25 January 2017 // Wednesday
Counting down to my second last flight before cny! Shenzhen (SZX) leggo!
After not doing this flight for almost a year, I can safely say szx is such an easy flight to do compared to the other China routes like Wuhan (WUH) or Chongqing (CKG). The passengers are still as usual like how they are, but it was somewhat a smooth flight.
So I was S2 after so long... but it was still a perfect crew position allocation :)
After taking off from szx, we started loading our meals and at this moment, one passenger was making a din just behind our galley curtain. We were shocked when we drew the curtains to attend to him: the entire lavatory door came off! We were shocked not because its the first time (ya many passengers do break our doors) but the fact that it happened on our flight and right at our busiest moment. We tried to fix it but we couldn't (we are not engineers afterall) and also we were in the midst of loading meals so we handed it to S3 and cic. And guess what, they fixed it eventually!
It was a pretty short flight. And a fairly good one too.
I made chinese announcement... and my cic wasn't chinese. But that's okay. I was all prepared!
So OFF tomorrow then last flight before cny!
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Bye overnights
22 January 2017 // Sunday
So I guess I am really S1 life... but I'm glad. 12 for going up and 1 for coming back hehe.
Was so busy the first sector because all passengers were eating! Wr almost couldn't keep up our service with their speed of eating.
So I didn't manage to help the back but their load was like 90+ only.
Coming back was totally cool because my only passenger in jcl Mr W just wants to sleep. Cool. I also just want to sleep.
Wanted to help the aft crew but they were only going by two carts so four of them is sufficient. I only helped with side orders.
Read magazines... cleaned my galley... watched shows... read papers... clean floor... listen to music... and I still fell asleep for a short while.
It was a peaceful flight on the way back.
Mid flight Captain mentioned that we should be 5 minutes ahead of schedule but there was suddenly alot of weather around Singapore (because it was raining) so we were 5 minutes behind schedule now.
When the aircraft was finally parked and we felt that gentle nudge when the aircraft hits the parking curb + that "cabin crew disarm slides" announcement we were more than glad to say that we're home.
But to our dismay... there was no aerobridge. We were at remote bay. 6.20am in the morning and its drizzling. What can be worse?
Remote Bay usually is due to insufficient aerobridges to accomodate incoming aircrafts but passenger buses will be arranged to pick everyone to the immigration. The good thing is that you don't have to walk to immigration but the bad thing is that it is really inconvenient without an aerobridge (especially when its raining) because you will get drenched and you gotta carry your luggage down the stairs and into the bus.
That means extra delay during disembarking too. Sighs.
The solo ground staff who came was holding one pathetic umbrella trying to shield passengers from the light drizzle as they leave the aircraft and step onto the bridging stairs. A for effort but really C for effectiveness.
We call it a day (or night you could call it) but the comforting thing was to see three of my batchmates and my hubby waiting for me to have breakfast together! One of them even woke up specially since she was on off but the other two came back from two separate overnight flights too.
Zombie-d after breakfast while waiting for hubby to be done with his clients at Air Cargo side before he sent Eleanor and myself home. Because of the heavy rain there was a massive jam that it took twice as long to get home. He let me sleep at his place while he went ahead to work.
Oh such a perfect weather for sleeping. I can say bye-bye to overnights for a while now I guess.
Battle with the God of weathers
21 January 2017 // Saturday
Penang (PEN) today.
S1 life again. Load in Business Class (jcl/BC) was 5 each way. I helped Economy (ey) on the first sector because it was pretty full and they were down by one crew. Cic ask why I so nice haha. I think it was necessary that's all.
I had two captains on the way up. Coming back there was a PPS Mr C who sadly broke his razor but we didn't have a spare :( I feel bad for him cos he's got a dinner when we touch down in Singapore.
We were seated at 4.30pm ready to land at 4.55pm. But weather was bad in Singapore plus ATC always delay... so we were seated for almost an hour. Captain Vanessa alr mentioned there will be much turbulence due to the rainy weather in Singapore but passengers still want to use the washroom despite the seatbelts signs being switched on.
Got to hear from Captain after landing that visibility was only 1 mile but thank god she managed to land (cos I just want to go home). One lady passenger came up to me during disembarkation and told me how she prayed for the Captain to land the flight safely because in her 20+ years of flying as a passenger she has never encountered such bad weather. Don't know if she meant what she said.
But anyway... glad to be back in hubby's arms. Last overnight tomorrow #leggo
Crazy Sales
18 January 2017 // Wednesday
So if you read my post yesterday, I was down with stomach flu. I don't know to be glad or what but yeah I'm pretty much recovered and myself already. All set for CTU overnight!
Another reason why I did not really want to mc was because the cic today is my trainer! Its always nice to be able to fly with your trainer.
