Not too long ago I was lucky enough to swap onto one of our newest flights – a JFK with a 42 hour layover! (The previous flights only have a 24 or 30 hour layover.) I originally had a flight to LAX, but I went there in January so wanted to get rid of it if possible – and someone accepted my swap π
The flight was busy, busy, busy. We had around just over 50 upgrades in business class (so pretty much the entire cabin!) and we were running back and forth for 13 hours. The good thing about my job however, is that as soon as you get off the plane, you don’t have to think a single thing about the flight again!
Another great thing about my job – the views from “the office”! This was one over Greenland. I always take a moment just to appreciate the beautiful views we get to see. Only recently (on my way to Barcelona) I looked out of the window and could see the Pyramids!
We arrived in NYC quite late at night, so all headed straight to bed.
The next day I was up early (thanks to jetlag!) ready to do some exploring. Most of the other crew had plans, and I was also meeting my friends Stephen and Colin (who you may remember from my last New York post) in the evening.
After some breakfast I set out to explore Soho. I didn’t really have a plan, other than wander around a bit, take in the sights, and do a bit of shopping!
I love the typical NY fire escapes which are on all of the exteriors of the buildings.
In the distance I could spot the New World Trade Centre, which is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It’s not opening til mid May so I’ll have to wait for my next JFK to check it out.
After a lovely stroll around Soho and a successful shopping mission completed, I decided to visit “Top of the Rock” – the 360 degree viewing platform at the top of the Rockefeller Centre.
I stopped back off at the hotel to drop my shopping and pick up my camera. After a lot of walking (I don’t mind getting lost in NYC!) and a stop through Bryant Park, I arrived at the Rockefeller Centre.
I paid the entrance fee and was whisked up to the 70th floor.
It was a bit of a cloudy day but luckily it didn’t rain, so even though the skies weren’t blue it still made for some quite dramatic photos!
You could walk around each side of the platform, and also go up onto higher levels to get an even better view.
If you looked carefully you could even see the Statue of Liberty in the background!
Once I’d seen the incredible view from all sides, I headed back down to get ready to meet Colin & Stephen ( not without a quick stop in the shops, of course).
They came and met me in my hotel and we hailed down a taxi. Our plan had been to visit a rooftop bar, but it was a bit chilly outside so most of them weren’t open yet for the summer. Never mind, we found a lovely place serving rather potent frozen margaritas!
It was so lovely to catch up, and they told me all about their recent trip to Japan. It sounded amazing and I’m going to try my hardest to swap onto a Tokyo flight now!
What’s a trip to The Big Apple without dollar slice pizzas?! (Although I think these were more than a dollar each. Ripoff!)
The next morning I still had a few hours before our wake-up call. I headed out for breakfast (although the concierge recommended a diner, and it was the most ridiculously large portion of food I’ve ever seen!) and then for a wander around.
Of course it was a beautiful sunny day (just as we were leaving – typical!) so I made the most of the sunshine and walked up to Colombus Circle.
After a quick shop at Whole Foods to pick up a few bits for the flight home, it was back to the hotel to get ready to leave.
As always, I had a fantastic time. There are so many more areas of the city that I still haven’t managed to explore, so I guess I’ll just have to keep coming back!
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Hi Rachel!
I LOVE your blog!! π I want to become an cabin crew when I turn 21 β im only 18 now :(. Ive been a fan of your blog since near the start and ive read atleast 95% of your posts! π
I have a few questions that I have been unable to find in your blogpost and also online so I would be really grateful if you could answer them! π
1) Iβve read that Emirates has fantastic career progression. I think its amazing that you are now I business class after 18 months! Do you know/have you ever heard of any cabin crew going on to becoming a cadet pilot in Emirates? I read a article that a Malaysian cabin crew member in another airline based in UAE started as a cabin crew and after a few years became a pilot.
2) How does the USA routeβs work? Once you finish your initial training can you get roasted a USA route or do you have to wait a certain amount of time? Or is there an application process? If so how does it work?
3) If there was a family emergency and you had to get home ASAP is this possible. Could you skip all your roasted flights? Or lets say like this post you were in NCY could you pay for a flight home from another airline and miss the flight back to DXB?
And finally last question.
4) Ive read that cabin crew get approx. 15 discount flights a year where you pay approx. 10% of the fare. Is this just for economy class fare or could you pay 10% of the business/ first class fare? And does this discount work for all flights or are some flights restricted.
I know itβs a lot of questions but I tried to find a email address for this blog but I have not been able to find one. π
Finally I really want to say thank you for making this blog. I check it regularly and every time you publish a new blog post after reading it I know this is the career what I want to do for the rest of my life. π
Thanks again! π
Author
Hi Ross! Glad you like my blog π
I personally don’t know of any cabin crew that have become cadet pilots, but I do know there are lots of crew who have their PPL. If you are dedicated and don’t mind spending all your days off studying and flying to wherever you’re training, it’s possible!
For the US flights you have to get a crew visa (unless you are from the US), for me I think I got it after about 6 months.
For family emergencies you can get emergency leave, however it depends on the situation and your manager.
So for the flights you get unlimited discounted flights for yourself, this is just for economy. Once you are purser you can travel stand-by in business. You also get 15 “special tickets” a year which you can use for friends, but who knows if this will still be the same in 3 years time when you turn 21! π
Thanks for reading π
I like your blog and Emirates!
Recently my husband and I flew with Emirates to Seychelles. We could take honeymoon photos with your friendly cabin crews in flight. Pictures look like we are having a wedding party on board since I wore a white full-length dress!
If you get a chance to come to Tokyo, Iβm sure you will have a good time here.
Look forward to your next posts.
Author
Aww wow that sounds lovely! Glad you enjoyed your flight π I have been to Tokyo once before, around 4 years ago I think. It was great!
Aaahh NYC one of my favorite places I went last year, I loved it so much I went 2 times the same month lol ! The summer is definitely the time to go there, next time you should try the 40/40 is a bar owned by jay z pretty nice and chic. There is also a nice cafe / restaurant with fresh food ( Chinese, sandwiches, breakfast, everything) is the W on the 5th avenue, make sure to keep this place secret ok ? Lol
Author
I also love New York! So happy we now have a 42 hour layover as well π Thanks for the tip, will definitely try out that bar next time I’m there. π
Hi dear! what about your roster for May? π
Author
Hope you like it! π