American Airlines Flight Attendant Q/A

Jack: When did you know you wanted to be a flight attendant?

Tyler: I knew it was time to make the change to follow my dream when one day, standing at my desk at my 9-5 job for 6-months at a local Boca Raton Digital Marketing Agency, I was not doing what I truly wanted to be doing. Having a heart and passion for aviation since I was a little boy, I knew the desk life was not for me. I did not belong to be stuck behind a desk knowing I LOVE being around airplanes, airports and anything airline related. It was time to make a change for myself and do what I know I'd love to be doing each and everyday.

Jack: How many years of experience do you have?

Tyler: In Aviation experience, I first started with PSA Airlines, a regional carrier, American Eagle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines. From training to being on the line, I was with them for a very short period of time. January 2019 till Late April 2019. I then was trained by American Airlines - mainline and became and currently an official global Flight Attendant under the American Airlines brand.Before aviation, I have had experience in the hospitality industry working for and interning at The Hilton, The Renaissance - a Marriott Bonvoy Brand, a Family Resort in Vermont, and a professional role in a digital marketing agency partnered with Google.

Jack: What's your favourite route?

Tyler: MIA - LHR has been my favorite route thus far. The reason for this is being able to work on our largest aircraft in our AA fleet, the Boeing 777-300. From the service during the flight to being able to take time to explore London, it has been my favorite route.

Jack: Do you prefer long hauls or multiple short hauls?

Tyler: I prefer Long-Hauls. The reason for this is having the opportunity to work on larger aircraft and being able to enjoy delivering Flagship service to our customers. Plus, who doesn't like going to an international premium destination and having the time to explore? I know I love it and can't wait to see where I end up next!

Jack: Biggest pet peeve of customers? 

Tyler: Customers tend to do a lot of different things during flight. Some are more flight smart while others are not as experienced. A pet peeve I have discovered is simply for customers to be polite, say hi or at least give a nod. We as crew understand travel can be a nightmare and not everyone has the same experience. Each crew member is different then the one he/she may have interacted with on a previous interaction. Take a moment and take off/out those headphones from your ears, say please/thank you and be present. Know that If you had a bad experience with another airline, airline employee, or whatever it may be, it does not mean we are all like that one individual or like that one flight.

Jack: What’s the strangest thing you’ve experienced on a flight? 

Tyler: The strangest thing I have experienced during a flight would be dealing with a passenger who thought it was appropriate and allowed to use his e-cigarette in the lavatory. Any Flight Attendant does not play around when it comes to setting off the smoke alarm. Simply listen and read your safety card located in the seat pocket. NEVER smoke, chew, or ever use your e-cigarette on any flight.

Jack: If there are extra seats in first class, have you ever given it to a passenger in economy for free?

Tyler: I do have a personal story where I did have the opportunity to upgrade a passenger to First Class. It was an early morning flight departing from Chicago. I noticed we had a passenger who needed support in boarding the aircraft by utilizing the on-board wheelchair. When I first meet with the Gate Agent who was attending to our flight, I spoke to her about having open seats in FC and if she would work with me to give a little something special to the passenger who needed the extra support. She was surprised but more importantly, admired of the idea and she wanted to do nothing less. What I did not know was it was an elderly couple who have been together for a quite some time. The Husband was his Wife's care giver and it melted my heart getting the opportunity to get to know them. I also discovered once they were onboard with us, the Wife was unable to fully function doing everyday tasks we are blessed to do. They did not ask for much during the flight, but seeing there smile and appreciation, it was all that I needed. The gate agent later on recognized me by sending a personal note explaining how this experience reminded her how being the showcase of AA, we can truly make a memorable experience and part of why we do what we do each and everyday.

Jack: What’s an obscure airplane rule that most of us don’t know?

Tyler: As a FA, I love helping my fellow passengers who join me onboard to get them to there dream destination. When you step onboard, you have a general good idea of how heavy your carry-on bag is. And you know that it goes in the overhead bin wheels or handles first. But, for a few passengers, they may think us FA's are there to help those who need a little "umph" to get it up overhead during boarding. It is actually a rule that FA's are not suppose to help lift passengers bags. The main reason for this is a FA may get injured and technically, a FA is not on the clock until the boarding door is closed. Meaning, we are not covered by our union or the company at this time during this phase of flight. Please do not take it offense if a FA does say "no" to helping lift your bag, they are honestly following the policy we are to follow.

Jack:  Any advice you want to leave for passengers?

Tyler: If I were to give a passenger any advice to utilize on there future journeys, when it comes to your crew and you are seeking something, just ASK and be patient, especially during service! I don't mean to just assume that we won't/can't fulfill your request, but we rather you just ask then to not or simply assume that we may be ignoring your request. Yes, may be times we slip and forget, and are very apologetic when this occurs, but we will fulfill your request the best that we can in a timely manner. A final reminder, you are not the only passenger onboard, unless you are very lucky and flying like on a private jet. Where I am going with this is again, be patient with your crew as we will get to you. There is only so many of us, all with different roles onboard, and there is so many of you. We appreciate you as if it wasn't for you seeking travel and adventure, I and all of my colleagues could not be doing what we love today. I look forward welcoming you onboard on your next flight on American Airlines.