Need Advice on Weight
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5
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From: SG
Need Advice on Weight
Hi everyone,
I am planning and wishing to join an airline in a year's time (after my part-time degree studies). I will be 22 ; almost 23 yrs old then (2005).
I have one year to gain some customer service experience and I am planning to try to get a front line service job. However, is working as a tutor a good enough experience? Anyway, I have loads of enthusiasm already, I just want to equip myself with some customer service experience to stand a better chance. Can anyone share with me a list of jobs that will give me the valuable stance and what other things (other skills) I may need to be a cabin crew?
One more major thing is my weight. I have a few extra pounds for my height. I have one year to lose it. Does airlines seek very toned ladies? Can anyone recommend me any great and effective ways to lose weight? Thanks a bunch!
I am planning and wishing to join an airline in a year's time (after my part-time degree studies). I will be 22 ; almost 23 yrs old then (2005).
I have one year to gain some customer service experience and I am planning to try to get a front line service job. However, is working as a tutor a good enough experience? Anyway, I have loads of enthusiasm already, I just want to equip myself with some customer service experience to stand a better chance. Can anyone share with me a list of jobs that will give me the valuable stance and what other things (other skills) I may need to be a cabin crew?
One more major thing is my weight. I have a few extra pounds for my height. I have one year to lose it. Does airlines seek very toned ladies? Can anyone recommend me any great and effective ways to lose weight? Thanks a bunch!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Liverpool
Hey
Well, speaking about the weight thing first....
I had a chart which British Airways used to use a few years ago, and according to that I was 1 stone overweight for my height!!
I was bricking it the week before my interview and practically didnt eat at all! When I got to the interview we were measured (height) but no weight taken! Somebody told me that airlines weren't allowed to weigh anymore on ethical grounds, but I'm not sure if that is true.
I can't speak for all airlines but I think there are plenty of curvy ladies at BA!
As for customer service experience, I only had retail / reception work experience, because I came straight from uni and had only ever worked part time, so I was in the same position as you!
I don't really think you can beat shop work for customer service!
Maybe you could look for a role more related to the industry. Perhaps part time passenger service agent at your nearest airport etc.
Hope this helps
xx
Well, speaking about the weight thing first....
I had a chart which British Airways used to use a few years ago, and according to that I was 1 stone overweight for my height!!
I was bricking it the week before my interview and practically didnt eat at all! When I got to the interview we were measured (height) but no weight taken! Somebody told me that airlines weren't allowed to weigh anymore on ethical grounds, but I'm not sure if that is true.
I can't speak for all airlines but I think there are plenty of curvy ladies at BA!
As for customer service experience, I only had retail / reception work experience, because I came straight from uni and had only ever worked part time, so I was in the same position as you!
I don't really think you can beat shop work for customer service!
Maybe you could look for a role more related to the industry. Perhaps part time passenger service agent at your nearest airport etc.
Hope this helps
xx
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Derby
Hi
Well i work as cabin crew now at EZY i am 5'9 and 14 stone, yes overweight, but i am well built, like the gym you see and also my fry ups !!!!!!!
Last year i went for an interview at Mytravel, well the day went well and they measured my height and my weight, nothing was said but i looked at there so called height/ weight chart and i could see i was about 2 stone over, anyway i got the job and was really pleased, until i got the phone call from hell from a lady who was going to be my new base manager and she said, before i do start i would need to lose 2.5 stone, well to be honest i can't shift it at all and had to turn the job down, i was gutted as this was my dream, but at the end of the day it is there loss.
So went to EZY and they have no measurement charts at all, they want you as a person and i love it, so gofor it girl.
I do hope they have changed procedures now, a bit old fashioned the system was.
Mike
Well i work as cabin crew now at EZY i am 5'9 and 14 stone, yes overweight, but i am well built, like the gym you see and also my fry ups !!!!!!!
Last year i went for an interview at Mytravel, well the day went well and they measured my height and my weight, nothing was said but i looked at there so called height/ weight chart and i could see i was about 2 stone over, anyway i got the job and was really pleased, until i got the phone call from hell from a lady who was going to be my new base manager and she said, before i do start i would need to lose 2.5 stone, well to be honest i can't shift it at all and had to turn the job down, i was gutted as this was my dream, but at the end of the day it is there loss.
So went to EZY and they have no measurement charts at all, they want you as a person and i love it, so gofor it girl.
I do hope they have changed procedures now, a bit old fashioned the system was.
Mike
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 361
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From: Brisbane
I kinda find this topic somewhat sensitive but I reackon it doesn't hurt to go for being toned up and ship shape! I worked with a girl that was overweight and she decided to lose weight and apply to airlines. She hasn't got through yet but she says that doesn't ever have to worry if it was because of her size. She feels so great and has more confidence now.
I have heard from Gulf interviews in Australia that some applicants were told to lose some weight.
