theflyingpinto

Jenny asks: “Do you have to possess a college degree or prior flight attendant training upon applying to be a flight attendant?” The short answer is no. Most major airlines prefer a college degree but, do not require one. Since most major airlines now require you to be twenty one before you apply it makes sense to go to school before becoming a flight attendant. Not only will you make yourself more attractive to the airlines but, it will also give you something to fall back on. Once you... Read Full Story

How you look says a lot about you. I know the last thing you are thinking about when it comes to air travel is style. You’re more interested in how to squeeze everything into your one carry on and all you care about is being in something comfortable for your long flight. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. In fact if you follow these tips I can all but guarantee you will not only be comfortable but, you will be the best dressed on your flight. And, you never know where that might... Read Full Story

“ A family of six who attempted to fly on just three tickets were kicked off the plane by flight attendants.” as reported by the Daily Mail. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081013/Family-thrown-US-Airways-flight-trying-fit-just-THREE-seats.html#ixzz1iFIFgSBD It’s articles like these that make me realize how misinformed the flying public really is. Air travel is extremely safe and 2011 was one of the safest years in aviation. As much as we all love to hate the FAA they... Read Full Story

Happy Holidays to my fellow travelers, airlines, frequent fliers and crew. May all your flights be smooth and merry throughout this hectic holiday season! By Elyse Pasquale What twelve days of (stressful, overbooked, weather-delayed, gate-checked, crowded, hilarious and fun) holiday travel gave to me: Twelve Passengers Fuming The “customer service” line at SEA airport was so long, and the weather across the entire country was so nice…I didn’t even want to ask. Eleven Excuses for... Read Full Story

If you haven’t had a chance check out my podcast The Crew Lounge on upgrd.com ! I’m proud to say we’re up to 79 episodes which you can subscribe to for free on itunes ! And, while you’re there be sure to rate and review us! You can also check out a whole section of airline bloggers at upgrd.com called The Crew Room! Each week on UPGRD I’ll be posting some things I “over hear” from other flight attendants! The idea for The Crew Lounge was to give everyone a peek inside the life of a flight... Read Full Story

Looking for last minute stocking stuffers for the traveler in your life? Here is a list of must haves for any flight attendant: VIOlight Personal/Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer The convenient personal toothbrush sanitizer for people on-the-go!The Violight Personal/Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer uses  germ-eliminating UV technology in a go-anywhere package. The germicidal light activates as soon as you close the lid, and in 6 minutes your toothbrush is sanitized and stored. Travel Power Strip... Read Full Story

One of the best things about being a flight attendant is the layovers! Since I only fly domestic these days, I live vicariously through my international friends on Facebook! I especially miss flying to Europe this time of year so I asked my friend Jennifer Mackesy if she would share her pictures of Germany and one of their famous Christmas markets! Enjoy! Read Full Story

After hearing today what American Airlines had to say about their special passenger, I decided to share with you what flight attendants are saying behind the galley curtain: Jake* : After reading about Alec Baldwin being removed from a flight for refusing to turn off his cell phone and verbally berating the crew, it got me thinking about enforcing the electronics policy. How little is too little? How far is too far? For me, I tell them it needs to be turned off and walk away. End of story... Read Full Story

This year for my favorite things I am going to post two lists one for my favorite kids travel things and one for everyone. I travel frequently with my four year old and I’m always trying to stream line and make our journey as stress free as possible, here are some of my favorite things! If you travel a lot with your kids here are some things to put on your list for Santa: iPad This is actually something we share. Great for kids shows, books, taking pictures, taking videos and so... Read Full Story

A guest post from Elyse Pasquale a.k.a. Foodie International : The stress of traveling around the holidays can drive anyone to drink. Long lines at security, overbooked flights and the sometimes-tearful surrendering of oversized carry-ons are just a few contributing factors. A recent rise in bad behavior on airplanes (think episodes of crotch-grabbing, aisle-peeing and futile in-flight attempts to open the exit door) should make even the most experienced traveler think twice about tippling... Read Full Story