Being a Flight Attendant of a Commercial Airline Versus Private Jet

There are many flight attendant aspirants outside who dream of working for our commercial local airlines. However, in the event that they do not get accepted by commercial local airlines due to sometimes reasons beyond their control, they miss out on another opportunity, and that is to become a flight attendant for a private jet company. So now, you might be wondering what is the difference between working as a flight attendant for a private jet company versus a commercial airline?

In the Philippines, the opportunity to become a flight attendant isn’t limited to major commercial airlines like Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, CebGo, AirAsia Philippines, Royal Air, AirSwift, and Sunlight Air. There are also flight attendant positions available within private airlines, such as AirAds, Alphaland Aviation, and Platinum Skies. Therefore, it’s all about exploring the breadth of options available. Nonetheless, allow me to draw out some general distinctions between serving as a flight attendant for a commercial airline versus a private one. It’s important to note that these points may not represent the practices of any specific airline and are stated from a more general perspective.

Although these two sectors share common ground, several differences define the roles, responsibilities, and experiences of the flight attendants that work within them.

Operational Dynamics

A principal point of distinction lies within the operational dynamics of both domains. Commercial airlines are often characterized by rigorous schedules and regimented routines, with flight attendants typically working as part of a larger crew. This means that responsibilities are often shared and distributed amongst several individuals. Conversely, private jet flight attendants frequently operate solo, or as part of a tiny team, taking full ownership of the cabin’s operations. The success or failure of the flight hinges primarily on their individual performance, underlining the higher degree of responsibility.

Familiarity and Flexibility

The structure of their working environment differs too. Commercial cabin crew seldom get the opportunity to work on the same aircraft multiple times, as fleets are vast and assignments vary. In stark contrast, private jet attendants frequently serve on one or two specific aircraft, allowing them to gain intimate knowledge of their working environment.

Flexibility is another key characteristic of private jet service. Flight attendants in this sector don’t operate on a fixed roster. They can be on standby indefinitely until called for a flight, often only discovering their destinations shortly before take-off. This can create an exciting, if somewhat unpredictable, working environment.

Catering and Cabin Management

When we turn to catering and cabin management, the differences become even more pronounced. Commercial airlines operate with preset meal trays, often provided by a dedicated catering service, which are distributed by the crew. Private jet flight attendants, however, are responsible for curating an exclusive dining experience for their clients, from planning the menu to personally serving the meals. This gourmet cuisine often originates from high-end hotels or restaurants, highlighting the luxury private jet passengers expect.

Moreover, private jet attendants are charged with comprehensive cabin management tasks, akin to running a small boutique hotel. This involves decorating the cabin, ensuring a pristine environment, and even cleaning post-flight—a responsibility that falls on ground crew in the commercial sector.

Remuneration and Rewards

Considering the level of responsibility and the array of duties private jet flight attendants bear, it’s unsurprising that their remuneration typically surpasses that of commercial cabin crew. Alongside a set monthly salary, private jet attendants also receive per diem payments for each night spent away on duty, reflecting the increased demands of their role.

Both commercial cabin crew and private jet flight attendants play pivotal roles in the aviation industry, yet their duties, working conditions, and rewards differ significantly. A career in either field offers its unique challenges and rewards, with the former offering camaraderie and routine, and the latter demanding flexibility and the capacity to provide tailored, high-end service. Regardless of the path chosen, both roles contribute to making air travel a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers worldwide.