So she put me as S1 (I kinda expected it) in Business Class and my load was pretty okay.
We were busy with our Business Class duties but once we were done, she decided to go out with her sales cart to do duty-free sales. I offered to help her with it.
Believe me or not, the sales session was crazy and havoc (and idk what else to describe it). We took a whole 2 hours to complete doing sales from Row 5 to Row 30 (which usually would probably only take less than 30mins).
First of all, these China passengers are rowdy. They are not organized or obedient and will wait for your cart to reach them. Within minutes, lots of passengers from the back started to gather around me (because I was on the side of the cart nearer to them) like housefly attracted to cow dung. I swear they will not let me off. Its almost as if they're afraid that I'll run of with their sales. Like, to where? Outside the aircraft?
So we were just parked between Row 5 and Row 7 and that's enough to piss us off. You're supposed to let us know the item number that you want. We will find the item (if available) and show it to you. If you're interested, then we'll proceed with the payment.
But these people get it all wrong! They start pointing at the sales brochure with me trying to decipher which are the items they are asking for (its really ineffective). And the next moment after I bring out the item, they snatch it (yes I mean it) and start scrutinizing the item and before you know it the item is being passed to people around them and even to passengers few rows away from them. What?
I am trying so hard to keep track of what items I took out and where are they but these people are seriously not helping other than making my life difficult.
Then they try to be fickle minded about their choice.
Asking for item A & B then deciding not to have B. Asking for item A & C then decided to have B instead of C. Asking for item A B C then deciding to not get any. The next minute, she'll ask you for item A again.
And worse of all, even though they are paying by credit card, they keep asking for the price in Yuan, which is just a rough conversion if you'd like to pay in Yuan. Every item they ask to see they'd ask for the price in Yuan. Then they decide not to buy.
Seriously. So. Annoying.
Other than this, flight was smooth. #ijusthatesalesonchinaflights
First MC of 2k17
17 January 2018 // Tuesday
So I was on FULLSBY today but overnight I threw up and had really bad diarrhea so I am on mc today.
Hubby was busy with work in the morning so I dragged myself to the nearest family doctor (even my mum applauded me) because I really couldn't take a bus to my nearest panel clinic.
P.s. Company only accepts mc from panel clinics. I didn't think so much also.
So Dr Lim said I was down with stomach flu (quite impossibly food poisoning because my family was okay even taking the same food as me).
Kinda glad inside that I am sick because nobody likes standbys.
Feeling so horrible inside and outside and everything that goes in comes out almost instantly.
Thankful for hubby who always takes care of me when I fall sick and my mama who cooked porridge for my poor stomach.
Chengdu (CTU) tomorrow and I wonder if I will be well enough?
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
India Flights = Bollywood Drama
14 January 2017 // Saturday
It has been a while since I did an India flight too. Nervous.
But going up load made me jump in joy a little in my heart. 1 in Business and 92 in Economy. Haven't seen such load in ages!
But coming back was 4/150... nothing to look forward about.
We started off the flight pretty badly by seeing the wrong gate and ended up walking to and fro the airport! It sure was hell of a workout to reach the gates across the airport! What's worse is that were 20mins pass boarding time already (which is seriously late; we are supposed to reach before gate is open for passengers).
But anyway when we reached we hurried to prepare for boarding.
Like my caption said, India flights are dramas.
After take off, 14D started annoying by asking me for whiskey. I served him promptly, and he asked for a second one. I politely informed him to hold on for a while as we are preparing for meal service but he refused to. So I brought the whiskey for him (just so that he can shut up).
Who knows he started asking me for nuts in which I told him we would serve them later right after meal service. He looked semi-drunk so I couldn't tell if he was joking or angry. When I finally distributed the mixed nuts to him after meal service, he said to me sarcastically, "see? I told you you should have given it to me just now. Now I finish my whiskey already. "
"I will bring you another cup of whiskey then," I replied him almost instantly and trying to subtly hide my sarcasm. *roll eyes*
15B asked for anti-gastric medication mid flight but we couldn't give him because he had just consumed wine and we fear for the side affects. We gave him warm water and monitored him at regular intervals but he is better eventually.
On the returning there were 20 child meals... I expected a child symphony already... Them crying and making noise...
I had a near three hours nap before this flight so I felt super energetic during the flight. But towards the end, my frail body still could not hide how mentally and physically tired I was.
Spending my well-deserved Rest Off!
It has been a while since I did an India flight too. Nervous.
But going up load made me jump in joy a little in my heart. 1 in Business and 92 in Economy. Haven't seen such load in ages!
But coming back was 4/150... nothing to look forward about.
We started off the flight pretty badly by seeing the wrong gate and ended up walking to and fro the airport! It sure was hell of a workout to reach the gates across the airport! What's worse is that were 20mins pass boarding time already (which is seriously late; we are supposed to reach before gate is open for passengers).
