Flying the Friendly Skies for 53 Years

[@zacamanny]

It was always a pleasure flying with Norma. Class Act

[@flyinghow1]

I love how she says "I'm just fortunate that I found something I love doing and I never lost for my love of flying or for people." So many of us work jobs we don't love, heck, jobs we don't even like. Brava, Norma! Great story!

[@Annebkerr]

Great story! Thought you might want to know that Bob Reardon, Delta/Northwest Airlines, will be celebrating his 60th year as a F/A on October 1-3, 2011. Bob is 87 years young and based in Minneapolis/St Paul. He flies to Tokyo and Hong Kong and other Orient destinations. I was a stewardess with him in the late 1950s.

[@victordunson719]

I am in my 30th year of flying at AA and I have a little over 9 years left. I have no desire to be in my mid seventies still working.. Eff that😳

[@holmebabie]

Never call for sick day, ever. Amazing.

[@MsFly974]

yeah but that job is really bad for health, i can't believe she never called in sick.

[@1Rdby]

Brooklyn Milany That, above all else, is her most amazing stat. That’s one tough lady! -24 year flight attendant with Delta here and I was so proud that 2017 was my first and only calendar year when I didn’t call in sick.

[@hypnoliebecoaching8296]

Working when your sick, is stupid!!! Exspecially as a flight attendant! If you have something with your nose, your car can be destroyed!!!

[@PamStrickland]

@@hypnoliebecoaching8296 VERY true but when you are a new-hire flight attendant at an airline, your attendance is VERY carefully monitored. At Continental we were on probation for a year, and you didn't dare call in sick. I know of a fellow FA who was injured in a car accident, called Crew Scheduling from the ambulance and still, when he finally healed enough to return to work, got the "you've been sick too much" speech. Trust me....I wonder how many people got sick because of flying with new hires afraid to call in sick for fear of losing their jobs.

[@bfun4615]

Notice she said she has never called in sick during her time at Continental. Doesn't mean she has never called in while at another carrier.

[@dorismonticone9384]

This how all flight attendants should be serving from the heart? What a beautiful lady and inspiration to those who are aspiring to become FT's.

[@roachtoasties]

53 years at any job is amazing, but 100x more amazing being a flight attendant. The only minus I give her is she's claiming she has never called in sick. Being jammed into aircraft, going through crowded airports, and the like, she had to have been working while sick many times. Doing that, she's bound to get other passengers sick, with many not being as in good health as her. I know flight attendants need to have excellent attendance, but if you're really sick, call in sick, even if it's not COVID.

[@robandrick-chudej-martin5084]

GOD BLESS HER!! She is one of the nicest person you could ever meet!! Norma, God Bless you for flying all those years!! I flew for 42 years, and wish I could have reached my 50th flight, but MS took a toll on me. Still, I am able to wear my flight manager uniform, and always sit next to the galley exit in first class and I can help evacuate! :) This must have been before when United Airlines took over CO! I miss Continental! :)

[@SunBbe77]

Would you be interested to participate in my study? I am investigating how the role of flight attendants changed over the years. I am looking to interview experienced FA, interview can be done by e-mail, skype, or telephone. Kind regards

[@Thoar003]

RIP Continental Airlines.

[@Robbie67882]

I was once on her flight to Hong Kong too, she let me in the cockpit that time! She was such a nice lady

[@PamStrickland]

Robbie, just curious. Roughly what year did she let you into the cockpit. Was this prior to departure?

[@lindaross783]

She let you in the cockpit!!!!!!!!!!

[@Thecutecoolguy]

She was on my flight to Hong Kong!!! I had no idea she had been flying for so long. What a great story! :)

[@DaPlatinumJedi]

She has NEVER called in sick. That's such an amazing feat! Does anyone know if she is still a flight attendant?

[@soothingmoments2139]

she looks tops ard 50's to me...she doesnt slur..she walks up straight in HEELS at 74!!

[@chamadeJJ]

Seriously, she is... Young compared to 74^^;;

[@TWTR4EVER]

INSPERATIONAL to say the least! Number one in seniority and to be able to achieve it with the same company? Now that's an achievement. I'm on my 40th but with three different carriers, still love to fly, not crazy about the quality of the passengers nor what our industry has become but no regrets!