I guess the general rule of thumb is weight in proportion to height.
I have heard from Gulf interviews in Australia that some applicants were told to lose some weight.
I guess the general rule of thumb is weight in proportion to height.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: SG
Hi everyone.. Thanks for all your valuable input!
I truly appreciate them..
I am going on a strict exercise, diet and lotsa water regime now..
And I am also going for some interviews..
Wish me luck u guys..
will keep updating..
This takes lotsa determination.. But i want to realise my dreams..
I probably want to join singapore airlines / emirates or gulf air.
I truly appreciate them..
I am going on a strict exercise, diet and lotsa water regime now..
And I am also going for some interviews..
Wish me luck u guys..
will keep updating..
This takes lotsa determination.. But i want to realise my dreams..
I probably want to join singapore airlines / emirates or gulf air.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: SG
To WorldwideLad
"I don't really think you can beat shop work for customer service!"
What did u mean by that sentence? Does that mean retail experience would be a good substitue to customer service experience (to apply for cabin crew later)? Am abit confused...
Hope someone will clarify..
thanks so much..
"I don't really think you can beat shop work for customer service!"
What did u mean by that sentence? Does that mean retail experience would be a good substitue to customer service experience (to apply for cabin crew later)? Am abit confused...
Hope someone will clarify..
thanks so much..
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: About 3000 below Midhurst SID I reckon
I am curvy and am due to start with BA. I am losing the weight and hope to get back to my former self, but BA were happy with how I already am now. I'm losing the weight just to feel better when I run up a flight of stairs and stretch my ar$e to the ceiling in yoga!!!
I used to work for a lo-cost carrier, when I weighed less than this admittedly, and they were more interested in how you relate to different people, personality and skill. After all, a cabin full of dollies (sorry virgin, but that is your policy!) does not make passengers feel the crew are easily approachable if they have an embarrassing problem or question to ask.
I went to EK a few years back and starved myself before my first interview. I am 5'6" and I think I had to be less than 9st 12lb. I may be wrong though. I was told I had a second interview but would need to lose 5 lbs by then, to come within their guidelines even though I had a lean muscle mass!).
As far as i'm concerned, providing you can carry out your duties and not get stuck in a overwing exit...... whats the problem??
Customer service: Relevant customer service skills can be gained from working in a supermarket, retail shop, call centre, reception desk, hotel desk, waitressing, nursing, newsagent, behind a bar, etc. Anything that puts you dealing one to one with a member of the public or a paying customer. Anything that gives you experience in dealing with confused, lost, angry, frightened, annoyed, dissappointed, people from different ethnic groups, people with challenges, etc...
Best way to check is to call the airlines you are interested in and ask them what requirements they have for weight, experience and qualifications.
Best of Luck!
Six
I used to work for a lo-cost carrier, when I weighed less than this admittedly, and they were more interested in how you relate to different people, personality and skill. After all, a cabin full of dollies (sorry virgin, but that is your policy!) does not make passengers feel the crew are easily approachable if they have an embarrassing problem or question to ask.
I went to EK a few years back and starved myself before my first interview. I am 5'6" and I think I had to be less than 9st 12lb. I may be wrong though. I was told I had a second interview but would need to lose 5 lbs by then, to come within their guidelines even though I had a lean muscle mass!).
As far as i'm concerned, providing you can carry out your duties and not get stuck in a overwing exit...... whats the problem??
Customer service: Relevant customer service skills can be gained from working in a supermarket, retail shop, call centre, reception desk, hotel desk, waitressing, nursing, newsagent, behind a bar, etc. Anything that puts you dealing one to one with a member of the public or a paying customer. Anything that gives you experience in dealing with confused, lost, angry, frightened, annoyed, dissappointed, people from different ethnic groups, people with challenges, etc...
Best way to check is to call the airlines you are interested in and ask them what requirements they have for weight, experience and qualifications.
Best of Luck!
Six
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Liverpool
hey ana
Basically I was just saying that retail is the perfect example of working in customer service, and there is always a lot of shop work around! hope this helps.
You sound really determined and I really hope you succeed.
Good luck!
Basically I was just saying that retail is the perfect example of working in customer service, and there is always a lot of shop work around! hope this helps.
You sound really determined and I really hope you succeed.
Good luck!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: uk
hey there-
re the weight thing- apparently you cannot be weighed at interview anymore as it's not politically correct. anyone can tell just by looking if you are in proprtion so there should be no need to be weighed.
hope you get in , you sound like you really want it!!
good luck
re the weight thing- apparently you cannot be weighed at interview anymore as it's not politically correct. anyone can tell just by looking if you are in proprtion so there should be no need to be weighed.
hope you get in , you sound like you really want it!!
good luck
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Sussex
sixmilehighclub,
As a virgin atlantic crew member I do take slight offence at your remarks regarding Virgin crew members. I have worked for Virgin for 8 years and have come across fellow crew members of all shapes and sizes. Cabin crew are employed on their ability and experience not purely on looks alone. I am often astounded at the education and training that some of my colleagues have had prior to working for Virgin. Not all of us are dollies but hard working (and approachable) women who enjoy our job thoroughly. And yes even some of us battle with our weight on a regular basis so can sympathise with the original post. My interview was so long ago that I cant recall whether I was weighed or not but as previously stated the general rule of thumb is height in proportion with weight.
