Face to Face Interview

So, you've been invited to the Face to Face (F2F) interview.  Congratulations!  Now you need to stand out from the others.  The first interview I went to I wore a navy-blue pencil skirt suit with a red scarf.  I was hoping the red scarf would help me stand out.  But literally every female in there was wearing the exact same thing.  Some had black suits.  The males all wore dark suits with red ties.  Out of almost 100 of us only two were hired and guess what they were wearing: that exact thing.  One male, one female.  So how do you stand out then?  Here are some tips:

First and foremost: be on time!  Actually show up a little early.  It's absolutely essential that you are not late to this interview.  You could be disqualified immediately.  They may not even let you in.  So set your alarms, wake up early, plan ahead.  If you're driving in allow for possible traffic, parking issues, or just having any difficulties at all.

This sounds so cliche and, I apologize in advance, but the most important thing you can wear is a smile.  I hate even writing that because it sounds so dumb but it's so true.  You need to be smiling and friendly the whole time you're there.  Introduce yourself to other interviewees.  Mingle.  Be enthusiastic.  Even if it's not in your nature to be that way, be that way.  Fake it if you have to but get out there and talk to people and look happy and excited to be there.  That being said, be yourself.  I know, that may be contradicting to someone who is shy and introverted.  But ask yourself, if you are shy and introverted, is this the right career choice for you?  It still could be and if so, you’ll need to come out of your shell. 

Very important; STAY OFF YOUR PHONE!  Put it away.  At the very minimum put it on silent and/or Do Not Disturb.   Whatever you do, don’t touch it until you’re all done. 

If they ask if anyone has any questions, ask a question.  Listen, though, to make sure you don’t ask something that was already asked.  Don’t be obnoxious but don’t be a shy little mouse either.  Show initiative but don’t be aggressive.  Listen carefully to everything the recruiters are saying.  They may give you very specific instructions.  You need to show you were listening by following these to a T.  Some of these instructions will come in advance in an email.  Read all of the material sent to you in advance fully and follow all of those instructions as well.  Bring everything they tell you to bring.   I recommend gathering those items and packing them the night before.  You’ll probably need a copy of your resume. They may ask for several copies.  Bring your passport and social security card.  If you don’t have these, get them now.

Dress the part.  Yes, you may be wearing what most others are wearing but if you’re a female, I highly recommend wearing a business suit with a skirt.  A scarf is not required.  Feel free if you like but the suit is essential. Dark colors are best.  Make sure it fits well.  Pants and sleeves should not be too long or too short and all items need to be in great condition.  Skirts shouldn’t be too long or too short.  I’d suggest at the knee or not more than two inches above the knee. Men definitely need to wear a tie and a belt.  Women should wear pantyhose.  Bring an extra pair.  And heels for women.  I wouldn’t go too high.  Two inches maybe, whatever you're comfortable with but no stilettos. 

I highly recommend wearing your hair up if you have longer hair.  Not all airlines require it but wear it that way for the interview.  Make up should look professional and not overdone.  Facial hair on men should be neatly groomed.  It’s not necessary to be clean shaven (check with the airline you are applying too first, though) but if you don’t have facial hair at all, you must be freshly shaved.  No 5-o'clock shadow! Find out if your airline allows men to wear ponytails or man buns.  If so, if you have longer hair, it too needs to be up.

How to dress for your flight to the interview?  Remember you are making an impression from the get go.  Please don’t treat this flight like any other flight you may take and dress super casual. You don’t necessarily have to wear a skirt if you are a female but consider nice professional pants and dressier shirt.   Men, this goes for you as well   Dress professionally.   Be polite and take whatever seat you are given.   Consider your interview has already started with the flight in.

Interviews can be stressful and intimidating.  But the more prepared you are the better you will do.  Do your homework and study these interview questions.  You will most likely be asked many of these.  Each airline has their own format for interviews.   I’ll get together a list in the near future of what you may generally expect from each airline at their interview.  Some airlines have you broken into groups and questions ask in those group settings.  Then you may be separated further into smaller groups of two or three or you could be alone.  You may have just a one-on-one question and answer session or two on one.  At my current airline we started by being paired with one other interviewee and it was a two-on-two question and answer session.  Afterward we were paired with another interviewee and had one interviewer.    I would expect something similar at most airlines.  Another interview I had we had a question and answer session with a group of other people being interviewed.  We each got one question. 

