the REAL life of a RESERVE FLIGHT ATTENDANT // flight attendant life

*All views are my own & not a reflection of my employer*
Honestly...reserve is HARD. I've been doing it for 4+ years & you get used to it & find ways to make it better...but it never truly gets easier. I love my job so much & I think this vlog gives a good & accurate glimpse of what reserve life is. It is a waiting game & you never know what you're going to get!
I hope you enjoyed this vlog. Thank you for sticking with me through this journey :)
xoxo michelle

[@DareToElsewhere]

I’m halfway through the interview process to be a FA for your airline and you’re by far the best vlogger I’ve been able to find for your airline! I’ve been binging your videos and they’ve been SO helpful. Thanks for posting, hope to fly with you one day ✈️☺️

[@MichelleHayashida]

Wow, thank you! Good luck in the interview process & see you in the skies soon 😉

[@Abcdefghijk920]

I could never do straight reserve. The strongest people, like you!, so straight reserve. My company does a rotating reserve which honestly is why I chose them.

[@MichelleHayashida]

I actually don't mind straight reserve (granted thats all I've ever known), because I wouldn't want to do A/B rotation for years. There's definitely pros & cons for both! 🥰

[@scotthood-bi3yj]

@@MichelleHayashida @MichelleHayashida you face so beautiful great - you are fabulous baby - i enjoy watch you michelle 💋😘🧡💙💓💞🖤💚

[@prettylady818]

Which airline are you with?

[@hhea426]

Can you explain about reserve system at United??

[@MichelleHayashida]

Sure. It’s a 24 hour on call system with a 3 hour call out time (3 hours to get to the airport for check in). You get 12 days off a month with the option of picking up trips for your days off. There’s a minimum pay guarantee of 78 hours a month but if you fly more than that, you get paid for that amount! My airline has straight reserve which means you are on reserve until you can hold a line. There is also a preferencing system that matches reserves up with their preferences of trips/standby assignments in open time.

[@grahamcargle]

@@MichelleHayashida Thanks so much for explaining! I’m a new hire and this is so clear and helpful 💙

[@ladybuginc.4189]

Can you get a chance to sit down while you’re working the flight? Especially on long flights?

[@potato32salad]

Yes

[@MichelleHayashida]

We do get to sit down during the flight! There's usually some downtime between services. We just have to monitor the cabin regularly & make sure everyone is taken care of 😊

[@andyluong2769]

Is pre board part of the stand by pay or part of the per diem? Or do you still not get paid to pre board?

[@MichelleHayashida]

My airline doesn't give us any extra money for a pre-board because it is included in the standby shift hours!

[@rescue8299]

Just got a CJO and saw your channel. I wanna check out the rest of your channel. Subbed! Any tips for being on reserve and affording life! Thanks in advance Joseph

[@MichelleHayashida]

Congrats! Ahhh, reserve is crazy but you make it work! I'd definitely suggest getting a crashpad if you're planning on commuting (at least while you're on probation). Learn how to preference and understand the reserve availability system and be flexible - reserve won't last forever 😀 but for now, focus on training & preparing for that. Good luck 😊✨

[@rescue8299]

@@MichelleHayashida Thank you!

[@kyhbreacourtney907]

Do you still get paid to be on stand by?

[@worldsokayestflightattendant]

Are you still on Reserve? Or do you have a line

[@MichelleHayashida]

I am still on reserve in SFO!

[@lawrenceakini9507]

Thanks for this vlog. Fly safe. Ciao.

[@MichelleHayashida]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@lupitalupitaa1]

What is it about your company that you enjoy more? How long is the reserved in your company?

[@MichelleHayashida]

I love the diversity and the base options for my company! I also love how we the most international destinations of all US carriers AND the largest alliance! Reserve length varies by base. Right now the most junior base has people holding a line within 6 months 😮

[@rainblair7535]

Do you always get to make it back to your home airport even if you’re reserve?

[@MichelleHayashida]

You always start & end your trip at your BASE airport - not necessarily your home airport!

[@TheTruletta1]

I’m applying now for a FA position . Does the airline pay got the room when you lay over ?

[@MichelleHayashida]

Our hotel and transportation to the layover is all paid for and taken care of!

[@MichelleHayashida]

We pay for our own food on layovers, but we get a per diem stipend to help with that :)

[@TheTruletta1]

@@MichelleHayashida thank you and sorry for the typos

[@drewziedrews8711]

i’m super new 😅 can you help this newbie understand how the reserve life goes especially about bidding andd scheduling. its soo confusing to me 😅

[@MichelleHayashida]

You can shoot me a DM on Instagram @dear_michelle & I'll be happy to answer any questions I can 😊

[@spongebracket]

Hi 👋 How long did it take you to be based in SFO ?

[@MichelleHayashida]

I got a transfer after 6 months but declined it. I ended up transferring after 1.5 years in my first base :)

[@spongebracket]

@Michelle oh wow it didn't take that long, that's good info, thank you

[@andrewchristopher7138]

Hi

[@BellaBeeBaby]

How much international have you done so far??

[@MichelleHayashida]

I have been able to do a good handful of internationals during my time flying. I feel very lucky for that!😄