I would like to wish the original poster the best of luck, it is a fantastic life and although challenging, reaps many benefits. I have had many happy times and still continue to do so. Good luck
As a virgin atlantic crew member I do take slight offence at your remarks regarding Virgin crew members. I have worked for Virgin for 8 years and have come across fellow crew members of all shapes and sizes. Cabin crew are employed on their ability and experience not purely on looks alone. I am often astounded at the education and training that some of my colleagues have had prior to working for Virgin. Not all of us are dollies but hard working (and approachable) women who enjoy our job thoroughly. And yes even some of us battle with our weight on a regular basis so can sympathise with the original post. My interview was so long ago that I cant recall whether I was weighed or not but as previously stated the general rule of thumb is height in proportion with weight.
I would like to wish the original poster the best of luck, it is a fantastic life and although challenging, reaps many benefits. I have had many happy times and still continue to do so. Good luck
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Devon UK
ana_acer
Some of the best experience for cabin crew is Customer service as listed by many above, restaurant and hotel are usually winners as you are dealing with similar people in similar situations (ie usually in unfamiliar surroundings and with expectations of value for money)
Travel agency and airport experience are especially useful for obvious reasons
Any knowledge you can get of industry information such as airport codes etc will help you immensely
Another useful string to your bow would be first aid, you can usually take a short course with The Red Cross or local equivalent
and most airlines still appreciate foreign language skills
Best of luck, I started with Gulf Air 11 years ago I'm BA now (my 7th airline) If you get a good company that does longhaul, stick at it don't think the grass is greener it's usually 'same !!!!! different uniform!!!'
I've learnt that from experience!
Some of the best experience for cabin crew is Customer service as listed by many above, restaurant and hotel are usually winners as you are dealing with similar people in similar situations (ie usually in unfamiliar surroundings and with expectations of value for money)
Travel agency and airport experience are especially useful for obvious reasons
Any knowledge you can get of industry information such as airport codes etc will help you immensely
Another useful string to your bow would be first aid, you can usually take a short course with The Red Cross or local equivalent
and most airlines still appreciate foreign language skills
Best of luck, I started with Gulf Air 11 years ago I'm BA now (my 7th airline) If you get a good company that does longhaul, stick at it don't think the grass is greener it's usually 'same !!!!! different uniform!!!'
I've learnt that from experience!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: About 3000 below Midhurst SID I reckon
Southern,
I apologise if I offended you, hence the apology in my original comment. It wasnt my intention to imply all VAA crew are just unapproachable dollies, I don't think that, and I know thousands of loyal passengers will agree. This is certainly not work for wallflowers and I wholehearedly support anyone on the receiving end of negative comments because they have chosen to be crew, for any airline.
I was generalising on my overall perception of the recruitment process from both my own personal experience and others comments on the process I have received and had to research over the past 12 years.
I used VAA as an example as they do still have very high standards on appearance in their person spec. This is reflected in the cabin, and I admire that you all make such a consistent effort throughout a sector to maintain this. I could have gone the opposite way and mentioned the smudged mascara and windswept hair zombie look on some carriers I have been on!!!
hmmmmm...... perhaps I'm just jealous of how all you VAA guys look, as I sit here scoffing a creme egg wondering when I'll lose my double chin and spare tyre..!!
Right, apology finished, I'm off to do a 5 hour killer yoga session to punish myself!!! - right after I have a glass of wine.
Six
I apologise if I offended you, hence the apology in my original comment. It wasnt my intention to imply all VAA crew are just unapproachable dollies, I don't think that, and I know thousands of loyal passengers will agree. This is certainly not work for wallflowers and I wholehearedly support anyone on the receiving end of negative comments because they have chosen to be crew, for any airline.
I was generalising on my overall perception of the recruitment process from both my own personal experience and others comments on the process I have received and had to research over the past 12 years.
I used VAA as an example as they do still have very high standards on appearance in their person spec. This is reflected in the cabin, and I admire that you all make such a consistent effort throughout a sector to maintain this. I could have gone the opposite way and mentioned the smudged mascara and windswept hair zombie look on some carriers I have been on!!!
hmmmmm...... perhaps I'm just jealous of how all you VAA guys look, as I sit here scoffing a creme egg wondering when I'll lose my double chin and spare tyre..!!
Right, apology finished, I'm off to do a 5 hour killer yoga session to punish myself!!! - right after I have a glass of wine.
Six