A lot of questions are “tell me about a time” questions, also known as Situational questions.  They may begin “tell me about a time when…”, “describe a situation where…”, “give me an example of..”, “have you ever…”. These should be answered in the STAR format.  The STAR format is comprised of S – Situation, T – Task, A – Action, R – Result.

Situation: give the background of your story and what situation was. 

Task: what was your role in this situation?  What were you required to do?

Action: what did you do and what steps did you take?

Result: what was the outcome?  Feel free to brag a little about your achievements.  When as ked these situational type of questions, this format is best for answering them.  Not all questions should be answered this way, however.  You may get questions asking how you would handle a hypothetical situation.  Answer this from the perspective of a flight attendant.  

Some common questions you could be asked are:

•             Tell me about yourself

•             Why do you want to work at _____ Airlines

•             What does being a flight attendant mean to you

•             What are the primary flight attendant duties

•             Tell me about a time you had to deal with a sudden unexpected change

•             Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker

•             Tell me about a time you were required to go above and beyond for your employer

•             Where do you see yourself in five years

•             Tell me about a time you had to deal with a particularly demanding customer

•             Tell me about a time you had to deal with an emergency

•             What is the most challenging part of being a flight attendant

•             How would you handle a passenger that refuses to follow the rules

There are many more.  Get a good grasp of common questions and try in your head to come up with answers that flow easily from you.  I’ll provide some links that will help.  You want your answers to flow, yes, but not sound over rehearsed.    You may be asked about previous positions you’ve had.  Stay positive in your answers.  You could be asked why you left or why you want to leave.  Your answer should be a positive one.  For example: you want to leave because your dream is to become a flight attendant and you’re pursuing that now.  Or perhaps you’re hoping to leave because you want to fly on larger aircraft with a team of flight attendants now.  Never ever ever ever say bad things about this employer or your boss.  No matter how tempting.  Don’t do it!  

If asked the common question: "tell me what you think one of your biggest weaknesses is" (or "what do you want to change most about yourself") try to answer in a way that minimizes the negative.  Don't say you have trouble with time management or honesty.  I'm not suggesting you answer this way but when I was asked this I said I felt I needed to learn to pack lighter, that I brought too many clothes on trips and I was working on that.  

Again, interviews are stressful.  Everyone there is feeling the same thing.  You're not alone in this. Try and stay calm.  Preparation is the key.  The more prepared you are the more relaxed and confident you will be.  Here are those links that should be helpful to you:

https://flightattendanttraininghq.com/united-airlines-flight-attendant-interview-questions/

https://jobinterviewadvice.org/southwest-airlines-2/

https://www.thesegoldwings.com/delta-interview-process/

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/flight-attendant-interview-questions

https://www.liveabout.com/flight-attendant-interview-questions-2061445

https://becomeastewardess.blogspot.com/p/flight-attendant-interview-questions.html?spref=pi&m=1

https://youtu.be/3pfmaj_Lxqs

https://youtu.be/fl_vf_erC5k

To send a thank you note or not?  I've heard a statistic that 85-90% of interviewees that send a followup thank you note get the job.  So it can't hurt!  Feel free to use this one as a start and adapt to your situation.

January 1, 2023

 

Ms. Jane  Doe

Director of Inflight Recruiting

United Airlines

233 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606.

 

Dear Ms. Doe:

 

Thank you for taking time to speak with me yesterday about the flight attendant position at United Airlines.

 

I am extremely motivated and interested in a flight attendant career at your airline.  My strong customer service background, along with my Spanish language skills  and Emergency Medical Technician training would allow me to contribute to United Airlines.

 

I was so impressed with the professional exhibited at the interview and during the entire process.  I feel that my experience, training and background would make me a great asset to the United Airlines team.

