Burton Flight Attendant Snowboard

The Burton Flight Attendant has been a staple in Burton’s lineup for years, earning what one reviewer calls a “cult following” among all-mountain riders. We analyzed 11 YouTube reviews spanning 2018-2024 to see what riders actually experience on this directional freeride board.

Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Shape	Directional (longer nose, shorter tail)
Camber Profile	Directional camber (camber from tail to past front insert, rocker nose)
Taper	10mm (tail narrower than nose)
Setback	35mm reference stance
Flex	Medium to medium-stiff (directional: stiffer tail, softer nose)
Base	Sintered WFO (high-end, fast)
Core Tech	Squeezebox core milling, Infinite Ride pre-break-in
Additional Features	Carbon I-beams, Super Fly 2 core, Channel mounting system

What Reviewers Agree On

Reading this article: Numbers like [9/11 reviewers] indicate how many of the 11 reviewers mentioned each point. ★ marks near-unanimous consensus (80%+).

All-Mountain Versatility

• [11/11 reviewers] ★ Excellent all-mountain freeride board that handles varied conditions well
• [9/11 reviewers] ★ Exceptional stability at high speeds with minimal chatter
• [8/11 reviewers] ★ One of Burton’s best boards for riders who want one board to do everything

Powder Performance

• [10/11 reviewers] ★ Floats exceptionally well in powder without needing to lean back excessively
• [8/11 reviewers] ★ The combination of tapered nose, setback stance, and directional camber keeps the nose up naturally
• [5/11 reviewers] The rocker nose helps after landing drops—“just kind of naturally wants to swoop back up on top of the powder,” notes Board Archive

Carving & Edge Performance

• [9/11 reviewers] ★ Outstanding carving ability with locked-in, precise edge hold
• [7/11 reviewers] Smooth edge-to-edge transitions with a powerful, energetic feel
• [6/11 reviewers] The “balanced freeride geometry” sidecut makes it feel more twin-like on hardpack despite directional shape

Construction Quality

• [7/11 reviewers] The Squeezebox core milling creates a natural, responsive flex pattern
• [6/11 reviewers] Carbon stringers help dampen vibrations and maintain stability through chop
• [5/11 reviewers] Sintered WFO base is fast but requires regular waxing

Riding Switch

• [8/11 reviewers] ★ Rides switch surprisingly well for a directional board due to balanced sidecut
• [4/11 reviewers] “Very neutral” feel riding backwards on hardpack—the taper only engages in deeper snow

Target Rider

• [9/11 reviewers] ★ Best suited for intermediate-to-advanced riders; too aggressive for beginners
• [6/11 reviewers] Ideal for freeride-minded riders who want versatility across conditions
• [3/11 reviewers] Makes a great “quiver killer” or one-board solution

Where Opinions Differ

Park Suitability

• Positive [4/11]: Good pop and stable landings make it viable for jumps and natural features
• Critical [6/11]: Too stiff for rails and butter tricks; not a freestyle board
• Mixed [1/11]: Acceptable for afternoon park laps but not the primary use case

Most reviewers agree this board can handle park features in a pinch, but it’s clearly designed for freeride. Board Archive notes it’s “a little bit more jump leaning” if you do take it through the terrain park.

Skill Level Requirements

• Positive [3/11]: Accessible to strong intermediates looking to progress to blue/black terrain
• Critical [6/11]: “Too technical” or “aggressive” for anyone below advanced level
• Mixed [2/11]: Good progression board that rewards commitment

The split reflects sizing and riding style. Curated suggests it works for progressing intermediates, while The Good Ride and French channel Freeride Attitude emphasize it’s “physically demanding” and can overwhelm less experienced riders.

Edge Hold on Ice

• Positive [5/11]: Holds well on hardpack and icy conditions
• Critical [2/11]: Lets go a little easy on hard, icy snow compared to competitors

The Good Ride specifically tested this and found Burton’s directional camber boards “hold fine in good snow” but lack the grip of some competitors when conditions get truly icy.

Sizing Sensitivity

• Positive [6/11]: Sized correctly, the board is responsive and easy to control
• Critical [2/11]: Oversizing makes it stiff and hard to flex

The Good Ride’s experience with a 162 at 185 lbs was notably different from their preferred 159: “I could barely control this thing.” Proper sizing is crucial.

Pros

• [11/11 reviewers] ★ Versatile all-mountain performance handles groomers, powder, trees, and steeps
• [10/11 reviewers] ★ Excellent powder float without constant weight shifting
• [9/11 reviewers] ★ Rock-solid stability at high speeds through chop and chunder
• [9/11 reviewers] ★ Outstanding carving ability with locked-in edge feel
• [8/11 reviewers] ★ Surprisingly good switch riding for a directional board
• [7/11 reviewers] Smooth, damp ride that absorbs terrain well
• [6/11 reviewers] Good pop and energy return for ollies and natural hits
• [5/11 reviewers] Quality construction with premium Burton tech throughout
• [4/11 reviewers] Twin-like feel on hardpack despite directional shape
• [3/11 reviewers] Great for drops and cliffs with stable landings
• [2/11 reviewers] Attractive graphics with surf-inspired aesthetic

Cons

• [6/11 reviewers] Not ideal for park riding or rail-focused freestyle
• [6/11 reviewers] Too aggressive for beginners or early intermediates
• [4/11 reviewers] Not very buttery due to stiffer flex fighting back against presses
• [3/11 reviewers] Requires regular waxing to maintain base speed
• [2/11 reviewers] Edge hold limitations on hard ice compared to some competitors
• [2/11 reviewers] Sizing-sensitive — oversize and it becomes unwieldy
• [1/11 reviewers] Base glide not exceptional at this price point versus Burton’s higher-end options
• [1/11 reviewers] 50/50 switch riders should look elsewhere — occasional switch is fine, not heavy switch riding

Verdict

The Burton Flight Attendant earns its reputation as one of the best all-mountain freeride boards available. Reviewers consistently praise its ability to charge through variable conditions, float effortlessly in powder, and carve aggressively on groomers—all while riding more neutrally than most directional boards.

This board shines for riders who want one board that can handle a powder day, rip groomers, and venture into steep terrain without compromise. The medium-stiff flex and directional camber reward aggressive, confident riding.

However, it’s not for everyone. True beginners will find it too demanding, dedicated park riders will want something more playful, and heavy switch riders should consider a more twin-shaped option. Size it correctly—going too big makes a noticeable difference in control.

For the freeride-leaning all-mountain rider who wants stability, float, and versatility in a single board, the Flight Attendant delivers exactly what Burton promises.