Inside Story - BA Senior Cabin Crew



Emma

Age Range
18-25

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
I studied for my Highers at school. I got good grades in my three subjects; English (B), Biology (B) and Secretarial Studies (B).

How long have you been doing the job?
5 years.

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
I was sick of the job I was doing because I used to go to work in wellies and jodhpurs at 6am every morning. I really did fancy a job where you keep clean in a nice working environment and not outdoors all the time.
I was very young when I left school at 16, since I didn't have any main languages I decided to try for short haul flights first. I think most airlines ask for languages.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
I applied to the airline and sent my CV in... I think I was very luck to get my job which involves travelling around the UK and all over Europe. The company has changed so much since I first joined and I know the selection process can be quite tough.
I was phoned a couple of days later and offered the job. From then I went on to do quite a tough six week training course before training with crews. Everyone was really helpful, they all want you to succeed.

What does the job involve?
It's all about safety. Passengers come first and their safety plus the safety of the aircraft is of prime importance. You have to get on with the rest of the crew and deliver the service.
A lot of people don't realise the amount of work that's involved - they tend to think 'oh, they just serve tea and coffee' but there is so much more to it than that. I had to learn first aid, perform safety checks, evacuation situations, fire fighter training as well as crews resource management.

Describe a typical day at work.
We work shifts and I can be up at the first light of day to start a morning shift. Sometimes I work late shifts and then I get a lie in, which is great. If you do lates you could be working up till 9 or 10 at night and if you get delayed you could be later. I have
report an hour before take-off so I can prepare for the flight and make all the security checks. The flight schedule involves meeting and greeting the passengers as they board and then again when they leave. We then carry out the in-flight safety procedures and demonstrations. Refreshments are provided and a duty free/in-flight shop service. it's constant go go go and you have to get used to being on your feet the whole time. I am senior cabin crew so I have extra authority and more responsibility.

What do you like most about the job?
I get to travel and meet so many fun and interesting people - it's a great job for that. If you like meeting people it's really good fun. Although safety is paramount on every flight it's different people you are working with all the time and every day is different.
The perks of the job are fantastic - you get really staff travel. And although I haven't been anywhere exotic on holiday yet, there are holidays to Thailand and Australia that sound like great fun and are really popular among cabin crew!

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
It can be tough sometimes when it comes to cleaning up the passenger sick bags. I also do a lot of early shifts which involves getting up at 4am and putting on your makeup. When you work in a job like this you have to be extremely flexible with your working hours. Some of my colleagues have children and it must be difficult as your shift pattern can (and does!) change from week to week.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
No, I had no guidance at all! No one knew that I wanted to do this job - I was always such an outdoor girl. No one ever expected me to do anything like this but I love it, I really do.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I left school at 16 after my Highers and I was very pleased with my results.

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 would like to speak another language fluently. I got the top grade in my Standard Grade French - grade 1- so I would like to take that up again... it would definitely help my career if I spoke a foreign language well as English. You really do need to have
a language qualification if you are going to work on long-haul flights.

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?
Yes, I studied at college for an HND in Horse Management. I had always wanted to work with horses. It was a two year course but I graduated after the one year course and took a job so I got the HNC.

What was your first job?
I used to work with horses at a stable.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
This one... without a doubt! It can sometimes be very bizarre. And some of the characters you get on board are brilliant.

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
I would eventually like to become a long haul CSD (a CSD oversees the whole aircraft). I'd love to work on long haul flights.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Always look immaculate if you can! You need to have a very friendly and confident attitude and it is essential that you are a good listener because you obviously have to deal with the public and their problems.
There's also a lot of emphasis on being a good team player - which is so important in a job like this because your crew is always about.

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