Please send you letters to: airportal@live.com
***************************************************************************************************** Dear Lizzy and Julie, I am struggling with my weight since I started flying. I put a stone on in the last year and my uniform I got last year when I started is too small. Can XXXXXX (airline) make me lose weight or ground me? Have you got tips to help because I asked around and other crew said it happens to every one? Thanks, RB Hello R, You don’t give your age, sex or height/weight ratio and we are certainly no experts in the nutritional field, but yes, the other Crew are right! Weight is an ongoing debate, issue, struggle and annoyance for flyers everywhere. If you think about your lifestyle now (we can see you are flying charter so night flights will be common on your roster) it will have no balance and no structure compared to a person working nine to five Monday to Friday. You may be feeling some panic about the changes to your shape but unless you balloon up massively we’ve never heard of an airline in this country grounding anyone because of a stone weight gain. (In India Stewardesses were sacked on masse for being too heavy a few years ago.) Airlines are resentful about re-issuing uniform because of cost etc and also because alarm bells can ring for them about your health and how you are looking after yourself. Now chick, there are things you can do of course, the big question is whether you want to do these things? We all know that some exercise, perhaps only a couple of hours out of your week, can do wonders. We know that black coffee and no butter or spread can save you hundreds of calories a week. We accept that an apple is better than a Kit Kat, that choosing the salad over the chips is much better for your backside and eating the Muller Light yogurt rather than a Gu Chocky Fudge Pudding will cut the fat that would otherwise sit on your spare tyre like a re-tread. But, and it’s a big BUTT! Only you can do these things for your self, only you can decide to make these little changes that in the end make a huge difference to your well-being. The evil, horrid truth of it all is that we can blame a multitude of things for weight gain and no doubt about it, flying is an element of it, but the fact remains that everybody’s body is their own to care for and each individual has to adapt to what that body needs to stay fit and healthy. So no quick fixes R, and no silly crash diet or stupid food combos will ever do it and we have tried it all so we speak from experience. You’ve identified the problem early so don’t wait, tweak these little changes now and get that stone off easily before it just becomes part of you. The worst thing would be to move up in to bigger clothes; once you get comfy you get lumpy and dumpy! Let us know how it goes…. L&J
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For more from Liz & Julie see this site: www.youforcoffeesir.com
P saw a senior stealing money from a colleagues’ bar wallet on his first ever long haul trip and the person was aware he had been spotted. The person later threatened P to keep quiet but on returning to the UK P decided to report what had happened. The airline already had the individual under suspicion as others had come forward previously.
Girls, I’ve got a dilemma.
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Hiya you 2!
How thrilling! Very excited for you! Now, we've contacted a friend who used to work for them (a few years ago now) and it seems to be generally taking the route, as you say, of group assessment first. They then select from those they view as having potential the ones they would like to speak to further. Many airline interviews take this format and it seems to work well for them, everyone gets the same chance to shine. But, there are ways to ensure you stand out!
Now pet, re-read the chapter in our book about being ready for an interview and what to expect, all the little extra things you'll need in your handbag etc. Your interview outfit sounds fine but make sure, and you know we cannot stress this enough! make sure you are immaculate, perfect, spotlessly turned out. Everything, hair perfectly neat, not a hair out of place! Make-up fresh and pretty with good strong lip colour for a big smile. Nails perfect! Shoes, highly polished, heels new, stockings snag free and very smooth. Any earrings etc tasteful and discreet. Your appearance, if good, gets you 50% there chick. No mistake about it, it is VITAL. Look like a perfectly groomed Air Hostess before you start and it makes it so much easier for them to be interested in you.
Get on the internet and research them to death! They have been a merger airline for years and have become huge as a result. You'll need to know their history because they are the world's oldest travel services provider and they are very proud of their heritage in the travel industry.
You'll need to be on the ball with your math because all charter airlines view sales as very important, and sales experience as advantageous.
Remember to smile and do it sincerely. Be confident, happy, friendly and approachable. Swallow your nerves with smiles and deflect any anxiety with interest in others. In the role plays be sure to join in but not take-over, and always take note of what others are saying and involve them. Remember they are looking for Foot Soldiers not Generals at this stage, so bossy people are a no no. They cause conflict.
And most of all let us know what happens!!!!! We're on your side chick, your sky sisters are right behind you! Do not, whatever you do, be late!!!! We'll kick your backside unless you are there at least 20 minutes before it starts!
