Some Friendly Reminders When Traveling By Air

1.) Be sure to prepare all necessary documentation needed for your travel such as passport, visa, and plane ticket before going to the airport.

2.) READ your plane ticket/itinerary beforehand. It's better that you know the details of your flight.

3.) Arrive early at the airport. Rule of the thumb is to arrive 2 HOURS or earlier before your flight. This is to prevent any flight delays or offloading of passengers.

4.) If your ticket says that you are only allowed a certain Free Baggage Allowance (FBA) for your check-in baggage, FOLLOW IT in order to prevent any inconvenience of re-packing or paying excess baggage. Make sure to weigh your baggage beforehand.

5.) Prepare extra money if you THINK that you will have an excess baggage, and DO NOT get angry with your friendly Ground Attendants when you discover that you exceeded your free baggage allowance already. It's not their fault that you have an excess baggage.

6.) Not all destinations are 'per kilogram system', others are 'per piece system' (e.g. 2 pieces, 23 kilograms each). Remember to double check your ticket again.

7.) Pooling of baggage MAY BE ALLOWED if you are traveling as a family or as a group. But pooling your baggage with other passengers you don't know at all will not be tolerated. This is for security reasons.

8.) Carry-on baggage or hand-carry bags should not exceed 7 kilograms and it's size should fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. However, some airlines give consideration up to 10 kilograms if you are bringing a laptop with you.

9.) Items that are NOT ALLOWED in your carry-on baggage are liquids, gels, and aerosols exceeding 100 ml; sharp metal and pointy objects such as Swiss knife, nail cutter, scissors, razors, mani/pedicure set, umbrella, etc. If you're in doubt, ASK.

10.) Please (PLEASE!) remove the jacket/cover of your passports (especially Philippine Passport) when you check-in. Your passports will be swiped and it's going to be hard for the check-in agent to swipe it if there's a cover or jacket wrapped to it. It will help a lot if you remove it beforehand.

11.) If you are a family or a group (of 10!!!), please have extra patience at the check-in counter. Imagine processing 10 passports and visas at the same time, it definitely requires more time! Unless it's okay for you to be checked-in one by one.

12.) When your friendly Ground Attendants ask you some necessary things or some security questions, make sure to ANSWER TRUTHFULLY. It's for your safety as well as the other hundred passengers boarding the same flight.

13.) In addition to reminder no. 12, BOMB JOKE is a serious crime and it is not a joke! It will not be tolerated.

14.) Your friendly Ground Attendants always make sure to greet you with a warm smile. As a courtesy, it won't harm to reply with a greeting and/or with a smile. It means a lot to them.

15.) If you want to be respected, RESPECT your friendly Ground Attendants. A cocky attitude is very disrespectful (Yeah, we know that you are a business class passenger or that you are a frequent flyer. You don't need to brag about it and to slap it on our faces. And just so you know, it doesn't really matter to us.)

16.) If there is a delay because of the bad weather or some mechanical problems, try to CALM DOWN. It's not the fault of your friendly Ground Attendants that the flight is delayed. Would you expect him/her to have some superpowers just to create a typhoon? Or that he/she destroyed the plane so that the flight will be delayed? Sometimes it won't harm to analyze the situation. Being outrageous will not solve the problem.

17.) ALWAYS LISTEN to announcements. You never know if it's a 'change of gate' announcement, or a 'delay' announcement. Trust me you're not just helping yourself, you're also helping other passengers who are inattentive and also your friendly Ground Attendants.

18.) Last reminder, it won't harm to follow your friendly Ground Attendants. They will help you if you let them help you. 

"Thank you for flying with us and we wish you a safe and pleasant flight to your destination." ;-)

Life Transitions as a Ground Steward

Wow I can't believe that it's been seven months now since I wrote my last blog. I guess I've been really busy with work that I didn't have time anymore to write stuff. Thank God for giving me this break (well it's not really a vacation because I'm on a sick leave for a week!). And since I'm stuck at home for my recovery, I decided to write about the changes in my life not being a student anymore.

I've been working as a Customer Service Agent (aka Ground Steward or Airport Staff) for nearly six months now at NAIA Terminal 2 under our flag carrier. And all I can say is that ever since I started stepping my foot on that world, my life has completely changed.

