I am very interested in becoming an air hostess but have 2 kids under 2 Do you think this wouldgo against me?

Question

I am very interested in becoming an air hostess but have 2 kids under 2 Do you think this wouldgo against me?

Answer 1

Depends on what country you're in. In the U.S., you are protected by law. You can't be asked about your family status, if you have children and/or are married. Age discrimination is also illegal, which would be your hurdle in some countries, more than having two small children.

I was a Flight Attendant for 13 years and I had a baby while I flew and went back to work. It's a great job for working moms since you're home more than away. Your 9-5 girlfriends see much LESS of their children.

The problem is the initial training, which can be as long as 8 weeks long. You need to be able tod manage this.

While U.S. companies can't ask about your personal situation, you are not prevented from volunteering information if you feel it will help you get the job. An example would be "I'm so glad I have family support. My mom just retired and lives down the street so I'm covered as far as childcare is concerned..."

Be aware of the base situation. Will you get to chose which airport out of which you'll fly or are you expected to relocate? This is a major consideration for parent new-hires. Don't slog through training only to find out that you're placed hundreds of miles away and that your local base requires 20 years' seniority.

You will need support, from your husband, family and/or friends. Some coworkers hired au pairs and used standard child care options in addition to those close to them pitching in. Many found that it was easier since their spouses and family didn't have to do it every day, as they would have if the mom worked in an office.

The travel benefits are great for families and it's great for kids to have a parent home during the day most of the time. If you're organized, this job should work out fine!

Answer 2

It really should not because it is outside of the scope of your employment.  But, in today's airline situation, they will be more picky in hiring, if hiring at all, and your availability could become an issue, especially early on when you are a reserve and on call.

Answer 3

Air Hostess? Is that the new lingo for Stewardess?

Answer 4

Your personal life will remain personal unless you bring it up.  Airlines aren't concerned with whether you have children or not.  They will be however, when and if you can't complete your assignments and try to use your family as an excuse.  Remember that new hire flight attendants are at the bottom of the heap as far as scheduling assignments, pay, and senority go. You will more than likely be working most holidays, weekends, children's birthdays, mother's day, etc. for a while.  Not being able to line up child care is also not an acceptable excuse for not coming to work.  Do you realize that initial flight attedant training is usually a period of 6 weeks or so during which time you will more than likely not be able to see your family?  Please think about all these circumstances carefully before pursuing this job direction.  Having flown for over 25 years I can tell you it can be a wonderful career.  It does come with some significant sacrifices though.  If you truly feel you have adequate support systems in place to allow you to be gone for periods of time, often at a moments notice, can commit to not being there for every ball game, dance recital, birthday, holiday, or graduation for a while, and are willing to do whatever it takes to honor your working commitments then go for it.  If however, you feel like you aren't ready to make that kind of commitment just yet, then wait until your children are older and then pursue this dream.  Now is not a very good time to try and break into the aviation industry.  Perhaps in the interim you could find a position closer to home that would help develop those skills that will benefit you when you do make the decision to apply to be  flight attedant.  Best of luck to you and your family.