✈️ Is Extra Pay on Your Birthday Worth It? | Crew Briefing


Hello Reader,

✈️ Welcome Aboard

As you may remember, February is my favorite month, and this particular week always makes me reflective. Not in a dramatic memoir kind of way. Just grounded.

My birthday was on Tuesday. Yes, I am getting older. But age is a privilege. Not everyone gets the gift of another year.

Longevity in this career is built on small decisions. On knowing when to maximize something. On knowing when to protect something.

One of the important lessons I learned as a flight attendant?

Just because the pay is higher does not mean the trip is worth it.

I’ll explain in a minute.

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💺 This Week at Future Flight Attendant - The Flight Attendant Resume Service

The resume service opened yesterday for a short window and will remain open until the two remaining spots are filled.

When you work with me on your resume, this is not a template swap.

You get direct access to me while we build it. I dig in. I look at the airlines you are applying to. I study the language they use. I know what they prioritize. I help you position your background strategically so it aligns with what the hiring team is actually scanning for.

It is detailed. Keyword-driven. Airline-specific. And hands-on.

It also includes access to the Interview Masterclass so you can be fully prepared for any interview.

If you want high-level, strategic support instead of guessing, this is your window before it closes again.

You can purchase the resume service HERE.

💡 Tip of the Week: Holiday Pay and Birthday Pay

At my airline, and at many others, your birthday counts as a holiday.

That means if you fly on your birthday, you receive holiday pay.

One year, I decided to make the most of it.

I picked up a high-time trip. Almost no sit time, worth over 11 hours of pay for one day, then because of the type of trip it was, pay was about double.

It was not my favorite position, but it paid well.

It was neither a position nor a destination I liked to fly, but the money was enough for me to take it.

Mid-flight, someone absolutely blew up the lavatory, and when the smell wafted into the aisle where I was working, the whole section was complaining, including me.

It wasn’t a normal this doesn’t smell right, it was more like, " I can’t believe I’m trapped here, and I’d rather be almost anywhere in the world right now than here."

And all I could think was: even with double the pay, smelling that on my birthday wasn’t worth it.

That was the last year I worked on my birthday.

Here is what I learned.

Celebrating Christmas a week early? Absolutely! The kids loved that.
Thanksgiving? Not a holiday we celebrate, so I always worked it and happily took the extra pay.

But my birthday? I like celebrating on the actual day.

Holiday pay is strategic. Birthdays are personal.

A holiday can move. Your peace cannot.

Before you pick up that trip on your birthday, ask yourself one question: Is it actually worth it?

Depending on the trip, it could be, but pick an amazing destination and bring some lav spray.

🛍️ Amazon Storefront & Pick of the Week

Since we’re talking about cabin air and protecting your peace:

This week’s pick is the Orange Room, Linen and Pillow Spray by Aromafume.

It is small enough for anyone to bring through security, whether you are crew or a candidate traveling for an interview.

Pure orange essential oil is known for its uplifting effect. Citrus scents are often used in hotel lobbies and wellness spaces because they subtly boost mood and create a sense of freshness and calm. You can use it on bedding in hotels, on your pillow before rest (lavender is perfect for rest and relaxation), lightly on fabrics, or yes, discreetly in certain cabin situations when airflow is not in your favor.

Orange oil is clean, bright, all-natural, and not overpowering.

In this career, atmosphere matters. Energy matters. Sometimes something as simple as scent can shift it.

You can find it inside the Amazon Storefront under ➡️ Flight Attendant Essentials.

🛍️ Amazon Storefront for Interview Attire, Training, and Must-Haves

For interview attire and flight attendant must-haves, check out the Amazon Storefront ➡️ HERE.

🎙️ Final Boarding Announcement

Small decisions compound over time.

The trip you pick up.The day you protect. The boundaries you keep.

This career is a marathon, not a sprint.

Think long term.

Protect what matters.

And if your birthday is coming up soon?

Maybe keep it sacred.

If you know anyone who can benefit from this information, you can share it by forwarding this email.

Wheels up!

Deanna

Future Flight Attendant - Your Total Flight Attendant Career Center

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