Air India crash: Former flight attendant shares why she quit job after 15 years

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The sometimes disregarded realm of cabin crew, particularly the stress and accountability associated with guaranteeing passenger safety, has been discussed by a former flight attendant.

Following the tragic Air India tragedy, which left her feeling extremely sorrowful, she published the post on TikTok.

In a heartfelt TikTok post, the woman going by the handle @shikohthande discussed the stringent procedures and training that cabin crew members go through to get ready for any emergency, emphasizing that safety always comes first.

The former crew member claims that the job necessitates attention, awareness, and the capacity to remain composed under duress.

She clarified that even during the most stressful times, cabin crew members need to maintain their composure and alertness while giving passengers precise instructions in case of an emergency.

The personal sacrifices associated with the position, especially with regard to family life, were also discussed in her post.

She explained that she would sincerely pray for her young son’s safety and well-being throughout flights, and that he was frequently on her mind.

She went on to say that in order to deliver exceptional service, the cabin staff must always be ready for the worst.

In her words:

“The Air India crash has left me so sad as an ex-cabin crew and I have felt the need to tell you what cabin crew and pilots go through on every flight. Waking up in different countries, as much as it is a privilege, we take it as a miracle and God’s blessing. We undergo extensive training on safety for passengers. Service experience is the most important thing on a flight, but for a cabin crew, safety comes first and overrides everything. In case of an emergency, as much as we never know what nature and destiny holds for us, we are still trained on what we can do to save lives.

“In case of a prepared emergency where we know the aircraft has a problem, our priority is to prepare the passengers for an emergency ground evacuation or ditching in case we crash in water. During this time, you have to be focused and very vigilant. Even the softest cabin crew at this time will give commands which passengers should follow in preparation for emergency landing. Dying is not an option; surviving is what drives you. The aim is for you and the passengers to come out of that aircraft alive.

“You remember your children, your family, and the zeal to make it out alive is all that counts. Able-bodied passengers are selected to sit on emergency exit rows, and we are all briefed on how to operate the emergency doors in case the cabin crew become incapacitated before the moment of impact. As passengers are worrying about everything else, the cabin crew are quietly running emergency drills in their heads and doing their silent reviews, which basically means preparing your mind for disaster. At this time, they will be shouting; they will be shouting their commands to passengers. You then leave everything to God. As scary as it is, this is what cabin crew are reminded before every flight, and we have to run through what to do in case of an emergency every day. Imagine going to work always prepared for an emergency.

“As for me, my son was the reason why I cried after every safe flight. My prayer before every takeoff and landing was, “God, my son needs me, keep me safe for him.” Every time I watched him walk away after dropping me at the airport, I was scared and sad. Nobody understood why I came to Kenya so often. I wanted every chance I could get to be around my boy because the skies are so unpredictable. I had to pick him from school so he could see me, and no matter what, he was not studying for a PhD, so missing half a day in school did not worry me.

“Travelling the world is fun, but the “what if” question can never be erased from a cabin crew’s mind. Every moment you get to spend time with a loved one should be treasured, no matter how short. On short notice, on such days, I had only 22 hours to be with my son when I came for Nairobi flight duties. So, next time you fly, be kind to the cabin crew. Remember, their main reason is to ensure your safety on board.

“They will always try to put a smile on your face. If there is no more chicken on board, no matter how much you complain, please note that there are no chickens in the sky that they will catch, slaughter, and cook for you, so just understand and eat the beef in peace. Okay, friends, and when you plan to drink the whole bar in the aircraft, ask yourself one question: In case of an emergency, will I be able to save myself? That will be enough reason to control yourself. As much as people say flights are unsafe, they still remain the safest mode of travel. Only that when things go south, the results are always catastrophic. May God rest the souls of all the departed souls in internal peace.”

Thande added that after 15 years of service, she needed a break, so she eventually quit her job as a flight attendant.

“I rested my wings to fly. No retirement age but your body cant take so much of that cabin pressure it eventually gives up. There is always time for everything I needed a break after flying for 15 years,” she said.

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