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#MyJALtrip: Becoming a Japan Airlines Cabin Attendant

#MyJALtrip: Becoming a Japan Airlines Cabin Attendant

“All our dreams can come through if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

 

For some, being a cabin attendant is considered a dream job. We get paid to travel around the world and meet people from all walks of life. These experiences are often enriching and invaluable. Some people might even say it’s a glamorous lifestyle. Being a cabin attendant with Japan Airlines (JAL), we can tell you first-hand that the road to providing top quality service to our guests is not effortless. It is often fuelled by hard work and tenacity. Without either of which, we would not be able to complete the rigorous training programme and embark on our first flight. 

 

Japan Airlines has around 6,500 cabin attendants in Japan and around 1,100 of us are based overseas in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, London, and Frankfurt. 

 

Training schedule

We are part of the Singapore-based cabin attendants, and our training started locally, in Singapore. For slightly over a month, the focus was on grasping the basics of the Japanese language. For some of us, especially those who joined with minimal knowledge of the Japanese language, the first month was hard and almost mundane because it was like going back to school. However, as we learnt more about the Japanese language, it further fuelled our love for the Japanese culture, and having that is what we think is most important when choosing a career. Having a love of what you do will make it enjoyable.

 

Our hearts were full of anticipation on our flight to Japan. (Image credit: JAL / Amelie)

 

After getting through the basics, we were sent to Japan. The 3-month training programme was an eye-opening and challenging experience where we learned that being a cabin attendant is a multifaceted job with safety at the top of the list. We did not just learn through studying books or listening to lectures, but through many hours of simulation and role-play. For example, during a crisis simulation,  we had to lead an evacuation from a burning plane with only half the number of emergency exits in under 90 seconds. The biggest take away was the realisation that in an actual emergency, passengers will look to us to guide them safely through the crisis. We were responsible for their safety. 

 

Omotenashi, mekubari, ichigo ichie

(Image credit: Canva / tsuyoshi_kinjyo)

 

As a cabin attendant with Japan Airlines, service plays an equally big part. We had to learn and understand the many concepts of omotenashi (おもてなし), Japanese hospitality. Omotenashi is more than just providing outstanding service. It is going above and beyond what is expected and that is achieved through careful preparation and anticipating what the customer needs before they even realise it. For a non-Japanese, this was a tough concept to master, because we had to change and embrace everything from the way we spoke to our mannerisms towards others. 

 

We show omotenashi through mekubari (目配り), which means being extra observant. In order to anticipate what our guests need, we must take notice of their smallest actions. For example, if a passenger rubs their hands together in an effort to keep warm, we offer them more blankets or provide a warm beverage, so that they need not make the request. We must master the perfect balance of attentiveness and unobtrusiveness.

 

We are taught to fly with an ichigo ichie (一期一会) mind-set. It suggests that we must cherish the unrepeatable nature of a moment, and approach it with respect, sincerity and our undivided attention. We take great care in the tiniest of details. It also suggests that we must do our best in every situation. For example, when we serve you a meal and set down a plate, we make sure to do so softly but purposefully, so that you may appreciate the physical presentation and aroma. We also do our best to pace our walk as we make our rounds down the aisle. This is so that your personal space will not be disturbed by a gust of wind as we walk pass. 

 

Ojigi: The art of bowing

Women typically bow with their hands placed in front as shown here while men position their hands on the side. (Image credit: Canva / mu_mu_ )

 

We were also introduced to ojigi (お辞儀 ), or the art of bowing. It is a beautiful and nuanced way of greeting, and an essential part of the Japanese culture.

 

There are 3 main forms of ojigi:

 

  1. Eshaku (会釈) — A slight bow used as a basic greeting. This gesture is often used as a welcome when you embark the plane.

  2. Keirei (敬礼) — A deeper bow which gives a more respectful and formal impression. This is used as you disembark the plane, for us to show our gratitude for choosing to fly with us.

  3. Sai Keirei (最敬礼) —  Which literally means “The most respectful gesture”. This is the most formal bow and is utilised when greeting someone of a very high status or when you want to express a deep appreciation or apology. One must bow deeply and stay in that position for a long time to express one’s heartfelt sincerity.

The combination of proper posture, measured breathing, the duration in which you hold in place, and depth of your bow creates a harmonious, elegant movement which conveys your intended emotions. The next time you fly with us, see if you can identify the different ojigi!

 

Midashinami

Other than one’s appearance, mannerism is also a part of midashinami that goes into forming a pleasant first impression. (Image credit: Canva / MillefloreImages)

 

During training, and even now while flying, we start the day with midashinami (身だしなみ), also known as personal grooming checks. Pleasant, natural-looking makeup, meticulously manicured nails painted in a neutral colour, hair tied neatly in a chignon, and our uniform immaculately clean and pressed are rudimentary.  Ensuring that we are presentable is a way to show respect and assurance to the people we are meeting. An impression is formed in the first seven seconds and we do not get a second chance.

 

Toiletries available in Business Class lavatories. (Image credit: JAL / Eve)

 

At Japan Airlines, your midashinami and comfort is important to us. All our In-cabin lavatories are well-stocked with toothbrushes and shaving kits are available upon request should you happen to need one. In Business Class, individual packs of mouthwash and bottles of Shiseido Le Monde D’Or skin lotion and skin milk are also placed in the lavatories for your inflight convenience. Feel free to freshen up before arriving at your destination! 

 

Eagerly waiting to fly freely

Our training in omotenashi has helped us to be recognised as a Skytrax 5-Star Airline and be awarded the World's Best Economy Class in 2019. We will continue to deliver the highest standards of unparalleled service as we aim to be the most preferred airline. We eagerly await the day where we can all fly freely and welcome you on board our flights once again!

 

Header image credit: JAL / Apple

 

Crew’s Profile

Japan Airlines' Cabin Attendant Apple

Apple believes that kake-udon is the ultimate comfort food and can have it for all three meals especially during winter.

 

Japan Airlines' Cabin Attendant Erena

Erena is passionate about photography and Disney. She believes that all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

 

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