Well, the phone didn't ring...but I aggressively bid on three 2-day jobs for tomorrow, and I actually GOT ONE!
I have a showtime of 9:10AM tomorrow, and will fly to Minneapolis! Then I'll have a 16 hour layover there, and I'll be back in Denver by 8AM on Friday.
Guess where I'll probably end up going during my layover...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Waiting Patiently...
Here I sit brokenhearted,
wanting to fly away.
But there are no trips on the board
that match me day for day.
I still have five more days "on call"
but they'll be over real soon.
I sure hope some good trips pop up,
maybe overnights in Cancun!
Meanwhile, I'll work in my yard,
pay bills, and surf the 'net,
greet Greg when he comes home today,
and spend time with Kikko, my pet!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Is it Saturday Already?!?
Lots has happened since I flew the couch on Wednesday.
On Thursday afternoon, one of my classmates, Venica, and I were assigned to "shadow" the Crew Services Department and the Crew Scheduling Department at our headquarters near the airport in Denver. What a great adventure that was! With crew services, they looked at our "bids" for May to see if what we submitted was correct, they gave us pointers for when we will "hold a line" (i.e. not be on reserve any longer), etc. Since we were both in the "smart class," we had already figured a lot of things out! But we did pick up a nugget or two (new pieces of info).
Then came Crew Scheduling...they're located "in the fishbowl" inside the headquarters (a room with a wall of windows facing the lobby) - along with all the operations people that run the airline...it was a room with about 20 or so people in it - amazing to see. We got to see what happens after aggressive bidding closes at 3PM, how those bids are handled and jobs assigned, how the unassigned jobs are assigned, and how people are selected to "fly the couch" or, as we told them, get assigned to CPD (couch potato duty).
These activities today helped to clear up a bunch of "rumors" that we have heard, and now we are armed with the correct info so that we can help "spread the truth!" Before we left, I made sure to tell them that I didn't want any more calls at 4AM telling me that I had a showtime of 6AM...so instead, that night, they called me at 10PM to tell me that I had a showtime of 6AM! Those guys...they surely have a sense of humor!!!
But they weren't kidding...someone had called in sick for a turn to Cancun for Friday. So I rushed Kikko over to the dogsitter's house (Greg did not get on the Thursday afternoon flight to DCA - there were 16 non-revs fighting for 8 seats, and we're not real high on the seniority list. But I got him a hotel room near the airport, and he was able to get on the Friday morning flight!!!), then I grabbed a few hours sleep before leaving the house at 3:45AM.
My flight was with a couple "senior mamas" - those who have been with the company 10+ years. Let's just say that not everything was done the way that I was taught, and when I made a comment to one of them, she said something along the lines of "well it changes every year, so we all kind of just do what we want." Hmmmm. I hope my attitude doesn't change to that when I've been there 10+ years!
Anyway, the flights were Apple Vacations charters - the group going to Cancun were ready and raring to go and the group coming back were sunburned, tired, and NOT ready and raring to come home! There were lots of nice people onboard and I enjoyed chatting with them.
The one thing that I DIDN'T do, was look outside when we were on the ground in Cancun. I could feel that it was warm, and I could tell that it was sunny...I just didn't want to be held responsible for my actions if I looked outside, ran to the back of the plane and exited via the air stairs, and ran around on the tarmac screaming like a banshee, hoping that they'd let me stay in Cancun. Something tells me that if I did stay, it'd be a room without windows, but with a lot of padding!
I got home around 6:30PM or so, picked up Kikko at the dogsitter's house, had a good night's sleep (first on the couch and then in bed), and now I don't want to do a thing! But I must!!! I am back on duty tomorrow for SIX DAYS in a row (see what happens when you arrange your schedule to take several days off at one time?!?!).
On Thursday afternoon, one of my classmates, Venica, and I were assigned to "shadow" the Crew Services Department and the Crew Scheduling Department at our headquarters near the airport in Denver. What a great adventure that was! With crew services, they looked at our "bids" for May to see if what we submitted was correct, they gave us pointers for when we will "hold a line" (i.e. not be on reserve any longer), etc. Since we were both in the "smart class," we had already figured a lot of things out! But we did pick up a nugget or two (new pieces of info).
