Hostess Training Manual
06 Special Information
HINTS FOR TRAVEL
It is important that each hostess pack her crew kit in such a manner that it is not awkward for her to handle, since she is expected to carry her own kit. Wearing gloves really helped keep blisters down carrying our crew kits for "miles". When I flew International, it was different, just as it is on the Pan Am TV show - they are not carrying their crew kits on board the aircraft - we checked our crew kits (in the belly of the plane), by just putting a "Crew Tag" on the handle with our name and destination. When we arrived at the destination, the bags were removed and placed on the bus that would take us to our hotel. At the hotel, the porters would remove our bags and deliver them to our rooms. I recall tipping the porters in Europe with Winston cigarette packages (four to a pack), which were left on the meal trays in coach. Another popular tip was the Kennedy Half Dollar.
It is always advisable to prepare for the unexpected. Items that you should always carry are your makeup, hair equipment, the required uniform items listed in the Manual, nightwear, house slippers, and an extra pair of hose. Maybe two or three extra pairs of hose!
LAYOVER HOTEL
It is essential at a layover hotel, when sharing a room, that hostesses show consideration for each other. Be considerate of a roommate who may wish to sleep. If you want to watch TV or read, at least make an effort to keep the volume low or read by a light far enough away so you won't disturb your roommate. Pilots, of course, had their own rooms. Hostesses shared rooms on domestic layovers, but had their own room on International. Sharing of rooms continued until males were hired as flight attendants in the 70's. Actually, some time after that. You see, the males got their own room and the female hostesses were still sharing, so the union finally persuaded the company to allow female flight attendants to have their own rooms as well.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
Travel is broadening if you undertake it with an open mind and a receptive attitude. Accept surroundings with grace and tact -- relax and learn to enjoy the new and different without making comparisons. Go to new places and new countries as if you had no set tastes and standards for judging what you see and experience -- or even what you eat. This is GREAT advice for anyone traveling outside the USA!
Whether in uniform or out of uniform -- on duty or off duty, a hostess must conduct herself as a lady at all times. Due to the very keen public interest and knowledge of the hostess position, she is under public observation constantly. Everything she does or says attracts genuine attention, consequently, her responsibilities toward TWA and other hostesses are never ending. A poor reputation can be the end result if discretion is not used.
While on a layover, the entire crew may get together for dinner or a movie. The hostess will pay her share of all expenses since this evening does not constitute a date. What a hoot! The majority of male crew members are married and have families to support, so naturally cannot assume the burden of hostess' expenses in addition to their own. It is advisable to carry enough small change and bills to handle your share of expenses. Do not expect your crews to be able to make change for you. We were so poor when we started flying with our meager salary, that we couldn't go out for dinner or a movie the first few months. Sometimes, but it was pretty rare, the Captain would graciously pay for our meal......even though he was "supporting a family"...he he!
A pleasant personality is certainly desirable in any job, but essential in the position of a TWA Hostess. It may be necessary to do some pretty fair acting in order to put on a cheerful front when problems plague you; but in affecting such an attitude, you do yourself, as well as everyone around you, a favor.
PERSONAL FINANCES
Live within your means -- it is never shameful to say "I can't afford it" -- nor do you need to explain why. A well-planned budget is a necessity if one is to stay on top financially. When planning a budget, remember to take into consideration fixed expenses such as rent, telephone, lights, etc.
Paying by check is no doubt the best way (from the standpoint of safety and convenience) to handle your money and keep your records straight.
Pan Am, the TV series, brought renewed interest in the glamour days of flying. I began my career with TWA in 1962. In those days, it was too expensive to call long distance calls, so, as a devoted daughter, I wrote letters to my mother. Unknown to me, she saved every letter and post card. Now I share these letters, and give you a peak into the the life of an airline hostess in an era when flying was considered glamorous. Welcome Aboard TWA!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
WHY FIVE TO SIX WEEKS OF TRAINING?
I recall a man asking me "Why in the world do you need to go to training for six weeks just to learn how to serve coffee and donuts?" You may be asking the same thing. During those five weeks, from 8:30 until 5:00, sometimes later, we covered the following.
TWA Hostess Training Manual 1962
01 Basic Information
The history of aviation and TWA
Cities, Codes, and Airports,
Nomenclature
Terms and Definitions Relative to the Jet
Jet Aircraft Comparison and Characteristics
What Makes An Airplane Fly
FAA and CAB
24 Hour Clock - Time Zones
Timetables and Official Airline Guide
01 Hostess Regulations
Uniform Procurement
Hostess Regulations Review
Availability for Duty Review
Scheduling Policy Review
03 Contract Scheduling Policy
Contract Between TWA and Air Line Stewards and Stewardesses Assoc.
04 Flight Procedures Cabin Management
Infant Care
Care of Blind Passengers
Items Found in PSK (Passenger Service Kit)
Flight Procedures (Piston) Review
Flight Procedures (Jet) Review
Flight Procedures (General) Review
05 Meteorology
06 Special Information
Hostess Conduct
Ambassador Club
06 Dining and Liquor Service
Dining and Commissary
Galley Equipment
General Galley Organization
Beverage Service
Bar Service Terms and Definitions
Questions Regarding Liquor Service
08 First Aid
09 Emergency And Passenger Safety
Passenger Safety
Fire Protection
10 Aircraft And Emergency Equipment
Aircraft Identification
# 10 was the "meat and potatoes" of training. We had to memorize and get tested on cabin equipment of each aircraft TWA flew at the time, and get qualified and certified by the FAA to fly them. This included location and operation of Cabin Doors, Emergency Exits, Emergency Slides at doors, First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, Portable Oxygen, Light Control Panels, Galley Control Panels, Circuit Breakers, Interphone, Microphone, Jump Seats, Passenger Service Unit, Lounge, Coat Compartment, Lavatory, Passenger Seats, Ventilation.
