Inside Story - Flight Attendant



Jane

Age Range
21 - 30

Countries of Work
England, Channel Islands, Australia, Africa, US

Study and Career History
Left school as quickly as I could. I actually wanted to go to Art College, but my parents wouldn't let me. So I got a job working as an Accounts Clerk for Solicitor in local town to earn some money and move out of home. Moved to Bristol for a promotion. Got fired for being "too sophisticated for job!!". Did hotel course with severance pay. Worked in hotels for 2 years got qualified.

Applied for and got job with regional airline in Channel Islands as Air Hostess.

Applied for and got job as in England as International Air Hostess for British Airways.

How long have you been doing the job?
6 years

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
I always knew I wanted to travel and see the world. I started applying for airline jobs when I was 15, but was told I was too young, had to wait until I was 18 at least. That's why I went into the hotel industry whilst I was waiting to be old enough!

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
Over here we still call them Air Hostesses, but that isn't politically correct... so I got my first job as a "Flight Attendant" by constantly applying to airlines for application forms and also looking out for advertisements in newspapers. I didn't give up. I knew what I wanted. I actually wanted to work on international routes, but when the job came up working for a regional airline I knew it was a foot in the door and would be good experience so I went for it...



I remember that I was so nervous on my training because I wanted the job so much that I ended up in hospital one night and I thought I wasn't going t be able to finish qualify.... but I did. The course was tough, but we all passed the exam at the end and got our wings....

What does the job involve?
The job involves primarily "taking care of the comfort and safety of passengers". This can be anything from serving food and drink to dealing with emergency situations involving safety issues, medical problems and technical hitches on board the aircraft.

Describe a typical day at work.
Every day is different because you are always going to different places with different people. However each flight does have a laid down operating procedure which all the crew members are given at a pre-flight briefing. Teamwork on the aircraft is essential in order to make the flight run smoothly. Everyone must know their individual job in order to make it all work together, particularly on short haul flights where time is of the essence.



Every month we are given a roster for the next 30 days, this will contain a variety of duties including flights, standby's and on calls. Flights are when you operate or position on an aircraft. Standby's are when you have to go to the airport or a nearby hotel and standby to replace a crew member with a last minute emergency. On calls are when you stay at home by the phone ready to come to work at 2 hours notice to replace a crew member if required.



When operating a flight, the day normally consists of the following:-



Check in at Operations Centre (usually 2-3 hours prior to departure).

Check mail and notices

Attend Flight briefing

Take crew transport to Aircraft

Prepare flight for takeoff - check emergency equipment, catering, amenities etc.

Welcome passengers on board.

Take off and look after passengers safety and needs throughout flight

Prepare for landing

Say goodbye to passengers

If returning to base, fill out paperwork and go home.

If away from base, fill out paperwork and take crew bus to hotel

Relax, sleep (if you can), go shopping, go to beach!!

Turn round and do it all over again

What do you like most about the job?
Variety, travelling, meeting lots of people around the world. Camaraderie and friendship for life. Excellent training and good discipline for any job due to the high levels of team work required.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
It's tough on your social life back home. Very hard to keep up relationships, but not impossible if you plan it right.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
I had very little if any vocational guidance from school. Or at least none that was presented in such a way that anyone of that age would have taken any notice of it. Perhaps the odd leaflet in the library about secretarial course but that was about it.



My parents just wanted me to get an office job and get married. I wanted to go to Art College and be a Fashion Designer. When I knew that wasn't on the cards that's when I decided to travel to get away from everyone.... I was a bit of a rebel then (still am).

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I left school at 16 with 3 O'levels in French, Art and Needlework.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
I think a lot of the stuff I studied was irrelevant and badly presented as it did not relate to society and the way I was likely to use the information later in life. Subjects like Maths, Physics, Chemistry and History went right over my head. All I really need to know about were the basics. I wasted a lot of time studying subjects that I had not interest in, instead of expanding my knowledge on subjects that were more suited to me and my individual personality.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
In order to get a job later (you need to think of life after flying) I have undertaken a lot of extra studies. Whilst flying I have taken English Language and Literature O and A levels by correspondence course and obtained an Open University Degree in Business Studies. The flexibility of the job and the erratic hours made this much easier for me.

What was your first job?
Working in a launderette in the Channel Islands, ironing and folding socks and shirts!

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
Working as a receptionist in a brothel.... It was advertised as "Receptionist Required for Corporate Entertaining Establishment".... I only had to make the bookings and talk to clients on the phone, but it was a real eye opener!

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
To work smarter not harder!! It is so important to find a balance between work and pleasure. I'd like to do something that would allow me to work for 9 months of the year and spend the remaining 3 months travelling and catching up with the buddies I have made all over the world.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Never think that you "can't do something". If you think that you can't then one way or another you won't.

Believe in yourself, don't be afraid to seize opportunities along the way and be confident that you are good enough to make them work.

Any comments?


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