flyingdoc

You are absolutely right. It is interesting how the role and regulations regarding stewardesses have changed over the years. I have a couple of posts in mind regarding that theme. Earlier this year when SIA changed its advertising account it was widely reported that they were going to drop their very successful Singapore Girl image of the last 20+ years. SIA came out and strongly denied that but there was plenty of stuff going around in the lay press accusing them of being chauvenistic and outmoded, catering only to the fantasies of middle-aged businessmen who wanted to be waited on by young, attractive Asian women.

Well, my hat is off to SIA for not caving in to pressure. The fact is that SIA, along with a number of other Asian airlines, remember and focus on courtesy and trying to make air travel a pleasurable experience. With all the security and cost-cutting related issues that have changed air travel forever, it is great that they do focus on these things. Perhaps that is why these airlines consistently win all the passenger-based awards.

A recent survey of Australian air travellers found that Qantas polled worst of all the International airlines with comments to the effect that the cabin crew were aloof and arrogant. I certainly can attest to being on flights where this was so. JetStar were the worst of all airlines with comments such as "surly" and "unhelpful" which in my experience is just the tip of the iceberg. Last time I was on a domestic flight in the USA, the middle-aged "FA"'s were so fat that they bumped into passengers both sides of the aisle every time they passed - VERY annoying. I imagine there could be Occupational Health and Safety issues too if an evacuation of the aircraft were necessary.

The hosties of yesteryear would be dismayed at how far standards of courtesy have fallen.

Today's pic shows a hostie getting ready for her shift. A final check in the mirror with the printed checklist - sticklers for correctness then - but the major point to remember: SMILE!!

__________________

Swami8

LOL Well said...I stopped counting how many times that has happened to me! Even my wife has mentioned "how can they let her work this job if she has to move through the aisle sideways???"

__________________
"I just wanna fly"

flyingdoc

Here is Elisha Purdy, age 35, from Hawaii; she was a contestant on the Biggest Loser in the USA.
Her favorite foods? ice cream, pizza and cookies.
Her occupation? Flight attendant.
Her reason for being obese? "the challenges of constant travel make it difficult for her to exercise or eat right."

__________________

flyingdoc

Ugghhh! I have to erase that image from my mind - here's a much nicer pic to finish up with. Real retro!!

__________________

kardar757

Hey Doc...If I owned my own airline...my flight attendants would look something like this...



Thank god for auto pilot

__________________
_____________________________________



Chesapeake International Airport (KCPK)

furryforest

I love that fifties look. Movie stars back then were trully stunning!

__________________
I swear to drunk i'm not God

flyingdoc

Sign me up for Frequent Flyer Membership!!

__________________

flyingdoc

Newsflash June 2007

In a move that is sure to add fuel to the fire about a larger debate on modern Indian society, a court has ruled against a group of overweight female flight attendants who argued that their grounding by national carrier Indian Airlines was an “insult to their womanhood”.



The Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of the airline, saying that with aircraft flying at higher altitudes, the safety of the passengers depended on the crew’s ability to perform.” No airline can afford to remain lax in any department whatsoever, be it the personality of the crew members of their physical fitness,” Justice Rekha Sharma said.



The Indian airline industry has grown rapidly in recent years and new airlines have begun hiring young slim air hostesses, often dressed in short skirts and high heels.



In contrast, Indian Airlines flight crews are dressed in the traditional sari and are allowed to fly until they are 58 years old. The group of air hostesses who had challenged the airline had argued that it was an attempt to replace them with younger crew.

__________________

Swami8

Must definitely take some holiday and just fly around India!

__________________
"I just wanna fly"

flyingdoc

Bad Hair Day! (yes, Hosties have them too..)

__________________

cpt.canuck

From what I have heard from a friend who flew Kingfisher, they are the airline to fly if you want to see some "nice" flight attendants.

__________________

flyingdoc

Here ya go!!

__________________

Captain Wahoo

This guy reminds me of Ringo Starr for some reason.

__________________


If you love something let it go, if it doesn't come back, track it down and kill it.

flyingdoc

Guy? What guy? Was there a guy?....

__________________

flyingdoc

Stewardess in a Lunchbox

Here's a retro flavour, so to speak...

__________________