Such a airline crew member works on an as-needed foundation, receiving a every day allowance to cowl bills like meals and lodging whereas away from their base. For instance, an airline would possibly name upon these crew members throughout peak journey seasons or to cowl for colleagues on go away. This versatile association differs from a full-time or part-time place with a set schedule and advantages.
This staffing mannequin offers airways with flexibility in managing crew assets, permitting them to regulate to fluctuating demand and unexpected circumstances. It presents people the chance to work a non-traditional schedule, gaining expertise with probably varied routes and plane. Traditionally, this type of employment has been a stepping stone for aspiring full-time crew members, offering precious flight expertise.
The next sections will additional discover the specifics of this employment mannequin, addressing widespread questions on compensation, scheduling, and profession development throughout the airline business.
1. Versatile Schedule
A versatile schedule is a defining attribute of per diem flight attendant employment. This flexibility arises from the on-demand nature of the work, the place crew members are referred to as upon as wanted reasonably than adhering to a set schedule. This association permits airways to scale their staffing up or all the way down to match passenger quantity, accommodating seasonal fluctuations, particular occasions, or sudden disruptions. For the flight attendant, this flexibility presents the potential to work when desired, balancing the calls for of the job with different private or skilled pursuits. For instance, a per diem flight attendant would possibly select to work solely throughout sure months of the yr, choose up additional shifts round holidays, or preserve availability solely on particular days of the week. This adaptability is usually interesting to people searching for supplemental revenue, these pursuing additional schooling, or these with different time commitments.
Nonetheless, this flexibility comes with sure trade-offs. Whereas a versatile schedule presents management over when to work, it additionally introduces uncertainty concerning revenue and flight assignments. Per diem flight attendants are usually not assured a minimal variety of hours and will expertise durations of upper and decrease demand for his or her companies. This variability requires cautious monetary planning and the power to adapt to altering circumstances. Furthermore, the on-call nature of the place requires per diem flight attendants to be ready to work on quick discover, probably disrupting pre-planned actions or requiring last-minute journey preparations. The dearth of a set schedule might also current challenges for securing constant childcare or coordinating with different members of the family.
In abstract, the versatile schedule related to per diem flight attendant employment presents each alternatives and challenges. It offers a stage of management over work availability typically unavailable in conventional employment fashions, but necessitates adaptability and cautious planning to handle the inherent uncertainties of on-demand work. Understanding these nuances is essential for people contemplating this profession path to make knowledgeable choices aligned with their private {and professional} targets.
2. On-call Work
On-call work is a defining function of the per diem flight attendant position, shaping the work-life stability and requiring a novel set of traits. Understanding the nuances of on-call availability is essential for potential flight attendants contemplating this profession path.
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Availability Necessities
Airways usually require per diem flight attendants to take care of a sure stage of availability, typically involving designated home windows of time after they should be reachable and able to report for responsibility. This availability can fluctuate by airline and will contain offering contact info, adhering to particular response timeframes, and sustaining up-to-date credentials. For instance, a flight attendant could be required to be reachable by cellphone and electronic mail inside two hours of notification and be able to depart for a flight inside 4 hours. This dedication to availability impacts private schedules and requires cautious planning to accommodate potential disruptions.
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Scheduling Unpredictability
The on-call nature of the work creates inherent unpredictability in scheduling. Flight assignments can fluctuate considerably from week to week, starting from quick home flights to long-haul worldwide routes. This unpredictability necessitates flexibility and flexibility, as flight schedules might change with little discover as a result of operational necessities, climate circumstances, or different unexpected circumstances. This could influence private commitments, requiring various preparations for childcare, appointments, or different deliberate actions.
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Compensation and Advantages
Compensation for on-call work typically differs from conventional employment fashions. Whereas per diem flight attendants obtain a every day allowance to cowl bills whereas on responsibility, base pay is often calculated primarily based on flight hours. This could result in fluctuations in revenue relying on the variety of flights assigned. Moreover, advantages resembling medical insurance and retirement plans is probably not supplied to per diem workers or might differ considerably from these supplied to full-time or part-time crew members. This necessitates cautious monetary planning and consideration of other sources of revenue and advantages.