Some things have changed since then, but the basic job description remains the same for today's Flight Attendant:
749 & 749 A Constellation
56 passengers & 57 passenger - all one class - two seats on each side.
Below is a picture of the "manual slide" on the 749 . YIKES! No automatic inflation here. In case of an evacuation, we would ask "able bodied men" to volunteer to "shinny" down the slide and hold it for passengers to jump.
This was a fun plane to fly. Just two Hostesses - one worked the galley, the other worked the aisle, with lots of "ups and downs" . This plane made frequent stops, but it wasn't just the landings and take-offs that made this plane "fun" to fly, it had "ups and downs" in the air too! The prop planes were not pressurized, so they could not fly at and high altitudes....above the turbulence and wind drafts. Believe me, the "burp bags" got used on these planes - many, many times. An oddity on this plane was the location of one of the hostess jump seats. It was behind a curtain in the women's lavatory. No joke. It was a side seat facing a mirror, and the mirror reflected the port hole window above the jump seat. I remember sitting and watching the water slosh back and forth in the sink to my left and the horizon bobbing up and down through the window's reflection and feeling pretty queasy. On warm summer days, it was horrible; not to mention the odor from the w.c., which was behind a bi-fold door. Come to think of it, maybe this plane wasn't all that much fun to fly. When it came to serving meals, connies didn't have drop down tray tables. Instead, there were bayonet trays in the seat pocket and we had to individually place each tray for the passengers. The trays had folding arms with a knife like edge (thus bayonet) which slid into the arms of the passenger seat. I remember a couple times flying with a more senior girl who would do a big "no no" and make a P.A. announcement for the passengers to place their own bayonet trays. It certainly saved a lot of time with a full load and a quick flight, but it wasn't "regulation". No ovens or coffee makers on the connies. Food and coffee were brought on board in containers and plugged into electrical outlets in the galley. Sometimes the electrical outlets wouldn't work and the coffee wouldn't be hot and the meals would be cold.
Below are actual pages from my manual with my graphics. Notice the first one below....the aft of the airplane (bottom right hand corner) - right lav has a "CAS" printed in a box. That's the Cabin Attendant Seat I referred to above.
1049-G Constellation
33 First Class - 39 Coach
Ahhh. The "Super G Jeststream". After the DC-3's, the Martin 404, and the 749 Constellation, this plane was PURE LUXURY for passengers and crew! TWA was the first airline to have two classes of seating: First Class and Tourist . Due to the prop noise, First Class was in the aft section and Tourist/Coach was forward. First Class had bayonet trays in the seat pockets and in Tourist, we gave them a pillow for their lap and placed the meal tray on top of the pillow. There were overhead berths in First Class which were used when this aircraft flew International Routes. Many a movie star enjoyed the luxury of the berths when TWA was known as the "Airline of the Stars", thanks in part to Howard Hughes' connection to Hollywood.
Check this out for wonderful pictures and stories about the stars who flew TWA:
www.twaflightattendants.com/airlineofthestars.html
1649 Constellation
32 First Class 40 Coach
Convair 880 Jet
34 First Class 55 Coach
This was the airplane Howard Hughes wanted and no one else at TWA did. He wanted to have an all First Class Airplane. But, that didn't work, so it was converted to First Class and Coach. It had a terrific vertical climb on take off and when seated in the aft jump seats, we always thought the tail was going to scrape the ground! The cabin doors were the heaviest of any airplane we flew. In the training mock up we had to open the door unassisted, and I was very much afraid I would not be able to do it when I was tested. This was my least favorite airplane to work, but I recall the pilots liked to fly it.
Boeing 707 131-331
30 First Class and 89 Coach
The configuration was changed for International flights to 12 First Class, 128 Coach.
My favorite plane of all, including the wide body Lockheed 1011 and Boeing 747. I loved this plane and the way the wings would sort of "flap" when flying. It had just the right amount of seats for comfort and serving. This is the plane depicted in ABC's Pan Am. It had dome lights in the ceiling and at night, the lights looked like stars, and included the big and little dipper. Look at the 707 mock-up in the Pan Am series - they have replicated these dome lights. Additionally, on the mock-up, one side of the galley is the actual 707 galley with coffee maker and ovens.
Boeing 720 B
40 First Class 71 Coach
I must confess I do not remember this aircraft and don't think TWA had them in service very long. If any of my TWA readers recalls, let me know.
TWA Hostess Training Manual 1962
01 Basic Information
The history of aviation and TWA
Cities, Codes, and Airports,
Nomenclature
Terms and Definitions Relative to the Jet
Jet Aircraft Comparison and Characteristics
What Makes An Airplane Fly
FAA and CAB
24 Hour Clock - Time Zones
Timetables and Official Airline Guide
01 Hostess Regulations
Uniform Procurement
Hostess Regulations Review
Availability for Duty Review
Scheduling Policy Review
03 Contract Scheduling Policy
Contract Between TWA and Air Line Stewards and Stewardesses Assoc.
04 Flight Procedures Cabin Management
Infant Care
Care of Blind Passengers
Items Found in PSK (Passenger Service Kit)
Flight Procedures (Piston) Review
Flight Procedures (Jet) Review
Flight Procedures (General) Review
05 Meteorology
06 Special Information
Hostess Conduct
Ambassador Club
06 Dining and Liquor Service
Dining and Commissary
Galley Equipment
General Galley Organization
Beverage Service
Bar Service Terms and Definitions
Questions Regarding Liquor Service
08 First Aid
09 Emergency And Passenger Safety
Passenger Safety
Fire Protection
10 Aircraft And Emergency Equipment
Aircraft Identification
# 10 was the "meat and potatoes" of training. We had to memorize and get tested on cabin equipment of each aircraft TWA flew at the time, and get qualified and certified by the FAA to fly them. This included location and operation of Cabin Doors, Emergency Exits, Emergency Slides at doors, First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, Portable Oxygen, Light Control Panels, Galley Control Panels, Circuit Breakers, Interphone, Microphone, Jump Seats, Passenger Service Unit, Lounge, Coat Compartment, Lavatory, Passenger Seats, Ventilation.
Some things have changed since then, but the basic job description remains the same for today's Flight Attendant:
"BE ABLE TO EVACUATE
A FULL LOAD OF PASSENGERS
ON A BURNING AIRPLANE
IN 90 SECONDS OR LESS".
The rest is all "GLAMOUR".
The following seven aircraft were in service with TWA when I graduated from training.
The following seven aircraft were in service with TWA when I graduated from training.
56 passengers & 57 passenger - all one class - two seats on each side.
Below is a picture of the "manual slide" on the 749 . YIKES! No automatic inflation here. In case of an evacuation, we would ask "able bodied men" to volunteer to "shinny" down the slide and hold it for passengers to jump.
This was a fun plane to fly. Just two Hostesses - one worked the galley, the other worked the aisle, with lots of "ups and downs" . This plane made frequent stops, but it wasn't just the landings and take-offs that made this plane "fun" to fly, it had "ups and downs" in the air too! The prop planes were not pressurized, so they could not fly at and high altitudes....above the turbulence and wind drafts. Believe me, the "burp bags" got used on these planes - many, many times. An oddity on this plane was the location of one of the hostess jump seats. It was behind a curtain in the women's lavatory. No joke. It was a side seat facing a mirror, and the mirror reflected the port hole window above the jump seat. I remember sitting and watching the water slosh back and forth in the sink to my left and the horizon bobbing up and down through the window's reflection and feeling pretty queasy. On warm summer days, it was horrible; not to mention the odor from the w.c., which was behind a bi-fold door. Come to think of it, maybe this plane wasn't all that much fun to fly. When it came to serving meals, connies didn't have drop down tray tables. Instead, there were bayonet trays in the seat pocket and we had to individually place each tray for the passengers. The trays had folding arms with a knife like edge (thus bayonet) which slid into the arms of the passenger seat. I remember a couple times flying with a more senior girl who would do a big "no no" and make a P.A. announcement for the passengers to place their own bayonet trays. It certainly saved a lot of time with a full load and a quick flight, but it wasn't "regulation". No ovens or coffee makers on the connies. Food and coffee were brought on board in containers and plugged into electrical outlets in the galley. Sometimes the electrical outlets wouldn't work and the coffee wouldn't be hot and the meals would be cold.
Below are actual pages from my manual with my graphics. Notice the first one below....the aft of the airplane (bottom right hand corner) - right lav has a "CAS" printed in a box. That's the Cabin Attendant Seat I referred to above.
1049-G Constellation
33 First Class - 39 Coach
Ahhh. The "Super G Jeststream". After the DC-3's, the Martin 404, and the 749 Constellation, this plane was PURE LUXURY for passengers and crew! TWA was the first airline to have two classes of seating: First Class and Tourist . Due to the prop noise, First Class was in the aft section and Tourist/Coach was forward. First Class had bayonet trays in the seat pockets and in Tourist, we gave them a pillow for their lap and placed the meal tray on top of the pillow. There were overhead berths in First Class which were used when this aircraft flew International Routes. Many a movie star enjoyed the luxury of the berths when TWA was known as the "Airline of the Stars", thanks in part to Howard Hughes' connection to Hollywood.
Check this out for wonderful pictures and stories about the stars who flew TWA:
www.twaflightattendants.com/airlineofthestars.html
1649 Constellation
32 First Class 40 Coach
Convair 880 Jet
34 First Class 55 Coach
This was the airplane Howard Hughes wanted and no one else at TWA did. He wanted to have an all First Class Airplane. But, that didn't work, so it was converted to First Class and Coach. It had a terrific vertical climb on take off and when seated in the aft jump seats, we always thought the tail was going to scrape the ground! The cabin doors were the heaviest of any airplane we flew. In the training mock up we had to open the door unassisted, and I was very much afraid I would not be able to do it when I was tested. This was my least favorite airplane to work, but I recall the pilots liked to fly it.
Boeing 707 131-331
30 First Class and 89 Coach
The configuration was changed for International flights to 12 First Class, 128 Coach.
