It’s a combination of glamour, fun and care in the sky…

Air Hostesses, Air Stewards and Stewardesses, Trolley Dollies, Cabin Crew or Flight Attendants – the names might change but the essential role is still the same as it was when civil aviation began to attract customers in large numbers during the 1920s and 1930s.

Many speak of the glamour of the past and point to the sometimes overcrowded and uncomfortable nature of today’s air travel, but the situation changes as new aircraft come into service. Passengers and airlines depend upon each other and airline bosses know that they must adapt and give their passengers a pleasant trip if they want to see them again.

Today’s uniform styles play it safer than before, and while the observation of some travellers is based on aesthetics, it’s not a stretch to think that airline apparel has come to reflect the overall tightening of flight safety. It is reported that in the 1960s and 70s, stewardess uniforms , all women were designed to be overtly sexy and appealing to male passengers. Designers like Emilio Pucci were hired to bring current high-fashion cuts and patterns onto planes.

“The airlines used bright colors and different psychedelic prints—stripes, flowers, dots, everything was possible!” says Cliff Muskiet of the Emirates outfit while speaking to Smithsonian.com

Today’s travel atmosphere is more about inspiring trust and calm than it is about giving people a thrill. Nowadays, stewardesses would not feel comfortable wearing very short skirts or hot pants. Uniforms have become more professional and more like business outfits”, he says.

The addition of male flight attendants to the field, and the focus on comfort and safety, led to a less distracting and more gender-neutral look. Distinguishing cultural identity markers tend to be integrated more subtly, such as with Kenya Airways’ leopard-print blouse, which is worn under a conservative blazer.

Popularly known as Cabin Crew, they are the lifeblood of any airline. They are the faces and uniforms that people come to associate with the brand. They share a large responsibility both to their employers as well as to their passengers and consequently it’s a very demanding role.

They talk us through safety issues, slap away wandering hands and are on constant alert for security threats. And they do all this with smiles plastered on their faces and their matte red lipstick firmly in place.

Cabin crew are selected for a combination of grit and glamour, trained to put out fires, tackle disruptive passengers and ask politely: “Chicken or beef?”

However, there’s something captivating about their grace under pressure, and one part of that is the make-up they wear.

They are the forefront of the airline and the uniform identity is the direct link to our prestigious brand.

For instance, the Emirates cabin crew members are never without flawless skin and signature red lipstick, and it’s no accident. This image is carefully planned and taught in beauty and image schools to ensure crew look immaculate at all times.

Emirates is one of a half dozen airlines, including Virgin Atlantic and Singapore, that cultivate an elegant image for their cabin crew. Because Emirates is growing so quickly, it is in constant need of more flight attendants.

Currently, the high style and glamour of the golden age of flying are making a comeback. Airlines around the world are redesigning their flight attendant uniforms from utilitarian to fashion forward.

Sometimes on board, it appears as if you are looking at a fashion show and you are carried away by the colourful uniform on those cute and well-shaped bodies, both male and female that have been carefully selected by the airlines.

Some passengers now judge airlines by their crew uniforms and that is why airlines now take the extra step at employing the services of great and renowned designers to give the couture needed to attract crew conscious travelers.

“They have to touch up their make-up throughout the flight. Eye gel helps to refresh the eyes during a long flight and can be used over make-up.  Also, it helps to remove all make-up and apply a vitamin C mask during their bunk rest periods as it boosts the skin cells and gives the skin a healthy glow.

“Hydration sprays can be used to maintain the moisture balance in the skin. You can either purchase from a skin care or make-up house. They are trained by subject matter experts on a recommended sequence to follow. This starts from using the correct skin care products to a specific make-up routine”, according to Emirates training manager Helen Roxburgh.

She explained that for post flight, Rest is definitely recommended as it helps with cell renewal/rejuvenation which helps our skin to repair itself and look immaculate.

They are recommended to stick to a skin care routine and always remove their make-up after a flight.

It depends on the needs of the skin at the time. A face mask and eye mask can be applied. When in highly-polluted areas we also recommend them to exfoliate and apply a vitamin C mask to the skin. Anti-oxidants are also recommended – these products contain vitamin A, C and E.

In Nigeria, Aero adopted a fresh look for its cabin crew ‘in line with its renaissance and in demonstration of innovativeness as one of its core values. The design introduces a new colour scheme with a variety for both male and female crew in line with the airline’s corporate brand colours of navy blue, orange and white.

The new wears were launched mark the airline’s 53rd anniversary.

 “This is one of several innovations targeted at re-positioning aero as the airline of choice. We know we are the market leader, and we intend to look the part. The design scheme introduces an assortment, which is also in line with the variety and uniqueness of our product offering. This is the theme of this effort: variety and uniqueness”, according to the airline.

As for Arik Air, it has decided to adopt for its cabin crew, the Nigerian ‘Ankara’ mixed with another blue and wine material to display the culture and probably, the national identity on all its flights.

Recently, too, Air New Zealand’s flight crew rocked their colorful uniforms by fashion designer Trelise Cooper. The bold pink pattern has received mixed reviews from passengers and flight attendants alike.

But will attractive colouful uniform guarantee safety or why would some passengers prefer airline because of its wonderful crew/ courteousness or its safety culture ?.

Now as much as the travelers observed the courteousness and neatness of the crew, he eventually thought arriving his destination safely was uppermost on such planes whose crew are not presentable.

Because of the nature of air travel where you have to take a flight for at least one hour, most travelers prefer to have something to catch their attention in the flight and not make them feel bored and one of it is the presentation of the carriers’ crew.

Unfortunately, some crew members have refused to display that sense of glamour and fascination to passengers of all statures in course of their duties.

 However, there are many skills a crew member need to develop she wants to enjoy a successful career as a Flight Attendant.

In no particular order of importance , the list will include; stamina, the ability to work under pressure, the ability to deal with members of the public of all ages, nationalities and cultures, patience, an outgoing nature, a mature attitude to duties and responsibilities, the ability to deal with tense situations, and so on.

Now hear out some cabin crew experiences:

Stella (not real name)

I have always dreamed of becoming a cabin crew and I was lucky enough to score a job with a Middle Eastern airline company. That was the best thing I have ever done and experienced. Yes the job might be difficult and you get drained from time to time…but the traveling and exploring the countries around the world is worth everything….

Bridget…not real name

I’ve been a flight attendant for 17yrs. I love my job . I meet different people, l go to different places. And since you get your wings you have your line too. I mean you know in advance the days you will be on reserve, layovers and most important your days off.

Hardy…

It’s not as glamorous as some make this out to be. The amount of travel we do up there in the skies make us exposed to certain types of radiation. Sometimes it really isn’t worth it… Besides we can’t do this job forever. It’s best to find a job where there’s progression. Yeah we travel the world but then what? Really for health and safety, this job is bad plus we also have to deal with nasty passengers who think we’re slaves to serve them as if we get paid in zillions. I got out of this job and now in law school…

Sade Williams