Yep, I may well be one of the old 'grumps' who did the job during the best of times, but...
We were payed very well but we stayed and made a career of it. We knew the job inside out, we were fully conversant of the menu, the wine etc. in F and J. We called PAX by their titles and had great conversations with them. In those days we were sent on wine and cookery courses in order to improve the service. We went on paid language courses, I learnt both French and German. All in order to improve service in our job. We were proud of our job and, I think, gave great service. Oh, and we also saved a few lives and delivered a few baby's too. I agree, BA is pretty poor these days, Quantas and Emirates are better, but I am not surprised. Treat you staff badly and it's no surprise they are poor, it's not a career anymore it's a job to do for a year or two then leave when you are burnt out. That is the point I am trying to make. Treat your staff with respect, pay them a good wage and give them a career structure. Then, and only then, will you get CC doing a great job and bringing repeat business.
And one last point, it's not like other jobs as some are trying to point out. It's physically exhausting. You are working at altitude for hours on end, the relentless jet lag plays havoc with your body. You are away so much you have little private life, you are a barman, waiter, security guard, nurse, travel agent, nursemaid, tour guide, handyman,, translator etc. All rolled up into one. Most folk get to go home every night to their families and friends. They don't. They work longer hours than most, at constant risk of disruption and to do that whilst treated poorly? I don't think so
Last edited by expurser; 17th December 2016 at 12:46.
Reason: Last thoughts