Good luck gorgeous!
Love,
L&J xxxx
Liz and Julie,
How do you cope with being away? I just met someone new and really like him, but because I want to be with him all the time I resent going to work. I’ve had good trips lately, but feel like I’m never home. I worry he’ll get bored of waiting around.
I just got a change from a short haul block on to a six day trip. I’ll have to cancel the plans we made and feel like I’m letting him down. Right now short haul only would be better for me.
Any Ideas???
FlyBoi
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Dear FlyBoi,
It’s inevitable that when you are single/available flying is the best job ever, offering endless possibilities for fun and travel. Then suddenly that special someone appears and the commitment that flying (especially long haul) demands can seem a very high price to pay. We understand and it’s very hard, but if you can think beyond the pining for your new chap and the inconvenience of working away you should tot up a few of the great benefits that your job offers to the pair of you.
1. You are in a unique position to really enrich this person’s life with the travelling and lifestyle you have to give. Get him away with you on a belting trip ASAP, and we tell you, he will appreciate you and all you do.
2. Utilise technology. Your phone roams just as you do, but these days use Skype and get yourself and him a cheap PC / laptop and wherever you are you can see him and speak to him via the web. Skype is a brilliant invention and all free.
3. Every hotel lobby has Internet you can use at the very least, so FaceBook and msn are ideal for you to stay in touch and involve him in the down route life. There is no need to feel isolated these days. Even a simple text can make a person feel thought about.
4. Maybe he was impressed and attracted to what you do for a living? There is an old saying that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” It’s early days for you as a couple and this distance will certainly keep things fresh, gaining you his respect. It’s hard now but it may become the perfect basis for you in the future. You think he may get sick of waiting around for you, but if you were there all the time he may just get sick of you – yikes it’s true so sorry to say, but harking back to old fashioned sayings brings us to “familiarity breeds contempt.” We’ve seen it before.
So before you make any rash decisions have a real good acknowledgement of just how lucky you are to have so much to offer this guy, and be proud of what you do. You can see him and speak to him everyday when away, and you are interesting, intriguing and fabulous as a world traveller – don’t give it up on a whim!
Love to you sweetheart,
Liz & Jue x
Hi Girls,
I’m in real trouble at work. On a trip last week after a long duty, and a bit of a heavy night at the bar I was in an argument with a guy there, don’t remember what about. It wasn’t a fight but there was a bit of pushing each other round. Some other passengers saw and have complained to the airline about our conduct.
They want reports off all the crew, and I am really s**ting it. The captain already had a word with me and it was a bad atmosphere coming home.
Any suggestions what I can do, I feel like going sick but know they will get even more mad at my meeting next week. I Had messages on Facebook off people I hardly even fly with, so loads of people must know about it.
Crawley Boy
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Awwww Crawley Boy,
You have fallen fowl of the old night stop “get ‘em down yer neck in a foreign country as fast as you can” syndrome and it’s come back to bite you. You didn’t say how long the trip was, it sounds to us like it was a night stop only. Love, we are very sorry to hear this, and we understand how stressed and upset you are. There is no doubt you are now very sorry for what happened.
Right, first things first. You need Union assistance, and this is not because they can “save” you from this getting very serious, but because they can advise and support you whatever happens next. You should always, always be a member of a Union, even if you are not militant in any way, you just never know when you may need them. They also offer legal advice, which is very reassuring to know. Next, you need to immediately grow up, strap a pair on and handle this in a very mature way. Going sick is not the way, as tempting as it is when the going gets tough. It will almost certainly make things worse.
You need to find out exactly what the complaint contained, don’t leave it any longer. You should have a copy, if not get one from your Performance Manager asap. Next, sit down and write to each of the Crew Members from that flight and also the Pilots and apologise for your behaviour and the embarrassment, upset and inconvenience caused. (They now have to spend time writing a report, remember.) Next, write your own report and in it take responsibility for what happened, even if you were provoked by the other guy. Apologise for bringing a poor impression upon the airline, because no matter what, this is what happened. Because you had been drinking or were drunk you were not capable of making rational and sensible decisions to deal with the event and all the passengers saw was a Crew Member (from their flight?) nearly getting in to a scuffle in a bar. Not good. No one has any idea what they look and act like when drunk and because of that it is very hard to defend yourself.