Then came Crew Scheduling...they're located "in the fishbowl" inside the headquarters (a room with a wall of windows facing the lobby) - along with all the operations people that run the airline...it was a room with about 20 or so people in it - amazing to see. We got to see what happens after aggressive bidding closes at 3PM, how those bids are handled and jobs assigned, how the unassigned jobs are assigned, and how people are selected to "fly the couch" or, as we told them, get assigned to CPD (couch potato duty).
These activities today helped to clear up a bunch of "rumors" that we have heard, and now we are armed with the correct info so that we can help "spread the truth!" Before we left, I made sure to tell them that I didn't want any more calls at 4AM telling me that I had a showtime of 6AM...so instead, that night, they called me at 10PM to tell me that I had a showtime of 6AM! Those guys...they surely have a sense of humor!!!
But they weren't kidding...someone had called in sick for a turn to Cancun for Friday. So I rushed Kikko over to the dogsitter's house (Greg did not get on the Thursday afternoon flight to DCA - there were 16 non-revs fighting for 8 seats, and we're not real high on the seniority list. But I got him a hotel room near the airport, and he was able to get on the Friday morning flight!!!), then I grabbed a few hours sleep before leaving the house at 3:45AM.
My flight was with a couple "senior mamas" - those who have been with the company 10+ years. Let's just say that not everything was done the way that I was taught, and when I made a comment to one of them, she said something along the lines of "well it changes every year, so we all kind of just do what we want." Hmmmm. I hope my attitude doesn't change to that when I've been there 10+ years!
Anyway, the flights were Apple Vacations charters - the group going to Cancun were ready and raring to go and the group coming back were sunburned, tired, and NOT ready and raring to come home! There were lots of nice people onboard and I enjoyed chatting with them.
The one thing that I DIDN'T do, was look outside when we were on the ground in Cancun. I could feel that it was warm, and I could tell that it was sunny...I just didn't want to be held responsible for my actions if I looked outside, ran to the back of the plane and exited via the air stairs, and ran around on the tarmac screaming like a banshee, hoping that they'd let me stay in Cancun. Something tells me that if I did stay, it'd be a room without windows, but with a lot of padding!
I got home around 6:30PM or so, picked up Kikko at the dogsitter's house, had a good night's sleep (first on the couch and then in bed), and now I don't want to do a thing! But I must!!! I am back on duty tomorrow for SIX DAYS in a row (see what happens when you arrange your schedule to take several days off at one time?!?!).
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Revolving Door
Let's see...where did I leave off? After flying the couch on Saturday, I was awarded a 20 hour overnight to Houston on Sunday. I was hoping to look up one of my buddies, Father Desmond, but he was away in London!
Instead, I went to the fitness center at the hotel and worked out for a while, then took a walk around the hotel grounds. There was a mall about 1.5 miles away, but it was just too hot/humid to go there. I caught up on my email, my reading, and my napping!!!
I went back on duty today and got assigned to the couch from Noon until 6PM. When I checked in, they assigned me a preboard - but then called a little while later to cancel that. Then they called me to preboard another flight, where one of the FAs was running late, but he showed up before we boarded the plane.
So here I sit...reading my Flight Attendant Manual, brushing up on all the stuff that I learned 6 months ago. I have two more days on call, but I did not bid on any jobs - Greg is planning on flying to DCA tomorrow, so I wanted to stay close to home for Kikko's sake. Poor little guy. Our house has a revolving door and he's never sure who's coming or going!
Instead, I went to the fitness center at the hotel and worked out for a while, then took a walk around the hotel grounds. There was a mall about 1.5 miles away, but it was just too hot/humid to go there. I caught up on my email, my reading, and my napping!!!
I went back on duty today and got assigned to the couch from Noon until 6PM. When I checked in, they assigned me a preboard - but then called a little while later to cancel that. Then they called me to preboard another flight, where one of the FAs was running late, but he showed up before we boarded the plane.