 

Again, thank you again for your time and I hope to hear from you soon!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jennifer Jones

Please do not get discouraged if you get a TBNT (thanks but no thanks).  It happens to so many of us.  Don't take this personally.  I've had them too and tried to learn from them.  Analyze your answers and everything involved.  Did you under dress for the interview?  Some airlines are strict about hair.  Was yours up or down?  Were you clean shaven or was your facial hair not groomed?  Were you engaging with others at the interview and with the recruiters?  Go over the question and answer portion.   It's a learning experience.  Don't give up.  You may not even have made it past the video interview.  Keep applying, though.  I've been there too.  I have bombed video interviews and face to face interviews.  I've had interviews that I thought went really well but only 2 out of a huge group of us were selected.  I've had interviews where I got kind of a bad vibe from one of the interviewers.  I had one where they had us play a little game in groups   Then get up and tell a little about ourselves.  Afterward they called about 5 or 6 people to speak with the recruiters and the rest of us were sent home.  We never even got to talk to anyone!  That was very discouraging.  I've had a few experiences where I felt they were rejecting me right of the bat based on age.  I kept at it, though.  Consider applying at a regional if you haven't had success at a legacy carrier.  It's a good way to get flight attendant experience and perhaps your foot in the door.  If this is your dream job, though, don't give up on it.  Keep pressing forward and you'll get there eventually.

Surviving training

 Don't let anyone convince you that Flight Attendant training is a walk in the park. It's tough, it's long, you'll be testing constantly, and frequently, you aren't paid until you finish (although some airlines do pay).  Once you've received a Conditional Job Offer (CJO), you'll be assigned a training class date and emailed materials to prepare yourself. Don't waste time reviewing these materials.  There will be information in there that they may expect you to know on day one.  On the first day of training for my airline, we were tested on airport codes and the 24-hour clock, and were required to memorize most of the safety demonstration announcement.   

In another post, I have a list of airport codes. It's mostly U.S. domestic, but I will update it soon to include international as well.  Here is a link to practice the 24-hour clock.  Or you can download these documents to practice as well.

You're going to learn a lot in training.  There will be emergency medical training, evacuation training, basic aerodynamics, passenger handling, security, and firefighting training. You'll also learn the various aircraft you'll be expected to work on.  Your airline may have a large fleet of multiple aircraft, or there may be only one.  However, even if there is only one, for example, such as the Airbus or Boeing 737, there will still be differences between the various models of this aircraft that you will need to learn and be tested on. You'll learn how to inspect all safety equipment (preflight) and perform a security search.  International procedures will also be taught if your airline operates abroad.   You will need to be familiar with the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and learn aviation terminology. In-flight announcements will be covered, and you will learn the exact procedure your airline uses for the safety demonstration.  Any devices you'll be using will be taught. 

Customer service will not be a significant part of the training. That's why they tend to hire people who already have a background in that area, as well as strong people skills. You'll learn the basics of beverage service, and if your airline offers multi-class service, you'll likely receive training on the different classes of service.  No doubt, passengers' interactions will be discussed.  However, a good majority of this will be covered during your IOE.  

Make friends

Make friends.  Be social.  You may be making lifelong friends in training, even if you part ways and go to different bases or leave the airline.  These friends can also serve as study buddies and people to learn from. You'll come across these new friends many times in the future.  Expect to have a Facebook group formed for your class and receive numerous friend requests from your classmates. You'll learn from these classmates, and they will learn from you.  So don't be a loner!  Open yourself up to new friendships.

Get Enough Sleep

It's crucial during training that you get enough sleep.  I recall that during both training sessions I've attended with the airlines, some of my younger classmates spent a lot of time partying and staying up late.  Some individuals still succeeded in training, while others did not.  I can guarantee that had I been doing that, I wouldn't have succeeded. Don't be tempted to stay up super late or all night studying as well. It's essential to get enough sleep to absorb all the information you will be expected to learn.  

Be on Time

Tardiness is frequently grounds for dismissal.   Consider extending the interview.  You don't actually have the job until you've completed training.  On-time performance is the goal of all airlines, so they're unlikely to take kindly to their employees being lax in this area.  If training begins at 0800, be there at 0750.  

Take Notes

Bring a notebook and a pen to class and write down your notes.  Sometimes you'll notice your instructors giving you clues that something will be on the test.  They may say, "You might want to write this down".  In my most recent training I had an instructor that would "a little golden nugget for you".  That meant we needed to write it down and remember it. You'll be given lots of handouts for that day's training.  Feel free to take notes on those as well.