But anyway when we reached we hurried to prepare for boarding.
Like my caption said, India flights are dramas.
After take off, 14D started annoying by asking me for whiskey. I served him promptly, and he asked for a second one. I politely informed him to hold on for a while as we are preparing for meal service but he refused to. So I brought the whiskey for him (just so that he can shut up).
Who knows he started asking me for nuts in which I told him we would serve them later right after meal service. He looked semi-drunk so I couldn't tell if he was joking or angry. When I finally distributed the mixed nuts to him after meal service, he said to me sarcastically, "see? I told you you should have given it to me just now. Now I finish my whiskey already. "
"I will bring you another cup of whiskey then," I replied him almost instantly and trying to subtly hide my sarcasm. *roll eyes*
15B asked for anti-gastric medication mid flight but we couldn't give him because he had just consumed wine and we fear for the side affects. We gave him warm water and monitored him at regular intervals but he is better eventually.
On the returning there were 20 child meals... I expected a child symphony already... Them crying and making noise...
I had a near three hours nap before this flight so I felt super energetic during the flight. But towards the end, my frail body still could not hide how mentally and physically tired I was.
Spending my well-deserved Rest Off!
KL is "Killed Liao"
13 January 2017 // Friday
So its Friday the 13th! ... what's so special? Haha.
I'm rostered for four-sectors KUL today (which means I head to KL and back and then repeat the trip once more).
Honestly nobody really likes to do a KL flight because one; it is super rushing and two; we don't earn much due to the short flight time. But sadly I couldn't swap it away so suck thumb and report for work lo.
I was doing S1 (ie Business Class) with cic and the load was considerably good (4/8 and 0/6). Full load for Business Class on a A319 (yup our aircraft for the day) is 8 so after all it isn't too much compared to 120 in Economy.
But this stupid A319 is so old that there are already so many issues on ground. Due to some issue with the APU there is no hot water on ground. The flow of water will only start when the APU has been disconnected on ground and aircraft is running on engine power.
And the APU will only be disconnected after all passengers have boarded and when we are pushing back for departure.
So basically no hot water after take off.
Is this Murphy's Law or something but when something is not working there is bound to be someone asking for that thing. My Life PPS in Business Class asked for warm water on ground and I had to embarrassingly apologize to him that we do not have hot water on ground. He didn't seem to care much though and opted for room temperature water.
This Economy passenger decided to use our Business Class toilet during boarding and came out complaining that there was no water from the toilet sink (which my cic and I already knew of course) but she decided to make a big fuss about how can a toilet have no water and how there was water the last time she boarded "this aircraft" she mentioned. Did she know we have more than one A319 and not just one...?
Anyways we placed a bottle of mineral water in the toilet for passengers to wash their hands on ground when using the washroom (very no standard but desperate times call for desperate measures).
Side note: KL flights are usually filled with frequent flyers, businessmen/women who always "claim" that they fly very often so they know exactly what you have and what they should receive.
KL passengers love to return our "Good Morning" greeting with a cold and lifeless, "Straits Times". They love to give us their coats/jackets to hang when the actual flight time is only 35mins sometimes. Excluding take off and landing (we will return the jackets before landing), the jackets were literally on the hangers for less than 15mins.
Flight out of Singapore was generally okay because the load in Economy was only 50 passengers. It was when we were departing from KL when the problem arises.
KL passengers also love to refuse to check in their baggage (god knows why because MI doesn't charge for check-in baggage unlike TR/TZ). What more to offer when the check-in allowance is 30kg.
They usually don't check-in because they refuse to wait for the baggage to come out at the conveyor belt or claim that they are in a rush for a meeting.
Cabin baggage is limited to one piece per passenger and not more than 7kg, but I can safely tell you more than 60% of the passengers do not adhere to this rule. Some of their baggage probably even weigh heavier than me.
Cabin space is also subjected to a first-come-first-serve basis. It works the same in every airline. Basically if you are the last few to board and cabin compartments are full (and your bag is too bulky to fit under the seat in front of you) we basically have to tag the bags into the cargo.
Many passengers love to make noise about this because it kinda disrupts their plans. But seriously, have a look at the compartments, its completely full, and no passengers are willing to help by letting us rearrange their soft bags to fit a larger cabin bag. (really, people are are selfish in their nature).
Had a hell of a time trying to fit all the luggage in the cabin and finally settled the issue by placing about 10 luggage in the Business Class galley. What's sad to know is that, no one appreciates all these that the crew are doing.
***
Second flight going out of Singapore is supposed to be 0 in Business Class but cic said that is highly impossible. Just like she said, our load increased to 5 passengers. Still a pretty easy feat.
