If you've ever been offered a ginger ale at 35,000 feet while watching the clouds roll by, you’ve probably encountered one of the travel industry’s real MVPs, the flight attendant.
They’re more than snack-slingers or seatbelt enforcers, flight attendants are trained safety professionals, emotional support providers, logistics masters, and the glue that holds every flight together. At Tisson TravelGroup and Travel with Tannis, we’re constantly in awe of these high-flying humans and think it’s time they get the spotlight, and respect, they deserve.
Who Are Flight Attendants, Really?
Flight attendants are highly trained professionals responsible for passenger safety, comfort, and emergency response. Before they ever hand out a drink, they’ve completed weeks (sometimes months) of intensive training that includes:
- Fire safety
- Medical emergencies (yes, they’re CPR certified)
- Evacuation drills
- Conflict de-escalation
- Aircraft-specific technical knowledge
They’re also trained to do all of that while staying calm, collected, and often smiling, even after a 12-hour transatlantic flight.
Whether flying with trusted Canadian carriers like WestJet or Air Canada, passengers are in incredibly capable hands thanks to these dedicated crew members.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Flight Attendants
- They walk an average of 4–5 miles per flight, just inside the cabin.
- The average flight attendant knows how to deliver a baby on board.
- They undergo annual re-certifications to stay current on safety procedures.
- Flight attendants are trained to spot intoxicated passengers, smuggled goods, and suspicious behavior, all while offering you headphones with a grin.
- Some flight attendants speak four or more languages to assist international travelers.
Why They Deserve Our Respect
Let’s be honest, working with hundreds of people in a metal tube flying through the sky at nearly 900 km/h isn’t exactly easy. From turbulence and medical emergencies to difficult passengers and jet lag, flight attendants handle it all with professionalism and grace.
They’re often the first responders in a crisis. They’re the ones who help calm nervous flyers. They assist parents traveling solo with kids, offer reassurance when delays strike, and yes, they remember your drink order with eerie accuracy.
If you’ve ever flown with WestJet or Air Canada, you’ve likely experienced the warmth, humour, and professionalism Canadian flight attendants are known for. Their dedication to passenger care makes them not just service providers, but true ambassadors of Canadian hospitality in the sky.
How You Can Show Appreciation
Next time you fly, consider these small gestures that go a long way:
- Greet your flight attendant with a smile
- Say “thank you,” genuinely
- Follow the safety instructions
- Avoid using the call button excessively
- Bring a small thank-you card or treat, it’s more appreciated than you know
Flight Attendants and Travel Advisors: A Dream Team
As travel advisors, we work behind the scenes to curate seamless experiences. Flight attendants are the ones who help those dreams take flight, literally. We may help you book the trip, but they’re the ones getting you there safely.
So here’s to our fellow travel professionals in the skies, including our trusted partners at WestJet and Air Canada. You make the magic happen, and we see you.