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Profession Development
On-call work can function a precious stepping stone for aspiring full-time flight attendants. Gaining expertise via per diem work demonstrates dedication to the occupation, offers alternatives to construct flight hours, and permits people to familiarize themselves with varied plane and routes. This expertise can strengthen a candidate’s resume and improve their competitiveness when making use of for full-time positions. Nonetheless, there aren’t any ensures of full-time employment, and people ought to take into account per diem work as one potential pathway amongst others.
These aspects of on-call work spotlight the dynamic and demanding nature of the per diem flight attendant position. The stability between flexibility, revenue potential, and profession growth requires cautious consideration. Whereas the unpredictability and variable compensation might current challenges, the distinctive alternatives for journey, expertise constructing, and potential profession development make it a horny possibility for a lot of aspiring aviation professionals.
3. Every day Allowance
The every day allowance, also known as “per diem,” is a crucial part of compensation for per diem flight attendants. It represents a cost designed to offset bills incurred whereas on responsibility away from their base location. Understanding its goal, calculation, and utilization is essential for managing funds and guaranteeing a sustainable work-life stability on this distinctive employment mannequin.
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Goal of the Allowance
The first goal of the every day allowance is to cowl important prices incurred by flight attendants whereas touring for work. These prices usually embody meals, lodging, and transportation between the airport and resort. It acknowledges that being away from dwelling necessitates extra expenditures not usually incurred throughout an ordinary workday. The allowance goals to mitigate the monetary burden of those bills, permitting flight attendants to concentrate on their duties with out undue monetary pressure.
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Calculation and Variability
The calculation of the every day allowance can fluctuate considerably primarily based on a number of components, together with the airline, the situation of the layover, and the length of the journey. Some airways use a set charge per day, whereas others make use of a tiered system primarily based on the price of residing in numerous cities. Worldwide layovers typically have greater per diem charges than home ones as a result of probably greater prices. Moreover, some airways modify the per diem primarily based on whether or not the layover contains in a single day lodging. Understanding these variables is important for budgeting and managing bills successfully.
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Utilization and Budgeting
Whereas the every day allowance is meant to cowl work-related bills, its utilization stays on the discretion of the flight attendant. Prudent budgeting is essential to make sure the allowance adequately covers crucial prices. Selecting reasonably priced lodging choices, using cost-effective transportation strategies, and making knowledgeable meal decisions can considerably influence how far the per diem stretches. Efficient budgeting ensures flight attendants can comfortably meet their wants whereas on responsibility with out incurring out-of-pocket bills.
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Tax Implications and Reporting
The tax implications of the every day allowance can fluctuate relying on the particular laws in every jurisdiction. In some circumstances, the per diem could also be thought of taxable revenue, whereas in others, it could be tax-free if used solely for work-related bills. Sustaining correct data of bills and understanding the relevant tax legal guidelines is important for compliance and correct monetary reporting. Consulting with a tax skilled can present readability and guarantee adherence to related laws.
The every day allowance is integral to the monetary well-being of per diem flight attendants. Its efficient administration permits for a sustainable work-life stability by offsetting the prices related to journey for work. Understanding its goal, calculation, and utilization empowers flight attendants to make knowledgeable monetary choices and maximize the advantages of this compensation part.
4. Variable Revenue
Variable revenue is a core attribute of per diem flight attendant employment, distinguishing it from conventional salaried positions. Understanding the fluctuating nature of earnings is essential for potential flight attendants contemplating this profession path. This part explores the important thing components contributing to revenue variability and its implications for monetary planning.
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Flight Assignments and Hours
Revenue for per diem flight attendants is straight tied to the variety of flight hours labored. The provision of flight assignments can fluctuate primarily based on a number of components, together with seasonal demand, route reputation, and operational wants. Throughout peak journey seasons, alternatives for extra flight hours might come up, resulting in greater earnings. Conversely, slower durations can lead to fewer assignments and diminished revenue. This variability necessitates proactive scheduling and the power to adapt to altering flight availability.
