Way way back through the mists of time, I had a somewhat short lived amateur dramatics career. As well as small (but integral!) parts as the (voice of) mirror in Snow White, a chorus cannibal in Robinson Crusoe (never accidentally wear turquoise knickers if your costume is a grass skirt!) and a really irritating knave in the Queen of Hearts, the Producer got a little more ambitious, and decided to cast a few of us in a play called Dream Jobs (very, different territory to Pantomime land!). This short play explored the hopes and dreams of five teenage girls, and their future career wishes. I was cast as the girl whose greatest wish was to become a professional dancer – which thanks to my clumsiness was a bit like opting for a sumo wrestler when you really wanted a synchronised swimmer. I tried to suggest that I would be better suited to another role – that of the uber glamorous Flight Attendant (and the one the rest of us all secretly hankered after anyway), but alas it was not to be.
The life of a Flight Attendant is still often thought of as a glamorous one, regardless of gender. Most people think only of the tropical layovers that come with the territory (no surprise then that 100,000 people applied for a job with Delta Airlines when there were just 1000 spaces!) – but most people don’t really appreciate the amount of hard work and training that goes into qualifying.
Beneath their calm exterior, it’s pretty much guaranteed that these icons of the sky can save a life, deliver a baby, calm down passengers with severe flying phobias (a few patient souls sat with me when I suffered!), help travelling parents deal with unfortunate offspring incidents, and if needs be, detain and restrain someone that you might not necessarily want on board a plane. All this as well as pouring drinks, serving meals AND looking immaculate.
Opodo have come up with an infographic that gives a bit of an insight into the history of this dream job (the first attendant was way back in 1912!) and an equally fascinating look into how the uniforms have changed over the years (I think my favourite uniform has to be Lufthansa’s – the Stewardesses get their own dirndls to wear for special events!)…
But I have seen how hard flight attendants work during the many hours I have been up in the air over the years – it’s a job only suited to dedicated patient souls. Plus I don’t think I would survive the intensive training to be honest, and I don’t do immaculate that often. I might have to stick to dancing (badly!)…
Is a career in the clouds something you have ever considered?
Carolin says
I don’t think I’m patient enough for a job like that, I’ve got a no tolerance for rudeness at all. I can also imagine it being really hard work and don’t get me started on being in different time zones all the time. Other than that, it must be an amazing job x
Emma says
The time zone thing I would struggle with the most I think. Rude people can probably be dealt with by what you do with their food and drink when they are not looking I should imagine! :D
Emma says
It’s not really something I have ever considered, but I would imagine it’s quite a fun job when you’re young. I’m not sure I could manage it with kids though!
Emma says
But think of all the hours you could escape for when they were going through a “phase” or something!! :D Thanks Emma
jbmumofone says
Massive respect for flight attendants! They put up with some awful stuff.
Emma says
I bet they could tell a few tales though! :D Thank you (:
Ali Clifford says
oh I’ve seen so terrible behaviour from passengers so I have so much respect for the flight attendants!
Emma says
I have seen and heard some crazy behaviour. I am not sure what some people are thinking when they get on a plane!! Thanks Ali x
Kate Williams says
I’m less than awesome with taking off so I’m not sure it’s the best job for me!
Emma says
I used to HATE that part of flying. Two things helped me, hypnotherapy and becoming an expat! :D
Kara says
I always wanted to be a flight attendant but my Dad always told me they are glorified waitresses…….I do wish I had never listened as it looks like an amazing career to have
Emma says
Which they are in some way, but they are so much more than that too! Plus I never got to stop off anywhere exotic when I was waitressing! :D
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad says
I’m definitely not people oriented enough to do the job well, plus I’m not a morning person and I don’t think grumpy flight attendants are a good thing…! Some people are so disrespectful to flight attendants, makes me cross because they do such an important job.
Emma says
Thanks Rachel. I would definitely struggle with the morning thing too! :D
Erica Price says
I can remember finding the idea of being an air hostess as being very glamourous when we first started flying abroad in the 1980s. I really wouldn’t fancy it now though.
Emma says
It’s the training I don’t think I could cope with! :D Thanks Erica!
Jen Walshaw says
I know a few people who have been flight attendants and they are still uber glamorous. I never look that polished!
Emma says
Me neither Jen, me neither! :D
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill says
I know two sisters who were Virgin flight attendants – the glam of the glam! Both are gorgeous ladies, but what I didn’t realise is that they could never fly together. I think it is to ‘minimise losses’ if something was to happen to a flight. Sounds gruesome but I guess they have to take this into account. Anyway, it’s never been a career option for me but I love the idea that they know languages and their patience must be never ending!
Emma says
Wow, I did not know that! Makes sense though doesn’t it? Thanks Nadine! (:
Victoria says
I remember your acting career!! I don’t think I’d be very good as a flight attendant, I’d panic everyone!!xx
Emma says
Well at least the flight would go quickly!! :D xx
Michelle Twin Mum says
It’s not a job I’d fancy at all as I appreciate how much hard work it would be. Mich x
Emma says
I know. I don’t think a lot of people realise though! Thanks Mich! :) x
angela hamilton says
I have nothing but respect for flight attendants as they really do deal with a lot of things from people taking ill on board to abusive/aggressive passengers. It is not a job I could do. Must admit, it angers me when people assume they are just there to serve them drinks and food, they are so much more than that and the people you need on your side during an emergency.
Great post x
Emma says
I think I could be a stewardess on a cargo plane maybe – no people to deal with! :D