AIR HOSTESS

The air hostess's work begins from the moment the plane taxies down the tarmac and pulls up in front of the aerobridge. She's at the aircraft door, warm smile on her face, welcoming passengers on board. She guides them to their seats and helps them with their luggage. Help's also at hand for the physically challenged and the ill. Kids & elders too get special attention. On the whole, the air hostess helps passengers settle down and feel at home. This done, she instructs passengers on how to operate the airflow system-knobs above the seats and draw her attention in times of need. Then, the air hostess performs an elaborate safety drill, detailing where the emergency doors of the aircraft are, use of oxygen masks and safety belts.

Once the plane is in full flight, she rolls out cart-loads of goodies, foods and drinks, chocolates and coffee, snacks and tea. With the plane hitting air pockets and at times running into turbulent weather conditions, the march up and down the narrow aisle with the food trolley can be tricky business.

Often passengers have queries some of which can be quite trivial. It's for the air hostess to answer them. She ensures that the flight commander's instructions are carried out, doors barred and seat belts fastened. And in emergencies , she stands between order and   chaos in the passengers-bay.

This is when the air hostess with nerves of steel and presence of mind makes a difference. The air hostess is given special training to handle difficult situations, such as hijacking and unusual people. " They are equipped to handle emergencies and don't crack up easily", says an airline official.

They have been instances of air hostesses displaying valor, and even laying down their lives for the safety of passengers. Neerja Bhanot, a   Pan-Am air hostess for instance, died saving a child during a hijack drama. The air hostess knows the aircraft layout like the back of her hand       and can evacuate passengers from planes in times of crisis in a short time.

Finished ur Graduation? Stand a Good  chance of Making it , Boss! 
Among the national carriers, Air India & Indian Airlines recruit graduates from all subject streams in the 19-25 years age group for training as airhostess & flight pursers. 

Although preference is given to degree or diploma holders in hotel management/tourism but female candidates from Home Science background ,fulfilling other requirements, are also preferred. Some private airlines, however, select applicants after class XII from the age group of 18-21 years. International airlines recruit airhostesses from the age group of 18-35 years.


Gals with Glasses---SORRY No chance  (No fooling by Contact lens either !!!)
A minimum height of 157.5 cm for air hostesses & 163 cm for Flight Pursers along with. proportionate weight is desirable. Normal eyesight without glasses or a minimum of uncorrected distant vision of 6.4 is acceptable.

Forgot the capital of Philippines?
Dont remember  (A+B)^2 correctly?
Tough to make it, Yaar!!!
Vacancies for both cabin-crew & airhostess are advertised in the national dailies from time to time. However, the process of selection followed by national carriers is slightly different from that of international carriers. In the former case, the candidates, after careful scrutiny of applications, are required to sit for a written test comprising of general knowledge, mental ability & verbal ability. This is followed by an interview & group discussion. On the other hand, International airlines conduct preliminary interview, followed by a written test comprising of general knowledge, mental ability, language ability. A main interview, testing the candidate's language-" fluency, diction, voice, personality yet acuminates the entire process."

During the training, recruits are taught on-the-field technical, safety,& interpersonal skills. The training generally lasts for 6-7 weeks after which flight-trainees are given assignment in the economy class, which also enhances their practical experiences. 

Don't get Beguiled by Money ----Gals !! It's a tough Profession, no doubt ! Glamour, posh lifestyle, rubbing shoulders with crème-de-crème of the society, this profession holds enticing prospects for everyone. With a starting salary of Rs20,000+ in national carriers & almost thrice as much as in international airlines, this profession gives an unique opportunity to see the world both "at leisure & on duty". However alluring the monetary-aspects & concomitant-benefits may appear ,there is no place for complacency in the life of an air-hostess  ----it is her duty to make the journey of the passengers "smooth, enjoyable & memorable" and each day unwraps "new & fresh" challenges to her.