Cabin Crew Bag Raid: What's in your Bag?

As a flight attendant flying for more than five years, it sometimes seems like I'm living out of my suitcase. My suitcase is always packed and ready to go wherever my roster will take me. Along the line I've learned how to travel wisely and how to pack smart. Ever wonder what flight attendants have in their bags? Here's the list of what I have inside my company-issued handbag, trolley bag and suitcase:

In my hand bag:

1. Make-up kit- very useful for retouching in flight. Containing mostly the basics, like compact powder, blusher, mascara and lipstick. I like to keep my other make-up in my suitcase for layovers.
   
2. My "mini" notebook- contains my "compressed" or summarized notes on emergency drills, safety, first aid, aircraft infos, cabin service, etc. Also handy for keeping other relevant info you may need to write down. I also use mine as keeping record of my flight's information like date, flight number, destination, names of my flight deck crew and cabin crew and their position/duty for the flight, number of passengers and if there are special handling passengers, etc.
   
3. A small stack of Post-its- useful for taking down notes and other info that you don't want to forget while in flight like when you have take down a passenger's name or seat number, or if you're taking multiple orders. I also use mine for labeling locations of service equipment and other relevant information which will be useful for the crew who will take over the aircraft once we reach our destination.
   
4. Pens, and lots of it- one of the most essential things one needs to have in their bag. I have some that I've bought, but most of my pens are ones I collected from hotels I've stayed in. Passengers tend to ask to borrow your pen especially when filling out their immigration forms so I always keep some in my pocket.
   
5. A small bottle of perfume- I usually buy sets of my favorite scents in their miniature sizes so it won't be too much to carry in my bag. I usually keep this in my make-up kit.
6. Toothbrush, toothpaste and a small bottle of mouthwash- To use after meals and to keep my breath smelling fresh all throughout the flight.
7. Other official paperwork necessary for the flight like crew handover sheets, seat assignment charts, etc.
8. Mints- I put some in my apron pocket so I can have one before I go out into the cabin.
9. Extra hair accessories- like bobby pins and extra scrunchies.
10. My gadgets- mainly my mobile, camera and mp3 player. Very important.
11. My passport and licenses- travel documents that must be in my possession at all times and kept up to date. Without these, I can't operate on any flights.
    
12. wallet
    

In my trolley bag:

1. Cabin Service Manual- company issued manual containing relevant information on Cabin Service.
2. Memo Book- I keep all company issued memos regarding safety and service procedures and updates in one file.
3. Cabin Shoes and Apron- I always check that my service apron is available, clean and wrinkle-free and that my cabin shoes are properly shined and clean as well. I keep my cabin shoes in a small shoe bag which also has a small shoe polisher.
   
4. Plonky Kit- this is the term we use for the small bag of useful "goodies" for the flight. Inside my plonky kit there's a small flash light (good for walking around the darkened cabin in night flights), small scissors (but we have to keep this in our checked in luggage if the station we are departing from requires it), some band-aid, panadol for headache, scotch tape, a small stapler, a small calculator, another small stack of post-its, one or two pens, a black marker or pentel pen, a mini sewing kit for "emergency uniform button situations" , some plastic gloves and some safety pins.
   
5. An extra set of uniform- mainly the uniform blouse/shirt in case of emergency (like food spillage on your uniform, etc.) and an extra pair or two of stockings.
   
6. Overnight kit- in a small bag containing extra clothes, underwear and necessary toiletries. I choose a smart casual set of blouse and skirt or pants that are light weight and less likely to be wrinkled. This extra set of clothes is used in case of an unexpected layover because of delays or other circumstances that will require you to be out of uniform.
   

In my suitcase (to be brought only during layover flights):

1. My swimsuit and gym clothes- I like to swim in hotel pools, its good exercise and its fun so I always keep one in luggage. If a swim is not possible I often go to the gym instead or have a jog outside if there's a jogging/hiking trail in the destination.
   
