If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you’ve likely seen a flight attendant working hard to ensure your safety and comfort. However, have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes regarding their work schedules and shifts? A critical aspect of the job is “flight attendant reserve,” which involves being on standby to cover unexpected absences or changes in flight plans. So what exactly is the flight attendant reserve?
What is Flight Attendant Reserve
Flight attendant reserve refers to when a flight attendant is available for work on short notice. This is especially important when covering unexpected absences or changes in flight plans. Flight attendants on reserve must remain close to the airport for some time, usually 24 or 48 hours, and be available to report to work with as little as 2 hours’ notice.
During a flight attendant’s reserve period, they are on-call and must be ready to report to work immediately. This means they may be unable to make plans, leave town, or even leave their home during this time. The length of their reserve period may vary from airline to airline and may also be affected by factors such as seniority and availability of other flight attendants.
How it Works
When flight attendants are on reserve, they are given a minimum number of days off each month, usually more than they would get if they worked a regular schedule. This balances the unpredictable nature of being on reserve and the desire for some time off for personal, family, or other obligations.
While being on reserve means the possibility of being called in at any time, there are some benefits as well. For example, flight attendants on reserve typically earn a higher hourly pay rate than those on a regular schedule. Moreover, if they aren’t called in for duty during their reserve period, they get paid for their time on call.
The flight attendant reserve is critical to ensuring smooth operations in the airline industry. While it can be difficult for flight attendants to balance the demands of the job with their personal lives, being on reserve also provides some benefits, such as additional time off and higher pay rates. So, the next time you fly, keep these unsung heroes and their behind-the-scenes work in mind – including the hard work they put in on reserve.