Study

Study every night, especially if there is a test the night before. You'll be given homework.  Sometimes this homework is optional, but it serves as a valuable study tool for an upcoming test.  DO this homework even if you don't have to.  People study best in different ways.  If you're someone who studies best in a group, consider joining or forming one.  If you're unsure whether it would be helpful, consider whether it's offered. It may be very beneficial.  If you're like me, you study better on your own or with just one other person.  But remove all distractions.  Turn off the TV, stay off the phone, and focus.  Match your studying method to the exam method.  There may be oral exams, written exams, or demonstrative exams.  You may find that, depending on the exam, you'll study better with classmates or on your own. Evacuations and CPR/AED training are examples of things you may want to study for with others. It's helpful to recite these commands out loud.

Study Aids

Use study aids such as flashcards that you can make yourself.  Look online for training aids such as Quizlet. I know people who've had posters of the different aircraft on their walls with the other parts outlined. Many people, including myself, learn visually, so I utilize these visual aids.  

Participate

Participate in training.  Ask questions and get involved in classroom discussions.  If volunteers are needed: volunteer.  Get involved and become engaged in the entire day-to-day process.

Money

Training can be 4-8 weeks or longer.  Some airlines will pay a set amount, or you may receive the basic guarantee or a per diem for the duration of your stay.  You may not get paid until training is completed.  Plan ahead and ensure you have some money set aside, as well as that your bills while you are away are taken care of.  This can be challenging for some people, so do what you can.

Packing

Here is a list of items you should bring with you to training.  Although you will get some chances to head to the store, make sure you've packed everything you need before you go. You'll be able to bring a large suitcase, but pack wisely. Don't pack items you're unlikely to wear or need.  In your pre-training package emailed to you, there should be information on a dress code.  It may be business attire or business casual.  At my training, we were required to wear black and white every day.  It could've been a black dress, or a white dress with a black jacket, black pants with a white shirt, white pants with a black shirt, etc.  After gathering everything I already had and could use, I had to buy some additional items.  I highly recommend investing in packing cubes.  You can use them once you're on the line as well.  These are the ones I bought. 

Here is a packing list you can use as a guide.

Required Items 
·        Passport
·        Watch
·        Vaccine card

Clothing
·        Coat or jacket
·        Dress skirts
·        Dress Pants
·        Dress socks
·        Pantyhose, tights, or compression hose
·        Sweaters
·        Blouse or button-down shirts
·        One complete business suit (what you wore to the interview)
·        Jeans
·        PJs
·        Uniform shoes/heels/closed-toed flats
·        Athletic shoes
·        Casual shirts such as polos

Study Materials 
·        Notebooks
·        Pens
·        Flashcards
·        Highlighters
·        Training Printouts

Toiletries
·        Body Wash/soap
·        Facewash
·        Shampoo
·        Conditioner
·        Deodorant
·        Toothbrush
·        Toothpaste
·        Skin care
·        Other hair care items
·        Razor
·        Shaving Cream
·        Aftershave
·        Brush/comb
·        Makeup/kit
·        Makeup remover wipes
·        Sunscreen

Miscellaneous
·        Laundry soap
·        Dryer Sheets
·        Quarters
·        Tide to Go Pen

This is obviously not an exhaustive list.  You will need to tailor it to your specific situation.  But pack wisely and try not to OVERPACK.  Also, be sure to bring a small, lightweight bag to carry your materials to training. 

One thing to keep in mind is that you may be leaving training with a new travel roller board and tote.  This can make heading home more awkward since you'll also have your large suitcase with you. 

Here are some other links that also have information on preparing for training. 

https://youtu.be/X0QesMc6RlE

https://youtu.be/7ruXJjF4QpI

https://youtu.be/vJ76dpf8Cno

Flight Attendant Dictionary

                                                                           

Flight Attendant School                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After you finish training, you will then complete your Initial Operating Experience (IOE). Your IOE will consist of several hours of flight time with a line instructor, during which you will be evaluated on your performance of safety-related duties as required by the FAA.   Be prepared for any type of assignment.  I know of some that just did a turn, while others did a complete 4-day trip.  At the regional, I worked for my IOE, which was a 2-day trip for me.  In my current career, it was a red-eye turn. It's normal to feel nervous, but try to remain calm. You should be contacted by your IOE instructor beforehand.  Ask questions about anything you are unsure about.  Ensure you follow any instructions provided. Just remember your training, and you will do fine!

I remember before I started flying, I watched the entire series of Flight Attendant School on TV. It was intimidating, but I was determined; if I ever made it there, I'd do well and finish. Now available on YouTube, be sure to check it out.  

Commuting

I can so relate to this picture.  Commuting is no joke.  It’s tough and, let be known, it can make your first and last day of trips much longer and harder than they should be.  Being a commuter can also make certain types of trips not possible unless you’re willing to fork out money for a crash pad or hotels.  I will go over that in this post as well.

But commuting is always an option for someone who really wants to be a flight attendant or pilot and really is not able, or willing, to move to a base.  There are ways you can make it somewhat easier, though.  I’ll go over those in a minute too.

I’ve been commuting pretty much all of my flight attendant career, except for about a year and half when I was based in IAD (Washington Dulles) and I could drive in. It was still an hour and a half drive but at least I COULD drive.  Other than that, I’ve had to try and catch a flight into my base to start my trips.  Currently my employer does not service my nearest airport so I have to take other airlines to get in.  We can do that because we all have reciprocal agreements and that’s so nice.  But keep in mind, if you fly a carrier you don’t work for, your priority on the standby list is rock bottom. 

So basically how it works is I first figure out what time I need to be there.  Most airlines have a requirement to be there an hour prior to departure time.  Example: if my first leg of my trip departs at 6:00 pm, I need to be at the airport checking in for it at 5:00 pm.  I begin by searching for flights that can get me there with plenty of time to spare.  If you can commute on your own airline that is great because you can simply log in and list yourself for a flight and check in for it too.  You can see how the loads look (how many seats are available and if any other standbys will be ahead of you on the list).  You’ll also have a better priority to get a seat than if you don’t work for that airline.  Me? I have to use a website such as Passrider.com  to see what my options are.  To see how the loads are I usually use an app called StaffTraveler or Staff Airlines (Apple or Google Play ). Both are good.  Staff Traveler will show you how many standbys are already listed and what seats are available by class.  You do need to have credits with them for each flight you check but you can earn them for free by checking flights for other people . Staff Airlines is free to use but won’t show the standbys.  It’s still very useful.

Some airlines will allow you to list and check in online.  Others you have to do both in person.  This is annoying but what can you do? If it’s my best option for getting there on time I just plan accordingly.  By the way, always ALWAYS ALWAYS be respectful to the customer service/gate agent assisting you.  No matter how tired, annoyed or irritated you are or how unfriendly they may be: hold it in! Bite your lip.

I have had many trips where I have had to commute in hours, and I mean HOURS, ahead of time.  If there is an unbroken recliner in the crew room I usually head there to chill and maybe take a catnap.  I’ve used broken recliners too when I really don’t give a youknowwhat.   In fact I'll be doing this on my trip that starts tomorrow.  I’ve also gone out of pocket to doze in a Minute Suite before as well.  They’re not cheap anymore so I don’t go that route these days. When I have a trip that starts too early to commute in that day, I have to commute in the night before.  I try and get a hotel room.  There are hotels that offer crew rates.  It can still be pricy but here are some places you can search for these discounts.

https://stafftraveler.com/deals/hotels

https://interlinetravel.com/hotel-discount-codes/

https://www.crewtel-usa.com/

https://www.airlinestaffrates.com/

 

Also, if you’re on reserve you must be within two hours of your base when on call.  This means, if you don’t live in your base and commute you’ll need a crashpad.  This is an apartment, house or a hotel room that you pay to share with other airline commuters.  Some are “hot beds” which means you won’t have your own dedicated bed.  I had one of these before.  All the residents kept our bedding in plastic tubs and we’d make up an available bed when we arrived.  “Cold bed” crashpads allow you your own dedicated bed you can leave set up when not using it.  I had one these before as well. Some crashpads offer transportation to and from the airport.  Otherwise you may need to catch an Uber, Lyft or taxi.  One I had I’d hop on a train at the airport, take it two stops and then walk a couple blocks to my crashpad.  Not just reserves use crashpads.  Many lineholders do as well so that they have a place to “crash” before or after a trip.  Cost can vary greatly depending on the area and ammenties.   Some crashpads are gender specific and some are co-ed.  Make sure you're aware of that if you're not comfortable with it. 

