International Flight Attendant Day Meghan

What made you want to become an FA?

It was love at first flight for me! I was 12 years old when I took my first flight as a passenger. I remember looking out of the window while we raced down the runway when suddenly the airplane gracefully lifted off into the peaceful sky and onwards to our destination. I was hooked. The thrill was so special, and my intention was set to become a Flight Attendant.

The journey to become an FA was challenging at times, but it motivated me to get me where I am today: 41,000FT up off the ground! I still look out the window when we’re in cruise, except now it’s from the jump-seat with my pink scarf fluffed up around my neck and wings pinned onto my uniform. The momentum of the engines as we speed down the runway and lift into the sky still gives me such sparkle & joy. I blush 'magenta' every time.

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

You really must have the zest, stamina & desire for flying. If I could sum up the FA lifestyle in one word, it would be ‘spontaneous’. You must be able to adapt to change quickly, as no two flights are alike. You’ll be flying different monthly schedules with different crews and travellers, as well as reserve days (hello 2-hour callouts day or night)! Staying organized and prepared while keeping your well-being and health a top priority will help you be successful in the aviation industry. Show up to the gate as your best self and take it to the skies; review the FAM, be fearless, resilient & safety-focused and let joy be your GPS.

What do you always do when you get to a new city?

I love to take long, leisurely walks with a thermos of tea in my hand. Or I’ll pop into a neat cafe for a treat! It’s so rejuvenating post-flight to exercise, breathe in the fresh air, take in sights and sounds, pop into shops, galleries and/or restaurants that look of interest, and create a little fun. Having a laugh with the crew is always a great time too.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I’m grateful for the skills I’ve learned during training, and I can put them to valuable use when handling a medical incident, for example. Every flight is different, so the fun part is that I’m able to improve my skills even further. I am always learning, which is energizing and great for my own personal and career development. Being a Flight Attendant is a rewarding position to be in, which I’m so proud about.

I also get to see the prettiest of views & the most vibrant of colours in the sky. Thank you sunrises, sunsets, moonrises, and northern lights! Sometimes I'm lucky enoug to see all four in one day! The exciting bonus of being an FA is using my travel benefits.

What is a common misconception about being an FA?

That we are ‘waitresses in the sky’ or ‘coffee pushers’. Travellers obviously see us serving drinks and food in the cabin, as that is part of our duties and can be quite fun. However, we are there firstly for traveller & crew SAFETY. Before even stepping onto the aircraft to operate, you are completely immersed in Initial Training. This is a four-week course designed to train and drill you on emergency procedures such as how to extinguish a live fire, how to correctly use emergency equipment, and prepare you for medicals on board the aircraft. While we may be walking the aisle with a smile, just remember that as a crew, we can forcibly evacuate the cabin in 90 seconds or less if an emergency arises on land or in water.

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

It can be anything from a tough or vulnerable time for a traveller or a happy time. Being fully present and empathetic can mean the world to a person. Interesting things happen when a little kindness is shared between people.

What are some other career opportunities that interest you?

I enjoy photography & creative writing so marketing would be interesting to do alongside flying. I’d like to be part of Flight Attendant interview days as wel,l so a bit of Human Resources experience would be neat. I do love Inflight, so I’d like to be more involved in this area too. I am open to opportunities to further my career. I am very grateful to be where I am yet I’m excited about where I can go.

What is your favourite Swoop destination?

Victoria, British Columbia. ‘The City of Gardens’.

What does safety mean to you?

To do my duties fully and make conscious decisions. This will keep me aligned and focused. To do so I have a delicate eco-system of healthy habits like getting proper rest, eating well, doing yoga, drinking lots of water, and exercising.