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!
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