‘This isn’t just a job’: A Delta flight attendant reminisces about 40 years in the skies 

Every day at work is an opportunity for flight attendant Sandra Griego to connect with people, whether it’s her sister (also a flight attendant), fellow Los Angeles Dodgers fans, lovers of Paris – or any other opportunity that comes about to forge a bond. 

But one of her proudest moments came during Operation Desert Storm, when she was a part of a crew summoned during a London layover to usher a group of U.S. Marines on their way home from Kuwait. They scrambled to find American flags and other items in a record store to give the Marines a warm welcome aboard.  

“That was such an honor,” said Sandra, who made that trip while flying with Pan-Am and joined Delta when the companies merged. “My husband served in the military, so it’s something we’re both very proud of.”  

Read on to learn more about Sandra and her love for people, Delta, the Dodgers and Paris! 

Allison: You look amazing. I’ve never seen you not on brand. Why is that important to you? 

Sandra: I’m very proud to be a Delta flight attendant. It was fun wearing my uniform and just walking through the terminal today. People were saying hello. It’s how I should appear in the concourse. It’s important. It’s what I remember seeing. I walked by and that was my inspiration – I wanted to wear their scarf. I wanted to walk in their heels like they did. 

AA: Speaking of which – you have been involved in shaping the new uniform collection as part of you work with our Employee Involvement Group. Are you excited? 

SG: I’m very excited. I was a wear tester with the current uniform, and to be a part of another amazing launch is a blessing. I do love the colors. We’re going back to our home colors. It feels right. I can’t wait to wear-test it and put it on. The leadership team we have with uniforms is so responsive. And we’re still working on it – any concerns people have, it’s being noted. 

AA: What’s kept you here for 40 years? 

SG: The lifestyle. I just love it all. I love the layovers. I love being able to take care of issues that come up. I love to problem-solve. And that is fun, to work with my crew. I was also a former preschool teacher – so it’s pretty much let’s give options, let’s see what we can do. Passengers feel heard, and that makes me happy. I go home and I think, I’ve done my job. I listened to this person and I was able to accomplish something. 

AA: If you could deliver one message for all the people of Delta, what would you tell them? 

SG: Stay positive. Do not take this for granted. Really wake up each day that you’re going to work and think about what you can do. What can you do for someone? Remember that this isn’t really just a job. Other people can benefit from what you’re doing. Remember that this is something where we can really make a difference for someone. 

AA: What’s your favorite destination? 

SG: I have really fallen in love with Paris. That was my first trip ever. But lately it has been any place where the Dodgers are playing. I go to games often with my husband, and we just really love it. 

AA: Do you have a favorite snack on board? 

SG: Everything leads back to Paris. It’s the madeline (the Delta One snack). … I keep saying just one a month. Passengers love it. We heat it up just slightly. … It’s just fantastic.