So here I sit...reading my Flight Attendant Manual, brushing up on all the stuff that I learned 6 months ago. I have two more days on call, but I did not bid on any jobs - Greg is planning on flying to DCA tomorrow, so I wanted to stay close to home for Kikko's sake. Poor little guy. Our house has a revolving door and he's never sure who's coming or going!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Bumpy Ride
On Saturday, I was assigned to fly the couch from noon to 6PM - at around 1PM we received a call from crew scheduling for all three of us to report at 3:20PM for a turn to Salt Lake City at 4:20PM. But then at 2:30PM, we received a call from crew scheduling to help preboard a flight to Indianapolis. Sounds doable, huh?
Well...the first officer and two of the flight attendants assigned to the Indianapolis flight were not landing until 3:30PM - if we are on a plane loaded with passengers, we would not be allowed to leave that plane until the crew arrived (which would be around 3:40PM or so) - but we already had a show time of 3:20PM for another flight!!!
So I called crew scheduling and asked them which they wanted us to do, because there was no way we could do both. They hemmed and hawed and called me back, telling the two of us to go back to the crewroom and report at 3:20PM for our Salt Lake City turn. They ended up using an inflight manager and an unsuspecting off-duty flight attendant to board the plane to Indianapolis. What a crazy situation. It's nice to be wanted...
I was the "B" position (aft galley) on the SLC turn - and boy...did I feel it. We had turbulence like you wouldn't believe. Riding backwards, being flipped and flopped and flung around required TWO non-drowsy dramamine! Whew. I was glad when we were back on solid ground in Denver.
Well...the first officer and two of the flight attendants assigned to the Indianapolis flight were not landing until 3:30PM - if we are on a plane loaded with passengers, we would not be allowed to leave that plane until the crew arrived (which would be around 3:40PM or so) - but we already had a show time of 3:20PM for another flight!!!
So I called crew scheduling and asked them which they wanted us to do, because there was no way we could do both. They hemmed and hawed and called me back, telling the two of us to go back to the crewroom and report at 3:20PM for our Salt Lake City turn. They ended up using an inflight manager and an unsuspecting off-duty flight attendant to board the plane to Indianapolis. What a crazy situation. It's nice to be wanted...
I was the "B" position (aft galley) on the SLC turn - and boy...did I feel it. We had turbulence like you wouldn't believe. Riding backwards, being flipped and flopped and flung around required TWO non-drowsy dramamine! Whew. I was glad when we were back on solid ground in Denver.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
No More Probation
I have realized that I am officially no longer on probation! I graduated on October 16, and got off probation on April 16! Hip hip hooray! I cannot believe that I've been flying for six months...
Time flies when you're having fun!!!
Time flies when you're having fun!!!
Keeping the Couch Cool!
I got a call on my day off, telling me that I was flying a turn to Cancun yesterday! It was a great trip!
One of the "Senior Mamas" on the flight was a doll! She was in the C position, actually performed the C duties (shocking!), was friendly, personable, and happy to be working! During the flight after our first service, she complimented me - she asked which airline I had worked for previously...I told her that I had been a stay-at-home Mommy, etc., and she said that I was really good at being a flight attendant!
I spent last night with my surrogate family - the Geyers - in Denver. And depending on which job I am awarded for Sunday/Monday, I may stay with them again tonight. I have applied for several, with various start times tomorrow and various lengths of layovers. I'll find out later today which trip I'll take!
One of the "Senior Mamas" on the flight was a doll! She was in the C position, actually performed the C duties (shocking!), was friendly, personable, and happy to be working! During the flight after our first service, she complimented me - she asked which airline I had worked for previously...I told her that I had been a stay-at-home Mommy, etc., and she said that I was really good at being a flight attendant!
I spent last night with my surrogate family - the Geyers - in Denver. And depending on which job I am awarded for Sunday/Monday, I may stay with them again tonight. I have applied for several, with various start times tomorrow and various lengths of layovers. I'll find out later today which trip I'll take!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Sitting and Waiting
I was "on duty" for the past three days. On Monday, I "flew the couch" from noon until 6PM and the only thing they had us do was preboard a flight to Louisville, KY.
