This as-told-to essay is predicated on a transcribed dialog with Arta Uma Upmale, a 26-year-old social-media supervisor and part-time flight attendant at airBaltic, Latvia’s flagship provider airline. The next has been edited for size and readability.
I began at airBaltic in 2021 as a social-media supervisor. I cherished my job, after which it acquired even higher — I had the possibility to change into a part-time flight attendant.
After pandemic restrictions lifted and air journey acquired again to regular, airBaltic wanted further plane employees, so it launched its “Workplace within the Sky” program. It permits the corporate’s workplace staff to bear cabin-crew coaching and take flying shifts a number of instances a month round their full-time jobs.
I used to be a little bit of an anxious flyer, however I utilized. I noticed it as an opportunity to make further revenue — supplied and supported by my employer. I used to be interested by what the cabin-crew job was like. I additionally wished to expertise the coaching, which I believed can be enjoyable.
I used to be chosen for additional coaching after passing well being checks and psychological exams.
I had no thought how intensive cabin-crew coaching was
Whether or not you are a full-time or part-time cabin crew member, there are not any shortcuts. We have been taught the ins and outs of the plane and how you can deal with all conditions and situations that may occur on board — from sad passengers to first help and emergency landings.
We needed to learn a whole lot of pages of coaching supplies and manuals. There have been dozens of exams and sensible workouts. As soon as, we needed to role-play a passenger rescue mission after an emergency water touchdown. We have been dumped right into a pool with life vests on whereas synthetic waves tossed us round and helicopter sounds performed within the background.
I spent three evenings per week and each second Saturday within the coaching heart for 4 months. It was exhausting however fascinating. AirBaltic additionally paid me a stipend on high of my wage your complete time, which was further motivation to hold on.
When the coaching concluded, I needed to take a number of coaching flights and go a line verify. That is when a cabin-crew teacher observes the trainee’s work throughout a flight earlier than they’ll begin flying duties.
I began coaching in October 2022 and did my first shift in April 2023.
Now, I largely fly two instances a month and as much as 4 instances a month throughout peak season. I am not anxious when flying — I understand how the plane works, so each little sound, beep, or squeak makes excellent sense to me.
I take pleasure in being a part of the cabin crew, however my precedence is my workplace job
Balancing flying with my workplace work entails strategic scheduling. I take early morning, night, and weekend shifts to make sure I do not miss any commitments for my full-time job.
For instance, a fast 6 a.m. flight from Riga to Helsinki and again means I am carried out by 10 a.m. and might be again within the workplace for my working day.
On weekends, I desire longer flights. My favourite is Lisbon, which is a 4 ½ hour flight from Riga. I take pleasure in sharing journey suggestions with passengers and noting concepts for my future journeys.
Longer flights equal increased earnings, too. Flying shifts are paid by the hour. As an present airBaltic worker, I obtain time beyond regulation pay.
If I’ve free time on flights, I work on my day by day duties as a social-media supervisor. I discuss to colleagues and passengers for content material inspiration, take images and movies, and draft posts. On lengthy flights, I often have extra time for it.
A component-time cabin-crew job fits me completely
For the reason that coaching was carried out, this aspect gig hasn’t taken up a lot of my free time. It is fairly predictable — so long as it would not intervene with my workplace duties, I do know I am going to have a minimum of two shifts a month. This function can also be a very good match for me; I am a individuals particular person and like taking good care of passengers.
On the flip aspect, being a flight attendant will not be for you in the event you don’t love working with individuals. This job requires robust communication expertise and empathy. And you need to be prepared for endless coaching, exams, and line checks to satisfy the trade’s security necessities. Some might discover this burdensome.
In my case, this job additionally requires me to be extremely versatile if I would like further shifts. I’ll get a name throughout the day to cowl one that very same night, with little time to consider it.
Combining flight attending with one other job is extra practical than I believed
The “Workplace within the Sky” program could also be distinctive to airBaltic, however the flexibility of being cabin crew is common. I’ve colleagues who work as cabin crew full time and mix their work with being architects, physiotherapists, and private trainers.
A cabin-crew job might be as versatile or fastened as you want, relying on the kind of roster you select. Should you like touring whereas pursuing one other occupation, turning into a part of a cabin crew is one option to do it.