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Per Diem Charges and Layover Areas
Whereas the per diem allowance helps offset bills whereas touring, the bottom pay for flight attendants is often calculated primarily based on flight hours. Per diem charges can fluctuate primarily based on the layover location and the airline’s insurance policies. Worldwide locations or cities with greater prices of residing might have greater per diem charges, contributing to total earnings throughout these assignments. Understanding these variations and factoring them into monetary planning is important for managing bills and maximizing revenue potential.
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Cancellations and Delays
Flight cancellations and delays are inherent realities of the airline business and might considerably influence a per diem flight attendant’s revenue. Cancellations can lead to misplaced flight hours and diminished earnings, whereas prolonged delays might disrupt deliberate schedules and necessitate extra bills, probably exceeding the supplied per diem. Adaptability and the power to handle sudden adjustments are essential for navigating these conditions and mitigating their monetary influence.
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Competitors and Seniority
Competitors for flight assignments can affect a per diem flight attendant’s revenue. Airways typically make the most of a seniority-based system for assigning flights, with extra senior crew members having precedence in deciding on most well-liked routes or schedules. This could influence the supply of flights for much less skilled per diem flight attendants, probably resulting in fewer flight hours and diminished revenue. Constructing seniority and sustaining a constructive work popularity can enhance entry to extra fascinating and probably higher-paying assignments over time.
The variable nature of revenue for per diem flight attendants requires proactive monetary planning and a practical understanding of incomes potential. Whereas the pliability and journey alternatives might be interesting, the fluctuating revenue necessitates cautious budgeting, expense administration, and consideration of other revenue sources to make sure monetary stability. By understanding these components and growing efficient monetary methods, per diem flight attendants can efficiently navigate the challenges and rewards of this distinctive profession path.
5. Journey Alternatives
Journey alternatives signify a big facet of the per diem flight attendant expertise, typically a key motivator for people pursuing this profession path. The character of the position offers publicity to various locations and distinctive journey experiences, setting it other than conventional employment fashions.
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Publicity to Various Locations
Per diem flight attendants typically work assorted routes, resulting in publicity to a variety of locations, each home and worldwide. This publicity can embody main metropolitan hubs, smaller regional airports, and even distant worldwide locales. For example, one task would possibly contain a flight to a bustling European capital, whereas the following could possibly be to a tranquil coastal city. This range offers alternatives for private exploration and cultural immersion, broadening horizons past the scope of conventional journey experiences.
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Flexibility in Journey Planning
Whereas flight schedules themselves are decided by the airline’s operational wants, the versatile nature of per diem work can supply some extent of management over journey experiences. Flight attendants could possibly bid for assignments to most well-liked locations or make the most of layovers to discover surrounding areas. This flexibility permits for customized journey experiences throughout the constraints of the work schedule. For instance, a flight attendant with a layover in a brand new metropolis may use the chance to go to native museums, pattern regional delicacies, or discover historic landmarks.
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Non-Conventional Journey Experiences
The character of the job typically results in distinctive journey experiences past typical vacationer itineraries. Layovers might happen in less-traveled areas, offering alternatives to find hidden gems and interact with native cultures on a deeper stage. For instance, a flight attendant would possibly discover themselves exploring a captivating small city throughout an prolonged layover, discovering native markets, and interacting with residents, gaining insights past the standard vacationer expertise.
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Networking and Neighborhood Constructing
Working as a per diem flight attendant presents alternatives to attach with a various group of colleagues and construct knowledgeable community throughout the aviation business. Sharing layovers with different crew members can foster camaraderie and create lasting connections. These relationships can present precious assist, mentorship, and insights into varied elements of the aviation business. This networking can improve profession growth and create a way of neighborhood throughout the typically demanding and transient way of life of a flight attendant.
