Two Generations, One AA Legacy (Part 1)

Mother + Daughter Graduation Photos - The American Airlines Training Center

Two Generations: One AA Legacy (Part 1)

My love for aviation started when I became a flight attendant, but looking back my aviation journey started long before that. It began in the 90’s when my sister and I visited my mom at the American Airlines training center in Dallas Texas, a place I would revisit years later for my own training.

Childhood Memories: A Front Row Seat to Aviation:

Growing up with a mom in aviation meant my childhood was unique. “Take Your Child to Work Day” was lunch on a 767, airport tours, and access to this unique kid club I liked to call “Standby Babies”. My sister and I didn’t just play house or teacher, we played airport, checking each other into imaginary flights and pushing our baby dolls through imaginary terminals.

How A Mother in Aviation Opened My World

Thanks to my mom and her job, travel wasn’t just a perk; it was a way she helped us stay connected and curious about the world. We took a lot of family trips together building core family memories and when I got older, I was able to study in different countries, which helped shape my independence and worldview. When I became a young adult trying to find my place in this world, my mom suggested I travel the world as an American Airlines Flight Attendant. That suggestion became one of the biggest turning points in my life.

Full Circle: Paying it Forward:

This May, as The Women in Aviation FLL chapter celebrates Mothers in Aviation, I want to give a special thank you to my mother. She deserves recognition for all the crazy work hours and the missed holidays, and because she's supported my love for travel, my journey as a flight attendant, and my pilot training. My mom is one reason I feel so passionate about supporting other mothers in aviation.

Read my mother’s story in Part 2:

~ Submitted by - Alyssa Grannum (WAI FLL President) + her mother