Here are some links that can help finding a crashpad:

http://crashpads.com/

https://www.purecrashpads.com/

https://crashpad411.com/

https://hotelcrashpads.com/

 

There is also the stress of actually getting on the flight.  If it’s on your own metal (the airline you work for) there is usually the possibility of getting the jumpseat.  But usually that’s not an option if you’re trying to commute on another airline.  There is a list of priority for standbys and each airline is different.  But in general their own active employees go first, followed by the employee’s passriders, in seniority order.  Retirees are usually next.  There may be buddy passes and regional carrier employees in the mix as well.  But, generally speaking, if you work for one airline and are trying to fly on another you’ll be rock bottom.  Make sure your airline has a generous commuter clause in the contract in the contract if  you’re planning to be a commuter. 

Once you're on the line, if you're working for a United States carrier you'll be able to sign up for Known Crewmember (KCM)  There are very specific rules you do have to follow to use this but it's such a Godsend and time saver.  You don't have to be in uniform but keep in mind there are a lot of random selections for regular security.  If you're out of uniform the same rules for the general public will apply to you.  This means the 3-2-1 rule and others. Check here.  You can't bring items for someone not eligible for KCM as well as items you would expect. Check here for a complete list of rules.  And don't lose your badge.  Clip it on to your lanyard along with your work ID badge.

 Getting back home after your trip can be stressful as well.  You may be delayed just enough to miss your flight home.  I’ve had many times where I missed the flight by minutes, sometimes when it was the only flight or the last one of the day.  It’s frustrating.  That’s why I can relate to the photo at the top. 

Plan your commute.  Know when you need to be there and look for flights that get you there with plenty of time.  Check loads.  Have back up plans and backup plans to the backup plans..  There are Facebook groups you can join to ask for load checks. Here are two I use (this one and this one) Above I mentioned Stafftraveler and StaffAirlines.  Scroll up for the links.

Again, commuting sucks.  If you can move to your base DO IT.  I would so love to live in base.  But everyone has their own reasons why they can’t or won’t.  If you have to you have options, though.   Have a plan, a Plan B and a Plan C.  Maybe even a Plan D.  Try to look at it as an adventure, if you can!  Who am I kidding?  Commuting isn't fun for me at all.  But with PPP (proper prior planning) you can make it work.

 This isn't my video but check it out!

 

Hair, Makeup and accessories

 

Here are some links that can help with hair updos, scarves and makeup that are quick to do and can last all day.

SCARVES

I've never been good at tying scarves but I learned a lot from the video tutorials below.  There are from airlines around the world and here in the U.S.  Frequently I just use a little scarf ring to tie mine.  I bought it on Amazon and here's a link to that.

https://youtu.be/sQT0fUmcAv8

https://youtu.be/ASy9wUgjong

https://youtu.be/kBqtCFW6E-0

https://youtu.be/jC9UEl-0v9I

https://youtu.be/HdfWts491TU

https://youtu.be/FZSfYlqVE0w

https://www.tiktok.com/@traveldivaxo/video/6892330153435860229

HAIR

Quite a few airlines require longer hair to be put up, either in a bun or a pony tail.  Honestly, I prefer to wear my hair down and at my airline we no longer have to wear it up unless you have really long hair, which I don't.  But when I do wear it up I've found that special accessories work best for me.  Here or some I've used or are currently using.

https://fancyberrie.com/collections/hair/products/hair-twist-styling-clip?pp=1&variant=39760011526325

https://a.co/d/6Wfd8il

https://a.co/d/hCogbni

https://a.co/d/efiSV0J

Here are some helpful hair tutorials:

https://youtu.be/ccn25rKnxC0

https://youtu.be/bqKknjiJ3qY

https://youtu.be/YaD6YU0lp1M

https://youtu.be/M6pR0eCySes

https://youtu.be/43ejW5gPPzk

Basically I find simplicity always works best.  Find a way of tying your scarf and doing your hair that is easy and will last the day.  I think most of these tutorials above can help you find that.  

Just as compressed powder makeup doesn't travel well, liquid shampoo and conditioner can also cause a mess.  I used to always travel with the small 3 oz sized bottles but every once in a while I would fail to tight the cap enough and find a mess in my bag later.  So now I use the bar versions. I use the Viori brand. I just put mine in a ziploc bag and seal it tight.  But you can also put them in standard travel soap containers. 

