Air Hostess – Career
This article is about airhostess as a a career.
Flight attendants (also called stewards and stewardesses or air hostesses) help make flights safe, comfortable and enjoyable for airline passengers. They are the first person to welcome a passenger on board an aircraft.
Apart from providing passengers with service, flight attendants are considered public relation specialists for the airline. The impressions they make and the quality of service they render is the best advertisement for the airline.
The work :-
Before each flight, the pilot briefs the flight attendants on weather conditions, safety procedures, and length of the flight, plus other related issues.
Before take off, the flight attendants welcome passengers on board, show them to their seats, help them store carry on luggage and do pre flight supply and flight order checks. During the flight, they serve food and drinks and assist passengers who need help or information. They may administer first aid to passengers who become ill. Their most important duty is helping passengers in an emergency,
After each flight they complete a written flight report, which also records any unusual incidents or problems. Hours vary and may include nights, weekends and holidays. They may be away from their home base for many days. During this time, the airlines provide them hotel accommodations and meal allowances.
Education and Skills:-
To become a flight attendant, one should be a graduate (any stream). Some airlines prefer those having a three year degree / diploma in hotel management and catering.
The other eligibility criteria are age (should be bellow 25 years), height (minimum 157.5 cms for female and 165 cms for male), weight (proportionate to height), unmarried, and normal eyesight without glasses. Contact lenses are allowed. The applicant should be physically fit and have a pleasing personality. Knowledge of foreign language is essential for some international flights.
Usually airlines hold written examination followed by group discussion / interview for the selection of flight attendants. Selected candidates are given internal training, which provide lessons on safety equipment, first aid, catering, technical details of aircraft, general airborne procedures etc. they are also given tips on etiquette, beauty and skin care for women, and personality development.
It is not necessary to join any course for training. After selection, airlines provide extensive training to their staff. Flight attendants need to be very customer focused and professional in their manner. They must be well organized and alert. Also the abilities to perform under stress in emergency situations, get along with different kinds of people, and remain tactful and pleasant under difficult situations are important.
Remuneration:-
Monthly salary may differ by different airlines. The salary and other allowance may add up to Rs. 16,000 – 75,000 or more per month. The major airlines tend to pay better than the local airlines. The work includes lot of opportunity for free or discounted travel. They receive extra compensation for overtime and night flights.
Some of the airlines who recruit flight attendants are : Indian Airlines, Air India, Air Sahara, Jet Airways etc. Foreign Airlines operating from India like British Airways, Delta Airlines, Gulf Air, Singapore Airlines, United Air, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific etc also recruit Indian candidates.