Flight Attendant Day Richard

1. 

   We chatted with Richard about his interesting role as a Swoop Flight Attendant in celebration of International Flight Attendant Day.

   What are some of the first things you do when you land in a new city?

   I definitely have a quick nap depending on how early I was up that day. If I know I’m going to be somewhere with a good amount of time, I will usually talk with my coworkers to find the best and coolest sights to see around the area and the best places to eat around that city. Exploring with the crew and dining at great restaurants is always the highlight of a new city.

   What is the training process like for a flight attendant?

   Intense and slightly intimidating. It’s about three weeks of a lot of reading and SO much information all at once. You’re in class for eight hours a day, then go home and do online learning. Not to mention the tests, there were so many of them and you have to pass with a certain percentage to continue on. Then after that is the last week of drills, First Aid certification and a few other bits of training to bring everything you just learned all together.

   What is your favourite part of your job?

   Interacting with our travellers. Listening to their stories of why they’re travelling is always new and exciting. If they are checking out a new destination, and I’ve been there before I love giving them recommendations of what to do and see in that area. When our travellers are going to see family, it’s heartwarming to hear their stories about their loved ones and that they will be able to spend quality time together. Connecting families is so amazing during this time, especially since COVID-19 has been a struggle for everyone. Lastly, I have to give a shout-out to the people I work with, they make me excited to come into work. The job would not be the same without the supportive culture that the staff and management build every day for our Swoop family.

   What does safety mean to you?

   Safety is the most important aspect of the job. We are all committed to delivering travellers to their destinations safely. When I was young, my baba and my mom had this Macedonian saying that translates to “four eyes”. It means, knowing what is going on in front of you, behind you, and the rest of your surroundings. Being situationally aware ensures safety is always my top priority. It’s better to be proactive than reactive.

   What led you to become a Flight Attendant?

   It’s something I had always thought about. I saw the plane way up in the sky and used to wonder where it was heading. I have a hard time staying in one spot for too long and I don’t like the grass growing under my feet, so this is the perfect job. You can spend three nights in three different cities, be home for a few days with enough time to relax and take care of what you need, then you’re off to somewhere new! No day is ever the same. Each trip is different and that’s what makes it magical. That, and the view from 40, 000 feet!

   I am so thankful to be a part of the Swoop Inflight team! Working with the amazing crew to deliver outstanding service makes this job one of a kind! I’m excited to see the opportunities that will happen in the future for all of us and to bring more affordable travel to all Canadians from coast to coast.

   

Maria Kostaras