Flying high: Experience of a cabin attendant

Dimapur, Nov. 5 (EMN): Cabin attendant was not her “dream job” but Tainla Longkumer found herself at a crossroads, pulled between her love for writing and a desire to explore new places, after leaving her first job in 2019. On a whim, she applied for a cabin attendant role, not expecting much and viewing it mainly as a chance to experience the interview process firsthand. With little to lose, she took a leap into the unknown.

Six years with IndiGo Airlines, Tainla today finds herself grounded in the stability and exposure that life as a cabin attendant has offered. She has travelled to places she once only dreamed of, meeting people from a vast array of cultures—experiences she credits with broadening her perspective in ways she never anticipated.

In an interview with Eastern Mirror, the 29-year-old cabin attendant shares the interview process, training programme, lesser-known challenges, and more, for aspirants looking to enter this line of work.

What skills do you think are most important for a cabin attendant?

Good communication skills, stress management, empathetic and having a positive mindset.

What are some ways to find job openings? 

The best and the most authentic way is through the airline’s official website or their other official social networking service (SNS). 

Can you outline the interview process? What qualities do interviewers look for?

Interviews for every airline differ and the process also differs each year even for the same airline. Speaking of the time I gave my interview, the first round was the introduction round. You just need to introduce yourself in front of the interviewer and a few other candidates who will be in the same room as you. If one gets through this, the second round is the group discussion where the interviewer will give a topic or ask a question. There will be around 10-15 candidates per group and everyone will be allowed to share their viewpoint. Once you get through it, the third round is the basic medical round where your eyesight will be checked or any visible body scars or tattoos that don’t meet the airline’s guidelines will be checked and vice versa. I am sure it must be more updated by now. Then in the final round, you will have a one-on-one interview with someone from the airline’s management team. But in all these rounds, the main quality they look for is how confident are you while presenting yourself and how flawlessly can you take a conversation ahead. It is no rocket science. Preparing answers and memorising them will not work because the interviewer isn’t looking for a robotic answer. They want your authentic self and see your potential. So be yourself. 

The only practical advice I can give to anyone who is preparing for an interview to be a flight attendant is, work on your conversational skills. Practice talking in English and Hindi (if applying for a domestic airline). If you have no one to practice with, practice with yourself by looking in the mirror. It will give you the confidence to look at someone in the eye and talk. This is the main skill they are looking for in someone.

What does the training program entail?

Once again, every airline varies even when it comes to training and its duration. In the case of the airline I work with, the training period is for three months where you will be vigorously taught about aircrafts and its configurations, guidelines on customer service, first aids, and emergency procedures for in-flights. These are the main topics basically and yes, there will be a viva and written exam almost every week after completion of every topic and two main exams towards the end of your training that will allow you to get the certificate of completion of training which gives you the wings to fly.

Can you share some of the tasks that cabin attendants perform on a regular basis?

Before we reach the aircraft, all the crew report to their base (airline office at the airport) and do their breathalyzer test first. This is mandatory. It is a test to ensure one is not intoxicated and is fit to operate a flight. Then the set of crew who are operating the flight together sits together at the briefing table. Here, we talk about the flight we are operating and plan our work allocations and discuss situations which may occur in-flight and what to do in that situation. We then proceed to our aircraft and start doing the equipment check inside the aircraft to ensure that everything is in its place, within its expiry date and is functional. Passengers board the aircraft simultaneously and then our main job of the day begins. 

What are some lesser-known challenges?

Irregular schedule is the main challenge any flight attendant has faced and is facing even till date. Neither do we get to have a proper sleep cycle nor do we get to eat at proper time like most people do. We eat when we can and sleep when we can (laughs). That has been the drill. Regarding balancing my work-life, I try to live by this motto “Worry about work while at work” and try to make the most of my limited personal hours by centering it on my personal life alone.

Many young people see this job as glamorous, filled with travel and excitement. What is your perspective on that?

It is definitely not as glamorous as people perceive it to be. The glamorous thought leaves your mind when you are on board cleaning someone’s vomit or handling an unruly drunk passenger or listening to a passenger shouts at you for no wrongdoing of yours. But it is definitely not all that either. You do get to enjoy the perks as well. You forget the downside of it when you land in a beautiful country like Georgia and you think to yourself that it was all worth it. So it is actually a mad cycle of thought that never ends. 

The misconception that all flight attendants need to do is doll up and serve food and beverage (f&b) on board is what I want to clarify. Serving f&b is the last in our priority and training. Our main responsibility is to ensure the safety of every single soul on board. When you board a flight next time, try to figure out what to do in case the aircraft catches fire when you are on board in a packed flight of 232 passengers. A flight attendant will give you a detailed step-by-step instruction on how to get you out safely within 90 seconds. This is what flight attendants are trained for in its true sense.

What advice would you give to students? 

Complete your graduation at all costs. You may be tempted to join after completing your 12th because that is the minimum educational qualification for an Indian airline but if you wish to work with an international airline in the near future, you need to be a graduate. So yes, don’t neglect your education. If being a flight attendant is meant for you, it will definitely work out even after you spend three more years doing your graduation. In the meantime, as I mentioned earlier, you can work on your communication skills while in college.

Looking back, what are some things you wish you had known before starting your career?

Spending more quality time with my family and friends, though I have always prioritised them even before I became a flight attendant, I wish I went out more often with my friends or slept-over often at my cousins’ or stayed up more talking with my parents over dinner or at leisure. It is a luxury to even think about it now that I stay away from them and end up missing out on family occasions or celebrations or get-togethers because of my job.

I wouldn’t trade my six years in the aviation industry for anything. I have loved every moment and can’t wait to explore more. The work is physically and mentally demanding, and it can take a toll on health over time. However, the thrill of flying different routes daily with new crews and forming bonds with them is truly amazing. The love and blessings from strangers, especially elderly passengers and kids, after a long day at work bring me joy and chase away stress. I also take pride in my confidence and the skills I have developed—knowledge that is now part of my muscle memory and cannot be taken away.

I often reflect on my beginnings and the dreams I had of being independent while caring for my family. I am living that life now. I travel to a different country at least once a month, enjoy comfortable hotels and meals paid for by my company, and get picked up from home for work without spending a penny. I appreciate these perks that many take for granted. While some may overlook them, I see them as blessings, and I am grateful to God for this life filled with gratitude.

RAPID INSIGHTS

Photo of a favourite keepsake from your travels 

One of my most treasured pictures was taken in Istanbul, one of the best cities I have visited till date. Cats could be the reason why it is my favourite photo and also my favourite city (chuckles). 

What do family and friends mean to you?

My whole life revolves around them. They are the most important to me. Where I am today won’t be possible without their love and prayers.

Your must-have essentials for a flight

My charger, because I might start my day expecting to come home after work but could end up in a different country entirely. Secondly, ‘Sarla Amla’ (laughs)—90s kids will understand. These are my personal must-haves. Otherwise, the list goes on.