As a spokesman for Capital One, Alec
Baldwin is shown getting star treatment from airlines in television
commercials for the Venture credit card. However, the 30 Rock actor
wasn't feeling the love recently when he was booted from an American
Airlines flight for refusing to turn off his cell phone.
Words With Friends causes war of words
Baldwin learned the hard way that when flight attendants ask you to put your seat in an upright position and power down all electronic devices, they mean it. While waiting on the tarmac to depart Los Angeles, the actor was reportedly engrossed in a game of Words With Friends on his smart phone. When he apparently refused a request to turn off his phone, the pilot returned the plane to the terminal where Baldwin was shown the door.
During the incident, Baldwin took to Twitter to share that a flight attendant had "reamed me out" for playing the game while the plane sat at the gate. In a Facebook posting, American Airlines shot back that the decision to remove Baldwin from the plane was about more than just a word game.
"The passenger ultimately stood up (with the seat belt light still on for departure) and took his phone into the plane's lavatory," read the airline's Facebook post. "The passenger was extremely rude to the crew, calling them inappropriate names and using offensive language. Given the facts above, the passenger was removed from the flight and denied boarding."
Baldwin responded with an essay on the Huffington Post in which he argued his actions were the result of frustration over the "inelegant" service provided by domestic airline carriers. He also asserted he was not the only passenger using his phone but rather was singled out as an example.
Right or wrong, flight attendants enforce the rules
The Baldwin incident brings to light an ongoing debate about whether the use of electronics actually poses a safety risk. The Federal Aviation Administration requires cell phones, laptops, mp3 players and other devices be turned off during take-off, landing and other critical phases of flight.
The ban was originally enacted out of fear that radio transmissions from these devices could interfere with airplane operations. While studies have failed to show interference from digital devices, supporters of the ban say they don't discount the possibility of interference either. In a New York Times article, an FAA spokesman stated the agency would rather be safe than sorry.
Regardless of whether cell phones actually pose a hazard, flight attendants bear the responsibility of ensuring all regulations are followed. If the FAA requires cell phones to be turned off once the plane door is closed at the gate, the flight attendants don't get to decide whether or not the rule makes sense. It is simply their job to enforce it.
Working as a flight attendant
Flight attendants, however, do more than just kick Alec Baldwin off planes. They ensure the safety and comfort of passengers by providing in-flight meals and drinks, administering first aid and supervising evacuation, should the need ever arise. Flight attendants greet customers, check tickets and also serve as the public face of an airline.
Since quality flight attendants are a critical part of customer satisfaction, airlines often look for individuals with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job candidates with degrees may be favored over those with less education.
Flight attendants need to be ready to respond to a variety of situations, and the BLS reports that degrees in fields such as communications or hospitality can help flight attendants develop the people skills needed to keep passengers safe -- and happy -- at 30,000 feet. In addition, those with a degree in nursing or psychology may be appealing to employers for the specialized skills they bring to the position.
Furthermore, flight attendants who seek employment with international airlines generally are required to speak at least one foreign language, and sometimes more, the BLS reports.
Flight attendant incomes and job growth
Although the airline industry has been squeezed by increasing fuel prices and tightening government regulations, the need for flight attendants continues to grow. The BLS projects demand for these professionals should increase 8 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2010, the mean annual wages for flight attendants was $41,630.
However, money isn't the only motivating factor when it comes to working as a flight attendant. Many choose this career for the opportunity to travel the country and the world. Earning a degree in communications or a related field can be a great way to start a career that doubles as an exciting adventure.
Words With Friends causes war of words
Baldwin learned the hard way that when flight attendants ask you to put your seat in an upright position and power down all electronic devices, they mean it. While waiting on the tarmac to depart Los Angeles, the actor was reportedly engrossed in a game of Words With Friends on his smart phone. When he apparently refused a request to turn off his phone, the pilot returned the plane to the terminal where Baldwin was shown the door.
During the incident, Baldwin took to Twitter to share that a flight attendant had "reamed me out" for playing the game while the plane sat at the gate. In a Facebook posting, American Airlines shot back that the decision to remove Baldwin from the plane was about more than just a word game.
"The passenger ultimately stood up (with the seat belt light still on for departure) and took his phone into the plane's lavatory," read the airline's Facebook post. "The passenger was extremely rude to the crew, calling them inappropriate names and using offensive language. Given the facts above, the passenger was removed from the flight and denied boarding."
Baldwin responded with an essay on the Huffington Post in which he argued his actions were the result of frustration over the "inelegant" service provided by domestic airline carriers. He also asserted he was not the only passenger using his phone but rather was singled out as an example.
Right or wrong, flight attendants enforce the rules
The Baldwin incident brings to light an ongoing debate about whether the use of electronics actually poses a safety risk. The Federal Aviation Administration requires cell phones, laptops, mp3 players and other devices be turned off during take-off, landing and other critical phases of flight.
The ban was originally enacted out of fear that radio transmissions from these devices could interfere with airplane operations. While studies have failed to show interference from digital devices, supporters of the ban say they don't discount the possibility of interference either. In a New York Times article, an FAA spokesman stated the agency would rather be safe than sorry.
Regardless of whether cell phones actually pose a hazard, flight attendants bear the responsibility of ensuring all regulations are followed. If the FAA requires cell phones to be turned off once the plane door is closed at the gate, the flight attendants don't get to decide whether or not the rule makes sense. It is simply their job to enforce it.
Working as a flight attendant
Flight attendants, however, do more than just kick Alec Baldwin off planes. They ensure the safety and comfort of passengers by providing in-flight meals and drinks, administering first aid and supervising evacuation, should the need ever arise. Flight attendants greet customers, check tickets and also serve as the public face of an airline.
Since quality flight attendants are a critical part of customer satisfaction, airlines often look for individuals with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job candidates with degrees may be favored over those with less education.
Flight attendants need to be ready to respond to a variety of situations, and the BLS reports that degrees in fields such as communications or hospitality can help flight attendants develop the people skills needed to keep passengers safe -- and happy -- at 30,000 feet. In addition, those with a degree in nursing or psychology may be appealing to employers for the specialized skills they bring to the position.
Furthermore, flight attendants who seek employment with international airlines generally are required to speak at least one foreign language, and sometimes more, the BLS reports.
Flight attendant incomes and job growth
Although the airline industry has been squeezed by increasing fuel prices and tightening government regulations, the need for flight attendants continues to grow. The BLS projects demand for these professionals should increase 8 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2010, the mean annual wages for flight attendants was $41,630.
However, money isn't the only motivating factor when it comes to working as a flight attendant. Many choose this career for the opportunity to travel the country and the world. Earning a degree in communications or a related field can be a great way to start a career that doubles as an exciting adventure.
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