Oh and I did not mention that because of this APU thingy the aircraft will experience a short circuit when the aircraft starts up the engine the second time (usually during taxiing) and this means that our safety video will be disrupted. It takes about 5mins to restore the power. If we were to wait for the video, we are probably not done when we are approaching the runway lol.
So we did live safety demo for all four sectors of the day. #蓝瘦 #香菇
So its Friday the 13th! ... what's so special? Haha.
I'm rostered for four-sectors KUL today (which means I head to KL and back and then repeat the trip once more).
Honestly nobody really likes to do a KL flight because one; it is super rushing and two; we don't earn much due to the short flight time. But sadly I couldn't swap it away so suck thumb and report for work lo.
I was doing S1 (ie Business Class) with cic and the load was considerably good (4/8 and 0/6). Full load for Business Class on a A319 (yup our aircraft for the day) is 8 so after all it isn't too much compared to 120 in Economy.
But this stupid A319 is so old that there are already so many issues on ground. Due to some issue with the APU there is no hot water on ground. The flow of water will only start when the APU has been disconnected on ground and aircraft is running on engine power.
And the APU will only be disconnected after all passengers have boarded and when we are pushing back for departure.
So basically no hot water after take off.
Is this Murphy's Law or something but when something is not working there is bound to be someone asking for that thing. My Life PPS in Business Class asked for warm water on ground and I had to embarrassingly apologize to him that we do not have hot water on ground. He didn't seem to care much though and opted for room temperature water.
This Economy passenger decided to use our Business Class toilet during boarding and came out complaining that there was no water from the toilet sink (which my cic and I already knew of course) but she decided to make a big fuss about how can a toilet have no water and how there was water the last time she boarded "this aircraft" she mentioned. Did she know we have more than one A319 and not just one...?
Anyways we placed a bottle of mineral water in the toilet for passengers to wash their hands on ground when using the washroom (very no standard but desperate times call for desperate measures).
Side note: KL flights are usually filled with frequent flyers, businessmen/women who always "claim" that they fly very often so they know exactly what you have and what they should receive.
KL passengers love to return our "Good Morning" greeting with a cold and lifeless, "Straits Times". They love to give us their coats/jackets to hang when the actual flight time is only 35mins sometimes. Excluding take off and landing (we will return the jackets before landing), the jackets were literally on the hangers for less than 15mins.
Flight out of Singapore was generally okay because the load in Economy was only 50 passengers. It was when we were departing from KL when the problem arises.
KL passengers also love to refuse to check in their baggage (god knows why because MI doesn't charge for check-in baggage unlike TR/TZ). What more to offer when the check-in allowance is 30kg.
They usually don't check-in because they refuse to wait for the baggage to come out at the conveyor belt or claim that they are in a rush for a meeting.
Cabin baggage is limited to one piece per passenger and not more than 7kg, but I can safely tell you more than 60% of the passengers do not adhere to this rule. Some of their baggage probably even weigh heavier than me.
Cabin space is also subjected to a first-come-first-serve basis. It works the same in every airline. Basically if you are the last few to board and cabin compartments are full (and your bag is too bulky to fit under the seat in front of you) we basically have to tag the bags into the cargo.
Many passengers love to make noise about this because it kinda disrupts their plans. But seriously, have a look at the compartments, its completely full, and no passengers are willing to help by letting us rearrange their soft bags to fit a larger cabin bag. (really, people are are selfish in their nature).
Had a hell of a time trying to fit all the luggage in the cabin and finally settled the issue by placing about 10 luggage in the Business Class galley. What's sad to know is that, no one appreciates all these that the crew are doing.
***
Second flight going out of Singapore is supposed to be 0 in Business Class but cic said that is highly impossible. Just like she said, our load increased to 5 passengers. Still a pretty easy feat.
Oh and I did not mention that because of this APU thingy the aircraft will experience a short circuit when the aircraft starts up the engine the second time (usually during taxiing) and this means that our safety video will be disrupted. It takes about 5mins to restore the power. If we were to wait for the video, we are probably not done when we are approaching the runway lol.
So we did live safety demo for all four sectors of the day. #蓝瘦 #香菇
Sunday, January 15, 2017
How I miss you (not) China :)
10 January 2017 // Tuesday
Still the beginning of the week... and I'm doing a Wuhan (WUH) today. Has been ages since I did a China flight.... It isn't exactly a great flight.
I'm not exactly dreading it either. But during briefing cic mentioned that on the first sector, we have a passenger with collapsed lung travelling back to Wuhan. He requires a continues high flow of oxygen at 4 litres per minute throughout the flight. It was stated that two extra Supplementary Oxygen Kit (SOK) will be uplifted.
We allowed this passenger to board first and he was accompanied by a nurse, and two other family members, one of them I suppose is his brother? This passenger, Mr Li, is 32 years old, and this family member I mentioned definitely looks too young to be his father.