[@SunBbe77]

Would you be interested to participate in my study? I am investigating how the role of flight attendants changed over the years. I am looking to interview experienced FA, interview can be done by e-mail, skype, or telephone. Kind regards

[@christiand8243]

I've met Norma at the Boeing factory to take delivery of Continental's 20th B777-200. Had the chance to sign the "delivery note" with CEO Larry Kellner. Great memories!

[@oldscar6169]

Never called in sick this is because as a Stewardess you can Trade all flights away for months on end and still receive all your Benifits, With her seniority she could hold and trade all the best routes. Good union

[@014aircanada]

I wished she was on my flight from Tokyo to Chicago in Global First Class cause that was my flight. I had a nice chat with one of the flight attendant from Singapore to Tokyo in Global First Class..he talked about helping to evacuate orphans in Vietnam back in 1975. He was very nice and friendly flight attendant.

[@RWernsing]

Awesome lady! I hope she's still having many happy landings!

[@ethanrosen7095]

I was on that flight and I was in some scenes of this episode! 2:20 , 2:25 , 2:31

[@KraziiBeautii]

Ethan Rosen awwww you’re the kid she pats on the head?

[@ethanrosen7095]

@@KraziiBeautii yes! That was me!

[@kernow9324]

Norma has a lovely attitude. Long may she continue flying, if she wants to.

[@steelyflyer]

Norma, you rock!

[@ImTheCrew]

She retired in 2019 62 years years

[@5thdimension625]

Thanks for sharing this. I was just about to ask where she is today

[@Longbeachliner]

Awesome Lady! Norma is a true asset to Continental Airlines. I wish her the best of regards.

[@luckilj]

Good for you Norma.. nice to see you have a better way of being than some of the newbies! well done!!!

[@jeannetolar8982]

I work at Continental Airlines, now we're , United and Yes she's still flying and still #1

[@ov.1192]

Hi Jeanne, do you know she's still working for United? Thanks.

[@manecascris3897]

Norma, God bless you, happy flying!!!

[@paulazemeckis3601]

thank u Norma for being a great role model for wonen!

[@aviGeek11]

does anyone have an update on this woman?

[@ezioaltairac]

She retired in late 2019.

[@amjPeace]

Norma, you are an inspiration to all of us!

[@ironlord20]

Yes, she is still a Flight Attendant at United.

[@SuperBooboo02]

kudos to Norma!

[@gordonkainoa9426]

She was an attendant on one of my flights absolutely professional friendly and efficient gla I saw you in action mahalo enjoy your years of work

[@Gaygarious]

What an inspiration for a lot of young women and men!!!!!

[@willowclay3137]

She's funny and honest. God bless!

[@theconcorden]

It's awesome Norma is so loving of her career and has had so many experiences, but I don't believe she hasn't called in sick once in 55 (2012) years! No way....

[@leonvinhle]

I WAS AMAZED!

[@jenntopp1]

Wow, you go Norma!!

[@ScoutsmeisEksteRusty]

Is she still a FA on united? Respect. i wish I look that good when I have reached that age! Congratz Norma

[@ptahcha001]

Yes she is - just flew with her yesterday, to Hong Kong no less.

[@EuroRocket]

I just checked as of March 11 2017, Norma is still a flight attendant with United/sCO

[@stevedow5842]

She's still flying! Met her last week on a flight to Hong Kong. She is younger at 81 than most people are in their 40s.

[@Deantre1984]

She is now retired

[@DylanCannon]

I think she's still there.

[@robyoungquist5803]

American Airlines has a Senior Female Flight Attendant with 60 years strong. More power to them. 👍

[@lindaross783]

I started flying for United Airlines in 1970 and I loved it. But I went on to be a nurse. Everyone has a different path to follow.

[@thaitexan8026]

Seniority is everything. I was secretly wishing her the best...as you do to a positive good person entering into our world . You have paved the way for many of us, many. THX. I know yours is harder, stand through....stick to it ....you will amaze yourself of your first beginnings to BTS.

[@bfun4615]

I work in an industry that is also seniority based (that doesn't follow if you transfer). I transferred last year and I have an upside down schedule 8pm to 4:30am. I will give it a few years to go up the seniority ladder to get my desired position / schedule.

[@MoonlightNikita]

Gorgeous for a 73 years old

[@BRABAZON49]

Good on ya Norma

[@TheAirtrans]

I love her,amazing

[@suhailshafi]

Fantastic, so impressive !

