This is Why My Job as a Cabin Attendant Rocks

I knew from the age of 15 that I wanted to be an air stewardess. A girl’s ultimate dream. To explore the world… what a wonderful cliché! So that’s what I told them at my job interview when I was 21. I, of course, added that I liked to be surrounded by people and am pretty caring.

Thousands of passengers later

Many years and thousands of passengers later I am increasingly coming to understand that the contact I have with my passengers is one of the most important things that make my job enjoyable. A long, tedious, night flight can be brightened up immeasurably by an enjoyable conversation with a passenger who can’t sleep. Someone might come to the galley to hesitantly ask for a glass of water – “Sorry to disturb you”. Sometimes this is the beginning of a whole life story.

Being yourself

People fascinate me. I’m curious about their stories. Without them my work would be superficial and routine; a monotonous sequence of meals and drinks. I sometimes see this when I fly with other airlines, where the work on board is carried out as if by robot. At KLM it’s different, because we – the cabin crew –  are allowed to be ourselves.

Passenger ‘1A’ or ’42K’ becomes a person

The need to ask questions sometimes leads on to something else. Often a conversation goes no further than a fleeting exchange of information – “Would you like chicken or pasta? And something to drink?” Sometimes someone is exceptionally funny and brings laughter to the shift. Every now and then, if there is time and the vibe is right, we can make real contact with a passenger.

This is precisely what happened with a two-year-old boy en route from Nigeria to the Netherlands; the terminally-ill woman who had a bucket list to get through; and the glamorous journalist with an incredible zest for life. These are just three of the passengers who have made a huge impression on me over the last few years. So much so, that I still remember them and ask myself how they are.

I write about them because I cherish their stories. Passenger “1A” or “42K” becomes a real person through the story. I am grateful to these passengers for making my job worthwhile. And today I am taking the step of sharing my stories with you. I’ll be back very soon with a new passenger. I am also curious to hear about any special or personal stories that you have heard on your travels. Recently, or long ago….

Posted by:   Renata Beck  | 
Join the conversation Show comments

Wilma Schotanus

Love the story, thanks Renata xx

Barry Dennington

It was totally enjoyable reading and you are obviously very passionate about your career.
That is truly inspiring. I’ve yet to fly on KLM but will have the pleasure in 3 weeks when I go from CYEG to LGAV via EHAM on KLM676 and KLM1575. I’ve heard wonderful things about KLM so was already excited and looking forward to my trip but if everyone at KLM is as passionate as you are about what you do I can hardly wait. Thanks for the blog Renata

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