How to lift a rollaboard/suitcase as a flight attendant

Some people find the dreaded bag lift test to be one of the most daunting parts of a flight attendant interview. Here's how I would suggest practicing lifting a rollaboard or suitcase.

[@danielthompsonmoviestravel8254]

I know you’ve expressed interest in maybe being a FA Instructor but I think with your kindness and the fact that you really want to see people succeed, you would be a natural!

[@flightattendantsteven]

Thanks! One day...a long time from now, I'll look into training.

[@commentoria]

Bracing the right arm against your body is the most important thing and helps greatly. However, I find it more stable to put my hand around the curve at the bottom of the suitcase.

[@mrhymer95]

That was great information Steven even for non FA's like myself. You should consider becoming an instructor for your airline later on, you really know how to break down information into simple terms. Many people can't do that. Can you show how to pack your bag as a flight attendant? How are the kitties?🐈

[@flightattendantsteven]

One day!

[@danieljohnsonthejetpackman1456]

I'm no crew member, but I have voluntarily helped people multiple times with their luggage, be it on planes or trains. I do lifting and I have worked in construction for 15 years. So I know a thing or two about lifting heavy objects that are uncomfortable to grab, which go up to 90 - 100 pounds, obviously way more than a luggage. Your advice on how to lift objects safely is actually spot on. One of the main things to keep in mind is to lift through your legs, not your back, as you mentioned. It really is good advice to do some lifting. Doesn't have to be some crazy pro athlete fitness level. The main focus should be on squats, deadlifting and powerlifting. Those exercises will strengthen a lot of core musles, but even more importantly, teach you great and save lifting techniques. When you have the right technique, then you realize, that lifting objects isn't so much about arm strength. Powerlifting will teach you to use the momentum as you lift, to eject the object to or over your head. It will put a lot less stress on your body and strongly reduce the risk of injury. Good lifting techniques can be learned quickly and by anybody that is physically healthy, regardless of gender or body size. Cheers 👍

[@danielthompsonmoviestravel8254]

This video is so helpful. It makes what looks like the most intimidating part of the interview seem much more manageable! Thanks!

[@melissahaganofficial]

Love it! I’m glad I practiced before my hiring event. Even did it in my heels ;)

[@danielthompsonmoviestravel8254]

This video really gave me confidence for when I interview as a FA. My take away is that it’s not exactly easy but certainly doable.

[@flightattendantsteven]

Much of it is easy...but training is stressful. There's a lot of pressure and you're learning a ton each day. The pace is awful. But once you get the wings...it's pretty easy, especially my airline!

[@danielthompsonmoviestravel8254]

Interesting insight about the reasons behind the bag lift test. Thanks!

[@sophieacapella]

Dear Steven, this video confirms once again that you would be a fantastic trainer! 👌😎

[@FlightLifeBudgets]

Great video. I didn’t have a bag lift when I did my airline interview. I think it is an important test for the reasons you have.

[@carlataylor680]

Great video. I hurt my shoulder lifting incorrectly and watched so that I won’t do it again. Please do this entire video again, but this time no comments on your belly. You have great arms and no one is perfect.

[@vaaaarix]

You’re still my favourite person I don’t know to watch and otherwise. I could listen to you talk all day

[@AHouseDivided1998]

I’m staying in that same hotel room right now as part of a 4 day trip...I never stressed about the bag lift. I was a CNA before I became a FA and lifted people all day for a living...Okay, not over my head, but still after that a 50 pound suitcase was nothing to me.

[@juliepostlewaite300]

Oh boy, I’ve been practicing…I can do 35# but 50# is a struggle! Love your tips!

[@kellykelly6272]

Thank you so much! This is invaluable. I am going to be soooo prepared. I am 5'2" and filled with determination!

[@rachelduke1580]

That's so interesting! I had no idea this was even a thing at a hiring event for your airline but I can see why. Another reason for lifting 50+ lbs at least at my airline is we have to drag life rafts to the doors in a ditching. I'm surprised you don't use a handle at the bottom of the suitcase to lift. Have you tried it and prefer this way? Or you've just never had a handle at the bottom? One of my roller bags has a handle and I always miss it when I use my other bag that doesn't have one and I go to lift it. I'll have to try your hand placement next time and see how I like it

[@flightattendantsteven]

I use the handle on the bottom for lifting the suitcase when it's flat. For life rafts we're supposed to get ABAs (able bodied assistants). They would get the rafts while we prepare the cabin for evacuation (setting up other ABAs, assigning assistants to specials, pulling circuit breakers, and so on).

[@danielthompson3168]

This is a good video!

[@pattyfrancisnyaaba6258]

Hi Steven, great video

[@divakingsley9020]

Good video (quick and to the point), thanks for posting!!

[@practicalpape1049]

Steven, hellloooo. I saw you today at the FLL airport. I got so nervios. Loved the video. 🌠

[@flightattendantsteven]

Nervous? OMG! You should have said hello!

[@LifeofPhoenixx]

Omg glade to see a new vid I was worried about u and missed you , how are the cats/ kiddos?

[@flightattendantsteven]

The kids are doing fine. Buddy doesn't like it when I leave for work, but after I'm home a few hours he's calm. He doesn't know I have to head back out tomorrow night.