So the nurse fixed the tube to the low flow of 2 litres valve on the SOK. We were kinda worries if Mr Li can manage with low flow of oxygen but the nurse said she will monitor his condition after take off. Apparently he was fine throughout the flight.
The drama only starts when we arrive at WUH. Due to his condition, he is not allowed to walk because his heart rate will increase. When he boarded in Singapore, an aisle chair was available (wheelchair but small enough to fit in the aisle of the aircraft) so he was wheeled to his seat at 21D.
However, at WUH, the ground staff (gonna name him Mr Young) informed us that there are no aisle chair available at WUH station. The family member (gonna name him Brother Li) then started to raise his voice and insisted that they came here before and there was an aisle chair. Needless to say, Mr Young insisted there was NO aisle chair. So both parties were standing there and nobody is willing to suggest an alternative.
So I took the initiative to do so. I asked Mr Young if the ambulance was nearby and if we could borrow a stretcher. He said the ambulance was right below the aircraft on standby and he would check if he could do so.
While all these is going on... the family members are awaiting the portable oxygen bottle so that Mr Li can transfer his tubing and disembark (because the SOK cannot be offloaded from the aircraft). These two nurses (Missy A & B) came onboard with a huge oxygen cushion (which is meant to last Mr Li from his seat to the ambulance below) before they connect him to a oxygen bottle in the ambulance below.
So Brother LI started making noise again... He insisted that Mr Li needs the portable oxygen cylinder so the two missys unwillingly went back to the ambulance.
So there was this free time with just me and the family. Brother Li rushed me for the stretcher and I told him it was on the way. He then suggested for u to provide a luggage so Mr Li can be seated on it.
I was like, "huh? like that also can?"
But just at this moment Mr Young came back to tell me they bringing up the stretcher but it will take a while because they need to use the whatever lift. Aaaaannddd the two missys came back. With a super huge oxygen cylinder like those people use to pump helium balloons (omg). It requires both missy to carry it still.
Then the stretcher came and let's not talk about how pathetic it looked, but once Mr Li was on it nobody wanted to carry him. The two nurses were already struggling with the giant oxygen cylinder, and neither did his family want to move Mr Li. We stopped there for a while before Mr Young offering to help.
Finally, we were almost done. On the way done there was so much din worrying about the oxygen tube disconnecting so Missy A taped on the joint of both tubes but got scolded by Brother Li. Both of them then had a tiny heated argument, which I obviously chose to stay out of.
After some 50 minutes, finally Mr Li disembarked safely. Here's wishing him a speedy recovery!
But then again, this flight #toomuchdrama.
Still the beginning of the week... and I'm doing a Wuhan (WUH) today. Has been ages since I did a China flight.... It isn't exactly a great flight.
I'm not exactly dreading it either. But during briefing cic mentioned that on the first sector, we have a passenger with collapsed lung travelling back to Wuhan. He requires a continues high flow of oxygen at 4 litres per minute throughout the flight. It was stated that two extra Supplementary Oxygen Kit (SOK) will be uplifted.
We allowed this passenger to board first and he was accompanied by a nurse, and two other family members, one of them I suppose is his brother? This passenger, Mr Li, is 32 years old, and this family member I mentioned definitely looks too young to be his father.
So the nurse fixed the tube to the low flow of 2 litres valve on the SOK. We were kinda worries if Mr Li can manage with low flow of oxygen but the nurse said she will monitor his condition after take off. Apparently he was fine throughout the flight.
The drama only starts when we arrive at WUH. Due to his condition, he is not allowed to walk because his heart rate will increase. When he boarded in Singapore, an aisle chair was available (wheelchair but small enough to fit in the aisle of the aircraft) so he was wheeled to his seat at 21D.
However, at WUH, the ground staff (gonna name him Mr Young) informed us that there are no aisle chair available at WUH station. The family member (gonna name him Brother Li) then started to raise his voice and insisted that they came here before and there was an aisle chair. Needless to say, Mr Young insisted there was NO aisle chair. So both parties were standing there and nobody is willing to suggest an alternative.
So I took the initiative to do so. I asked Mr Young if the ambulance was nearby and if we could borrow a stretcher. He said the ambulance was right below the aircraft on standby and he would check if he could do so.
While all these is going on... the family members are awaiting the portable oxygen bottle so that Mr Li can transfer his tubing and disembark (because the SOK cannot be offloaded from the aircraft). These two nurses (Missy A & B) came onboard with a huge oxygen cushion (which is meant to last Mr Li from his seat to the ambulance below) before they connect him to a oxygen bottle in the ambulance below.
So Brother LI started making noise again... He insisted that Mr Li needs the portable oxygen cylinder so the two missys unwillingly went back to the ambulance.