The journey alternatives inherent in per diem flight attendant work supply vital benefits, enriching private {and professional} experiences. The publicity to various locations, flexibility in journey planning, and potential for non-traditional experiences contribute to a dynamic and fulfilling way of life. Whereas the calls for of on-call work and variable revenue require cautious consideration, the prospect to discover the world whereas pursuing a profession in aviation makes it a horny path for a lot of.
6. Expertise Constructing
Expertise constructing is an integral facet of a per diem flight attendant profession. The character of this position offers a novel alternative to build up various expertise and data related to the aviation business. This expertise might be invaluable for profession development, whether or not pursuing a full-time flight attendant place or different roles throughout the airline business. Engaged on an on-call foundation exposes people to quite a lot of plane varieties, routes, and passenger demographics, fostering adaptability and problem-solving expertise essential in managing various in-flight conditions. For instance, a per diem flight attendant would possibly achieve expertise working totally different cabin gear, managing passenger interactions in varied service courses, and dealing with in-flight emergencies throughout a variety of plane, from regional jets to wide-body plane. This various expertise builds a powerful basis for skilled growth throughout the aviation area.
Moreover, the unpredictable nature of on-call work fosters resilience and strengthens time administration expertise. Flight attendants should be ready to work on quick discover, adapt to altering schedules, and handle their time successfully throughout layovers. This expertise cultivates organizational and logistical expertise important for navigating the dynamic setting of the airline business. For example, managing tight connections, navigating unfamiliar airports, and adhering to strict reporting occasions enhances a flight attendant’s skill to deal with logistical challenges successfully, contributing to their skilled progress and flexibility. This expertise additionally permits people to evaluate their suitability for the demanding way of life of a flight attendant earlier than committing to a full-time place.
In abstract, expertise constructing as a per diem flight attendant presents substantial advantages for profession growth. The varied publicity to plane, routes, and passenger interactions fosters adaptability, problem-solving, and customer support expertise. Moreover, the dynamic nature of on-call work strengthens time administration, organizational talents, and resilience qualities extremely valued throughout the aviation business. This accrued expertise offers a aggressive edge in pursuing full-time positions and establishes a powerful basis for long-term profession success within the area.
7. Aggressive Discipline
The sphere of aviation, significantly for flight attendants, is very aggressive. Securing a place, even on a per diem foundation, requires navigating a difficult panorama. Understanding the aggressive dynamics of this area is essential for aspiring flight attendants to arrange successfully and improve their possibilities of success.
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Excessive Demand, Restricted Positions
The attract of journey and a profession within the skies attracts quite a few candidates, creating excessive demand for a restricted variety of flight attendant positions. Airways typically obtain 1000’s of purposes for a comparatively small variety of openings, leading to a extremely selective hiring course of. This aggressive panorama necessitates meticulous preparation, together with crafting a compelling resume and canopy letter, and excelling within the interview course of. Candidates should showcase their expertise, expertise, and keenness for customer support to face out among the many quite a few candidates.
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Stringent Qualification Necessities
Airways usually impose stringent qualification necessities for flight attendants, additional intensifying competitors. These necessities typically embody minimal schooling ranges, particular peak and weight ranges, bodily health requirements, and wonderful communication expertise. Assembly these standards is important for even being thought of for a place. Moreover, prior customer support expertise, fluency in a number of languages, and former expertise within the hospitality business can present a aggressive edge. Candidates should meticulously put together to satisfy these necessities and reveal their suitability for the demanding position.
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The Significance of Networking
Networking performs a big position in navigating the aggressive area of flight attendants. Constructing connections with business professionals, attending aviation profession gala’s, and fascinating with airline recruiters can present precious insights and potential alternatives. Networking may also supply a aggressive benefit by offering entry to details about open positions, firm tradition, and interview ideas. Actively cultivating knowledgeable community throughout the aviation business can considerably improve an aspiring flight attendant’s prospects.
