In the bustling world of aviation, cabin crews play an indispensable role, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers while embodying the spirit of hospitality. On this International Cabin Crew Day, we delve into the lives of Neeharika Chaturvedi and Roerich Mukherjee, Inflight Supervisors from Vistara, who share their heartfelt stories and the driving forces behind their high-flying careers. Their narratives are filled with passion, dedication, and a profound sense of responsibility, offering us a glimpse into the dynamic and often misunderstood world of flight attendants.
Neeharika and Roerich candidly discuss their journeys, from the initial allure of travel to the everyday realities of their roles. They debunk common myths and reveal the challenges they face, from managing medical emergencies to maintaining a delicate balance between their professional and personal lives. Through their eyes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and commitment required to navigate the skies, making each flight a seamless and memorable experience for passengers. Join us as we explore their inspiring stories and celebrate the unsung heroes of the skies.
What inspired you for the career as a cabin crew? Were there any misconceptions you had about the role that were debunked later?
Neeharika: I found my calling to join the cabin crew while working as a travel consultant. Seeing my friends explore captivating destinations through their work sparked my desire to embark on my own adventure. Transitioning from planning trips for others to experiencing them firsthand felt like a natural progression, filled with excitement.
Initially drawn by the allure of travel and meeting new people, I quickly embraced the responsibility that comes with the crucial role of a cabin crew. Contrary to my initial assumptions of simply serving meals and beverages, I discovered the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of customers throughout the flight. This realization added depth and significance to my journey, making each flight a rewarding experience filled with opportunities to make a difference.
Roerich: What first drew me to becoming a cabin crew member was the chance to travel and explore new places, and quenching my wanderlust. I also looked forward to meeting people from all walks of life and learning from those experiences while doing my job. Although I did get to visit various destinations, leisure time was limited, and professional responsibilities often took precedence over personal enjoyment.
Can you describe a typical day for you? What are the key responsibilities and tasks that cabin crew juggle?
Neeharika: A typical day for me as a cabin crew member is both dynamic and multifaceted, depending largely on the flight schedule and route. Each day starts with detailed pre-flight preparations, where we gather for a thorough briefing to go over flight details and operational procedures. This is followed by welcoming everyone on board, organizing the cabin and ensuring a comfortable setting for our customers. While assisting the customers with their carry-on items during boarding, I strive to make the process seamless and efficient.
Once we are airborne, my responsibilities expand to offering exemplary in-flight services, while attentively monitoring customers’ comfort and safety. I remain vigilant to ensure the well-being of all on board. Upon landing, I facilitate the disembarkation process and conduct a thorough final cabin inspection.
In addition to these tasks, I collaborate closely with the flight deck crew and adhere to all safety protocols diligently. It is a profession that is both rewarding and challenging, requiring a high level of dedication and adaptability.
Roerich: My day begins early with three alarms to ensure I am up and about. I meticulously pack my flight bag, organize my documents, iron my uniform, and polish my shoes. After a hearty breakfast, I review relevant SOPs, circulars, and notifications during my commute.
Upon arrival at the crew reporting center, my team and I swiftly sign in, undergo a breath analyzer test, and attend a briefing. We then ensure timely departure to the aircraft. Our pre-flight routine includes thorough checks and coordination with ground support departments like catering, ground services, and engineering to guarantee on-time performance and a seamless, safe flight experience for our passengers and ourselves.
After landing, we debrief to discuss the day’s events and complete necessary voyage and special reports. Throughout all these tasks, maintaining decorum and a positive demeanour is paramount.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face or have faced?
Neeharika: While I am improving my abilities, one of the significant hurdles I encounter is effectively managing non-routine situations, encompassing medical emergencies, disruptive behavior, and unexpected delays/ turbulence.
Roerich: Among the challenges are variation in meal choices as against an anticipated expectation, diversions prompted by weather or medical emergencies onboard, ground delays with customers onboard, and handling unruly or intoxicated customers.
How do you ensure passenger safety and comfort during flights?
Neeharika: We undergo rigorous three-month training sessions, complemented by frequent refresher courses, to familiarize ourselves with established guidelines and procedures. Ensuring safety of all on board involves constant vigilance and situational awareness. This includes conducting thorough pre-flight checks, mastering emergency protocols, maintaining pristine cabin conditions, fostering clear communication, and remaining attentive throughout the flight.
Roerich: As cabin crew, our main focus is customer safety, comfort and their overall wellbeing. We follow stringent procedures based on our robust trainings and protocols. We also pay close attention to each situation and exhibit empathy in our interactions. We aim to cater to the needs of our customers to the best of our ability, going above and beyond to make their experience unforgettable.
Can you share some examples of difficult situations you have encountered and how you handled them? Or can you share some memorable experiences or stories?
Neeharika: In my aviation career, I have encountered various challenging situations, including medical emergencies, aborted take-offs, disruptive behaviour, and delays. In such instances, maintaining composure, conducting thorough analysis before taking action, and staying situationally aware is paramount. Providing prompt and accurate information to address customer inquiries is crucial. Amidst these challenges, there are memorable moments derived from simple acts of kindness. Whether it’s offering an extra dessert or lending a patient ear to a customer, bringing a smile to someone’s face brightens my day.
Roerich: On one of the flights, we faced the distressing circumstance of a child’s passing onboard, despite our best efforts and the assistance of a doctor. The crew members were understandably devastated. However, we had to compose ourselves to operate the return flight. Asking the team to conceal their emotions and maintain a cheerful demeanor for the incoming customers was incredibly difficult, given the heaviness in our hearts. Nonetheless, we greeted our customers with genuine smiles, served them attentively, and bid them farewell with professionalism, despite the emotional toll we endured.
What are some myths about being a cabin crew member that you would like to debunk?
Neeharika: There are prevalent myths about the cabin crew profession. One is the belief that it’s a glamorous job with constant travel to exotic places. While travel is part of the job, it also involves intensive working hours, dynamic schedules, and time away from loved ones. Another myth is that cabin crew only serve meals onboard. In reality, they have important responsibilities, including ensuring customer safety, maintaining security, managing medical emergencies onboard and providing exceptional customer service.
Roerich: Contrary to popular belief, the cabin crew lifestyle isn’t always about glamorous travel and luxury. While it might seem exciting at first, the reality often involves hard-work, exploring destinations with limited time at hand, and missing the comforts of home. Additionally, the job entails frequent exams, weight management requirements, and working odd hours, leading to jet lag and time away from family during special occasions like birthdays or festivals. However, despite these challenges, the job offers valuable experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a cabin crew member? What qualities and skills are essential for success in this role?
Neeharika: For those aspiring a career as cabin crew, I recommend preparing for a dynamic work setting and continually honing skills. A positive attitude, exceptional communication, and a customer-centric mindset are crucial attributes that develop with experience. Although the job can be demanding, it offers many rewarding experiences. Staying focused, motivated, and adaptable to different in-flight scenarios is important. Key qualities include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, cultural awareness, and proficiency in safety procedures. Patience, composure and agility are indispensable traits for cabin crew members.
Roerich: For aspiring cabin crew, I suggest gathering comprehensive insights into the job’s demands and rewards to make an informed decision. It’s a career tailor-made for those passionate about travel, cultural exchange, and interaction with people from across geographies. Skills such as composure, effective communication, empathy, determination, patience, and time management are invaluable in this role, where quick and sound decision-making is essential.