Thai Airways To Hire Flight Attendants Up To Age 60

[chotthee]

Keep Thai old hags busy.

[Payboy]

What's the matter? Young hi-sos in short supply these days?

I think they've been picked-up by Farangs, you can read it on the forum quite often.

They're working for Isaan Air now.

[bigbamboo]

That means the flight attendant could be even older than the plane.

[Bagwan]

I feel this is not a good decision. The job of a flight attendant is demanding and requires high energy. I've seen with so many USA airlines how poor the service is with the older attendants.

I agree. Especially on the American airlines, the attendants all seem bitter and tired. Even the young male ones are already bitter and sullen. On a recent United Airlines flight, I was suffering from a migraine, and felt about to puke, when I asked them for an aspirin, and was told they didn't have any. I know they are not doctors or nurses, but I don't think it would kill them to dispense an aspirin.

Nor would it kill you to carry aspirin knowing you suffer from migraines ? I'm not trying to flame but common sense should prevail with a condition.

50 years ago I spent 3 years flying as cabin staff, mainly on Viscounts and Vanguards with at least one trip per month on a Comet Mk4 to retain my Comet 4 licence. All versions of aircraft carried two first aid kits. one forward and the other aft. They also carried an emergency oxygen supply kit and all cabin staff were instructed in first aid procedures and the use of equipment. We were also taken through the process of delivering a baby. I once had to deal with a lady who experienced a heart attack and since I was administering oxygen told everybody in the immediate vicinity to refrain from smoking. One obnoxious guy who I had already ordered my crew not to serve him any more drinks, it being a criminal offence to be drunk on an aircraft, ignored my instruction so I sent for the Captain to intervene. 'God' gave him a direct order and told him to hand over his cigarettes and cigarette lighter or else he would be placed under restraint and a police escort would be awaiting our arrival at Heathrow and he would appear before Hillingdon Magistrates Court the following morning.

Under the then IATA regulations each aircraft had to be crewed with one licenced cabin staff member per 50 seats. The entrance medical was the stiffest that I have ever undergone and in the final test, by which time I was naked, I had to stand on one leg with my eyes closed and not to fall over for a given period. Apparently it is a test for susceptability to travel sickness. Every steward and stewardess had to undergo annual tests before their licence was renewed. Towards the end of the 6 week induction course the class was taken to the hangers at Heathrow, blindfolded and led to the botttom of the stairs up into an aircraft and told to find and bring back an item of emergency kit which might be a fire axe, fire extinguisher, torch or first aid kit. By groping around you had to identify the aircraft and which version, and then remember where the object to recover was stowed on that particular aircraft. After each period of duty the steward/stewardess in charge of cabin service would write out a confidential report on the conduct, attitude and efficiency of the other cabin staff members. In addition cabin staff supervisors and/or management would join up from time to time as crew supernumeries to check on the performance of the steward/stewardess in charge.

The primary reason for employing cabin staff is for passenger safety and, if required, to evacuate the aircraft in the quickest possible time. Any other service is purely ancilliary to this. Elderly people and youngsters were never premitted to sit in seats adjacent to the windows situated over the wings that could be used as escape routes. In addition to the safety aspects cabin staff were expected to keep themselves up to date on currency exhange rates, customs regulations, where passengers needed to go to in airport terminals to catch ongoing flights, and what was the best and/or cheapest way to travel into city centres. Being flight crew is not as glamourous as many suppose in fact more often than not it was hard work and staff need to be strictly organised and methodical in their work. In those days we would serve drinks followed by lunch or dinner for up to 130 passengers within a flight time of only 40 minutes. I suggest that this is a task well beyond the capabilities of any posh Thai hotel - or most others throughout the World.

I experience two untoward events in my time with BEA. (Big Empty Aircraft or Britain's Elderly Stewardesses depending on one's inclinations). On the way back from Malta an oil seal on No. 2 engine failed and oil began to leak into the air intake system. Since the incoming air has to be warmed by the heat of the engines to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature - remember that at 30,000 feet the outside air temperature is 30 degrees below - the cabin quickly filled with smoke. The chief bus driver (aka God) up front broadcast that everybody should strap themselves in and that he had closed down the offending engine and would be making a rapid descent into warmer air below 8000 feet so that the air con could be switched off.. He emphasised that the situation was not dangerous, he would be diverting to Rome and that staff at Fiumicino were already engaged in arranging for onward transit to Heathrow with other airlines. Of course with a plane load of nervous passengers all fancying a drink, the booze was handed out free of charge.The two bars were soon emptied, not least by fellow cabin staff members who would be selling their haul on their next flight. The abillity of the cabin staff to remain calm, smiling and reassuring at such times is of the utmost importance.

