not actually a picture of Desi… although she is a doll!
My beautiful sister in law Desi (or often referred to as Debbie for those of you who mistake her name tag at 30,000 feet) is my favorite flight attendant. I wanted to interview her for my blog because so many (including me) find the career as a flight attendant so fascinating. To be in a new city every night, to meet so many people, and the flying privileges we can’t forget the flying privileges! So here you go, an interview with my favorite in flight safety guru talking about why she chose to become a flight attendant and offering those expert tips on flying in the friendly skies.
DTM: Why or how did you decide to become a flight attendant?
Desi: Because our family was so big, when we went on vacation we had to drive. I flew for the first time when I was in 11th grade to go to Spain. During my flight I decided that being a flight attendant must be the most amazing job. . . you get to FLY all the time, and you get to layover in places like SPAIN! I knew then that I wanted to be one, at least until I’d gotten the travel bug out of my system. I made friends with one of the flight attendants en route and he gave me the numbers to every main line company flying. I had a few years before I was old enough to apply but as soon as I could, I applied, and got a job shortly there after.
DTM: How long have you worked as a flight attendant?
Desi: I’ve been with SkyWest for 5 years in February, but before that was with PSA (US Airways) for a year.
DTM: What question are you asked the most?
Desi: Honestly, probably where is this flight going?
DTM: What is a common misconception about flight attendants?
Desi: One, that we’re maids. You need to put your own bags up, and clean up after yourself! We’ll take all your garbage, but don’t just throw it on the floor! We are trained to keep passengers safe and deal with emergency situations. Serving drinks and snacks is not our first priority, your safety is. We’re not there to pick up after you, and you wouldn’t stick your gum to your car seat would you?? It’s amazing to see how inconsiderate and messy people can be when they’re not using their own stuff.
DTM: What advice would you give travelers to help make life easier.
Desi: Just calm down. You will get to your destination. Some things you can’t help so calm down and enjoy the ride. When making your travel plans be flexible and allow yourself some time. Also utilize your resources, call the help line instead of waiting in a two hour line.
DTM: What is something people don’t realize about flying?
Desi: FAA regulations are NOT optional. I didn’t make up the rules, it’s just my job to make sure you abide by them, again for your safety. So when we come through the cabin and wake you up to see if you have your seat belt on, it’s not because I’m mean it’s because I’m required to.
DTM: Weirdest thing you’ve ever seen?
Desi: I could go on and on! Woman doing yoga mid flight in the isle. Man who had his bare feet up on the tray tables with someone sitting right next to him. Woman who didn’t ask where the flight was going and wound up on the wrong city. People are funny when they fly!
DTM: Any last thoughts?
Desi: I love the opportunities this job gives my family!
Comments 5
My question is when the stereotype of male flight attendants is going away. I want to travel the world!
Really it’s already gone. I have many male flight attendant friends that don’t fit the “stereotype”.
I’m sure flight attendants see some crazy things. People can be nuts on airplanes and when traveling, it’s almost like some of them lose touch with reality. Flight attendants really deserve more respect for what they do.
Very soon , I will be traveling with my parents who have several heath issues, I am very concern about getting around the airport with them both and also my father will using a breathing machine while on the plane . What can you tell me that will make this experience easy on them and me.