My favorite plane of all, including the wide body Lockheed 1011 and Boeing 747. I loved this plane and the way the wings would sort of "flap" when flying. It had just the right amount of seats for comfort and serving. This is the plane depicted in ABC's Pan Am. It had dome lights in the ceiling and at night, the lights looked like stars, and included the big and little dipper. Look at the 707 mock-up in the Pan Am series - they have replicated these dome lights. Additionally, on the mock-up, one side of the galley is the actual 707 galley with coffee maker and ovens.
Boeing 720 B
40 First Class 71 Coach
I must confess I do not remember this aircraft and don't think TWA had them in service very long. If any of my TWA readers recalls, let me know.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
One more week!
March 15, 1962
Dear Mother,
We tried on our uniforms and mine fit perfect. It's unbelievable how they can take chalk and mark the skirt and jacket all up - and then it comes back and fits like a glove. Fortunately, I didn't loose any weight since the fitting. The jackets have narrow white cuffs that snap in, so we take them off after each flight and wash them. They told us we won't have to dry clean the uniform real often and if we get a spot, we need to spot clean it. They are wool gabardine I think. The blouses have a slip attached. They're called blouse slips. This way, when we reach into the overhead rack, our blouses stay tucked in. Speaking of that, in the winter we will be really busy getting all those coats out of the overhead rack. Before landing, we must come through the cabin and take everyone's wraps down and hand them to them. That's after we take off our in-flight shoes, and put on our hats and high heels. Oh, and I forgot, the summer uniforms are a lighter color skirt - kind of taupe color with a cream color blouse slip with a collar and a bolero jacket. The jacket has piping in the same material as the skirt. They are made by Don Loper in Hollywood! Lucky me. I never thought I would have something made by a designer in Hollywood.
Tests every day. Had the dining and I think I did o.k. on it. But, the most important ones are the Aircraft and Emergency Equipment. We have to know how to operate every slide in case of emergency evacuation. And, they're different on each kind of aircraft. We have to know where every oxygen bottle is located on every plane. In fact, when we start flying, that will be part of our pre-flight check; making sure the oxygen bottle is full (the needle is in the green zone). I wonder if I will ever have to use it on a passenger.
I just hope I can remember everything about the Boeing 707 by the time I get to fly one. Everyone says we will be flying the Connies (propeller) because the senior girls like the jets. Fine with me. I'd rather have fewer passengers. Anyway, Cabin Management has been my favorite. Can you imagine, we even learned how to warm up baby bottles? We take a burp bag out of the seat pocket and put hot water in, only half way, we have to loosen the cap, put the bottle in the bag, and seal it and let it sit for a bit. We even test it on our wrists before we give it back to the mother. There are bassinets too, which are kind of hard to put together. They can be placed on the floor, or if there are empty seats on the seats. We put three pillows in the bottom and then a blanket at the end. There's even games for kids and diapers in our supply kit.
I am so excited to graduate and have you and Kathleen there. We find out tomorrow what base we got.
Love, Tish
P.S. Did you find my camera? Remember, the flash doesn't work.
March 16, 1962
Dear Mother,
I got MKC! Five of us got MKC! (Kansas City, MO) Can you imagine? Jan and I will still be together, and Diane (from St. Louis), and Anna from Nashville, and Donna from Chicago. We'll have to find a big place for all of us. We are all thrilled. Don't know how we will even afford to live but we'll get by somehow. Everyone else has, so we can too. Guess I'll be eating a lot of Cheerios.
Are you getting your grip packed for your trip to Kansas City? Won't be long now. I can't wait to see you and Kathleen. I know you are praying for me and that helps me a lot.
Love, Tish
Dear Mother,
We tried on our uniforms and mine fit perfect. It's unbelievable how they can take chalk and mark the skirt and jacket all up - and then it comes back and fits like a glove. Fortunately, I didn't loose any weight since the fitting. The jackets have narrow white cuffs that snap in, so we take them off after each flight and wash them. They told us we won't have to dry clean the uniform real often and if we get a spot, we need to spot clean it. They are wool gabardine I think. The blouses have a slip attached. They're called blouse slips. This way, when we reach into the overhead rack, our blouses stay tucked in. Speaking of that, in the winter we will be really busy getting all those coats out of the overhead rack. Before landing, we must come through the cabin and take everyone's wraps down and hand them to them. That's after we take off our in-flight shoes, and put on our hats and high heels. Oh, and I forgot, the summer uniforms are a lighter color skirt - kind of taupe color with a cream color blouse slip with a collar and a bolero jacket. The jacket has piping in the same material as the skirt. They are made by Don Loper in Hollywood! Lucky me. I never thought I would have something made by a designer in Hollywood.
Tests every day. Had the dining and I think I did o.k. on it. But, the most important ones are the Aircraft and Emergency Equipment. We have to know how to operate every slide in case of emergency evacuation. And, they're different on each kind of aircraft. We have to know where every oxygen bottle is located on every plane. In fact, when we start flying, that will be part of our pre-flight check; making sure the oxygen bottle is full (the needle is in the green zone). I wonder if I will ever have to use it on a passenger.
I just hope I can remember everything about the Boeing 707 by the time I get to fly one. Everyone says we will be flying the Connies (propeller) because the senior girls like the jets. Fine with me. I'd rather have fewer passengers. Anyway, Cabin Management has been my favorite. Can you imagine, we even learned how to warm up baby bottles? We take a burp bag out of the seat pocket and put hot water in, only half way, we have to loosen the cap, put the bottle in the bag, and seal it and let it sit for a bit. We even test it on our wrists before we give it back to the mother. There are bassinets too, which are kind of hard to put together. They can be placed on the floor, or if there are empty seats on the seats. We put three pillows in the bottom and then a blanket at the end. There's even games for kids and diapers in our supply kit.
