supported by JetBlue including engineering , mechanic, and pilot internships.
Eric Poole- Captain and Manager University Programs, JetBlue – Eric discusses how to become involved in the University Gateway Program.
Andy Kozak – Manager Maintenance Training JetBlue – Andy discusses becoming an aircraft mechanic. He also describes the maintenance training program at JetBlue and how JetBlue inspires high schools students through assisting high school students build an airplane!
Cape Air Gateway Program – Crisa explains the benefits of the program, requirement, and how to apply. This is a very quick path to the airlines. We also speak with Sean who is a first Officer on the E190 for JetBlue. He is one of the first to complete the gateway program with Cape Air.
Craig Hildebrandt – Fleet Manager and A320 Captain JetBlue – Craig shares his passion for aviation and gives advice to those interested in a career as an airline captain.
Bonny Simi – JetBlue E190 Captain and VP Talent – Bonnie discusses the varied careers at an airline. She has words of encouragement for those looking at a career in aviation. She discusses the mentor program and hiring at JetBlue. Bonnie also talks about other areas JetBlue reaches out to the community.
Jake and Julie two college students in the Gateway Program are truly inspriational and have some great advice for those looking to become a pilot and get involved with the Gateway program.
Al Spain – I had a chance meeting and some inspiring words from one of the founders of JetBlue.

For questions, comments, or suggestions please leave a voicemail:

347-MY-WINGS or

(347) 699-4647.

You can also reach us at Twitter, Facebook, by E-mail, or the contact form below.

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Business Aviation, Careers, Flight Attendant, General Aviation, Podcast

ACP015 Flight Attendant Careers, Interview With Betty In The Sky With A Suitcase

September 20, 2012 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Welcome to Episode 15. Ever wonder what it is like to be a flight attendant? Well today I am excited to have my first flight attendant on Aviation Careers Podcast to help us understand the exciting career of a flight attendant.

In today’s show we discuss pursuing a career as a flight attendant. I am very excited to have with me the person I feel is best to help introduce this career to us, Betty Thesky. Betty is a flight attendant with a major airline, author of “Betty In The Sky With A Suitcase”, and host of the podcast Betty In The Sky With A Suitcase. I think you will learn a great deal as we introduce you to the exciting career as flight attendant.

Betty and I discuss: