For some people, a dream job may revolve around being paid to travel the world, with flexible hours and really good job benefits. Add tired, irritable customers and bad food to that equation, and you might be a flight attendant.
I've lived my entire life used to the many benefits (and odd struggles) of having a flight attendant for a mom. As the daughter of a flight attendant, I've had many experiences that only other flight attendants' children can relate to, such as being woken up at 3 am by my mom to go to on a surprise trip to Washington D.C. because the first flight of the day had open seats. When I do meet other people who have flight attendant parents, we immediately bond over this aspect of our lives that is so unique and also so close to our identities.
Please keep your seat belt fastened at all times; here are a few things only children of a flight attendant could relate to:
1. Discussing which countries to visit next is typical dinner conversation.
The greatest thing about being a flight attendant's daughter is pretty obvious: flight benefits. Some families sit down to a nice meal and discuss sports, or politics, or catch up about school or work; we discuss whether we should try for Costa Rica or Belgium for the next three day weekend.
2. Reserve month is straight from Hell.
Even though your mom has devoted 26 long years to her airline, she still sometimes gets stuck with bad luck. Appointments, parties, or any other important functions are put on hold until after the month ends and she once again has her life back.
3. You love hanging out in airports.
Most people hate the long lines, big crowds, and overpriced water bottles. While yes, these things suck, the smell of coffee and rushing sounds of airplanes taking off just a few hundred feet away holds tons of excitement. Airports have always been the starting point of our next greatest adventure across the world and they continue to give me butterflies even now that I'm older.
4. You go to the airport unsure of where you'll end up.
Or if you'll even get on a flight! Flying standby always comes with its challenges. Since flights sometimes fill up in the matter of a few hours, we usually head to the airport prepared to end up in several different places - and climates. At the end of the day, we're happy if we got on a flight, no matter where it's headed.
5. Your mom brings home really cool souvenirs from work.
My sister and I have come to expect a loaf of Boudin's sourdough bread whenever she passes through San Francisco, along with beignets from New Orleans, chocolate from Belgium, salted butter from Paris (it's a flight attendant thing), flowers from Hawaii, and shortbread cookies from London. Once, she even brought us home sold-out Olympic mittens from Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics. No offense, but that beats out any company pen or T-shirt.
No matter what city she's in, she also brings home a DoubleTree cookie whenever she has a layover in one of their hotels. Seriously, they're amazing. Highly recommend.
6. People always assume you know where your mom is, but you really have no idea.
"Um, I think she's in Philadelphia today - or, no, that might have been last week. Maybe Seattle?"
I get that it's cool she travels for work, but that doesn't mean I keep track of it. Unless she's somewhere exciting and international, I don't have a clue.
7. You've learned to stick up for her profession.
A few unfortunate semi-recent events led to some unjustified nastiness towards flight attendants despite the fact that they haven't had anything to do with the controversy. Even though they never handle who gets on the flight and who doesn't, they are the ones to suffer the backlash because they are the ones most often interacting with customers.
And even beyond the controversy, flight attendants still have to deal with everyday irritable customer and smile through their everyday rude comments. Trust me - there's a reason they ask you to put your tray table up and seat in the upright position before takeoff.
Their #1 priority is ensuring your safety, and their job is no joke; in the air, they are responsible for resolving any situation that may arise. There are no police or doctors on the flight with them. Besides preparing for and avoiding disaster, all they want to do is make it through the flight free of coffee stains and drama.
And for the love of all that is good - take your headphones out of your ears when flight attendants are trying to talk to you! Also, have your drink order ready. You know they serve beverages. You can see the cart coming down the aisle. Order the Coke and let them move on.
8. ~Literally~ cringing whenever you have to actually buy a plane ticket.
Is this how the other side lives?
9. You really hope people miss their flights.
When you're standing next to the jetway waiting for empty seats to become available and your only hope for making it to Hawaii is for the Smith family to miss their flight, you really hope the Smiths miss their flight. Sorry.
10. You've flown first class more than a person who makes 1000000000000x more than you.
Hot towels, seats that recline all the way, ice cream sundaes, all the leg room you could want, and your own personal TV? You could get used to this life, and you definitely have.
11. You'll never know what time she'll be home.
Possibly the worst part of her job is never knowing when she'll be home. Airports are notorious for their many delayed flights. While delays are a bummer for anyone, at least for most people it doesn't mean delaying the time it takes to get home from a 3 or 4 day work trip around the world. Also, unpredictable Chicago weather means she has sometimes been stuck for days before being able to return to O'Hare.
12. You're a pro at packing.
If my mom has taught me one thing about flying, it's to ALWAYS pack your own pillow and blanket in your carry on. When you're counting on getting some shut eye during a flight, you can't rely on the airline to have your back. Also, if you ever have limited space in your carry-on, invest some time in learning to roll your clothes.13. You're a better person because of it.
I've been incredibly fortunate to have a parent who's a flight attendant. My family has been able to travel and experience other cultures that we wouldn't have been able to otherwise.
Traveling has brought us closer as a family and has taught me many valuable lessons about the world around us. Even when we don't make it on any flight and have to head home from the airport without going anywhere, I've learned that life doesn't always work out, but there will always be another adventure around the corner.