I am so excited to graduate and have you and Kathleen there. We find out tomorrow what base we got.
Love, Tish
P.S. Did you find my camera? Remember, the flash doesn't work.
March 16, 1962
Dear Mother,
I got MKC! Five of us got MKC! (Kansas City, MO) Can you imagine? Jan and I will still be together, and Diane (from St. Louis), and Anna from Nashville, and Donna from Chicago. We'll have to find a big place for all of us. We are all thrilled. Don't know how we will even afford to live but we'll get by somehow. Everyone else has, so we can too. Guess I'll be eating a lot of Cheerios.
Are you getting your grip packed for your trip to Kansas City? Won't be long now. I can't wait to see you and Kathleen. I know you are praying for me and that helps me a lot.
Love, Tish
Saturday, October 15, 2011
TWA Hostess 1962
Mrs. Tillinghast's Finishing School
TWA Training Manual - Class 62-7
TO: ALL TWA STUDENT HOSTESSES
An important part of being a hostess is appearance. A nicely groomed hostess with a friendly smile and gracious manner will invariably conduct a pleasant flight. Students are expected to maintain appearance as required for flight duty.
Complexion and Cosmetics.
a. The complexion shall be kept at its best by proper care and use
of suitable cosmetics and proper diet.
b. Cosmetics shall be applied to obtain a natural, wholesome look.
Lipstick must be worn and shall be a
red shade that harmonizes with the uniform, as well as the hostess'
skin coloring. Rouge shall be worn, if needed, for additional skin color.
It must be a red shade and applied carefully for a natural appearance.
c. Brown or black mascara may be won on upper eyelashes.
Eyeliner may not be worn.
(On Pan Am's TV show, the eyeliner is extremely heavy. Too
much, in my opinion. We could not wear it, nor could we
wear pierced earrings in the 60's. I had my ears pierced in
1965, but could not wear earrings in uniform. I recall
coming home to visit my mother after my ears were pierced,
and she could not understand why I would do such a thing.
"Patricia! What were you thinking?!" Several years later,
of course, she had her ears pierced too.)
2. Hands and Fingernails
a. Nail polish, if used shall be clear or one of the approved red shades, and shall
not be chipped or peeling. Frosted, or iridescent polishes are not permitted.
3. Personal Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a basic requisite of good grooming. Hostess' shall use
available aids such as deodorants to prevent body orders.
Particular care shall be taken to keep teeth clean and sweet breath.
4. Hair Styles
a. Extreme hair styles such as French twists or rolls, beehives, ponytails, braids,
chignons, boyish bobs, and extreme bouffant adaptations, are non-regulation.
b. The hair shall be natural color, and not altered by rinses, bleaches or dyes.
c. The hair shall be worn close to the head; and shall not be longer than
three inches from the hairline at the nape of the neck when pulled straight.
It must not extend below the top of the uniform collar when standing erect.
d. The hair must be clean, well brushed, set, and neat at all times.
A permanent will be required, if necessary, to maintain a neat
hairdo and to avoid any wispy or straggly ends.
The following are the approved lipstick and nail polish
shades in addition to the true reds:
All True Reds (All Revlon)
Persian Melon (My favorite.)
Cinnamon Stick
Snow Peach
Hot Coral
Pango Peach
Berry Bon-Bon
5. Weight and Figure Control.
All students will be weighed periodically during the training period.
6. Clothing in good taste for street or classroom wear. Also,
hose and girdles are required.
Note: Clothing in good taste applies to attire at your living quarters as well.
Remember there are other guests - - it is not a girl's dormitory.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
Student hostesses, and hostesses alike, must conduct themselves
as ladies at all times. Violation of this basic rule is a serious offense
and cannot be tolerated. Smoking will not be permitted.
CHEWING GUM IS NOT PERMITTED.
SOCIAL LIFE
Social life is necessarily limited during this four and one-half week
training in order to allow ample time for study and needed rest.
1. DATING IS NOT PERMITTED ON WEEK NIGHTS.
2. Dating is permitted on weekends with the following restrictions.
a. Students shall be in their own apartments no later than 2:00 a.m. -
permissible Friday and Saturday nights only.
b. Students shall be on their assigned premises no later than 8:30 p.m.
Sunday evening; in their own apartments by 10:30 p.m.
c. At no time will students be permitted to visit men's apartment's
or to permit men to visit theirs. (ha ha - Ask me no questions - I'll tell you no lies.)
These rules are not intended to work a hardship on anyone.
Their purpose is only to insure your well-being and to make
your training period as profitable and enjoyable as possible.
As grown women, training for a very responsible position,
you will be expected to adhere to these policies without
having to be reminded.
Now you know why TWA Hostess training in the early
60's, was referred to as "Mrs. Tillinghast's Finishing School".
The President of TWA at the time, was Charles Tillinghast.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Trans World Airlines Hostess Training
This information was in my "Report for training" packet. Dated December 19, 1961
Reporting Date: February 19, 1962
TRANS WORLD AIRLINES, inc. 10 Richards Road, Kansas City 8, MO., USA
Additional Information About "Airline Hostessing" With TWA
During training you will live in the Casa Loma Hotel and share apartments with other girls in training. The apartments are furnished completely, including linens and kitchen utensils. The rate per person is approximately $16.00 per week.