[@Finadene671]

C'mon, haters! She's been through Lorenzo, previous mergers, 2 bankruptcies, more CEO's and than you've got fingers and toes... who's NOT going to be tough after 53 years and all that. I applaud her work ethic, her longevity, and the fact that she still enjoys what she does. @fun2knowro: before you start "picking the splinter", you should look at your own "log in your eye". Start with your own friendliness (and blatant lack of it), and move to your grammar ("she's an old WOMEN"). Hypocrite.

[@dreamaviation1376]

My mom worked with at Newark they met in 98 and now she doesn’t see her because she does flights to Tel Aviv now

[@МартаТатаріна]

WOW!!! Any chance for training 💚

[@TheMandatoryReporter]

Well, I'm impressed!

[@retownsend]

That's the way! I love this woman! Hard work, dedication, loyalty. Raise the retirement age to 75!

[@bfun4615]

No No, I think 70 1/2 (for maximum Social Security) is enough. Not everyone has jobs that they love nor does everyone's health hold up.

[@catherinesearson2045]

My job reminds me of my favourite airline Qantas. Im all about the department of first impressions ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kefelonia1]

Lovely lady, beautiful,stunning.

[@iloveanimals1964]

Has Norma retired yet? 💕

[@ezioaltairac]

She retired in 2019.

[@ak5504]

Wow! Never calling in sick! That is impressive!

[@wa210]

Flew with her a few times. I am old CO. Retired last year.

[@Mlp476]

She looks incredible for her age

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

FIVE STAR VIDEO! ...Way to GO, Norma! XOXOXOX!

[@laurettecastellano2830]

Very reassuring to hear that the pilot says he is falling apart😟

[@andrewanane9715]

Wow nice! I love flying to.

[@deepilot3743]

dawm, wished i had met her Deeanna C. CAL capt. retired 2014

[@flyinghow1]

I wasn't aware one had to be "asked" to post an opinion or a comment on YT. You had the right to post your comment, I had the right to say I found it ignorant. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@tiakuhl1321]

Legend! 💙

[@scubawrestler]

Not sure what her new seniority will be at United, but I doubt anyone will be jumping all over to get based at Liberty. (EWR)

[@丸金東山公園新瑞橋]

懐かしいですコンチネンタル航空ビジネスファースト

[@리승-t8m]

inspirational!

[@Critique808]

Wow, she looks good for her age.

[@kevinthomaswright6979]

Im getting sick of this shit at athe time shw was Continental not united never did the merger with united come up let it go people lets see if you can evac a burning DC 10 in 1979 before most of you were born. Let It it go. shes a hard worker and yes we all strive to hold NRT or HKG 3day trips fly 3 trips and your done for the month.years of service has its rewards and for all u haters enjoy your four day trip with 5 legs who has the last laugh. dont forget people when this recorded united wasnt even in the picture hope she still has her 2 stripes as an ISM look and learn kiddos senior flight attendants have a wealth of encourgement and stories

[@solopolo]

Bravo!

[@brettpatetto6847]

In 53 years you have never called in sick? I have heard that from many senior FA's I guess there are perfect people out there, I thought I was amazing being with American 31 years any having a total of 4 weeks off through out my career due to sick ness and other things. The key to surviving this wonderful career is being single

[@bfun4615]

"While at continental" not her whole career. Although I hadn't called out in two years until I really did get sick.

[@L1011Lover]

B Fun at the time this short feature on her was produced she had only ever worked for Continental! 53 years at Continental. She later made it to United through the merger, so basically she never "changed" airlines or employers. She retired last December.

[@wa210]

Key is seniority. I was top 10% at United, even though old CO. I held choice HNL and OGG trips out of IAH base. When bids came out I had F/A's calling me asking for my trips, as I was coming back from major surgery and only flew half my line for quite awhile. Once had a 6 day HNL trip IAH-HNL 2 day layover, HNL-LAX, 24 hr layover, LAX-HNL 27 hr layover HNL-IAH. Perps lining up wanting my trip. Eventually gave to FA from HNL but based in IAH to see her failing health mother back in HNL. Also was during mothers day weekend. That's how avert sick calls, even though I had FML.

[@rob2326]

Now it’s greyhound with wings !!!

[@everyone_knows_itsbutterst7808]

There was a FA at united who had more time then she did.

[@trollydollywannabe]

she's amazing!! it would be an incredible experience to work with her and have her experience rub off on you

[@leannestrong1000]

"They were called hostesses, required to be single and slender." And young, and unrealistically pretty. I wouldn't have wanted to do that kind of a job back then.