I did not get any of the open 2 day jobs that I bid on for my remaining days on duty, and I did not bid for the couch for either of the days. Nor did I get any calls from crew scheduling assigning me to any trips! So, I guess you could say that I just had two days off! But I was afraid to go anywhere for fear that I'd be called.
We did have some excitement on Tuesday and Wednesday - when I looked to the south of our house, this is what I saw:
Hmmm. It turns out that this was the start of a 9,000 acre wildfire that was on Ft. Carson property on the west side of Highway 115 (the road that runs behind our house) - the actual fire was about 10 miles south of our house. Fortunately, the fire did not cross the highway, nor did it burn any homes or structures. However, there were high winds and the firefighters had a difficult time controlling the fire. In fact, one pilot died when his plane crashed after dropping slurry on the fire. But then yesterday afternoon, guess what happened?
We got several inches of heavy, wet snow that helped to put out the fire! God works in mysterious ways...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Vacation Daze
It's been nice having seven days off...here's what I've been doing:
Then on Wednesday, Greg & I left the cold and snow in Colorado and flew to Orlando, FL for a CAD/CAM Dentistry conference at the Caribe Royale Suites Resort. On Thursday morning, while Greg was in class, I was joined by our good friends John, Jeanette and Hamilton!
Hamilton showing off his 'rattlesnake egg' bubblegum
Jeanette enjoying the sun
John is oblivious to the outside world
They spent the night with us - so we were able to enjoy a nice dinner - Greg was even there! Then on Friday, before hitting the pool again, we ventured over to the happiest place on earth. Well...maybe the second happiest place. We didn't go to DisneyWorld, instead we stopped by Downtown Disney.
Jeanette and her buddies Daisy & Donald
Lego Doggies out for a walk...I wonder what their 'poop' looks like...
Lastly, I bought a little something for my Frontier apron that I felt represented my personality...
On Monday afternoon, my cousin Randy and his wife Loretta stopped by on their way back from visiting their son Ben in Keystone, CO. They were able to attend a Church group potluck dinner at our house on Monday night and then on Tuesday I took them on a mini-tour of Colorado Springs - pictured above is Randy by the Balanced Rock in the Garden of the Gods.
Then on Wednesday, Greg & I left the cold and snow in Colorado and flew to Orlando, FL for a CAD/CAM Dentistry conference at the Caribe Royale Suites Resort. On Thursday morning, while Greg was in class, I was joined by our good friends John, Jeanette and Hamilton!
Hamilton showing off his 'rattlesnake egg' bubblegum
Jeanette enjoying the sun
John is oblivious to the outside world
They spent the night with us - so we were able to enjoy a nice dinner - Greg was even there! Then on Friday, before hitting the pool again, we ventured over to the happiest place on earth. Well...maybe the second happiest place. We didn't go to DisneyWorld, instead we stopped by Downtown Disney.
Jeanette and her buddies Daisy & Donald
Lego Doggies out for a walk...I wonder what their 'poop' looks like...
Lastly, I bought a little something for my Frontier apron that I felt represented my personality...
Friday, April 11, 2008
Bankruptcy...
Woke up to some not-so-good news this morning...Frontier has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection.
I think most of us had no idea that this was coming, though an off-duty flight attendant mentioned something to me on our flight down here on Wednesday...but I don't think he had the entire story.
There was a letter from the CEO on our website this morning explaining our situation. It appears that there is not too much for us to worry about at this point - this filing was done because our largest credit card processor was going to "change the rules" and start withholding cash. So the company did what it had to do to stay in business.
Greg and I are in Orlando, FL right now at the Caribe Resort Suites Hotel - he has a dental conference on CAD/CAM Dentistry and I have a date with a lounge chair in the shade by the pool! Our friends John, Jeanette and their son Hamilton joined us yesterday and will be leaving this afternoon - it's been a lot of fun visiting, swimming, sunning, shading, and relaxing!
I think most of us had no idea that this was coming, though an off-duty flight attendant mentioned something to me on our flight down here on Wednesday...but I don't think he had the entire story.
There was a letter from the CEO on our website this morning explaining our situation. It appears that there is not too much for us to worry about at this point - this filing was done because our largest credit card processor was going to "change the rules" and start withholding cash. So the company did what it had to do to stay in business.