As a TWA employee you will be paid every two weeks. During training, your bi-weekly pay check will amount to $87.46 less deductions for income tax, social security, etc. based upon a pay scale of $200.00 per month. Upon graduation, you are paid $317.52 per month for the first six months, the second six months your salary is $334.53; at the end of the first your your salary will be increased to $357.21 per month. Thereafter, you can expect annual increases to a maximum of $425.25 per month. In addition to your base pay you will be reimbursed for expenses while away from your home base. TWA supplies hotel rooms in the cities away from your domicile on overnight layovers.
During your first year as a Hostess, you will buy your own uniform items at an approximate cost of $250.00. This includes a summer uniform and hat, a winter uniform and hat, topcoat, raincoat, blouses, purse and gloves. TWA issues you a suitcase on a loan basis.
To us our Hostesses are among the most important people in the company. They spend more time with the passengers than any other employee. Consequently, the passengers' impressions of TWA frequently are based upon impressions made by the Hostess. If she is truly a gracious Hostess, is friendly and pleasant with each passenger, makes each one feel welcome aboard the airplane, then she will make each one want to FLY TWA again.
Bear in mind that being a Hostess is not all glamour - there is a lot of hard work involved. It is a service type position and "Service is our ONLY Product." There are beverage, meal and liquor services, aid to be rendered to passengers with reservation problems, aid to elderly, aid to youngsters traveling alone, and innumerable tasks to be done. Also, bear in mind, that you will walk from Kansas City to Los Angeles in five hours, in even less time on the new jets, as your perform the above mentioned duties.
Up to now, we have concentrated on pointing out what you can expect and what is expected of you; however, there is a definite glamour side to the airline business and we want you and your parents to know how working for an airline like TWA will change your lives. TWA is the ONLY AIRLINE that operates from coast to coast and east to Europe, Africa, and Asia. TWA has a most generous pass policy, through which your parents may share with you the thrill of flying, for they are eligible, because of you, to have free and reduced-rate transportation over our routes. You can give them a magic carpet if you are a TWA Hostess. You are eligible for passes after being an employee for only one year. (Oh I love the magic carpet thing, and believe me, mother took advantage of the passes and was ALWAYS flying somewhere until my last month with TWA.....March, 1991.)
After approximately two years, you will have enough seniority to bid for a transfer to the International Division (which I did) providing you are able to reasonably speak and understand any one of several European languages.
The Hostess and TWA have a relationship in which there will be as much given as received by both parts.
___________________________________________________________
Reporting Date: February 19, 1962
TRANS WORLD AIRLINES, inc. 10 Richards Road, Kansas City 8, MO., USA
Additional Information About "Airline Hostessing" With TWA
During training you will live in the Casa Loma Hotel and share apartments with other girls in training. The apartments are furnished completely, including linens and kitchen utensils. The rate per person is approximately $16.00 per week.
As a TWA employee you will be paid every two weeks. During training, your bi-weekly pay check will amount to $87.46 less deductions for income tax, social security, etc. based upon a pay scale of $200.00 per month. Upon graduation, you are paid $317.52 per month for the first six months, the second six months your salary is $334.53; at the end of the first your your salary will be increased to $357.21 per month. Thereafter, you can expect annual increases to a maximum of $425.25 per month. In addition to your base pay you will be reimbursed for expenses while away from your home base. TWA supplies hotel rooms in the cities away from your domicile on overnight layovers.
During your first year as a Hostess, you will buy your own uniform items at an approximate cost of $250.00. This includes a summer uniform and hat, a winter uniform and hat, topcoat, raincoat, blouses, purse and gloves. TWA issues you a suitcase on a loan basis.
To us our Hostesses are among the most important people in the company. They spend more time with the passengers than any other employee. Consequently, the passengers' impressions of TWA frequently are based upon impressions made by the Hostess. If she is truly a gracious Hostess, is friendly and pleasant with each passenger, makes each one feel welcome aboard the airplane, then she will make each one want to FLY TWA again.
Bear in mind that being a Hostess is not all glamour - there is a lot of hard work involved. It is a service type position and "Service is our ONLY Product." There are beverage, meal and liquor services, aid to be rendered to passengers with reservation problems, aid to elderly, aid to youngsters traveling alone, and innumerable tasks to be done. Also, bear in mind, that you will walk from Kansas City to Los Angeles in five hours, in even less time on the new jets, as your perform the above mentioned duties.
Up to now, we have concentrated on pointing out what you can expect and what is expected of you; however, there is a definite glamour side to the airline business and we want you and your parents to know how working for an airline like TWA will change your lives. TWA is the ONLY AIRLINE that operates from coast to coast and east to Europe, Africa, and Asia. TWA has a most generous pass policy, through which your parents may share with you the thrill of flying, for they are eligible, because of you, to have free and reduced-rate transportation over our routes. You can give them a magic carpet if you are a TWA Hostess. You are eligible for passes after being an employee for only one year. (Oh I love the magic carpet thing, and believe me, mother took advantage of the passes and was ALWAYS flying somewhere until my last month with TWA.....March, 1991.)
After approximately two years, you will have enough seniority to bid for a transfer to the International Division (which I did) providing you are able to reasonably speak and understand any one of several European languages.
The Hostess and TWA have a relationship in which there will be as much given as received by both parts.
___________________________________________________________
TRANS WORLD AIRLINES, INC.