(photo courtesy of Ms. Angel Lantin)

Firstly, my schedule is insane. I usually wake up at 11:00 in the evening because I have to be at the airport before 2:30 am. Yeah, I'm on an early morning shift from 2:30 am to 11:00 am. It's no different with those who are working in call center companies. But what can I do, right? It's an industry where it is operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At first I was not used to it; I always felt restless and disoriented. My body clock was just against it! Also, I had to refresh my driving skill as there is no way for me to get to the airport from home but to drive early in the morning. Good thing I have my two buddies with me to help with my gas and parking ticket expenses (we're carpooling!).

I only have one day off which kinda sucks (I hope they'll do something about it) especially that my sleeping pattern is different from everybody else at home. Whenever I wake up, my family is asleep and whenever I get home, they are at work. Sometimes, we even don't see each other for some days in a row. Sad, right? Also I don't get the chance to attend Sunday masses anymore with my family because I'm at the airport, working my butt off. My current day off is every Wednesday that's why if I ever get the chance to visit church and pray every Wednesday morning (after my usual morning jog), I do so. I actually got the hang of it already, you know, my daily routine.

I honestly love my job. It's something that I envisioned doing as a kid--being in the airline industry. Although my goal really is to become an international cabin crew, I know that what I'm doing now as a ground steward will greatly contribute to my success in the future. In the present, I know that I've changed a lot. I became more confident in talking to different kinds of people. I also learned to handle different kinds of situations with the right approach. And most importantly, I realized that a warm smile and a positive attitude greatly affect the people I encounter everyday. It actually means a lot for them.

Every time I'm driving, I always ponder on things. Sometimes I even question myself--is this what I really should be doing? I feel that I've sacrificed many things because of my job--my time for family and friends; my hobbies such as writing, swimming, watching movies, and reading books; and my health as well. But despite that, I have to accept the fact that this is my life now. And that I have to be grateful for the blessings that I receive everyday. I may still not have my 'envisioned' life yet, but as the saying goes, just enjoy every moment of life. I know that someday my efforts, dedication, and willingness to learn will bear good fruits and bring me to greater heights.

My Journey To Employment

I remember myself writing a blog entry about me being a bummer at home simply because I didn't have a job at that time (A Bum's Life). I felt really pressured during those times because people expect me to be employed immediately since I graduated from a well-known university with a Latin honor. My excuse? I want to be 21 years old first.

A month ago I turned 21 years old, and I told myself that it's time for me to start applying for a job since most of my classmates are employed already. I'm not getting any younger anymore that's why I need to strike while the iron is hot. I applied to different companies under the aviation/customer service industry--DNATA, PAGSS, Miascor, Airphil Express, and SkyLogistics Philippines. Out of those 5, only 3 companies invited me for an interview/examination.

September 18-19, 2012 -- My very first interview for employment with Miascor.

On the same day when my friends and I passed our resume to Miascor (a ground handling company for airlines such as Asiana Airlines), they immediately invited us to take an exam. We were actually surprised because we didn't think that we're ready for an exam, but we still did so. They also invited us for an interview the next day and it was nerve-wracking in my part since it was my first interview for employment! My stomach was turning upside-down, my throat started to dry, my hands were getting colder--it was just insane! But as I got interviewed, I tried to be spontaneous, confident, and professional as much as possible. I believe the interview went well because we got invited for a final interview soon after.

October 2, 2012 -- Exam and interview with SkyLogistics Phil. and final interview with Miascor

My friends and I can't hit two birds with one stone, that's why we opted to attend the exam and interview with SkyLogistics Phil. as a customer service agent (a.k.a ground attendant) for Philippine Airlines because they informed us ahead of time. It was a hard decision but we let go of our final interview with Miascor. It was a long day for us at the office of SkyLogistics because we had the exam, initial interview, and second interview on the same day. It was a stressful process because for each and every step, they sent applicants home who do not meet their qualifications. For that day, I believe half of the number of applicants were sent home. My friends and I were lucky to make it up to the second interview.

October 3, 2012 -- Trying to fulfill my cabin crew dream with Airphil Express.

