They say that the flight attendant career is “glamorous.” Well, that notion started in the 1950s when the job of a then-called “stewardess” was somehow different. Today, the role of flight attendants has significantly evolved, revolving around ensuring the safety and security of the passengers. However, that notion of “glamorous” has not changed somehow. “Dinner in New York, shopping in Dubai,” and other perks of flight attendants. These are just some of the rewards of the job.
Honestly, though, the perks you get as a flight attendant are glamorous, but the job itself is not. Well, first and foremost, flight attendants are trained extensively for the safety of passengers. They are the first responders during emergencies like evacuating passengers in less than 90 seconds or attending to medical emergencies in flight. The proper term to describe these is “fulfilling.”
The perks you see here are the “rewards” for flight attendants’ hard work and dedication.
If you are an aspirant looking forward to becoming a cabin crew, these are what awaits you.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at different parts of the globe or country
Just imagine that one day you are in Japan having your dinner, and then in like 24 hours, you may be enjoying lunch in Paris, and so on! One perk of being a cabin crew is getting to try different cuisines worldwide. If you fly domestic, you get to try out other food from around the country! There’s lunch at Ramboys Caticlan in the Philippines, then dinner at La Vie Parisienne! You wouldn’t be able to resist traveling and eating indeed!
You get to shop around the world
It is indeed a fact that most flight attendants love shopping during layovers. Not only do they have access to the best bargains worldwide, but they can find almost any item. From apparel to vinyl records to car parts and more, they’ll find it abroad if they can’t find it in their hometown. Instead of “shopping in SM then to Rockwell,” it’s “shopping at Los Angeles, London, Singapore.”
Flight Attendants get to visit their relatives and loved ones from different countries
A saying goes, “every Filipino family has a relative or loved one somewhere around the world.” Filipino flight attendants visit their relatives worldwide more often, and for free! In the case of some, they are reunited with long-lost family members! Of course, don’t forget the pasalubongs and extra space in your bag for tita’s “padala.”
The pay is good to live comfortably
Some might think, “what do you mean by good?” Considering the basic salary, per diem, productivity pay, allowances, and benefits, flight attendants can enjoy a more comfortable life, even providing well for their families. Of course, this will also depend on one’s spending habits. It is not about how much you make but how much you save and invest for the future.
You get paid to take a vacation
In other jobs, you are not paid when you take a vacation. However, as a flight attendant, you are paid to take a ‘vacation’ or ‘staycation.’ We are talking about layovers only. Flying itself should never be treated like “a vacation.” Before the pandemic, some international airline flight attendants enjoyed layovers for more than 24 hours. So imagine if you get a flight to New York with a 2-day layover. You get to go to enjoy a day around the Big Apple!
Freebies and perks at different establishments
Some airlines go to the extent of arranging benefits and perks for their cabin crew and other airline employees. These establishments are usually hotels, resorts, and restaurants. All flight attendants have to do is present their company ID.
You get to see places you once dreamt of seeing
When we were children, we once dreamt of going to Disneyland, seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, seeing the Statue of Liberty in New York, or visiting the London Bridge. When you are a flight attendant, you do not only get that chance to fly and see these places for free depending on your airline. They become a part of your regular routine!
There is nothing like enjoying the view from above
The view is breathtaking when you are on top of a mountain a thousand feet above! What more when you are at 40,000ft above! Ever witnessed the Aurora Borealis or what they call the “northern lights”? Yes, you are closer to them when you are inside an aircraft. How about the line that divides the troposphere and stratosphere? A majestic view! This will be your ‘office window’ view every day, one of the perks of flight attendants that few can experience.
Most of the time, a flight attendant’s uniform looks better than your most expensive outfit in your closet
Seeing flight attendants in full uniform walking down the airport or the aircraft aisle is just like watching a fashion show. They look so stylish in their uniforms! Airlines spend a lot when designing their uniforms for flight attendants. They hire the services of the best designers. Not only do they represent the airline’s branding, but they are designed to make every flight attendant look good in it. These uniforms are also designed for function, especially during emergencies. So imagine wearing these expensive uniforms regularly, making you feel confident! They can also perhaps be the most beautiful garment in your closet. One of the many perks of being a flight attendant
Last but not least is that privilege to travel with your loved ones for free
One benefit that many airlines give their flight attendants is free travel. Of course, every airline has different parameters and rules when it comes to this. However, free travel benefits for the cabin crew and direct family members are the most common. Traveling together relaxes us and notes stronger bonds and ties amongst each family member. The first goal of many new flight attendants is to use their benefit to take their families on a trip.
However, why do you want to become a flight attendant?
These are just 10 of the many perks of being a flight attendant. However, these perks do not come free. Also, these are merely rewards or benefits of being in a job more fulfilling than these benefits, and that is to be of service to others. Do not forget that being a flight attendant is not about accessible travel. It is about being of service to others.
While we always look forward to these benefits when we dream of becoming a cabin crew, we must look first at our purpose. Why is it you want to become a flight attendant? If you are just after these benefits, you may not even last long in this field. Have a vital purpose and why.
Do not forget that the benefits of flight attendants come with greater responsibilities. All those above are just some perks of flight attendants. Your purpose should be much more significant.
Last but not least, please take note that every airline may have different benefits and perks. We just summed up here the general ones.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