2. My layover clothes and underwear- depending on the weather and the season. I make it a point to check the weather conditions of a particular destination before going to the flight by searching for the info in the internet. I ensure that the clothes I pack are appropriate for the destination and comfortable as well.
   
3. Shoes- again depending on the destination. In winter I like to wear my boots because its warmer on my feet. In summer I like to pack sneakers, ballet flats or sandals because its more comfortable to wear.
4. An extra jacket or sweater- even if according to the information the weather will be fair in the destination, I like to pack an extra lightweight sweater just in case.
5. Snacks and a bottle of water- just something light and easy to pack like crackers or chocolate. I also like to keep a bottle of water to keep hydrated especially after the flight.
   
6. My current book of choice- I always carry a book to read beside the pool or in my room to pass the time or if I can't sleep right away.
7. Street map or travel book of the destination- I often collect mine from the internet of from the hotels as well. Its helpful and handy for when you want to explore the destination.
   
8. Uniform for the next flight- necessary of course to have a fresh set of uniform for the flight back to your home base.
9. Toiletries bag- containing extra make-up, toiletries and other beauty and hygiene products essential for my stay in the layover.

So that's it. Those are the contents of my bags that I bring with me in all my flights and I'm sure it is similar to what other cabin crew have in theirs. It is practical to pack lightly but smartly for every flight. Just pack what is essential and useful for you for the flight and in the layover (and you'll even have more space for your shopping later, LOL).

Make-up Tips for Female Cabin Crew

"A woman without make-up is like food without salt" says Roman dramatist Plautus. Make-up helps to highlight the features that we have and enhances beauty. For female cabin crew, make-up should be simple yet look sophisticated. We can start with the basics: Foundation, Mascara, Blush, Lipstick. In order to look perfectly groomed for a flight, female cabin crew can follow these few simple steps to applying make-up.

• Foundation- It gives the skin a smooth and even look. It should look natural after applying it. When picking the right shade, try to apply it on the side of your cheek (above the jaw bone). The color should be nearest to the natural skin color of your face. It comes in liquid form or powder foundation form. To apply, dot a small amount all over your face and blend it using your fingertips or a wet sponge (for liquid foundation).
  
• Mascara and/or Eyeshadow- Most of the time it's not required to apply eyeshadow (the most basic is mascara and eyeliner) but to have a more sophisticated look to your eyes and if your grooming department will permit it, start by apply light eye shadow to your entire eyelid (from lashline to brow bone) then define the crease of the eyelid by applying a darker shade. Choose eye shadows in basic colors like earth tones rather than fancier more colorful shades. To open up your eyes more, apply a thin layer of eyeliner (you can use liquid or the pencil type and you can choose between black or brown) as close to the lashes as possible. Before applying mascara, curl your lashes with an eye lash curler by curling gently near the base of your lashes. Apply a thin coat of mascara to the upper and lower lashes.
• Blush- to have a natural-looking glow or "flush" to your face, choose a blush shade that will blend nicely with your foundation. Tap on any excess powder on the blush applicator then apply the blush on the apple of your cheek blending towards your hairline.
  
• Lipstick- before applying your lipstick, be sure to have your lips moisturized and buffed. You can use a damp cloth to gently rub on your lips for a minute and apply a lip balm or conditioner. You can also use a lip liner before applying lipstick to accent or emphasize the shape of your lips, just make sure that it matches your lipstick. Apply the lipstick starting at the center of the lips working towards the corners.

Other make-up like bronzers, lip gloss, etc. will be optional and could also depend on the grooming guidelines your airline company could have. Make-up shades and colors could also depend on the company's grooming department requirements.

