AIR HOSTESS

Evening Star, Issue 22720, 6 August 1937, Page 11

AIR HOSTESS

VARIED DUTIES No glamour-seekers, who think 56 would be “just too thrilling ” to be an air hostess, need apply for the vacancies on Airlines of Australia Douglas planes which will shortly fly between Brisbane and Adelaide in a day. To be selected a girl must bo a trained nurse, be proficient at shorthand and typing, restrict her “ spotting,” if she takes “ spots,” use lipstick -with restraint, and only certain finger-nail-polishes, and must be bright to passengers without encouraging familiarity. Hundreds of girls have applied for tho positions, but few apparently realise that to be chosen they must: — Bo«between 25 and 35 years of age; weigh not more than 1181 b; hold an A.T.N.A. certificate; be proficient in shorthand and typing, for th,ey will not be flying all their working hours'; pass a satisfactory medical examination, and have physical condition endorsed by examination from time to time; provide two winter and two summer uniforms at own expense, and take out own- insurance policy. And, in addition, they will be prohibited from:— Taking any alcoholic drink within 12 hours before making any scheduled airline flight; smoking in the plane or in any public place while in uniform; accepting tips; chewing gum while on duty; wearing costume jewellery; using nail polish of “other than > natural_ or medium shades ” ; sleeping .or reading while on duty. ACT AS STEWARDESS. A hostess, according to regulations framed by Airlines of Australia (based on those of Australian National Airways) will be required to act as stewardess. The regulations add: — “ Her duties are to make sure passenger belts are fastened when taking off and landing, and to see to the comfort of passengers and point out place* of interest en route, “ Hostesses must be "bright to all passengers without encouraging familiarity, and must smile at all times, “ They are expected to have a general knowledge of the' plane, its speed, horse-power of engines, raidio, airway facilities, why high ? altitudes ,ar» smoother, etc.” “ The hostess,” said Mr P. Gurney, of Airlines of Australia, “will be called upon to regard the plane virtually a* her home, and take an interest in; it. “ She will check tho entire plana cabin for cleanliness, and ensure that it and all linen are spotlessly clean, and that all reading matter for passengers is in place.” And here are tho meals the aip‘ hostess will serve on dainty individual trays : " Morning tea : Tea and biscuits in individual cellophane packets. Luncheon (at 10.000 ft): Hot soup and crackers; cold breast of chicken, with, mixed salad mayonnaise, rolls and bmiVr; fruit salad; tea or coflcc.