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Per Diem as a Stepping Stone
Given the aggressive nature of securing full-time flight attendant positions, per diem roles typically function a precious stepping stone. Gaining expertise via per diem work demonstrates dedication, builds flight hours, and offers alternatives to familiarize oneself with airline operations and business requirements. This expertise can strengthen a candidates resume and improve their competitiveness when making use of for full-time positions. Whereas per diem itself is aggressive, the expertise gained might be instrumental in securing extra everlasting roles throughout the airline business.
The aggressive panorama for per diem flight attendants necessitates thorough preparation, strategic networking, and a practical understanding of the challenges concerned. Whereas the competitors is fierce, the rewards of a profession in aviation, mixed with the distinctive advantages of per diem work, proceed to draw aspiring flight attendants. By acknowledging the aggressive nature of the sector and proactively addressing its challenges, people can improve their chance of success in pursuing this demanding but rewarding profession path.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning per diem flight attendant employment, offering readability on key elements of this profession path.
Query 1: How does compensation for a per diem flight attendant evaluate to that of a full-time or part-time crew member?
Compensation constructions differ considerably. Per diem flight attendants usually obtain an hourly wage for flight time and a every day allowance to cowl bills whereas on responsibility. Full-time and part-time crew members typically obtain a base wage, advantages packages, and extra compensation for flight hours exceeding a predetermined threshold. Total earnings potential can fluctuate considerably primarily based on flight availability, location, and airline-specific compensation insurance policies.
Query 2: What are the everyday working hours and scheduling patterns for per diem flight attendants?
Working hours and scheduling patterns are extremely variable and unpredictable. Per diem flight attendants are on-call and obtain flight assignments primarily based on operational wants. Schedules might embody a mixture of quick and long-haul flights, various locations, and each home and worldwide routes. Flexibility and flexibility are important to accommodate the fluctuating nature of per diem scheduling.
Query 3: What are the first benefits and downsides of working as a per diem flight attendant?
Benefits embody flexibility in scheduling, various journey alternatives, and precious expertise constructing throughout the aviation business. Disadvantages embody revenue variability, lack of advantages usually supplied to full-time workers, and the demanding nature of on-call work.
Query 4: How does one develop into a per diem flight attendant, and what {qualifications} are usually required?
Changing into a per diem flight attendant usually entails a aggressive utility course of, together with submitting a resume and canopy letter, finishing assessments, and taking part in interviews. {Qualifications} typically embody a highschool diploma or equal, assembly particular peak and weight necessities, passing a background examine and drug screening, and demonstrating wonderful communication and customer support expertise.
Query 5: What are the profession development alternatives for per diem flight attendants?
Per diem work can function a precious stepping stone in direction of full-time employment. The expertise gained can strengthen a candidate’s utility and improve their competitiveness when making use of for everlasting positions. Networking and constructing relationships throughout the airline may also create alternatives for profession development.
Query 6: How does the per diem allowance work, and what bills does it usually cowl?
The per diem allowance is a every day cost designed to offset bills incurred whereas on responsibility away from the flight attendant’s base location. It usually covers meals, lodging, and transportation between the airport and resort. The allowance quantity can fluctuate primarily based on the airline, layover location, and journey length.
Cautious consideration of those continuously requested questions offers a extra complete understanding of per diem flight attendant employment, enabling knowledgeable choices about pursuing this distinctive profession path throughout the aviation business.
The next sections will present additional particulars on particular elements of per diem flight attendant employment, providing a deeper dive into matters resembling coaching necessities, typical flight assignments, and methods for managing the challenges of on-call work.
Ideas for Success as a Per Diem Flight Attendant
This part presents sensible steerage for people pursuing or at present working as per diem flight attendants. The following tips handle key elements of the position, offering insights to reinforce skilled growth and navigate the distinctive challenges of this profession path.