I've already conditioned my mind not to expect too much from this endeavor because I know for a fact that I'm not tall, but still I dared. It was a stormy morning and applicants were only less than 20. I was so drenched that I didn't look pleasing anymore (blame you storm!). The first step of the process was measuring the height and weight...and I was really worried. Minimum height for male applicants is 5'6". And yeah, I was booted out that easily because I didn't meet it (curse that minus 1 inch of measurement!). As if their aircrafts are high enough (bitter?) HAHA! Many of the applicants were actually booted out because of height. Even so, I'm not giving up my cabin crew dream. I'm just putting it aside for the meantime.

October 4, 2012 -- Third interview with SkyLogistics Phil.

I was glad to be invited again for third interview (expecting that it was the last and final interview) together with my friends. When I got there, I was surprised that we were only eleven left (including the applicants from other batch apart from ours)! Meaning some of those who made it on the second interview didn't meet their qualifications again. My heart was drumming with nervousness because I didn't know what to expect. I tried to calm down by befriending some of the applicants. The interview turned out not bad actually, but I was surprised to find out that there is still one final interview should we pass this third interview! O_o

October 5, 2012 -- Psychological exam with SkyLogistics Phil.

We were invited for a psychological exam, which means that we passed the third interview (Yey!). However two applicants from yesterday's interview were not invited back again. We were only nine! They say that we should pass this psychological exam in order to be invited again for the last and final interview. I was actually paranoid knowing that there are people who still fail at psychology exams. Since it was not an objective type of exam, I was not really confident.

October 9, 2012 -- YES! The most-awaited final interview!!!

Fortunately for this round, the final nine was complete, including me and my friends! No one failed the psychological exam (which I think was absurd!). We were interviewed quickly because the results will be revealed right away after everyone is done. Yes I was confident enough, but not too overconfident because we still don't know what will happen. Expect the unexpected. I was thinking positive so that the universe will conspire to my desire. After lunch, the HR person called one of the applicants, and we were getting agitated. When she got out from the office, she was teary-eyed because she didn't pass the final interview. We were so nervous because anyone can be called again. But instead the HR person called all of us inside the office and explained to us that we passed the final interview!!! We were all happy and at the same time felt bad for the one who didn't get accepted because we all became friends already. From nine, we were down to eight. Still I'm very happy because my friends and I got accepted and we will be training together!!! Sounds really fun! ;-)

I'm not a bum anymore and I'm very proud to tell people that I will now be training as a Customer Service Agent for Philippine Airlines! God is really good!

My Flight Attendant Workshop Experience in PAL

It started with a dream...

"Mabuhay at magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Ito po ay PR102 patungong Los Angeles."

(Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to Philippine Airlines. This is your flight PR102 bound for Los Angeles.)

Oh how I love to say this phrase every now and then. Sometimes I even imagine myself on a real airplane, wearing a Flight Steward (male F.A.) uniform, delivering in-flight announcements to the passengers in an international flight. It's a dream that I wanted to achieve, a dream that I will definitely make happen. And thus I'm now making my baby steps.

(With Philippine Airlines, Shining Through! LOL!)

Last May 9-13, 2011, I enrolled myself in Philippine Airlines Learning Center's "The Making of a Flight Attendant Workshop." It's a workshop that will definitely equip you with the 101's of becoming a Flight Attendant/Steward. It was an exciting moment for me because it's all I ever wanted! We were all wearing corporate attire during those days and it felt like I was a real professional (and I liked it!). The Philippine Airlines family was also nice and approachable. Their smiles whenever we greet each other were genuine and pleasing. Our instructors (which includes an HR and real Cabin Crews) were really fun, yet informative at the same time. We were taught series of trainings and lectures as well.

(At Philippine Airlines Learning Center)

On the first day, we had our Personality Development where we learned the variations of sitting and standing, walking confidently, and hand gestures for the ladies. It was also discussed to us how to look professional--from our looks to our stance. On the same day the instructor gave us a lecture about Customer Service. As service providers, we should not just satisfy the customers/passenger, instead we should be able to delight them by "going the extra mile." I never thought that it would be very hard to handle customers/passengers because as front-liners, we should always be sympathetic to them. We also have to be in their shoes.