The other event occured after a very bumpy landing in severe weather conditions at Nutts Corner which was the airport for Belfast at the time. It was clear that something was amiss when we stopped playing leapfrog and were rolling smoothly when the aircaft became subject to severe jolting. I wasn't aware that we had merely skidded off the runway and had teed off quite a few rabbits whose warrens we had collapsed. I ordered an immediate evacuation telling the passengers to leave all their hand baggage behind since speed of exiting was of the essence. I wrenched two or three briefcases out of the hands of the terminally stupid and practically threw people down the stairs (Vanguards carried their own extending stairways at the passenger entrances) or onto the inflatable chutes available by the pantry service doors, as did the rest of my team. As I was about to check out the bus drivers at the pointed end and report that I had cleared the aircraft to 'God', he opened the cockpit door and told me that there was no need to evacuate. I beckoned him to look outside where the passengers were ankle deep in mud and soaked to the skin by the torrential rain, making their way with all possible speed to the terminal buildings about a mile away. I'll never forget him covering his eyes with one hand and muttering "Oh My God."

I have doubts about the ability of 60 year old biddies (sorry ladies, just a small portion of MCP I have managed to retain) or daft old buggers (such as myself) to perform to the standards of performance and level headedness that are required in emergency situations. I also doubt that the marketing departments of airlines are too enamoured of passengers denied the opportunity to mull over their improbable fantasies involving a pert young stewardess, or a steward, to while away their journey. Watching legs that appear to have been carved by the great Italian master Varicosi and encased in support stockings traipsing up and down the aisle adds nothing positive to my travel experience. Furthermore fatties of any age or gender who will effectively make aisles one way systems are not a good idea.

[Payboy]

That means the flight attendant could be even older than the plane.

Dunno, which one was rode by more people though.

[Semper]

As far as I can see flying Thai airways most of the business class air hostesses are already close to 60 years old ( I mean that sincerely, not being funny) . Older air hostesses also tend to be ruder and provide poorer service than young keen hotter ones.

"poorer service" Well, apart from serving you the grub and alcohol, what else do you excpect, cuddling and exchanging phone-numbers with the younger ones?

[jcw]

That means the flight attendant could be even older than the plane.

In some cases this may be true, but remember this is THAI, so nar... in most cases

[FarangTalk]

what else do you excpect, cuddling and exchanging phone-numbers with the younger ones?

That's exactly why I fly Air Asia.

[terryp]

Good Move , I honestly hate to think what many of the current dizzy pretty 's would do in a serious emergency

[johnlandy]

IMHO it is a regretable decision and one which will bite them in the ass.

Thai has already become a very so-so airline and in no departments (read areas) can compare or compete with SIA which sells it service on two things

namely the average age of their aircraft (2 years) and their iconic Singapore Girl.

If you want to be served by a fat a** old cabin attendent fly ANZ or Qantas and now Thai are joining them.

But they know the rules when they accept their employment contracts.

OK, people have the right to expect reasonable terms of employment but you don't see any old crones on the fashion catwalks of the world.

Edited September 15, 2012 by johnlandy

[hbullinger]

I am all for this change in the retirement age of air hostesses. Older ladies are usually more caring, so it will increase the quality of service. It will also increase passenger safety as the trolley-dollies are only interested in keeping the pilots busy all night during their overnight stop-overs. I have been told about cases of totally over-tired pilots suffering also from hangovers flying their planes back home.

If it means, that the sex tourists will have to wait a little bit longer before groping the targets of their dreams in Pattaya, where they have just celebrated the female condoms, who cares?

[jshorts]

Hooray for old people!

Maybe this will set a precedent against age discrimination in other fields.

I'd rather have a young fit bird serving me coffee if I was honest. But the most important things for me is that they know what they're doing and I'm as safe as possible.

Turkey or condor?

[jshorts]

Recently United Airlines Ron Akana retired at the age of 83, I personally would have loved to have flown a sector with him. I think the bidding process based on seniority is out of date, that's why you end up with a very senior crew especially on long haul flights, give me a balance of experience & gender and I'm happy.

http://www.huffingto..._n_1837389.html

Then on what basis would you handle the bidding process?

[jshorts]

I feel this is not a good decision. The job of a flight attendant is demanding and requires high energy. I've seen with so many USA airlines how poor the service is with the older attendants.

I agree. Especially on the American airlines, the attendants all seem bitter and tired. Even the young male ones are already bitter and sullen. On a recent United Airlines flight, I was suffering from a migraine, and felt about to puke, when I asked them for an aspirin, and was told they didn't have any. I know they are not doctors or nurses, but I don't think it would kill them to dispense an aspirin.