Tip 1: Grasp Time Administration and Adaptability: On-call scheduling requires distinctive time administration and flexibility. Sustaining an organized schedule, using digital calendars, and setting reminders can help in managing unpredictable flight assignments and guaranteeing well timed arrival for briefings and flights. Flexibility is important to accommodate last-minute adjustments, delays, and sudden disruptions inherent within the aviation business. For instance, packing important toiletries and a change of garments in a readily accessible bag ensures preparedness for sudden in a single day stays or prolonged layovers.
Tip 2: Prioritize Monetary Planning and Budgeting: Variable revenue necessitates meticulous monetary planning. Creating a practical finances, monitoring bills diligently, and establishing an emergency fund might help mitigate the monetary uncertainties related to fluctuating flight assignments and on-call work. Diversifying revenue streams via extra employment or freelance work can present monetary stability during times of diminished flight availability.
Tip 3: Domesticate Sturdy Interpersonal and Communication Expertise: Efficient communication and interpersonal expertise are essential for interacting with various passenger demographics and crew members. Energetic listening, clear articulation, and sustaining knowledgeable demeanor contribute to constructive passenger experiences and foster collaborative working relationships with colleagues. Working towards battle decision methods can help in managing difficult passenger interactions and sustaining a relaxed {and professional} setting.
Tip 4: Spend money on Skilled Improvement: Steady skilled growth enhances job efficiency and profession development alternatives. Staying up to date on business laws, pursuing extra certifications associated to security and emergency procedures, and attending workshops on customer support can reveal dedication to skilled progress and enhance competitiveness throughout the area. For instance, finishing superior first help and CPR coaching can improve preparedness for in-flight medical emergencies.
Tip 5: Community Strategically Throughout the Aviation Business: Constructing knowledgeable community can open doorways to alternatives and supply precious insights into the business. Attending aviation profession gala’s, becoming a member of skilled organizations, and connecting with recruiters and skilled flight attendants can broaden skilled connections and supply entry to mentorship and profession steerage. Networking may also result in details about job openings, firm tradition, and greatest practices inside particular airways.
Tip 6: Prioritize Well being and Properly-being: The demanding and sometimes irregular nature of per diem flight attendant work requires prioritizing bodily and psychological well-being. Sustaining a nutritious diet, partaking in common train, and prioritizing satisfactory relaxation are important for managing stress and fatigue related to frequent journey and altering time zones. Working towards mindfulness methods, searching for assist from colleagues, and establishing wholesome coping mechanisms can contribute to total well-being and resilience.
Tip 7: Perceive Airline-Particular Insurance policies and Procedures: Every airline operates beneath particular insurance policies and procedures. Completely reviewing these tips, together with attendance insurance policies, costume code laws, and operational protocols, is important for guaranteeing compliance and sustaining knowledgeable picture. Familiarizing oneself with the airline’s security procedures, emergency protocols, and customer support requirements enhances preparedness for varied in-flight eventualities and demonstrates professionalism.
By implementing these methods, people can improve their preparedness for the challenges and alternatives related to per diem flight attendant employment. The following tips promote skilled growth, foster resilience, and contribute to a profitable and fulfilling profession throughout the dynamic aviation business.
In conclusion, navigating the trail of a per diem flight attendant requires adaptability, resilience, and a proactive strategy to skilled growth.
Per Diem Flight Attendant
This exploration of per diem flight attendant employment has supplied a complete overview of the position’s multifaceted nature. Key elements, together with the versatile scheduling, on-call work dynamics, variable revenue realities, distinctive journey alternatives, essential experience-building potential, and aggressive area dynamics, have been examined. The every day allowance, its goal, and efficient administration have additionally been addressed, alongside sensible ideas for fulfillment in navigating this demanding but rewarding profession path.
The per diem flight attendant position presents a novel entry level into the aviation business. Whereas challenges exist, the potential rewards, together with various journey experiences, skilled growth alternatives, and the potential for transitioning to full-time employment, make it a horny possibility for people searching for a non-traditional profession path inside this dynamic area. Thorough preparation, practical expectations, and a proactive strategy to ability growth are important for navigating the aggressive panorama and maximizing the potential for fulfillment as a per diem flight attendant.
