CHENNAI: Remember when flying was a luxury concept? When airline food was gourmet, everyone dressed up for a flight and air hostesses had to be tall, svelte and good-looking, with a striking face and a breezy personality? About four decades back, air hostesses had to be single, attractive and thin, but today, as anyone would tell you, the scope for this profession has widened. Back then, air rage, as a phenomenon, was still unknown. Today, as a bunch of young and smart flight attendants tell us, they have become more skilled and efficient. Dressed in a red pencil skirt, make-up neatly done and with a prod for action, Pradhayini Sarvotham enjoys the perks of her job. “The cabin crew is a small group of people who live a luxurious life. People must understand that there’s much more than just glamour in this job; it is safety that is sacrosanct,” she says. Explaining a stewardess’ multi-tasking ability, Pradhayini says, “We act as baby sitters, waiters and congenial hosts.” “Crisis comes only when there is a turbulence or an air pocket. People get scared for the first two seconds, but we are quick to calm them down,” says Vishwanath Uthappa, a steward. But when you are dealing with the tantrums of a first-time flier at a height of 30,000ft, the problems are of a different kind. “Once, in an government-run airline, a passenger got up as soon as the flight took off and quickly changed into a lungi. Another time, I came across two ladies who were sitting across the aisle and swinging a crying baby,” laughs Vishwanath. But there are also passengers who look at the life of a stewardess with a set mind set. “We meet wealthy men who shower us with lavish gifts and offer us jobs, all with strings attached. But we politely decline these things,” smiles Meghna, who works for an international airline.“We see to it that passengers don’t cross their limits or use abusive language. If we catch someone crossing the line, we have the right to handcuff them, but don’t take such extreme action, unless it is truly warranted,” says Vishwanath.But handling a drunkard is harder than anything else. “According to the government regulation, we can serve a passenger only two drinks in economy class and three drinks in first class. But if we have a man aboard who is having a good time and holding his liquor well, why shouldn’t he have another drink?” asks Pradhayini.Despite all odds, they take back some great perks. “With just 50 dollars in our pockets, we have roamed around the entire London city. We get to stay in plush hotels. Sometimes, if we get lucky, we get celebrities on board. I have met Meg Ryan, Jennifer Lopez and Anthony Hopkins,” says Vishwanath. So, is flying too a women-dominated industry? “Back in 2002, when I joined, it was the glam factor that pulled in more women. But now, the system of flying doesn’t just involve serving coffee and drinks. We undergo rigorous training in first aid. We are taught how to handle situations like child birth and emergency procedures like CPR,” informs Viswanath.It’s a job that requires to be free-spirited and that is just what these youngsters are.
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