Rachel Canada, a Global Air Charters Cabin Attendant, enjoys spending time with her coworkers and helping create positive and memorable passenger experiences. Read on to learn more about Rachel.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Palm Beach but then moved to rural Southwestern Virginia when I was going into middle school. I went from the beach to the dairy farm!
What education and certifications do you hold?
I have a liberal arts degree from the University of Miami.
What makes GAC stand apart from other private charters?
Our clientele! We aren’t just scooping up trips to make money. We fly large families with kids that have come to refer to me as Auntie Rachel. We’ve flown sick people back to their home countries to say their goodbyes. We’ve flown astronauts on their way to the International Space Station! We fly clients with a “why” to their traveling, and while getting to know these passengers leading up to the trip, we’re able to curate a lovely yet safe journey for them.
What specific moment with a customer made you realize why you do what you do?
We recently took one of my favorite families down to Turks and Caicos. One of the kids, a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, was a little nervous during the descent. She trusted me because we had already colored together and talked about our favorite colors and Sesame Street. I sat in the cabin with her instead of the jumpseat. During the approach, I held her hand and explained the stages of flight. She told me about a dozen times after that she is now brave.
What is your favorite thing about working for GAC?
I enjoy working with my friends. We have a tight camaraderie that shows in just about every stage of every trip.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
The lack of numbers and paperwork! Ha! I’m kidding. I have enjoyed learning more about flying and have gained an interest in flying myself. I also enjoy being creative in the galley, whether whipping up a hot home-cooked meal for my crew or trying out some small bites to sample with our passengers. Ending up someplace hot and tropical doesn’t hurt either!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a Cabin Attendant?
I’m not sure I ever realized I wanted to. The opportunity presented to travel the world on a private jet and get paid for it. It was a no-brainer and certainly better than my bartending job. I’m so happy the career found me.
What is your favorite occasion to celebrate while flying?
I enjoy the more intimate holidays our passengers may be celebrating; a retirement, anniversary, or birthday. I can decorate the cabin, make a signature cocktail for the trip, bake cupcakes, etc.
What motivates you to do the best on the job?
I enjoy making people happy, so that’s my biggest motivation.
In your opinion, what makes a good Cabin Attendant?
To be a good Cabin Attendant, you need great people skills. You need to be able to read people. Are they jittery/nervous? Do they want to be left alone? Do they want to know your life story (often passengers do!)? It is essential to know when to walk away. Also, paying attention to detail is important; making sure a client’s glass is never empty, their space is always tidy, or simply adding a pretty garnish to the snacks they may have brought. Remembering facts about their family, remembering a birthday or other significant date and giving them well wishes when you see them creates excellent rapport.
What was your most memorable moment with Global Air Charters?
I’ll never forget performing in my first stand-up comedy show via Zoom from a hotel room while on the road and seeing roughly 85% of my colleagues in attendance. I was still a little new to the company, but they came and cheered me on.
The most fun I’ve experienced on the job was our trip to Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. They are two places in the world I never thought I’d go to, and it was thrilling to land at both locations.
What do you like to do when you aren’t flying?
SLEEP! A nap is always nice. I just purchased a Peloton that I’m obsessed with, so pedaling nowhere fast is fun for me. I enjoy reading (Fitzgerald and Hemingway, but anything by a comedian has a place on my nightstand, too). Recently I have taken up cooking and using ingredients from the farmer’s market that I usually wouldn’t consider. In addition to being a cabin attendant, I’m also a comedian. I write all the time. I’ve been working on a comedy series and have ideas for one with a few of my pilots.
What is your favorite travel destination? Why?
Right now, my favorite destinations are San Diego, Austin, and Seattle because I have friends in those cities, I can call on short notice, and they’ll be at the FBO waiting for me when I land.
Rachel Canada is a welcome addition to the team. We’re so glad to have her!