Against all airlines rules to give out aspirin.

[Beetlejuice]

At last I`ve found a way to get rid of the mother in law.

[eddie61]

I hope Air New Zealand does not adopt the same policies. A spring chick in the bog is a lot more marketable than an old hen

[pomchop]

I have had flight attendants on several american carriers whose rear ends had gotten so big that they literally waddled up the aisle and could not squeeze past the carts...just not sure that would be a great "asset" during an emergency to have an attendant that blocks the entire aisle.

Many flight attendants are courteous and friendly no matter what age....others are cranky and grumpy and obviously seem to hate the passengers and see them as a necessary evil. Unfortunately it seems that you get a lot of the older grumpy cranky ones on american carriers....no doubt many of them have seen and heard it all but when it gets to the point that you really do appear to simply not like your job or your customers maybe it is in everyone's best interest that you find another job rather than just hold on for a pension or more seniority?

[h5kaf]

I think this is a good idea for Thai Air. If all the old "ladies" are employed by Thai Air the younger ones who are stunningly attractive can be hired by Qatar and other good quality airlines. As I never fly Thai (tried them once) this is a great arrangement.

I fly business with Qatar every time now, and am very happily served by an array of very attractive young ladies who are very attentive and give great service. I am sure that they have all the skills necessary to open doors and give instructions - should the need arise if any of us are still alive after a crash. But forget the crash scenario, as hopefully most of us in business class will be full of good food and champagne and enjoying the ride down to oblivion gazing at the beautiful flight attendants. Just imagine the same ride down with a 59 year old 'knuckle dragger' for company!!

To be in the company of very attractive (and often beautiful) ladies when flying is part of the pleasure.

[stevehaigh]

tha'ts still 20 years younger than United

[kiniyow]

I can't even find Bar girls this old~~~No Thanks.....

[h5kaf]

Forget all the none sense about opening emergency doors etc. Who would you prefer to serve you a drink or just smile as she passes by?

[TPI]

What's the matter? Young hi-sos in short supply these days?

I think they've been picked-up by Farangs, you can read it on the forum quite often.

O come now! A Thai Hi-So wouldn't be seen dead with a farang, unless of course, he was/is a merchant banker!

[shunima]

IMHO it is a regretable decision and one which will bite them in the ass.

Thai has already become a very so-so airline and in no departments (read areas) can compare or compete with SIA which sells it service on two things

namely the average age of their aircraft (2 years) and their iconic Singapore Girl.

If you want to be served by a fat a** old cabin attendent fly ANZ or Qantas and now Thai are joining them.

But they know the rules when they accept their employment contracts.

OK, people have the right to expect reasonable terms of employment but you don't see any old crones on the fashion catwalks of the world.

see here:

http://www.airfleets.net/ageflotte/Singapore%20Airlines.htm

And that makes the rest of you post... void.

[Beetlejuice]

I can't even find Bar girls this old~~~No Thanks.....

Try visiting Chiang Mai. The bar girls there even consider 65 year olds as toy boys.

[Baerboxer]

Hooray for old people!

Maybe this will set a precedent against age discrimination in other fields.

I'd rather have a young fit bird serving me coffee if I was honest. But the most important things for me is that they know what they're doing and I'm as safe as possible.

"I'd rather have a young fit bird serving me coffee" - don't fly Quantas then

[Semper]

What's the matter? Young hi-sos in short supply these days?

I think they've been picked-up by Farangs, you can read it on the forum quite often.

O come now! A Thai Hi-So wouldn't be seen dead with a farang, unless of course, he was/is a merchant banker!

Are you telling me that forum members are lying about their Hi-So wifes/gf's? I'm shocked.

[Somtamnication]

Good news for old folks. And also gender neutral. Before, they only had tampons for women, in the toilets. Now, they will have "depend" undergarments for all sexes!

[transam]

Hooray for old people!

Maybe this will set a precedent against age discrimination in other fields.

I'd rather have a young fit bird serving me coffee if I was honest. But the most important things for me is that they know what they're doing and I'm as safe as possible.

"I'd rather have a young fit bird serving me coffee" - don't fly Quantas then

Or American Airlines.

[bangon04]

There I was thinking they already had raised the age.

I thought so too - the matrons in Business and First Class appear to be "veterans" already. I was under the impression that there was no age limit as long as you have "connections"...

[tigermonkey]

It fine to remove the discrimination against age for THAI flight attendants, but they should also remove other discriminatory barriers. It's tough for an older Thai woman to keep her weight down -- so the limits should be age 60 and weight 120 kg. Then they will have a fine surly crew like so many other national air.lines

Edited September 15, 2012 by tigermonkey