So there was this free time with just me and the family. Brother Li rushed me for the stretcher and I told him it was on the way. He then suggested for u to provide a luggage so Mr Li can be seated on it.
I was like, "huh? like that also can?"
But just at this moment Mr Young came back to tell me they bringing up the stretcher but it will take a while because they need to use the whatever lift. Aaaaannddd the two missys came back. With a super huge oxygen cylinder like those people use to pump helium balloons (omg). It requires both missy to carry it still.
Then the stretcher came and let's not talk about how pathetic it looked, but once Mr Li was on it nobody wanted to carry him. The two nurses were already struggling with the giant oxygen cylinder, and neither did his family want to move Mr Li. We stopped there for a while before Mr Young offering to help.
Finally, we were almost done. On the way done there was so much din worrying about the oxygen tube disconnecting so Missy A taped on the joint of both tubes but got scolded by Brother Li. Both of them then had a tiny heated argument, which I obviously chose to stay out of.
After some 50 minutes, finally Mr Li disembarked safely. Here's wishing him a speedy recovery!
But then again, this flight #toomuchdrama.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
A penny for thoughts #cairnsedition
05 January 2017 // Thursday
#nowplaying Ed Sheeran - Photograph
Here I am, sitting on the edge of my hotel bed in my comfortable pjs, slurping a hot cup of Cheese Curry instant noodles from Okinawa. Its raining out there so this hot comfort food can never go wrong.
Google Maps on my laptop is showing too many cafes that I am at a lost for choice. When I look out of my window, I am greeted with the beautiful pool view and seeing how other tourists spend their rainy afternoon by the poolside.
Me? I choose to stay indoors.
Being in Silkair only gives me the opportunity of having a layover once every few months, but I guess all the more we treasure this experience.
I used to always think of the life of a cabin crew as glamorous, being able to travel and enjoy while working; who doesn't love such a wonderful job?
But after joining, oh man, its such a disaster. The only "glam" time we look is when we walk across the airport departure lounge to our gates. And even so, 80% of us probably didn't even have a good night's sleep or feeling sadness deep inside for being unable to accompany our dearest ones on a special day.
So we drag our feet to work just so we can give others a pleasant journey to wherever their destination is (oh no I'm just kidding, we just gotta do it cos its our job haha). But still, know that we do give our best each and every time we put on the uniform.
I do take pride in it, in my job. But I can't say the same for everyone. Just know that while each of you passengers have problems like insomnia or gastric or even piles, we too are humans and we may (or may not) have the same problems as you too.
When you are rushing for a connecting flight just so you can be home safely to reunite with your family for the new year, and blaming the crew for the unexpected delay (which 90% of the time is not because of us), take a moment to stop and think.
We are cabin crew, but we have our families too. Think of how you'd like others to treat you or even your future kids.
A little courtesy can go alittle long way.
Even without the courtesy, a little basic manners like "thank you" or "please" works wonders too. People tend to forget that although you are paying it doesn't mean you are always right. Seeing how some kids getting all rowdy and rude onboard makes me feel sad that these are actually the people who will grow up and be the pillars of the country.
We should all take a step back once in a while. It makes you realize that life is pretty amazing.
I wondered if a year ago I didn't choose this path (or rather, this path did not choose me), what would have become of me?
I'd probably be still trying to get into S airlines, for the sake of the glam, the money, the "wow" people give you when you say you are from S airlines (stereotypes). Maybe I'd be chosen; maybe not. But either way, my life would have been much different from now.
Every layover could end up with me being alone in my hotel room, slurping on instant cup noodles. People have joined S airlines and told me that although they gained more, they lost more. They earned money, maybe much more than what their peers are getting. They get to see the world, without paying a single cent (except for meal expenses). They get to be in Seoul one day and in Maldives the next.
But they lost time. They lost friendships. Traveling to and fro on a daily basis can be very taxing even if you are flying as a passenger, what more as a crew? Being not in home base more than 60% of the time, its hard to attend your friends' gathering, be there for their 21st or their graduation, or even missing out on your bff's big day.
I count my blessings and thank god for putting me on this path. For letting me learn to be contented and giving me a chance that not everybody could earn (and giving me a chance when people doubted me). I thank him for letting me meet the love of my life, my soul mate, who taught me that no amount of money can buy you someone who loves you truly and deeply.
No amount of money or gifts can make up for the time we lost. Being able to go home everyday and seeing him everyday before and after work is my daily joy.
Life is unpredictable; so do what you love, and cherish your loved ones.
#preach #hahahaha
#nowplaying Ed Sheeran - Photograph
Here I am, sitting on the edge of my hotel bed in my comfortable pjs, slurping a hot cup of Cheese Curry instant noodles from Okinawa. Its raining out there so this hot comfort food can never go wrong.
