Tête-à-tête with an Airhostess
Since the advent of globalisation, there are
infinite opportunities to be sought. The dilemma of choosing the career path is
surely a daunting task, wrecking the peace of mind of many teenagers for whom
the impending question is ‘What Next?’ Finally
however, most follow the traditional fields, whereas a small section of
youngsters wants to try the new avenues and taste success.
Meet this dynamic young lady Ms. Kavya Hebbar
who belongs to this latter section. Despite choosing a path less travelled, she
is has been able to scale great heights. Daughter of Mr. Narahari Hebbar - Ms.
Rekha Hebbar-who hail from Hosamata near Kukke subrahmanya , Mangalore ,
Karnataka , she continues the legacy of Mangaloreans who are ready to take challenges and convert
them into achievements.
Now employed with Jet Airways- International
Flights, Ms. Kavya shares her thoughts with Veda Athavale .
1. How did the idea of becoming air hostess occur?
Was there any role model? How did your parents react about your decision?
Frankly speaking I didn't have
any dream or goal during my school or college days. I just used to go to
school, come back, go for classes, study and then sleep. That's it. There was no role model for me to become an
air hostess. It just happened one day. It was the last day of my 12th board
exam, a person was distributing Frankfinn leaflets [Frankfinn is an institute
for Air Hostess training]. I randomly filled one, thinking " Just fill the
form, who cares if I get a call or not". And the very next day I received
a call to attend an interview. Out of 10 people who had come, I was only one
who got selected for the course. I went home, discussed it with my parents and
their response was positive. That's when I realised what my dream was! My
parents were a big support for me.
2. Tell us about the structure of airhostess
training? Is being beautiful important for this course?
Qualification required for the training is - HSC /
12th / PUC passed. Age - 18 to 30 years. Training period is 12
months. Fluency in English is appreciated. Regarding physical features, height and
weight should be proportional with a clear skin. It's not just the beauty, but
beauty with brains, confidence, pro- activeness, initiative to learn
things, communication skills etc. are most important. The curriculum includes
lessons on healthy diet, First Aid, customer service etc.
3. What is the job of an air hostess? Please explain
in detail.
Safety and
service is the most important job of an air hostess. Airhostess is responsible for ensuring all passengers
are seated and secure before take-offs and landings, securing the main door on
flights and instructing passengers on all safety procedures and ensuring all
cabin equipment is working before flights. Service duties would include passing
out pillows and reading materials before take-off, getting booster seats for
toddlers or escorting elderly passengers on and off the plane, providing
First-Aid in case of emergency and serve drinks, snacks and meals, collect
trays, trash and glasses before landing.
4. Is this job financially attractive? Are
there any other benefits in this job?
Air hostesses are paid well. But the main attraction
of this job is you get paid to see the world! You can explore every corner of
the world. Travel to places where you have seen those only in movies. Stay in
star hotels and all this is company paid. Other benefits being huge discounts for family
to travel in both domestic and international and also medical insurance for the
family.
5. Can an Airhostess balance family and work life
after marriage? What are the other jobs she can opt if she decides to leave?
To some extent, yes. Family
life gets affected after marriage. But with a supporting spouse one can balance
personal and professional life. One small advice to all the girls and guys out
there, never marry a person of the same profession. For example, if I marry a guy who is a crew, we
won't be able to give enough time to each other and to the family because of
the time clash. Also, there are many job options for an
experienced airhostess. They can become trainers, or seek jobs in management
and hospitality industry.
6. What are the
challenges for an Airhostess? What is your opinion about the recent movie
‘Neeraja’ which depicts life of an Airhostess?
I feel Physical fitness is a
biggest challenge. I myself had faced this
problem while giving interviews. I got through Jet Airways when I tried for the
4th time! They rejected me thrice just
because of my weight and all my confidence had dropped. I lost hopes completely.
But then again my parents and friends imbibed the confidence in me, motivated
me, gave me enough strength to face the challenge again. I joined a gym, went
for swimming classes and lost weight. And that was when I succeeded.
The
other challenge is staying away from the family as we get off once or twice in a week, which
builds psychological pressure. So developing right food habits, keeping
ourselves mentally occupied in a constructive way is very important to overcome
these challenges. Regarding the movie
‘Neeraja’, it’s a must watch for every other person out there who thinks an Airhostess
job is just like a waiter in the hotel! I am sure the concept of an Airhostess
will change after watching the movie.
7. How do you feel
about your Kannadiga roots? Any piece of
advice to youngsters?
Of course I feel happy. Though
I am settled in Mumbai, I am in constant touch with my parental and maternal
homes in villages near Mangalore . My relatives
have always supported my decision of becoming an Airhostess. Yes it's true that
people choose to be engineers or doctors, but I chose to be something unique
from others. Now, when anybody asks, “what does your daughter do?” my parents,
with their heads high, say that- “She is an air hostess with Jet Airways!”