Kansas City, Missouri
March 1, 1962
Before the days of "Jet-Ways" or "Jet Bridges", stairs were used. I can remember snow coming inside the front door and having to stand there smiling and greeting each passenger. We didn't have slacks in those days and it would be absolutely FREEZING cold! Oh, and walking down icy, stairs, carrying our crew kits in 3" heels - that was fun too. But wait! Then we had to walk across the icy tarmac and wait outside for the hotel van to come - which sometimes took twenty minutes or more. Brrrrrrrrr. This In-FLight Bulletin was given to us when we were still in training.
Before the days of "Jet-Ways" or "Jet Bridges", stairs were used. I can remember snow coming inside the front door and having to stand there smiling and greeting each passenger. We didn't have slacks in those days and it would be absolutely FREEZING cold! Oh, and walking down icy, stairs, carrying our crew kits in 3" heels - that was fun too. But wait! Then we had to walk across the icy tarmac and wait outside for the hotel van to come - which sometimes took twenty minutes or more. Brrrrrrrrr. This In-FLight Bulletin was given to us when we were still in training.
DOMESTIC IN-FLIGHT SERVICE BULLETIN #62-8
Winter Boarding Procedures
On multiple service flights, for passenger comfort during winter operations with snow, blustery winds and cold temperatures, it is permissible to use one passenger loading stand. (stairs). This procedure will be used when considered advisable by the District Treansportation Mgr. - Station Operations. In such instances, the passenger steps will be positioned at the forward door. Terminating flights require two passenger stands at all times. (front and aft doors.)
For those of you who never experienced flying in the "golden era", you may be surprised with the choice of meals.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday Fish Provisioning
This is to serve as a reminder that March 7 is Ash Wednesday and April 20, Good Friday. The fish provisioning for these two days are as follows:
Boeing 707 Flights
Over 1:30 minutes Less than 1:30 minutes
First Class 50% Meat First Class - 100% Lobster
50% Lobster
Tourist 50% Meat Tourist - 100% Meat
50% Fish plus 50% non-meat sandwiches
For those of you who never experienced flying in the "golden era", you may be surprised with the choice of meals.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday Fish Provisioning
This is to serve as a reminder that March 7 is Ash Wednesday and April 20, Good Friday. The fish provisioning for these two days are as follows:
Boeing 707 Flights
Over 1:30 minutes Less than 1:30 minutes
First Class 50% Meat First Class - 100% Lobster
50% Lobster
Tourist 50% Meat Tourist - 100% Meat
50% Fish plus 50% non-meat sandwiches
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
TWA Training
Galley Training
Nail Check
Jumping on the chute in skirts! - Constellation (Propeller Airplane). These slides were not inflatable as they are on the jets and, if we had to evacuate, we would select "able bodied men" to jump down and hold the slides for passengers to use. Thank God I never had to evacuate either a "Connie" or a Jet!
P.S. I don't think that girl in the door at the right wants to jump! Click on pictures to enlarge.
Hostess Training
March 13, 1962
Dear Mother,
I'll be so glad when this week is over! Yesterday we went to class with rollers in our hair and no make up. Can you imagine? Here we all were standing on the corner of Main street waiting for the bus looking horrible. You know me and my dark eyes, it was so hard for me to face anyone. We all put a white scarf on our heads. We spent the whole morning applying make-up, combing out our hair and having a manicure. One girl is really having problems because she had long hair and ever since they cut it, she can't get used to using the rollers. They really had to work with her. There's another who keeps picking her nail polish off in class. She got reprimanded. She said it's becasue she is so nervous. Aren't we all! After lunch, we were drilled on emergency procedures.
Today we had a drill on an emergency landing in the cabin trainer. I got to work the D position. Then we had our F.A.A. test which was eight pages of 20 essay questions. If we don't get a 90, a make-up test is given, and if we don't pass the make-up - good-by TWA. Tomorrow's test is on Hostess Regulations - you know, wear the girdle, when to wear the hat and the gloves, chewing gum, smoking, etc. This should be about the easiest compared to all the others.
We bid for our bases and I'm a nervous wreck. Here's how I bid: MKC, (Kansas City) LAX, SFO, BOS, (Boston) MDW, (Midway -Chicago) IDL, (before it was JFK) and EWR. (Newark) It will be announced Friday.
I feel very depressed and sick of all this all of a sudden. Of course, I'm due for my "friend", and this may be my natural day before - grouchy mood. I could just scream - I feel so tense.
Oh well, I guess I'll get over it.
Love, Tish
March 14, 1962
Dear Mommy,
I feel much better today, and wanted you to know I'm not depressed anymore. We got our scores on three tests and I got two 100's and one 99. I was so relieved and happy. Today was graduation for the class ahead of us. Next week, it will be us! We haven't tried on our uniforms yet, but maybe tomorrow.
Would you look for my camera? I sure would like to have a flash camera. I hope we find out our bases tomorrow. I can hardly wait. There were six of us who bid MKC, six IDL, two MDW, one LAX, one SFO.
I am elated that you and Kathleen will be here for graduation. I think Kathleen can pin on my wings.This will really top things off for me. (My sister, Kathleen, started flying for TWA in 1957, and at that time, she was a Supervisor of Hostesses in Chicago.)