MAKEUP

I'm NOT a morning person.  So when I have a super early report time in the morning, or maybe I have to catch an early commute, it's going to be the easiest thing I can do.  Yes, that means usually my hair is down or, if I'm having a bad hair day, I'm pony-tailing it.  I'll sometimes use a fake bun hair piece to make an easy updo.  As for makeup, same thing applies.  Over the years I've been flying I discovered that powdered blush and eye shadows don't always travel so well.  I can't tell you how many times I've opened my makeup bag to discover blush or eye shadow smashed and all over everything in my bag.  UGH!!   I also found that using stick makeup not only doesn't do that, it's also super easy to apply.  Now I carry with me stick foundation, stick blush, stick concealer, stick contour and stick eye shadow sticks.  So easy!  The eye shadow and concealer sticks I use have little tiny sponges on the end for blending.  I lay them all out the night before so I don't waste time searching through my bag for the right items.  Below I'll list some links to items I use.   They're affordable as well.

Julep Eyeshadow Sticks

Palladio Build & Blend Foundation Stick

Palladio Blush Stick

Wet & Wild Contour Stick

Trestique Concealer Stick

KIMUSE Multi Stick Trio Face Makeup

Those are just a few of the ones I've used.  I've used other brands and have purchased at other stores in person such as Target, Walmart or Ulta.  They come in many shades for all skin types and tones.  I highly recommend.  

If, however, you're someone who does find time to really do a full face of makeup, or are preparing for the interview and want to look super polished, below I have some links to a few more tutorials you may find helpful.  I'm camera shy.  I admit it.  But I'll put my own super easy stick makeup tutorial together at some point in the future.  Maybe even a hair one.  Who knows?  Until then, hopefully these will help you.

https://youtu.be/mr1aBTzhB2U

https://youtu.be/aPRE_jAyTv8

https://youtu.be/OcXfyViezCY

https://youtu.be/Uyim3FY1oro

https://youtu.be/Ady2w39YKqg

TIGHTS

When I first started flying I wore regular old pantyhose.  No joke: I literally went through a pair a day.  If I was really lucky I would get to wears out of a pair.  Then I switched to tights.  Now I highly recommend them to my fellow flight attendants who wear skirts and dresses.   They aren't expensive and they will last much much longer.  Bring a couple pairs with you and wash them on your layovers in the sink.  They dry fast too.  These are the ones I use: No Nonsense Tights

SHOES

Disregard the above!   Wear a shoe that you are comfortable with, within your company's uniform requirements.  Most airlines do require dresses to be worn with high heels at least an inch high.  If you're not used to spending a lot of time on your feet in heels, either wear pants or get a good pair of flats for on the plane.  During the winter months you may be allowed to wear boots.  Check your airline's dress code first.   Below are some recommendations for shoes that are affordable and will hold up.  I highly recommend breaking in new shoes before you bring them on a trip though.  I recently made the mistake of wearing a new pair of boots without breaking them in and I was in serious pain.  Eventually I did break them in and they're super comfy now.  Bring along a little moleskin just in case your shoe rubs you the wrong way, if you know what I mean.

⬆️These shoes are amazing!!!  I have foot issues so my feet always hurt after a while.  These are so comfortable and lightweight.  I thought they looked like old lady shoes at first but they really don’t.  They look good on and your feet will thank you. 

There's much more to come here.  So please bookmark and come back again.  

If click on Older Posts, you can see more tips.

Packing Tips

Flight crew basically live out of their suitcases and you will too. I used to completely unpack when I got home from a trip and then repacked before started another one.  But I simplified the process by leaving some things always in my rollerbag.  I always pack the night before, even if I'm not leaving until late.  I recommend not planning to pack the morning you leave. You're far more likely to forget something that way.  

The number one tip I was say is get packing cubes.  They will make things so much easier; both in the packing process and once you get to the hotel.  It's a wonderful to keep everything organized in your bag as well.

You'll find when you're on reserve that you could assigned a trip to any climate.  It could be super hot or blustery cold.  You'll have to be prepared for either so bring a long sunscreen no matter what.  I always pack a swimsuit.  Even in cold weather I might want to visit an indoor pool.  I always pack my flip flops in my side pocket of my roller board.  Some people wear them in the shower as well.  I have them in case I do want to visit that indoor pool or maybe I ordered food delivery that I have to go downstairs to the lobby for.  If I'm crawling out of bed and throwing on clothes to make a free breakfast before it closes, I usually just wear those flip flops as well.  

