I have worked for British Airways as cabin crew for the last eight years and thoroughly enjoy my job. I am currently based at London Heathrow, but have previously worked at Manchester, doing a mixture of domestic, short and long-haul flying. I applied for the position as I fancied doing something different and like working with people. The lifestyle quickly becomes a way of life and I now can't imagine doing anything else.
The interview and selection process was intensive and highly competitive. The selectors want to see how you interact with others through a range of group exercises, and will also ask you to give examples of previous work experience where you have, for example, gone out of your way for a customer. Nursing experience and languages are an advantage, but not essential.
The training was also intensive, but a lot of fun. It focuses on customer service, product delivery, safety, business, cultural diversity and medical issues.
The hours can be trying and unsocial but I couldn't imagine working nine to five. Having worked both long and short-haul routes, I personally think short-haul flying is more tiring.
Flying is the safest form of travel and I am proud to work for an airline that prides itself on its safety but, as cabin crew, you can't be complacent. You must ensure safety standards are met at all times and must be able to think quickly with a cool head.
I have had to deal with medical emergencies, delays, diversions, irate and abusive passengers and catering shortages. On the other hand, I have been to some wonderful places, met lots of amazing and interesting people, both crew and passengers (including some famous faces). I also get a lot of time off and I am currently on a part-time contract.
As a cabin crew member, you must be able to display confidence in your role, be a team player, be flexible, motivated, assertive, approachable, sympathetic, diplomatic and display enthusiasm for the job you do. A good sense of humour is also vital!
There is a lot of potential for career development. Last year I applied for the role of purser and was successful. I enjoy the extra responsibility the role brings, supporting the crew and maintaining safety and customer service standards on board. There are also opportunities to train, recruit and manage within the company.
Due to intense competition from other carriers, such as no-frills airlines, there is added pressure these days to retain our passengers by not only satisfying their needs, but by also exceeding their expectations. It's the professionalism and personalities of the crew that can really make the difference for passengers choosing to fly with us again. It really gives you job satisfaction when passengers disembark happy and personally thank you for a great flight.
Mediterranean a younger clientele. We make a lot more commission on flights to lively resorts, since younger passengers are much freer with their cash. There is a lot of emphasis on sales and a good deal of our training involves sales techniques. Sales of in flight drinks and duty free is really important on holiday flights since the profit margin on seats is low. I had to show sales ability at my interview. Although the basic pay is low the different allowances and the commission increase it considerably.
Working for an airline quickly becomes a way of life. The hours you work tend to mean your social life revolves around friends at work, since it is difficult to plan ahead to meet friends who work nine to five. There is a downside: it can be difficult to get up at 3am for an early flight and the different work patterns take some adjusting to. Personally, I dislike driving home after a night flight.
The old stereotype of glamorous young females no longer applies; I work with men and women of all shapes, size and age. The emphasis now is on good grooming which is considered essential. You need to be a team player who is outgoing, fun and can relate to a wide range of people. I don't speak any foreign languages, but for holiday flights this isn't an issue.
Long term, I want to remain in the airline industry, maybe moving into a personnel and training function, but for the foreseeable future I want to stay as cabin crew. It's enjoyable, fulfilling and the time passes really quickly.