This text initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.
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 beloved my job, after which it bought even higher — I had the possibility to develop into a part-time flight attendant.
After pandemic restrictions lifted and air journey bought again to regular, airBaltic wanted additional plane employees, so it launched its “Workplace within the Sky” program. It permits the corporate’s workplace employees to bear cabin-crew coaching and take flying shifts a number of occasions 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 additional revenue — supplied and supported by my employer. I used to be interested in what the cabin-crew job was like. I additionally wished to expertise the coaching, which I assumed could be enjoyable.
I used to be chosen for additional coaching after passing well being checks and psychological checks.
I had no thought how in depth cabin-crew coaching was
Whether or not you are a full-time or part-time cabin crew member, there are not any shortcuts. We had been taught the ins and outs of the plane and the way to deal with all conditions and eventualities 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 checks and sensible workout routines. As soon as, we needed to role-play a passenger rescue mission after an emergency water touchdown. We had 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 middle for 4 months. It was exhausting however fascinating. AirBaltic additionally paid me a stipend on high of my wage the whole time, which was additional motivation to hold on.
When the coaching concluded, I needed to take a number of coaching flights and cross a line verify. That is when a cabin-crew teacher observes the trainee’s work throughout a flight earlier than they will begin flying duties.
I began coaching in October 2022 and did my first shift in April 2023.
Now, I principally fly two occasions a month and as much as 4 occasions a month throughout peak season. I am now not anxious when flying — I understand how the plane works, so each little sound, beep, or squeak makes excellent sense to me.
I get pleasure from 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 achieved by 10 a.m. and might be again within the workplace for my working day.
On weekends, I want longer flights. My favourite is Lisbon, which is a 4 ½ hour flight from Riga. I get pleasure from 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 pictures 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 achieved, this facet gig hasn’t taken up a lot of my free time. It is fairly predictable — so long as it does not intrude with my workplace duties, I do know I will have at the very least two shifts a month. This function can be an excellent match for me; I am a individuals particular person and like caring for passengers.
On the flip facet, being a flight attendant just isn’t for you if you happen to don’t love working with individuals. This job requires robust communication expertise and empathy. And it’s important to be prepared for unending coaching, checks, and line checks to fulfill the trade’s security necessities. Some could discover this burdensome.
In my case, this job additionally requires me to be extremely versatile if I would like additional shifts. I’ll get a name through 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 assumed
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. If you happen to like touring whereas pursuing one other career, turning into a part of a cabin crew is one option to do it.
