the home stretch

lots to catch up on.

Sunday I had my FAM(familiarization flight). Basically it is meant for us to observe and get a little hands on training after we've learned all of the procedure and know what to look for. We have our big OE (Operating Experience) coming up and that is the big deal when we actually work the flights for real and a senior mama checks us off and shadows us the whole time.

So, I get to Hartsfield-Jackson around 6:40 Sunday morning and got my boarding pass and went through security with no problem. As I stroll up to gate C3, my classmate who is riding with me is pretty much freaking out. I got to the gate around 7:05 (our flight is at 8:15). When he asked why I was so late, I didn't realize he was under the impression that we had to be at the gate at least 2 hours early. I assured him that he must have misheard that because there is no logical reason to ever be at the gate more than 45 minutes early (the VERY earliest a plan can board).

I am not an early bird. at all. not a chance i would be at the gate 2 hours early. never. it wont happen.

So we board the flight and there are literally 26 people on board, 9 of who are crew members flying non-rev. So my classmate and I sit in the exit row after chatting with the flight deck and the f/a's on board (super sweet p.s.) We watched and took notes and talked some more. Then, they let us do the in-flight service. It consists of drinks, snacks, and refills. Also getting anything else like earphones or alcoholic drinks. Since the flight was at 8:15 a.m., we didn't sell any drinks, but I did get some really good practice working the cart. Its a little tricky getting the brake in place and judging how much fizz a coke will produce, but its fun and easy. Luckily, since the flight was so empty, we were not rushed at all. Usually the f/a's work at a really fast pace to be sure they take care of everyone. We took our sweet time though and that helped me not to be nervous.

We got to Newark and had about 25 minutes for a turnaround. I had just enough time to look out of the window at the terminal to see NYC and make a quick phone call. Then, we boarded the 717 and flew back to Atlanta.

It was cool to see everything fall into place and see how everything works all together. When that plane is on the ground there are about a million thing going on. My airline is huge on leaving and arriving on time, so the f/a's have to corral people to their seats and get the safety demos done quick. Its all about timing.

It was also great to see everyone in uniform! So cute! I can't wait to get mine in 3 days! :)