The card you sent was absolutely precious. It was so perfect - sounded just like you. Must close----
Love, Tish xxx
Dear Mother,
I'll be so glad when this week is over! Yesterday we went to class with rollers in our hair and no make up. Can you imagine? Here we all were standing on the corner of Main street waiting for the bus looking horrible. You know me and my dark eyes, it was so hard for me to face anyone. We all put a white scarf on our heads. We spent the whole morning applying make-up, combing out our hair and having a manicure. One girl is really having problems because she had long hair and ever since they cut it, she can't get used to using the rollers. They really had to work with her. There's another who keeps picking her nail polish off in class. She got reprimanded. She said it's becasue she is so nervous. Aren't we all! After lunch, we were drilled on emergency procedures.
Today we had a drill on an emergency landing in the cabin trainer. I got to work the D position. Then we had our F.A.A. test which was eight pages of 20 essay questions. If we don't get a 90, a make-up test is given, and if we don't pass the make-up - good-by TWA. Tomorrow's test is on Hostess Regulations - you know, wear the girdle, when to wear the hat and the gloves, chewing gum, smoking, etc. This should be about the easiest compared to all the others.
We bid for our bases and I'm a nervous wreck. Here's how I bid: MKC, (Kansas City) LAX, SFO, BOS, (Boston) MDW, (Midway -Chicago) IDL, (before it was JFK) and EWR. (Newark) It will be announced Friday.
I feel very depressed and sick of all this all of a sudden. Of course, I'm due for my "friend", and this may be my natural day before - grouchy mood. I could just scream - I feel so tense.
Oh well, I guess I'll get over it.
Love, Tish
March 14, 1962
Dear Mommy,
I feel much better today, and wanted you to know I'm not depressed anymore. We got our scores on three tests and I got two 100's and one 99. I was so relieved and happy. Today was graduation for the class ahead of us. Next week, it will be us! We haven't tried on our uniforms yet, but maybe tomorrow.
Would you look for my camera? I sure would like to have a flash camera. I hope we find out our bases tomorrow. I can hardly wait. There were six of us who bid MKC, six IDL, two MDW, one LAX, one SFO.
I am elated that you and Kathleen will be here for graduation. I think Kathleen can pin on my wings.This will really top things off for me. (My sister, Kathleen, started flying for TWA in 1957, and at that time, she was a Supervisor of Hostesses in Chicago.)
The card you sent was absolutely precious. It was so perfect - sounded just like you. Must close----
Love, Tish xxx
Monday, October 10, 2011
Come Fly With Me!
I left Chicago's O'Hare Field (ORD) for Kansas City, MO (MKC) on Saturday, February 17, 1962 to start six week's of Hostess Training with Trans World Airlines. My first letter to my mother was written that night.
We were housed at the Casa Loma Apartments on the Country Club Plaza, and had to take a city bus downtown to the training center.
Here I am, two months after turning 20 years old, dressed up for my going away party. I even had a corsage! Of course, mother had fresh flowers, and candles on the table and the traditional sheet cake.
My family ~ my mother, Ardelle, my sisters, Mary Ann and Kathleen
MY FIRST LETTER
Kansas City, Saturday, February 17, 1962
Dear Mother,
The flight was rough. I did a stupid thing and forgot my train case at the airport - they'll send it out tomorrow - all my make-up! I knew I'd pull something like that. (For those who know me well, this comes as no surprise.)We got to the aparment o.k. There are three girls in each room and there were four of us. So Tishy got stuck alone, but not for long. Within an hour, my 2 roommates arrived. Debbie from L.A. and Janet from PA. (Janet and I are still friends!)
We got very hungry, so the six of us decided to go across the street to eat. We met three more girls starting training. One girl is from Boston and has been to Bermuda and Nassau - a doctor's daughter. (I thought she was so worldly!) One of the girls has a friend who has been in training for three weeks and she said everyone gets a hair cut and perm. Physicals are Monday.
We're right across the street from the Plaza. It's so much larger than I thought! I can't believe I'm here!
Love, Tish
February 20, 1962
(Day two of training)
Dear Mother,
I thought I'd start my letter while I'm waiting for supper to get done. I'm cooking tonight. Everything is under control. (Gee, a sure sign I have always been a "control freak".) We're putting $5 a week in for groceries and keep the money in a can. I'm the only one who knows how to make gravy. (Now, at that time, that was a feat!) I'm trying to eat eat eat so I don't lose weight. (I can't believe this is me!)
So far, both girls seem clean, neat and cooperative. (Everything I dreamed of?!?!?) Today was another big day. We went to Harzfelds and had our hair done. Everyone sure looked good. Some girls had perms, but I didn't need one and had a wash and set. I studied 2-1/2 hours last night and already know 13 city codes. Tomorrow we have fittings for our hats and coats and then make-up. I still can't believe I'm really here. I keep trying but don't know when it will hit me.
Love, Tish
P.S. I'm the only out out of the six of us who got mail.
March 1, 1962
Dear Mommy,
Tomorrow we go on an hour jet flight at MCI. Each of these flights cost $1,000 and every class goes on one. We will do a straight dive from 32,000 ft. to 15,000 ft. Plus banking to left and right and a few other tricks. ha ha. Please don't have heart failure. M.J's dad is a doctor and he sent some air sick pills that we're going to take.
We're going to take a familiarization flight next weekend. (This is a flight we sit on as a passenger and observe.) We may go to L.A. or N.Y. Can hardly believe two weeks have gone by. I'm sort of jittery about tomorrow's flight - only afraid I'll get sick - the rest will be exciting.
Love, Tish
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