Google Maps on my laptop is showing too many cafes that I am at a lost for choice. When I look out of my window, I am greeted with the beautiful pool view and seeing how other tourists spend their rainy afternoon by the poolside.
Me? I choose to stay indoors.
Being in Silkair only gives me the opportunity of having a layover once every few months, but I guess all the more we treasure this experience.
I used to always think of the life of a cabin crew as glamorous, being able to travel and enjoy while working; who doesn't love such a wonderful job?
But after joining, oh man, its such a disaster. The only "glam" time we look is when we walk across the airport departure lounge to our gates. And even so, 80% of us probably didn't even have a good night's sleep or feeling sadness deep inside for being unable to accompany our dearest ones on a special day.
So we drag our feet to work just so we can give others a pleasant journey to wherever their destination is (oh no I'm just kidding, we just gotta do it cos its our job haha). But still, know that we do give our best each and every time we put on the uniform.
I do take pride in it, in my job. But I can't say the same for everyone. Just know that while each of you passengers have problems like insomnia or gastric or even piles, we too are humans and we may (or may not) have the same problems as you too.
When you are rushing for a connecting flight just so you can be home safely to reunite with your family for the new year, and blaming the crew for the unexpected delay (which 90% of the time is not because of us), take a moment to stop and think.
We are cabin crew, but we have our families too. Think of how you'd like others to treat you or even your future kids.
A little courtesy can go a
Even without the courtesy, a little basic manners like "thank you" or "please" works wonders too. People tend to forget that although you are paying it doesn't mean you are always right. Seeing how some kids getting all rowdy and rude onboard makes me feel sad that these are actually the people who will grow up and be the pillars of the country.
We should all take a step back once in a while. It makes you realize that life is pretty amazing.
I wondered if a year ago I didn't choose this path (or rather, this path did not choose me), what would have become of me?
I'd probably be still trying to get into S airlines, for the sake of the glam, the money, the "wow" people give you when you say you are from S airlines (stereotypes). Maybe I'd be chosen; maybe not. But either way, my life would have been much different from now.
Every layover could end up with me being alone in my hotel room, slurping on instant cup noodles. People have joined S airlines and told me that although they gained more, they lost more. They earned money, maybe much more than what their peers are getting. They get to see the world, without paying a single cent (except for meal expenses). They get to be in Seoul one day and in Maldives the next.
But they lost time. They lost friendships. Traveling to and fro on a daily basis can be very taxing even if you are flying as a passenger, what more as a crew? Being not in home base more than 60% of the time, its hard to attend your friends' gathering, be there for their 21st or their graduation, or even missing out on your bff's big day.
I count my blessings and thank god for putting me on this path. For letting me learn to be contented and giving me a chance that not everybody could earn (and giving me a chance when people doubted me). I thank him for letting me meet the love of my life, my soul mate, who taught me that no amount of money can buy you someone who loves you truly and deeply.
No amount of money or gifts can make up for the time we lost. Being able to go home everyday and seeing him everyday before and after work is my daily joy.
Life is unpredictable; so do what you love, and cherish your loved ones.
#preach #hahahaha
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Next stop >>> Cairns!
03 January 2017 // Tuesday
So its my third day today... Morning Penang.
Three days morning flight is really tiring. Especially when it is so hard to sleep early, so I usually end up only getting about 4-5 hours of sleep. My crew and I were discussing today that flight before 7am are practically not for humans. *yawns
So anyway it was a good flight (because the load was good duh) and also I am going Cairns after this! Has been about four months since I last went there so I'm looking forward to the mini holiday.
Was so tired after flight today when hubby came to pick me so we decided to skip lunch and head home to sleep. Started packing my luggage for Cairns and realized I have nothing much to bring over.
Maybe I used too big a luggage? Haha goodnights!
So its my third day today... Morning Penang.
Three days morning flight is really tiring. Especially when it is so hard to sleep early, so I usually end up only getting about 4-5 hours of sleep. My crew and I were discussing today that flight before 7am are practically not for humans. *yawns
So anyway it was a good flight (because the load was good duh) and also I am going Cairns after this! Has been about four months since I last went there so I'm looking forward to the mini holiday.
Was so tired after flight today when hubby came to pick me so we decided to skip lunch and head home to sleep. Started packing my luggage for Cairns and realized I have nothing much to bring over.
Maybe I used too big a luggage? Haha goodnights!
Monday, January 2, 2017
Batchies rule the world!
02 January 2017 // Monday
A new week, new flight, KL today was a pleasant surprise when we checked the crew because I am flying with two other of my batchmates!
There is only 13 of us in my batch and to think of the chances of flying together on the same flight (out of 700+ crew) is really really slim. Once in a while we do get a chance to fly with another batchmate but it is super rare to have three of us rostered for the same flight!