[@CubsFanJohn]

@fun2knowro Isn't the new number #1 some guy that is like 80+???

[@sarag.475]

they couldn't get married??? Why???

[@PatroniFan]

Back in those days it was assumed that THE MAN would support his wife so she wouldn't need to work. My mom was a teacher starting in 1958 and, at that time, a female teacher could get married(unlike decades earlier) but women had to quit teaching when they started having children. My mom was forced to resign from teaching the month that my older sister was due(Maternity leave did NOT exist at that time).

[@bfun4615]

Should still be that rule. No marriage or kids.

[@pauljordan4452]

​@@bfun4615 A friend of my Mum's is a retired nurse and she was required to stay single because of the job. It didn't worry her.

[@kiwiloveskiwi8398]

Wow.She looks 50

[@azeleapark]

50 + 50

[@813jp]

Isn't United the friendly skies?

[@johnrmirez5261]

63,000 flight hours lol jesus christ that is something

[@bibolcs]

Norma what a Lady..! Though Lady..!

[@semicolon593]

“Friendly skies”

[@wellica16]

Wow amazing how all this people after seeing a great video of a hard working person all they have to do is criticize. Not too many of us will have that energy and health to still be working. For those that think just because you are an fa you have no life...have news for you. Fa get a min if 14/18 days off during a month and with her senority and beeing able to choose her trips. Trust me she must work a flight a month and b done. About the entire ua/co don't let me get started. Crappy ua metals.

[@averyrizzolo9082]

RIP continental

[@willowclay3137]

I worked for US Airways for 4 years as a FA. I was tired of it lol.

[@FlyBoy0024]

Gotta be honest, I use to work for CO, ran into her once, but she has a rep for being not too nice!

[@theconcorden]

Make no mistake, Continental saved untied. Hadn't it been for that merger, untied would've been belly up (or close to) by now. Continental should've never merged with any airline, specially such a hot mess, awful airline line untied.

[@TWX27]

Please don’t say the word falling while your on a plane.

[@chadmarkz4334]

She worked my flight last week. She's now 104 !!!

[@Beverly_Wilshire]

Cool!

[@annettemoore8801]

Although I admire her and respect her for her years of service. I imagine she is a the type of leader onboard that most other Flight Attendants are scared of her which is wrong as seniority should be based on date of entry AND respect. I have worked with women like this in every employment I have had and I never assume but I have a feeling she may be impatient with new FA's. I may be COMPLETELY wrong but she comes across as as Brash. I feel she could have better portrayed herself in this video. None the less I wish her well.

[@victordunson719]

Annette Moore , I am in my 30th year as a flight attendant and there is no fear of them. You snap back at them and they back down.

[@HarryWizard]

Can't call them "friendly" flights anymore after United

[@R3putaytion13]

Thank you for flying American Airlines, where the only thing we will beat is competitive pricing

[@R3putaytion13]

and to defend United, as an American Airlines flight attendant, United was not the one who called for the attack; look at security for the airport itself. Our policies are universal and it clearly states no physical contact and also states only restraint is the only acceptable contact if need be.

[@MerleWillmoreartistThokozili]

Good on you Norma! I agree while you love what you do and can still deliver excellent service, why not! age is just a number girlfriend! I accolade you hon! x

[@SilverAdonis]

@luckyps6 lol good one!!

[@MyleneJ]

Alright you get upset about 'criticizing' but finish your comment with "Crappy ua metals". I myself am a second gen UAL employee, my mother was a 40 year UAL F/A before retiring, and have a lot of respect for the one in this interview and I'm Happy with the changes, Smisek's better than Tilton sure. Stop picking sides and bickering like kids. United is United the merger is Over it's ONE Company with ONE goal, making a successful Airline. Stop listening to loudmouthed Idiots like "crackaddict444"

[@TJK152]

When United merges. Oof

[@wayneking414]

Loodgoodage

[@TheVMFA333]

wow ! MKULTRA does work

[@someonespeci1697]

this is unhealthy

[@flyinghow1]

Ignorant comment.

[@RADIUMGLASS]

she's way past her prime now. time to retire.

[@JohnnyNatal30]

I have to be honest congrats for working so long, but truthfully speaking its time to retire and let younger people work.... She surely has full pension.. Please Ladys in the industry for more than 40 years RETIRE ALREADY..