I always pack a zip-up hoodie even if I'm going to a warm climate.  It can get chilly at night in those places as well.  And I always pack a pair of ordinary jeans.  I keep a pair athletic shoes in my bag at all times at the very bottom.  The one time I decided I didn't need them I regretted it when I ended up wanted to get along walk in.  I have pair that is fairly light weight yet still supportive.

I try and pack clothes that can be mixed and matched.  So basically one pair of jeans and a couple tops that can go with that.  I'll bring a pair of exercise shorts in a solid color that can also be worn just for fun and will go with those tops as well.  And I always bring a second bra.  

My toiletry bag stays packed.  I tend to use refillable travel sized containers and refill them as needed. As mentioned in another post, I discovered certain toiletries and makeup do not travel well.

I bring my bar shampoo and conditioner (below) but use the refillable containers for a little leave-in treatment. Although it's true that hotels tend to provide shampoo, conditioner, soap and body wash I don't like to use the brands usually.  I mean, if there is a nice body wash in there, sure, I'll use that!  But I also bring a small refillable container of my own  This I put it a ziploc baggy,  I don't bother to bring soap or body lotion because I will use those that are provided by the hotel.  I bring my face wash and all my nightly and morning ritual products, a travel sized deodorant and toothpaste and toothbrush in a travel holder.  Even though in uniform you can go through security with full sized containers, trust me, you aren't going to want to.  Bring what you need for a several days only.  I always bring a little bottle of melatonin as well.  I do a lot of red eyes which means napping before hand during the day.  This helps a lot!

In my tote I always have my passport (never take it out because I DO NOT want to forget it), all my chargers for various devices, earbuds, pens, a couple spare trash bags (for during flight as a back up) and several rubber gloves.  I also have eye drops and nasal spray, a few nail files, and extra hair ties.  I keep a bottle of ibuprofen in there as well.  Another one that I refill as needed.  Usually there is a little baggy of cough drops in there as well.  

 

Healthy Eating While Flying

When I first started flying I found myself eating A LOT of fast food.  Frequently there was no other option.  So often there was very little time to grab food between flights and airport options tend to be limited.  Also I'd find the food choices near many hotels weren't the best.  Sometimes I'd find my only other choice besides grabbing a fast food sandwich was overpriced hotel food.  Not only was I going broke doing that but it wasn't the healthiest way to eat either.  Eventually I bought myself an ebags food cooler like the one below.  Later I received a Hot Logic for Christmas one year and my life changed.  Ok that's a little over dramatic.  But it did free from the fast food or high priced food trap.  

There are larger sized lunch coolers as well.  Another investment (but very affordable) was multi-compartment food containers.  My idea of food prepping is extremely simple and usually involves leftovers.  So my meals prior to my trip are chosen according to what makes the best meals the next day.  There is usually a protein, some veggies (usually a simple salad), maybe some cheese, fruit or nuts.  Hard boiled eggs are a frequent food I bring and I really love green olives!  To keep everything cold I either bring my ice bag or ice pack.  Sometimes I don't have the room for my ice bag but they are cheap and easy to find at stores like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc.  Or on Amazon.  The ice bags do come in different sizes as well.

 

I also pick up a box of individual packs of almonds or trail mix for snacks and a cup of plain peanut butter for dipping celery sticks in.   Since I'm pretty basic at my food prepping, here are some links where you can find more food prepping tips, ideas and suggestions.  If you want to make it really simple you can also go to Trader Joe's and purchase premade meals and bring those with you.  Saving money will be important, though, as you begin your flight attendant career so do consider doing your food prepping yourself.  

For Air Crew Who Are Tired Of Feeling Drained: Get a FREE Copy of My Quick & Simple 48 Hour Meal Plan For Sky High Energy

Another flight attendant meal prep for 6 days away!

31 Easy & Healthy Flight Attendant Meal Prep Ideas 

What's in my crew cooler/Flight Attendant Meal Prep 

What's in my crew cooler/Flight Attendant Edition

What's in my flight attendant lunch pail

Sometimes finding a place to plug in my Hot Logic can be a challenge.  I bought a portable power pack.  A very worthwhile investment.