Cic was super nice to let us all work at the back so we totally owned the aft galley haha!
Load was pretty manageable but coming back there were like 20+ SQ crew on our flight...
Tomorrow is my last flight of three days and last flight before my Cairns (CNS) flight!
Will continue to update on my layover there!
A new week, new flight, KL today was a pleasant surprise when we checked the crew because I am flying with two other of my batchmates!
There is only 13 of us in my batch and to think of the chances of flying together on the same flight (out of 700+ crew) is really really slim. Once in a while we do get a chance to fly with another batchmate but it is super rare to have three of us rostered for the same flight!
Cic was super nice to let us all work at the back so we totally owned the aft galley haha!
Load was pretty manageable but coming back there were like 20+ SQ crew on our flight...
Tomorrow is my last flight of three days and last flight before my Cairns (CNS) flight!
Will continue to update on my layover there!
First Flight of the Year!
01 January 2017 // Sunday
Hahahaha first flight of the year is USM again (refer to my 29 Dec post).
First time I get this feeling that it is a perfectly smooth sailing flight! Not a single thing to comment about. Guess it is a good start to 2k17!
On a side note, saw this picture on Facebook and thought to share it.
Kudos to everyone out there having to work on this PH just so that everything else in this world can go on smoothly. Let us all give a little more patience to everyone working on this day too!
Happy 2k17! #cabincrew #crewlife #whatisnewyear #happy2k17
Hahahaha first flight of the year is USM again (refer to my 29 Dec post).
First time I get this feeling that it is a perfectly smooth sailing flight! Not a single thing to comment about. Guess it is a good start to 2k17!
On a side note, saw this picture on Facebook and thought to share it.
Kudos to everyone out there having to work on this PH just so that everything else in this world can go on smoothly. Let us all give a little more patience to everyone working on this day too!
Happy 2k17! #cabincrew #crewlife #whatisnewyear #happy2k17
Bye 2016!!
30 December 2016 // Friday
Friday Friday TGIF! I am so not looking forward to flight today, but yet can't wait to get it over and done with.
One crew called in sick for the flight and even the cic was changed last minute. But that didn't matter because the new crew was called up and the new cic was someone I knew personally.
But the horror started at boarding, Compartments were already full but there were a handful more luggage to stow. I had no choice but to inform the passenger that we will tag the bags into cargo.
Subsequently while walking down I found I could make space for the luggage so I tried make space for it. And once I did, other passengers started putting their handbags and backpacks in.
*ultimate roll eye*
Just as we are busy settling the baggage, cic called to arm slides which completely caught us by surprise. Followed by the nightmare of full EY load all three sectors and having problems halfway through service.
Finally we waited till the moment when we finally landed in Singapore! Omgggg its overrrrrr flight is over three days is over three sector is over and 2016 is gonna be over! We were all off on 31st that's why we were all more than happy to be back!
Have a great countdown and happy new year!
Friday Friday TGIF! I am so not looking forward to flight today, but yet can't wait to get it over and done with.
One crew called in sick for the flight and even the cic was changed last minute. But that didn't matter because the new crew was called up and the new cic was someone I knew personally.
But the horror started at boarding, Compartments were already full but there were a handful more luggage to stow. I had no choice but to inform the passenger that we will tag the bags into cargo.
Subsequently while walking down I found I could make space for the luggage so I tried make space for it. And once I did, other passengers started putting their handbags and backpacks in.
*ultimate roll eye*
Just as we are busy settling the baggage, cic called to arm slides which completely caught us by surprise. Followed by the nightmare of full EY load all three sectors and having problems halfway through service.
Finally we waited till the moment when we finally landed in Singapore! Omgggg its overrrrrr flight is over three days is over three sector is over and 2016 is gonna be over! We were all off on 31st that's why we were all more than happy to be back!
Have a great countdown and happy new year!
Call me Queen of USM
29 December 2016 // Thursday
This is my fourth Koh Samui flight since last week. Not trying to complain because it honestly is a pretty easy flight to do.
Passenger profile are generally Caucasians and we are only using an A319 so the full load is only 120 (significantly lesser than a B737's 150).
Going up was a full flight and all was generally good. I have been doing S3 for the longest time I can remember so it gets pretty tiring sometimes.
On a side note, 3 more days to 2017! Can't wait to be over and done with with my three days / three-sector / 2016 ...
This is my fourth Koh Samui flight since last week. Not trying to complain because it honestly is a pretty easy flight to do.
Passenger profile are generally Caucasians and we are only using an A319 so the full load is only 120 (significantly lesser than a B737's 150).
Going up was a full flight and all was generally good. I have been doing S3 for the longest time I can remember so it gets pretty tiring sometimes.
On a side note, 3 more days to 2017! Can't wait to be over and done with with my three days / three-sector / 2016 ...
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