Flight School Confidential

A travel reporter puts on the uniform and takes a behind-the-scenes look at American Airlines flight attendant training.

Once considered a glamorous job, flight attendants say their roles have changed dramatically, especially since Sept. 11, 2001. As airlines cancel flights they have also cut jobs and salaries, yet safety is more important than ever. The job of flight attendant is said to require the skills of a teacher, pastor, counselor and mediator.

In this New York Times video, travel reporter Michelle Higgins donned a navy suit and starched white shirt to take an inside look at an American Airlines flight attendant training school. Interviews with veteran flight attendants highlight this short yet insightful piece.

LENGTH: 3:13

By Michelle Higgins & Adam B. Ellick
Photography by Ruth Fremson

VIEW: http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=f3239c5e1d7c698e9094ed95d8c864f793a88c11

SEE ALSO:

Flying the Unfriendly Skies
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/travel/14Airline.html

The Curriculum Is Emergencies
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/travel/14AIirlineSide-wb.html

The Life of a Flight Attendant (slide show – 9 images)
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/09/14/travel/0914-AIR_index.html

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