Next chick, you must learn a hard lesson here. Make no mistake, we have all done it. We have all being tipsy while on company business on a night stop somewhere, and anyone who says they haven’t does not deserve to be Cabin Crew. The big, huge, gigantic risk we take while drunk in public is a stray passenger watching, or some one realising we fly. You can understand that everyone likes a drink, no one likes a drunk, and especially no one likes a drunk Crew Member, some one they trust ultimately with their lives. This, Crawley Boy, is what room parties and hotel Crew Rooms were invented for! Crew shennanigans in private away from prying and reporting eyes.
Love, we feel very sorry for you, but you must face this honestly, openly and with remorse. And if you do like a good drink, do it at home, with your friends in a place you know is safe. It’s fun and we all love a crazy carry-on but you have just seen the dark side of mixing it with your career.
Hugs and love, let us know the outcome sweetie.
Liz & Julie x
For comments on this issue please vist: Liz & Julie Forum
Please send you letters to: airportal@live.com
For more from Liz & Julie see this site: www.youforcoffeesir.com
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Dear Liz & Julie,
I know you have both been flying for a long time so you may be able to help me. I started flying earlier this year in March, but one of my seniors seems to hate me. She makes my flights very hard. I am not enjoying my work because of it, in fact I hate it.
I’ll tell you what she does. She tuts each time I speak, ignores me when I ask questions and if I am helping a passengers she takes over like I am stupid and don’t know what to do. It really embarrasses me in the cabin. She gives me much more tasks to do and makes me stand in the cabin so I’m not with the others if they are getting a drink or in the galley. She likes to make sure I am on my own and don’t feel part of the team. She is great with the other crew who are her friends. I keep getting her on my roster and I feel sick when I see her name.
I can’t wait for this season to be over so I can go back to my old job, can you give any advice?
Loved your book, thank you girls,
Becky
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Dear Becky,
It’s a sad fact that even in this great job, which is about personality, teamwork and camaraderie, some very bad apples rise to the top. Often these types have two faces. The happy one they show to the management and their pals, and the real one that those they choose to intimidate see. Sadly Becky, for whatever reason, this person has decided to make themselves feel better by being unkind and unpleasant to you. It’s probably been going on for years with various new Crew and it’s about time it stopped once and for all.
What you’ve got to bear in mind is that this individual is just that, one person, one nasty, unhappy person in a collection of fantastic others, and the reason for their conduct has nothing to do with you directly. This is a pattern that has been allowed to develop in their behaviour. It’s very hard to pin down and may not even be witnessed by others, but it’s also possible that someone is aware and can help you.
Every organisation has a legal responsibility to stamp out this conduct, in the same way they would sexism or racism. They have procedures in place to help you but you have to be brave enough to bring it to their attention and this can be a tough ask. As you are new to flying, you’ll be under guidance from a “Performance Manager” (or whatever your Airline calls them) who is responsible for your career and skills development. This is the person you must seek help from. They have your best interests at heart, because the Airline have paid a lot of money to train you and will want to retain you. You can approach them for an informal meeting, or even email in but you must ask for complete confidentiality.
There is much they can do to help, from preventing you being rostered together to monitoring the situation and offering advice. Your part of the deal is to ensure that every part of your work is at high standard at the least or exceeds expectations to the best of your ability. No one expects you to be Super Hostie in your first season because you are on a very steep learning curve, but as long as you are committed and doing your best, you are fulfilling your obligation to the Airline.
Chick, you cannot waste this opportunity in life to fly because of one bully. Flying has so much to offer you and after what you have already endured in the selection and training process, this is one more stage in your maturing and in your mastering of this profession. It can seem a grim and lonely job at first as you strive to fit in and adapt to the demands being made on you, but believe us when we tell you it is worth it. You must not allow yourself to be pushed out by someone who actually can be viewed with pity.
Whatever you decide to do about this situation, work until the end of your contract and then if you still cannot accept that remaining with this Airline is an option, you have the benefit of experience that can be taken to another company next season. Perhaps the culture of your current employer does not suit you, but it’s probable that another one will. We think that right now the problem colours everyday for you and makes you unhappy, but pet, it will pass and you will learn a lot from it. Take a deep breath, go and see your manager, and whatever the outcome you will have done right not only for yourself but for the others that will follow you.
Big hugs sweetheart, and you know where we are if you need to talk.
Love,
Liz & Julie x
For further information see this site: www.workplacebullying.co.uk