Cabin Crew Recruitment Procedures

One day, a little girl went to the airport to fetch her father who was coming home from his work abroad. She sat with her mother on an airport bench at the arrivals area and watched the blur of people going by: passengers arriving from other flights, airport workers, some porters offering their assistance for a fee and others like her, eagerly waiting for their loved ones' to appear through the terminal door. Then she saw a group of people exiting from the arrivals gate, wearing strange costumes. She was particularly curious about a group of statuesque young ladies wearing colorful outfits. She asked her mother, “ Mom who are they? What nice costumes they have!”. Her mother who was patiently waiting alongside her replied, “Those are flight stewardesses, honey. They come with the pilots and their job is to fly people like your dad to different places around the world.” Her little eyes grew round with childish awe, “You mean they get to fly in the airplanes? Wow! And they get to wear pretty costumes too! Some day, I'll be a flight stewardess!”

This little girl was me, and this was my childish dream, a dream everybody thought I'd grow out of, but somehow it stuck. I went to college to get a degree in Tourism Management, hoping this would be my stepping stone to finally achieving my dream, graduated and joined the throng of cabin crew wanna bees. Constantly checking the classifieds for airline openings, I was one of the wide-eyed hopefuls, as were hundreds of others. I sent my CV to all the airlines who had an opening, local and international. Then while working for my part-time job, I waited for the fated phone calls and emails asking for an interview. Whenever I got an invitation, it was like I was in cloud nine! This could be it! Going to the various airline “Open Days” was nerve-wracking...the waiting in line (hundreds of girls want this job too!), anxiously waiting for your turn to be called in for the interview... The waiting is always the hard part. And then the big event: Interview. Most airline companies follow steps in recruiting cabin crew:

First there's an initial interview, usually by the recruitment agency hired by the airline, and they sort out who will be qualified for the Final Interview (usually a panel interview). They sort out hundreds of CV's, call the qualified ones in to check if they are qualified aesthetically (one should be wearing a matching business suit! This is a must so if you don't have it, invest in one!), assess their height and weight if they are proportional (BMI) and a brief interview. Having previous airline experience will be a plus factor and likely be a “priority” but it does not guarantee the job.

Then if you're one of the lucky ones, you manage to get into the Final Interview conducted by the representatives of the airline you are hoping is “The One”. In my case, I applied to my present airline three times before I got my dream job. So to the cabin crew hopefuls out there, do not be disheartened if you do not get in on the first try! Most airlines will allow you to submit applications again after 6 months. Of course it helps if you have some tips on how to ace that interview. Most airlines' #1 requirement for their cabin crew is that they have exceptionally good English verbal and written skills. Of course knowledge of other languages are a plus, but this is the most important skill cabin crew must have. You will be working with and serving a lot of different nationalities and English is a must. This universal language is the method of communication between you and your colleagues, the flight deck crew, passengers and other airline workers. Your training itself and your training manuals will be in English. So before we start imagining how good we're going to look wearing one of the designer uniforms, you'd better start improving on English communication skills.

Then if you're really lucky, and it really is “your time to shine”, and you manage to get through the final interview with flying colors. It's not over yet, most airlines require that you be able to swim (so you will be able to save lives in case of a Ditching, or a crash landing in water). There will most likely be a swimming exam and if you qualify, there just a few more steps and you're home free!

The next step will be to pass their medical assessment to see if you are fit to do the duties of a flight attendant. Most think it's all about glamour and travel perks but the truth is a cabin crew's duty is not easy. Primarily your role is to ensure safety of the aircraft, yourself, your fellow crew and most importantly your passengers. You have to be alert and physically fit at all times while on duty to be always ready in case of any emergency be it medical or aircraft or passenger related. Keep this in mind: “we are here to save lives”.We are there to make sure our passengers are given the quality service they expect and at the same time safely transport them to their respective destinations.

Then if you are really lucky to pass everything, from interview to the medicals, I'd say you're nearly there. You'll b hired by the airline, but you will have to go to the Cabin Crew training, which is not a piece of cake, as it includes written and practical exams on Aviation Safety and Security, Emergency Procedures and Drills, etc. and also have In-flight Service training. Then after all these, and you manage to pass with flying colors, you'll graduate and be given your Wings and your respective licences.

I'm lucky enough to finally be living my dream and I'm having the time of my life right now. The journey hasn't been easy but then anything can be achieved through hard work, determination and perseverance.