The next day, we learned the History of Aviation which is kinda boring because we're like back in high school, learning history. But as our instructor said, those are "good-to-know" stuff, because as a Flight Attendant/Steward, expect that some passengers would want to talk anything under the sun. Intro to Cabin Crew Profession was also discussed to us where qualifications were laid upon us. We were told that airlines are very strict in hiring crews, but once they get in, they can loosen up a little already. My instructor, who's an International Flight Steward told us that it's not true that one should have super perfect skin. As long as it is clear, it will be alright. When it comes to the teeth, with or without crown, as long as the smile looks good, it's accepted. The height requirement was decreased up to 5'2 1/2" for female and 5'6" for male, but another instructor said that some hire 5'5" males. Weight should be proportional to height. 20/20 vision (but if you are not, you are advised to MEMORIZE THE SNELLEN CHART), and of course one should be in a healthy condition. Qualifications are very strict because it's for aesthetic(?) and safety purposes of the crew since they will work in an altitude of up to 37,000 ft. After that, we had our Power Resume Writing that will give an edge in applying for the job.

I tell you, In-flight/Boarding Announcement was one of my favorite topic because I get to verbalize the announcements made during a flight. It was fun because speaking is actually my forte, and I was able to express it like a real pro! I was actually regarded as "authoritative and pleasing to hear" by my instructor, which is good. =D We also had our Aircraft Familiarization, too bad we weren't exposed to real airplanes due to its unavailability. The instructor was fun (She was kinda like Alex Gonzaga), and she taught us the different parts of a jet type plane (usually an Airbus A320). The other type was the propeller (MA60).

We also had practical trainings such as the First Aid & Basic Life support where we learned about the Artificial Respiration (AR) & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and when to use those. It was fun doing it to Susy (the creepy-looking dummy). LOL! In the afternoon, the Safety part of being an aerial service provider was taught to us. We had our Emergency Drills and Evacuation Procedures. And let me tell you, IT WAS F***** FUN!!! During an emergency situation on-board, an FA/S should be alert and courage enough in handling the situation. His/her voice should be loud enough in shouting the instructions to the passengers. There is only a 90-second alloted time for evacuating the aircraft including the crews. So cabin crews should be really quick and alert. The training was fun because we were able to practice the emergency evacuation. The fun part was sliding in a very large, inflatable slide (which they say can cost up to a million peso!), wearing this baggy jumpsuit. LOL!

(During my AR/CPR with Susy. Wrong hand position, I know!)

(During our Safety Demo)

(During our Emergency Evacuation Procedure.

Video c/o Anne Malapitan)

During our last day, we were trained of how to serve meals in our ECY In-flight Food Service. The golden rule in serving meals is "Always Cabin to Galley." It was fun because we did it in a mock cabin where our classmates pretended as the passengers. But before that, I discovered something. The duty of a Flight Steward is different than the Flight Attendant. Usually Flight Stewards are the ones near the galley (CA2 in an Airbus A320). They prepare the cart and they serve as the runner when coffee, tea, or water containers are emptied. Going on, serving meal is not an easy job because FA/S should always be pleasant-looking, poised, and can handle the demands of the passengers. Remember, they should not only be satisfied, they should be delighted. =D And lastly, we had our Mock Interview. IT WAS NERVE-WRACKING because it felt like a real interview by PAL's HR. (Whew! I can do this!) I tried to be spontaneous because it will make me real, who I really was. I don't want a scripted-looking kind of interview. During the interview I think I became to fast in speaking, my facial expressions were all over the place, and I stutter a little, but when I expressed myself of how eager and enthusiastic I was of the job, I became more comfortable and I was glad of the things I said. The interviewer told me of certain things I should avoid--speaking fast, many facial expressions, "modesty aside," but he told me that he can see my leadership quality in me and it made me really happy. I asked him what should I develop physically and he told me to gain more weight and improve my teeth because I look like a KID!!! Can you believe that?! He told me that I still have a lot of time since I'm still young. And that would be my mission for the next months--improve my looks. =D

(During our in-flight service)

It was a fun experience because I know for a fact that I gained not just the knowledge but also more confidence. I also made new friends! (And I kinda miss them now). Oh well, I hope that this blog can help and inspire people who, like me, dream of becoming a Flight Attendant someday. Always remember that "Destiny is not definite, not fixed. We are the ones who define it, who create it." (This is what I actually said during my mock interview. LOL!) Don't give up on your dreams no matter what because you are worthy of that dream, that goal. Hope to fly with you guys!

(Fly High! PLC "The Making of a Flight Attendant Workshop"

Batch May 9-13, 2011. I miss you guys!)

*Some images were from Loiv Cano and Zaidel Kerdi. Thanks Guys!