Meet Samantha Razo | Corporate Flight Attendant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Razo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
There are a lot of things that people are unaware of! I’ll start by saying that being a corporate flight attendant is not just giving safety briefings and serving drinks. Our job starts days before our actual trip. We start by shopping for the aircraft, the pilots, and most importantly, our guests. These requests can be as simple as a charcuterie board, to an in n out double double, to steak and lobster. Whatever it is, it’s my job to make it happen. After we source our catering, I am responsible for cooking, plating, and serving the requested meal while 41,000ft in the air. We also wear many other hats while inflight ranging from a bartender, server, dishwasher, to a nanny and maid. Our jobs don’t end there. Once we get our guests safely to their destination, we spend about 45 minutes detailing the plane getting it ready for the next charter which is most likely with in hours. Then you do it all over again!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career started when I was 17 and I got my first restaurant job as a host. From there I worked my way up taking on basically every position possible until I received the opportunity to help open and operate a burger and beer bar in Huntington Beach. I helped create the menu, hired a staff of 40 employees and managed the day to day operations. Little did I know these key skills would be essential into my new career transition. This restaurant was like my baby and I was extremely proud of the name we made for ourselves! But I found myself needing to step away after getting the restaurant back up and running when covid hit. I knew my time at the restaurant was done, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew hospitality was my forte and it was my passion, but what direction did I want to take it? I found myself taking a couple months off and really working on myself and getting to know who I was and what I wanted. Then one day I saw my friend Zöe traveling the world while the world seemed to be shutting down. To say I was intrigued was an understatement. I reached out to her and she told me about this amazing academy called SkyAngels. It consisted of 5, 10+ hour days with 2 of them being emergency training focused…which required me jumping into Lake Sonoma in 30 degree weather, while it was raining, in December! But what I got out of this academy was so much more. Not only did it train me to be prepared for any emergency that may occur, but it taught me the proper etiquette and expectation expected and required for our level of service. Most of all it taught me to have the confidence in myself that I didn’t realize I had lost. It taught me the power of determination and hard work and realizing I can accomplish my dreams. Now I find myself waking up in places like Bari Italy and Turks and Caicos and say to myself “how did I get here?! And am I really getting paid for this?!”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let me just tell you THERES NO PLACE LIKE HOME!! My career has me traveling for over half the year, so when I’m home there are a few clutch spots that I need to hit up. My first meal right off the plane every single time is always In n Out. I usually come home to an empty fridge so this quick meal is perfect. Number 1 double single protein style with onion, no tomato, fry extra well done and a coke…with 3 sides of spread. Next up is lunch and drinks with my friends and 9 times out of 10 its at Nicks on 2nd in Long Beach for an espresso martini or 2 with the asparagus fries and always finish it up with a butter cake. My favorite part about living in LA is the weather of course so I always need to do some outdoor activities while home. My mom introduced me to The Bridge to Nowhere hike in the San Gabriel mountains and while its a challenging hike (10 miles with walking sticks required for certain times of the year when the water level requires) but its about the journey and the bonding you do during those hours. The beach is always a must, whether I’m walking the boardwalk in Long Beach or enjoying dog beach in Huntington Beach with all my friends and their dogs (my job is too difficult to have a pet so being able to get my doggie fix with my friends is a extra win)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
With out a doubt both of my parents. They each have been there for me and with me through it all. The encouragement and support that I feel from them both is overwhelming at times, but it’s exactly what I need. I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in with out them. Not only did they help me get here emotionally and financially, but they continue to be my rocks through it all. Whenever I’m on the road getting home sick they are the first 2 people I call to give me that little push to make it thought. I truly am blessed.

I cant forget about my girl Zoë who completely took me under her wing as not only my SisterAngel, but my friend and helped guide me through this crazy beautiful industry. I only hope that one day I can help other aspiring corporate flight attendants reach their dreams like she helped me reach mine.

Instagram: soaring_samantha

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharazo