graduation gift for flight attendant

[mjh8955]

Our son is about to finish flight attendant training for American Airlines. Would like to come up with the perfect graduation gift. Any FA's out there who can give us some ideas? Thanks!!

 

[tzeitel]

I don't have any gift ideas but Congrats!

 

[figment52]

Our son is about to finish flight attendant training for American Airlines. Would like to come up with the perfect graduation gift. Any FA's out there who can give us some ideas? Thanks!!

luggage - good luggage is very expensive so helping him pay for that would be a big help.

 

[wiigirl]

Gift card to Starbucks?

 

[djmeredith]

Cash! I was a Delta flight attendant. Flight attendants make very little money but have a lot of expenses in the beginning (uniforms, luggage, moving expenses or crash pad). Unless he is already financially secure with a large savings he is going to need cash. Many people aren't aware that training is unpaid and starting salary is very low.

 

[elgerber]

luggage - good luggage is very expensive so helping him pay for that would be a big help.

This is a great idea!!

 

[ceecee]

Some airlines have regulation luggage or they used to. HSN sells really neat organization/travel bags by Joy Managano which are different sizes and can be used for make up, toiletries, etc. I love my set and I keep it packed and it's always ready to go.

 

[ChristmasElf]

luggage - good luggage is very expensive so helping him pay for that would be a big help.

Costco has the Kirkland brand rollerboard that is fabulous. It costs $99 and will fit in the overheads. They also have different sizes available.

Years ago Samsonite mad decent luggage. Now it seems way overpriced and doesn't hold up the way the Costco brand does.

And congratulations to your son. American Airlines rocks!

 

[justcruisin]

While this sounds very bizarre but how about some travelling lounge wear?

Campmor dot com sells nice comfy lightweight fleece for sleeping, comfy socks for relaxing and undies that are easily washable in a sink and dry overnight.

Or perhaps a world map and some stick pins to keep track of his travels or some other kind of journal to keep track of his travels.

Congrats!

 

[leebee]

I wouldn't spend money on luggage until I knew if he needed to use his airline's regulation luggage or not. However... how about a decent insulated lunch box/kit of some type. Yes, FAs get per diem, but many that I know collect the per diem as cash and bring meals from home. Also, a decent, small dop kit (a small zip leather case for basic toiletries) might be handy. He could leave it packed/restocked so it's ready to just throw into the suitcase. Another thought is a small electric razor that won't take up much space in his luggage. What else... gas cards, or pay his parking garage monthly fees at his home base, or make a gift card that says you'll purchase parts of his uniform (FAs can usually choose from a variety of things... shirts, ties, sweaters, vests, aprons, etc, in addition to the basic pants/jacket). This uniform stuff is all very expensive to purchase and maintain. Heck, get him a gift card to the local dry cleaner so he can get his uniforms cleaned!

HAHA... how about an endless supply of quart-sized zip lock baggies so he can clear TSA security??

 

[mollymar]

HAHA... how about an endless supply of quart-sized zip lock baggies so he can clear TSA security??

Great idea but we don't have to go by that rule if we are in uniform.
I agree with pp about waiting on the luggage. AA may have a rule about using the company's approved luggage and while on probation I would stick with the rules. I have been a f/a for 19 years and one of the best gifts I received and still use is a small travel size alarm clock/noise machine combo. Hotels can be very noisy and sometimes on short layovers I have a hard time falling asleep so I can turn on the noise machine to help relax me. It has an auto shutoff too.

Congrats to your son! Hope he enjoys it.

 

[djmeredith]

small travel size alarm clock/noise machine combo.

If he has a smartphone, this is an unnecessary gift. Smartphones have alarm clocks and noise apps.

 

[holden]

How about a really good comfy pair of shoes? I'm not sure about men but Danskos are great for women on their feet all day. I wore them when I taught and I still wear them now!

 

[ChristmasElf]

American does not have a regulation on luggage.
It does have to be black.