For many flight attendants commuting and crashpads are a part of the lifestyle. Most of the workforce commutes to work via a car, highway, train or bus. Aviation professionals such as pilots and flight attendants may choose to commute to work as well, but by flying. It’s not the most desirable lifestyle when it comes to getting to and from work, but many people choose this way in their career. This keeps them from having to uproot from where they live, to a new city. It is an added flight to the beginning and ending of each trip, but sometimes it’s worth it.
While most airlines will ask you if you are willing to relocate to your base, they also know that people will commute. One of the requirements of this career is to be flexible. Schedules change every month and it’s not your typical nine to five job. Of course you’ll want to tell them that you are willing to relocate on the application because, maybe you are. But if your situation is one where you really don’t want to relocate, then commuting is an option.
How Does Commuting Work?
When you become qualified as a flight attendant you are certified by the FAA to sit in a “jump-seat”. This is where flight attendants sit for takeoff and landing and throughout the flight when not performing duties. Many airplanes have at least one extra jump-seat so that if you need to get to work you occupy that seat. It’s not the most comfortable way to get to and from work, but it gets you where you need to be.
Many airlines have a “commuting clause” in their contracts to cover your flights should you be unable to make it to work. While this is a nice perk to have, it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card and you must make every effort to get to work. The company you get hired with will go into more detail about it when necessary.
Also, when your travel benefits are active, you will be able to travel “space available” and if there’s an open passenger seat, you will be able to sit there. I commuted during certain periods in my career and most of the time I really enjoyed it. I was able to focus on my day and enjoy a nice flight at the same time. Although commuting isn’t ideal, it’s an option that many flight attendants use to be in the career they love.
Crashpads
A crashpad is a place where flight attendants and pilots rent a room and it’s similar to signing a lease for an apartment. There are several different types of crashpads and amenities. They are a temporary place to sleep and usually don’t allow you to move-in full time. Having a crashpad is a way of saving money if you commute and need a place to stay. For instance, most commuters who are based out a New York will have a crashpad. The cost is cheaper than trying to find a hotel room for each night you spend in base. There are many websites that list crashpads and their availability for many cities. Once you get your base, you can check them out and find one that suits you.
As you can see, commuting and crashpads are just another way of making this career work for you. Do not think that because you don’t live where you’ll be based that it wont work for you. The flexibility of this career is what is so attractive about it.
Crashpad Websites
https://www.purecrashpads.com/ https://crashpad411.com/ https://www.crewmatescrashpads.com/ http://www.crashpads.com/
Questions?
Please feel free to ask me any questions and I will be happy to respond. This is just a brief introduction into what you can expect this lifestyle to be like. I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for anything. Remember that you are on a journey. Enjoy the ride. Contact me at professionalflightattendant@gmail.com. Please visit my site professionalflightattendant.com for more articles, stories and a list of airlines and airlines that are hiring.
Thank you, Jason.