Greg and I are in Orlando, FL right now at the Caribe Resort Suites Hotel - he has a dental conference on CAD/CAM Dentistry and I have a date with a lounge chair in the shade by the pool! Our friends John, Jeanette and their son Hamilton joined us yesterday and will be leaving this afternoon - it's been a lot of fun visiting, swimming, sunning, shading, and relaxing!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Freedom is a Good Thing!
I was "released to my days off" yesterday evening when I called in to crew scheduling. I am back on duty one week from today, but there are very few jobs available - because there are many, many flight attendants! I sure hope a few trips are added to the board by the time I am back on duty...
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Fast Forward a Few Days...
The St. Louis overnight went by quickly...it was really fun to get to "pick the brain" of a very senior flight attendant. That's not something I get to do very often!
I had Friday off, so that Greg & I could attend a wedding, and during the aggressive bidding period, I was successful bidding on a two day job that started on Saturday - an overnight to Dayton, OH! A new destination for me.
My flight didn't leave until 7:30PM, so I had most of Saturday at home! (There's a method to my madness.) I was joining a crew "already in progress" - they were coming in from Salt Lake City. What a GREAT CREW! There had been a change of aircraft at the last minute, so there were lots of changed seats and a bit of confusion. But the crew had a great attitude and we got everyone seated and happy!
I did have one sad family that had been split up, and the couple sitting near half of them offered to swap seats - so I gave that couple complimentary TV as a "thank you" for being so kind. There were two unaccompanied minors in row 1, and the forward flight attendant had them helping her pick up trash and handing out drinks! Those two little girls were thrilled to death. It was a fun, fun flight - the couple that moved their seats asked for a "comments card" on their way off the plane - he wanted our names on it, too! I sure hope it's going to be complimentary...! It'll be my first one!
Once at the hotel, the rest of the crew decided to go to the Holiday Inn next door and hang out in the bar...keep in mind that it was already past midnight...we ended up closing down that bar at 2:30AM. I was the only one not drinking alcohol, but I did consume a couple glasses of water. It was a Karaoke bar, and the aft flight attendant, Jason, surprised us all by performing the "I like big butts song" - he had the girls in the bar dancing around him! It was truly a performance to remember! He had the attention of the entire bar!
Next, I thought we were calling it a night, but evidently the other crewmembers had other plans. We had a "party" in the aft FA's room - more alcohol for everyone but me, but it was fun to hear their stories and jokes. We were a bit loud, and got a call asking us to "keep it down.." At 4:30AM, we headed downstairs to the breakfast bar, where they were setting up for the crew that had a 5AM van - we rubbed it in that we were on the way to bed and they were on their way to work!
I slept until about 9AM, and then fell asleep again until 11AM! It's a good thing that I had some toast at "breakfast," cause I missed the 10AM free breakfast deadline! What a lazy day. Our van is scheduled for 2:30PM, so I'm just hanging out and relaxing...
I'll get back to Denver at around 5:30PM, and I HOPE that they release me to my SEVEN DAYS off! I've got lots of big plans for those days, including out-of-town company, a potluck dinner at our home, and five days in Orlando, FL at a dental conference!!!
I had Friday off, so that Greg & I could attend a wedding, and during the aggressive bidding period, I was successful bidding on a two day job that started on Saturday - an overnight to Dayton, OH! A new destination for me.
My flight didn't leave until 7:30PM, so I had most of Saturday at home! (There's a method to my madness.) I was joining a crew "already in progress" - they were coming in from Salt Lake City. What a GREAT CREW! There had been a change of aircraft at the last minute, so there were lots of changed seats and a bit of confusion. But the crew had a great attitude and we got everyone seated and happy!
I did have one sad family that had been split up, and the couple sitting near half of them offered to swap seats - so I gave that couple complimentary TV as a "thank you" for being so kind. There were two unaccompanied minors in row 1, and the forward flight attendant had them helping her pick up trash and handing out drinks! Those two little girls were thrilled to death. It was a fun, fun flight - the couple that moved their seats asked for a "comments card" on their way off the plane - he wanted our names on it, too! I sure hope it's going to be complimentary...! It'll be my first one!
