Many aspiring flight attendants in the Philippines have one shared dream – to work for the country’s national flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL). The prestige associated with being a PAL cabin crew member is undeniable. More than just representing the Philippines’ flagship airline, PAL flight attendants are renowned for their professionalism, hospitality, warmth, and beauty.
My uncle, a frequent traveler, once shared, “In other airlines, the flight attendants gain prestige from the airline’s name and brand. But with PAL, it’s the flight attendants who bring prestige to the airline.”
The Rigorous Journey to Becoming a PAL Flight Attendant
However, behind the prestige and accolades lies a challenging journey. Becoming a PAL flight attendant is not an easy feat, with only the cream of the crop making the cut. These selected individuals are then meticulously groomed to represent the very best that PAL and the Philippines have to offer.
PAL considers their cabin crew as one of their most valuable assets and ensures their well-being. A majority of the PAL flight attendants I’ve spoken to see themselves staying with the airline for the long haul, with some planning to retire there.
So, what does it take to become a PAL flight attendant? Let’s explore the rigorous process of becoming a PAL cabin crew member.
The ‘It’ Factor and Beyond
A PAL cabin crew member can easily be distinguished from a crowd. Poised, confident, charming, physically fit, and communicative, they are team players, intelligent, hardworking, and possess pleasant manners. However, there’s an ‘it’ factor that separates a PAL cabin crew from the rest, as per Helen Mogan, a former PAL flight attendant and consultant for WINGS, an organization that structures educational programs for the airline industry.
“It’s the unexplained pull of someone that separates successful PAL cabin crew – the smile, the charm, and a strong personality that catches the attention of recruiters. Coupled with other intangibles and the ability to communicate effectively, you have a flight attendant that’s destined for success,” Mogan explained.
Training and Beyond: Grueling but Rewarding
The airline goes to great lengths to find and train the men and women who will represent PAL globally. This process starts from the day they apply and continues till their retirement, as shared by Maria Cecilia “Marsha” Monfort, a former purser and inflight trainer who joined the airline in 1979.
Applicants must hold a college degree and be willing to endure rigorous training, including life-saving and swimming exercises. Monfort recalls the challenging weeks of life-saving training where they were pushed underwater and then pulled to the surface – simulating real-life rescue scenarios.
After PAL has selected the fittest, trainees undergo the cabin crew program. This includes personality development, aircraft familiarization, and executing emergency and security procedures in line with aviation industry policies. The training can last for about three to six weeks, after which they are permitted by the airline and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to fly.
Raul Cid, who has spent 28 of his years as a flight purser with PAL, had to undergo weeks of intense training in oral, physical, medical, practical, and psychological tests. “Every little girl dreams to be a stewardess because it is glamorous and one gets to visit many countries. However, reality sets in during the difficult part of the training, and only those who make the grade become successful cabin crew,” Monfort said.
The training process is intentionally rigorous. PAL aims to weed out those who may not be able to cope with the demands of the job. Mogan noted that many candidates back out during the initial stages of the course, such as when undergoing emergency procedures. Trainees are exposed to different people and situations to test their emotional resilience.
Safety is paramount for PAL. “It does not matter how good the service is. If there is a perceived lack of safety, no one will fly the airline,” stated Ma. Angela, a PAL flight attendant, emphasizing the importance of emergency and safety drills in the training program.
The Future of PAL Flight Attendants
PAL is on a growth trajectory and is expected to exceed its pre-pandemic capacity in the coming months and years. The addition of new planes like the Airbus A350-1000 to the fleet and potential expansion to more European destinations means that PAL will be recruiting more flight attendants.
The expectations for becoming a PAL flight attendant are indeed high, but the rewards and prestige make it all the more worthwhile. The journey may be challenging, but for those who dare to dream and are ready to commit, becoming a PAL flight attendant is an achievement like no other.
Above all, they are expected to “act and think like a PAL flight attendant – one who represents the Philippines.”
The journey to becoming a PAL flight attendant is filled with rigorous training, high expectations, and requires a unique set of traits. But, as many would agree, the rewards of representing the country’s flagship airline and being a part of the PAL family make the journey worthwhile. As long as you have the determination, the sky’s the limit.
Reference and attribution: 75 Years of Celebrating the Heart of the Filipino coffee table book
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
