What does it mean when a flight attendant is based out of a certain city?

Question

What I mean is, when a flight attendant is [insertcityname here]-based...what does that mean? Do you live there, or fly there frequently...?

Just curious. :)

Answer 1

It means you should live there, cuz thats where all your flights will leave from. You could live someone else, but you'd have to go out of your way to get to the airport everytime you have a flight. Like if your based out of Chicago, you'll take all flights from Chicago to where ever, but always return to Chicago.

Answer 2

It means that all of their trips originate and terminate in that base city.  Commuting in the airline industry is a very very common thing though.  I was in the industry for over 10yrs and I never once lived in my base city.  I commuted to work via plane or bus, or I drove myself ( I was close to base).  If an employee chooses to commute, it is their responsibility to get themselves to work.  If you choose to fly to base, it is on your benefits and is not considered deadheading.  When ne is deadheading they are actually on duty, and the company is paying for your seat and in your seat is guaranteed in many situations.  With standby, youre subject to getting booted just like any other standby.  Some days can be tricky!  Hope this answers your question.

Answer 3

It really has nothing to do where the people on that crew live.  It's simply the city in which they start / end their work assignment.  Most flight crews only work a few days per month because they work so many hours when they are working.  For instance, if a person is 'based' in Atlanta, but lives in Nashville, they just take a flight from Nashville to Atlanta in time to start their work schedule.  When they are on this flight, it is known as 'dead-heading' because they aren't 'working', but on their way to work.