Flight supervisers, Pursures, Air hostesses and Flight attendants form the air cabin crew.
Air cabin crew look after the welfare, comfort and safety of passengers travelling in the aircraft. At least one hour before each flight, attendants are briefed by the captain on expected weather conditions, special passenger problems, and other matters.
They check that emergency equipment is in order, that the aircraft and toilets are tidy and seat pocket information is in place. They also check that sufficient meals and beverage are available for the number of passengers. They check that first aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working order. As passengers come aboard, attendants greet them, check their tickets, and assist them in storing carry on luggage. Having welcomed passengers on board and shown them to their seats, they check that doors are closed and seat belts fastened. Before take-off they demonstrate the use of emergency equipment and point out exit doors and notify the pilot when they are ready for take-off. On the flight they serve meals and drinks. Meals are usually pre-packed and stored in hot cases.
On some flights cabin crew sell duty-free goods such as alcohol, perfume and tobacco. This work is usually done in pairs in certain sections of the cabin, the work being allocated by the chief stewardess or steward. They make announcements on behalf of the pilot and before landing check that safety belts are fastened. During their work they may have to deal with emergencies such as the ill health of passengers and must be able to administer first aid. In case of flight emergencies they are trained to immediately apply the safety drills and help passengers from the aircraft before leaving themselves.
When the flight terminates they check stocks of duty-free goods and complete account sheets showing balance of cash and stock so that new stock can be ordered. They then prepare reports on medications given to passengers, lost and found articles, and cabin equipment conditions. Some flight attendants straighten up the plane’s cabin. Senior flight attendants are working supervisors aboard planes- directing the work of junior attendants while performing some of the same duties.
Cabin crew of national carriers serve airlines till the age of 58 years and in the inflight division can become deputy general managers. With experience they become supervisors and assign and oversee the work of junior cabin crew members. Most airlines allow crew members to opt for other jobs within the airline company depending on their suitability for the positions available. Some airlines as a routine assign administrative and other ground duties to senior inflight staff members. Most foreign airlines permit inflight crew members to opt for training and supervisory positions after they have the required experience.
What lures young people in this profession is most evidently the glamour of air travel as also the life style. It is true that the pay scales are attractive and the perks and allowances alluring. To begin the salary is anything between Rs 20,000/- and up with national carriers and almost upto 3 times with international airlines. Besides attractive perks you get free air tickets for yourself and family on the routes covered by the airlines. With international airlines there is opportunity to see the world both at leisure and on duty but all this comes along with tremendous toil. The long flight will keep you on your toes for hours, short journeys will demand brisk service, some passengers may demand constant care and there is challenge of making the journey comfortable for some irate passengers too.
It is certainly going to be a challenge to be polite gentle and gracious on every flight. There is no place for self pity or praise for it is your duty to make the journey memorable for guests on board as each day offers fresh challenge.
Work Environment
Since airlines operate around the clock, cabin crew may work during the nights and on holidays and weekends. They usually fly 75 to 85 hours a month and spend about 75 to 85 hours a month on ground assignments for preparing planes for the flight, debriefing following completed flights, and waiting for planes that arrive late. Because of variations in scheduling and limitations on flying time, many crew members have 11 or 12 days or more off each month. The crew may be away from their home bases at least one-third of the time. During this period, the airlines provide them with hotel accommodations and an allowance for meal expenses.
Air hostesses and flight attendants have the opportunity to meet interesting people and see new places. The combination of free time and discount air fares provides substantial opportunity for travel. However, the work can be strenuous and trying. Short flights require speedy services of meals. A rough flight can make serving drinks and meals difficult. Attendants stand during the flight and have to remain pleasant and efficient regardless of how tired they are or how demanding passengers may be. Some flights involve crossing time zones with the possibility of jet lag.
Personal Characteristics
Air Hostesses must have a neat appearance. They need to have good health and stamina. Agility and a good sense of balance are needed. This work suits responsible, confident people who are good at dealing with all types of passengers. They require a polite, pleasant and tactful manner with the ability to put people at ease also described as ‘service aptitude’. Commonsense and calmness, together with the ability to react quickly in the case of emergencies is needed. They need to work in a team with the rest of the crew. Clear speech and voice is essential and good written English is required for writing reports. Basic numeracy is required since they have to balance accounts and deal with a variety of currencies on a flight. Ability to converse in a foreign language is an asset. Punctuality is very important.
