US Airways - March 2014 - (Page 10)

embark Making It Happen Behind the Scenes of Your Flight A Well-Made Plan The typical shift for a US Airways flight attendant depends on a tried-and-true system. By Tara Titcombe ★ 10 MARCH 2014 usairwaysmag.com Once boarding is complete, the airport gate agent gives flight attendants the final paperwork detailing flight information and passengers' special needs. Then the captain approves closing and arming the doors. Once pushback begins, the B attendant makes the departure announcement, while the others perform safety demonstrations. Next, a quick walk through the cabin before being seated in the jumpseats. After takeoff and the level-off announcement, the flight attendants begin cabin service. Susan explains, "We pace ourselves depending on flight length." At the start of descent, the pilot sounds a two-bell signal for flight attendants to begin final cabin preparation. "We make sure everything is properly stowed and in place," Susan says. "Once the seatbelt sign is off, we disarm the doors," she says. "Then passengers can deplane." But her work doesn't end there. "We typically don't work just one flight," Susan explains. "Our days can be long, with sometimes five or six flight segments." PHOTO BY MAX HIRSHFELD A flight attendant since 1978 and with US Airways since 1987, Susan Henry still remembers the moment she decided that's what she wanted to be. She was a young girl on her first airplane trip - an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Chicago. "I was in awe of the experience and of the stewardess who gave me gum," she says. While her favorite thing about the job is the variety, there is a logical progression of her duties for each flight. Flight attendants must check in for domestic trips one hour prior to departure. After clearing security and checking in at the crew room, they head to the plane. The pilots and flight attendants have a quick meeting to discuss flight time and expected flying conditions, and then the flight attendants have their own briefing. "We go over standards and procedures and determine our working positions," Susan notes. Domestic flights are staffed with three, sometimes four, flight attendants depending on aircraft type, and each is assigned a position. With three flight attendants, the lead attendant, often called the A attendant, attends to First Class, and the B and C attendants work the main cabin. Next, it's onto the checks. The aircraft systems, gauges, water levels, lavatory systems, and emergency equipment are monitored before every flight. During boarding, the A flight attendant serves beverages in First Class, while the C attendant greets passengers at the door and the B attendant helps throughout the main cabin. All attendants help store carry-ons. "It's an art form. We call it rearranging furniture," says Susan. http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - March 2014

US Airways - March 2014
Table of Contents
Perspective: CEO Letter
From the Editor
Making It Happen
Wine & Dine: Irish Whiskey
Connections: Everybody's Business
Great Escapes: Manchester, England
Great Escapes: Lisbon, Portugal
Adventure: Skiing in Alyeska, Alaska
Style Spotlight: Tee Time
Diversions: It's Just Lunch
Golf: Five Great Resorts
Gear Up: Going Green
Travel Feature: Winter Park, Florida
US Airways Feature: The Sky Is the Limit
University Spotlight: University of Dayton
Great Resorts: Phoenix
Special Section: Atlantic 10 Conference
Best of Health: Miami Beach Foot & Ankle Surgery
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - March 2014