[@dianaclark5658]

Great information, even for non FA. Stay safe and healthy. Di

[@sherriross4785]

Hi Steven👋 I've got to say I'm impressed...you've got some "guns" 😁

[@flightattendantsteven]

Oh, I USED to have guns...these are water pistols. LOL

[@Marant1000]

Steven Pereira ....Hahahahaha!!! You are so funny 😂. Love you.

[@seren4740]

FA here and I don't lift nobodies bags. Not my job. I know some airlines already discourage it but should be banned completely.

[@flightattendantsteven]

I only help when the passenger can't lift it themselves...because of a disability, age, or other challenge.

[@cbeck9369]

Enjoyed the tips!!

[@t-alimichael3363]

Got a 42 pounds carry on. Any advice @ 5 3⁉Come again, which airlines provide a chair for petite humans?

[@robertsteinmetz4084]

Hey Steven, Thank for this information and Demo. Like you were saying this is a bit daunting for me due to the fact at my age, I'm not as strong up top as I was in younger years... I am practicing starting out with 25 pounds and building myself up before my F2F in April. I am trying to prevent talking myself at bowing out although I keep getting encouragement from others to just GO, I need to at least try. Who knows what the actual weight is.. :-) But again, thanks!

[@flightattendantsteven]

You can do it! I've rarely met a passenger who couldn't lift their own bag into the overhead bin. That's just what you're proving...you can lift a bag or emergency equipment.

[@robertsteinmetz4084]

@@flightattendantsteven Well Steven, talking to other friends who are Flight Attendants, said Just GO, have fun, you already purchased your non refundable tickets! If you relax and can do it, GREAT! If you can't, you can't. You never know what will happen if you don't try. Don't stress, and don't over think it, ! Thanks for the Encouragement.... there will probably be others besides you doing the same.

[@linneadoden5597]

Thank you so much i had rotator cuff surgery and dont know if i can do it, im old too 77

[@flightattendantsteven]

It is hard on the shoulders. I wouldn't be surprised if I have to have a similar surgery in the future.

[@Megjo]

Hi Steven, little off topic from the video however I was wondering if you are packing your lunch bag any different given the uncertainty of food options or with all the cancellations when traveling? Or did you pack differently when you were on reserve? I am going to be commuting without a crashpad the rest of April before my base change near home kicks in and I'm trying to think of how on earth to pack my lunch for six days worth of food at a time..

[@flightattendantsteven]

These days, since I may be stuck someplace for a while (with no restaurant available) I pack frozen food or some refrigerated meals in my cooler with lots of filling snacks like cheese, peanuts, dried fruit. In my rollaboard I'll pack a whole box of instant oatmeal, three or four ouches of Barilla precooked pasta as well as a small jar of pesto that doesn't need to be refrigerated (I'll eat most of it in one night with the pasta and some crackers), and a couple cans of soup. I'll pack food and snacks that would last be six or seven days! I remember we had a meltdown soon after I started flying and I was stuck in Houston four days longer than planned. I learned to pack for emergencies during IROP situations.

[@lindaspinks7101]

Love the Video

[@crazywisdom2]

Hi Steven. Love your Vids ! Currently I'm using travelpro 4 wheel spinner. It tends to want to Tip. Thinking about going to a 2 wheel rollaboard. Thoughts ? Ideas ? Thanks ❤

[@flightattendantsteven]

This is a video I really do have to make. LOL! I, like most flight attendants, prefer the two wheeled rollaoard. Mine still tips, but I think mostly because I pack my laptop in the front pocket and I never think about how I pack the bag for stability. Two wheeled bags just move more easily (especially on uneven ground, carpet, snow/slush) and they fit in overhead bins more easily. There are a ton of little reasons that I prefer two wheels...but durability is the key factor. I put my bag through literal hell and have no problems. To handle the tipping, I have my large tote hang from the J hook. That acts like a door stop to keep my bag upright.

[@crazywisdom2]

@@flightattendantsteven Pease make this video 🥰

[@keishamariemusic]

Hey Steven! I have my compliance processing in a couple of days but I’m pretty petite and while I can lift over 50 pounds, lifting it over my head is pretty difficult for me. You mentioned lifting 35 pounds so I just wanted clarification, for your company’s hiring event is the lift 35 or 50?

[@flightattendantsteven]

You have to be able to lift 50 lbs. That's what the requirements say. But the bags you'll be lifting at our hiring events are literally flight attendants bags...often they don't weigh that much.

[@AlexRocks85]

You strong man!!! 😎😜

[@mullens817]

Hi Steven! I am a big fan, love your videos and insight. I appreciate the bag lift info it is very helpful, but in the video that they send to you prior to your interview they show a young woman lifting a bag from the floor to her chest then over her head!! Oh Mylanta!! So I have been practicing but there in no way on God's green earth I can lift a 50lb bag over my head!!! Who has a 50lb carry on....no one is traveling with a full set of encyclopedias are they? Anyhow, rant over...I am very hopeful that the bag hey test with is more on the lines of 40lbs...35lbs if they really want it dead lifted over my head, too late for this ole gal to pump up the guns! Maybe I better cancel my Hotel now???

[@flightattendantsteven]

You can lift the bag. Trust me. The only people who can't are the ones who psych themselves out.

[@mullens817]

@@flightattendantsteven YOU ARE the BEST!! We will find out TUESDAY!!! 🤞

[@mullens817]

Lifted the bag and got the CJO!!! Thank you for building this old lady’s confidence! I am excited! See you in the air! 🤞