Once at the hotel, the rest of the crew decided to go to the Holiday Inn next door and hang out in the bar...keep in mind that it was already past midnight...we ended up closing down that bar at 2:30AM. I was the only one not drinking alcohol, but I did consume a couple glasses of water. It was a Karaoke bar, and the aft flight attendant, Jason, surprised us all by performing the "I like big butts song" - he had the girls in the bar dancing around him! It was truly a performance to remember! He had the attention of the entire bar!
Next, I thought we were calling it a night, but evidently the other crewmembers had other plans. We had a "party" in the aft FA's room - more alcohol for everyone but me, but it was fun to hear their stories and jokes. We were a bit loud, and got a call asking us to "keep it down.." At 4:30AM, we headed downstairs to the breakfast bar, where they were setting up for the crew that had a 5AM van - we rubbed it in that we were on the way to bed and they were on their way to work!
I slept until about 9AM, and then fell asleep again until 11AM! It's a good thing that I had some toast at "breakfast," cause I missed the 10AM free breakfast deadline! What a lazy day. Our van is scheduled for 2:30PM, so I'm just hanging out and relaxing...
I'll get back to Denver at around 5:30PM, and I HOPE that they release me to my SEVEN DAYS off! I've got lots of big plans for those days, including out-of-town company, a potluck dinner at our home, and five days in Orlando, FL at a dental conference!!!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
On the Road...
We arrived in Los Angeles last night around midnight - I spent the day on the Internet and watching daytime TV! The weather was kind of overcast and cool, and we had to catch a shuttle back to the airport in the mid-afternoon, so I decided to just hang out in the hotel room.
I did venture out to lunch with Maryanne and Marcia - I had crab cakes, spinach leaves, and tofu! When in California...
Tonight we flew to St. Louis and got in around midnight. I have no clue what time it is...probably around 1:30AM local time. We leave again in 12 hours, so I'll probably just hang out in the room again!
This has been a great four day trip...a great crew and a lot of fun!
I did venture out to lunch with Maryanne and Marcia - I had crab cakes, spinach leaves, and tofu! When in California...
Tonight we flew to St. Louis and got in around midnight. I have no clue what time it is...probably around 1:30AM local time. We leave again in 12 hours, so I'll probably just hang out in the room again!
This has been a great four day trip...a great crew and a lot of fun!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A Little Bit of Paradise
We arrived in Cancun on Monday night around 5PM or so...and it was RAINING! But fortunately, it wasn't raining at our hotel. We ate dinner and took a long walk on the beach - and then ended the evening at a bayside bar where I drank a bottle of water while everyone else drank beer!!
I woke up early so that I could explore where I was at...
The Omni Hotel
My room...
My balcony had two of these lounges.
View from my room.
Another view from my room. This was the main pool and had a swim-up bar.
One of the pools (there were a bunch of them). This one had lounge chairs submerged in the water!
The beachside bar had swinging chairs...
And "in pool" seating!
It was a beautiful day at a beautiful beach.
I found a nice chair under a nice "umbrella" and spent most of Tuesday just lounging under my "umbrella," eating fresh fruit, sipping ice cold water, and reading my book. I also made a new friend! At first, he hung out under the next set of chairs - then when I decided to nap, he ran to the other side of me and climbed a wall. And there he sat...watching my every move.
Iggy the Iguana - he was about 2 feet long...and sweet as can be!
I woke up early so that I could explore where I was at...
The Omni Hotel
My room...
My balcony had two of these lounges.
View from my room.
Another view from my room. This was the main pool and had a swim-up bar.
One of the pools (there were a bunch of them). This one had lounge chairs submerged in the water!
The beachside bar had swinging chairs...
And "in pool" seating!
It was a beautiful day at a beautiful beach.
I found a nice chair under a nice "umbrella" and spent most of Tuesday just lounging under my "umbrella," eating fresh fruit, sipping ice cold water, and reading my book. I also made a new friend! At first, he hung out under the next set of chairs - then when I decided to nap, he ran to the other side of me and climbed a wall. And there he sat...watching my every move.
Iggy the Iguana - he was about 2 feet long...and sweet as can be!
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