International Flight Attendant Day with Carmen

What made you want to become an FA?

I have always been fascinated with flying, right from when I was a little girl. I loved seeing the flight attendants all dressed up. Then as I got older and started to travel, I was so intrigued by what flight attendants do. I always paid attention to the safety demo and I was always curious as to what they did on a flight. They were polite, personable, and always had a smile on their faces. They made me feel safe when being on a plane.

What advice would you give to a new FA or someone interested in this career?

The best advice I can give a new flight attendant is just be yourself! Also, it’s okay if you find things overwhelming at first. You learn so much in your training and when you come on the line it all makes sense and you continue to learn as you go. Ask a lot of questions, your support system is incredible; your trainers, your lead, and your fellow flight attendants. We were all new at one time and once you pass that first flight it will become a lot easier.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is interacting with passengers, listening to their stories of why they are travelling and where they’re going. I love telling passengers where to go when they’re travelling to Puerto Vallarta because my family is from Mexico. It’s like a little piece of my home for them that they can remember or have never experienced before. When our travellers are going to see families, it warms my heart because they can do it affordably and they get to spend quality time with them. With what we have been through these last two years, I love getting to see travel pick up again and travellers finally going to places they weren’t able to go to. Last but not least, I have to give a huge shoutout to the people I work with! You all make me want to come to work every day. I come to work with a smile on my face knowing that I work with an amazing crew and company. The job would not be the same without you all. Thank you for letting me be part of the Swoop Family.

What is a common misconception about being an FA?

That’s a good question. I don’t think people realize the amount of time we spend behind the scenes on safety-related training/duties. Safety is our number one priority and on a daily basis we are all collectively working together as a team to find areas we can improve on.

Do you have an interesting story about something that happened in flight?

I always find it interesting seeing people as passengers on my flights that I haven’t seen in a while. It is definitely a small world out there, but it amazes me how people can recognize me after years. It’s always a nice surprise when you see people that you used to go to school with or work with come on your aircraft.

What is your favourite Swoop destination?

Ooh man this is a tough one but I’d have to say Mexico. My parents are from there. They grew up in a small town called City Guzman, so being able to fly into Puerto Vallarta and then drive 7 hours to visit my 94-year-old grandpa brings me joy. Being able to just be close to the ocean and soak up the sun is all that I need. Spending time with my family is what makes me want to come back every month in the winter.

What does safety mean to you?

What safety means to me is applying all the skills I have learned and continue to learn these past three years. Exercising our best judgment at all times to best protect our travellers and crew.