I recently had the opportunity to interview a flight attendant that flies around on Q400s for Horizon Air. The questions were submitted by email so I wasn’t able to ask follow-up questions. She has asked me to keep her name private.
Why did you want to become a fight attendant?
I have always loved traveling! I was working for a bank reviewing appraisals for a mortgage loan and the industry was declining. I had recently traveled to Michigan, and after watching the flight crew, decided that I was going to become a flight attendant! I interviewed once and got hired on my first try.
That’s so nice to hear. How long have you done it?
7 Years this Summer
What’s the hardest thing about your job?
Eating right! I go international a lot. Somewhere either in the beginning, middle or end of my trip. When going international we have all these rules and prohibited foods, so they will take my meat and my fruits/veggies if I bring it in my lunch bag.
That is very interesting. Now my favorite thing about flying in a Q400 is boarding via the rear door. What’s yours?
This is a great plane! Smaller cabin so you get a lot more personal interaction with the passengers, and you get some spectacular views since you fly quite a bit lower.
I definitely enjoy the view as well. What’s your least favorite thing?
The heat! And the AC! She is very temperamental.
I have noticed that too. My least favorite is the headroom..I’m always ducking my head. You mentioned transferring bases due to seniority, are some bases more senior than others or did a spot open up and you were the most senior person to apply for the spot?
The company stated that they were going to take volunteers and if they didn’t have enough would do involuntary transfers. I was on the edge of being possibly forced to move. The company opened up 3 new bases. GEG & BOI, MFR. I choose MFR as my first choice because I would be “senior” and wouldn’t be on call anymore. It also put me closer to my grandparents, so it was the best choice for me. I now work 3-4 days followed by 3-4 off. The trips are scheduled better as well. (In my opinion!). Having a family this was the best move for me to make. Overall, Medford is a pretty junior base, the average time at the company I would say is about 2 years.
Thank you very much for answering my questions. I enjoyed asking questions and I’m sure I’ll come up with a few more.
If you have any questions you would like me to ask next time, let me know.
Do you mean international as in Canada or does the Q400 fly to Europe and Asia now?
Do you hope to get a job as a real flight attendant with one of the 5 major airlines someday?