You probably remember one of my highly entertaining Mauritius trips back last month. We had to deal with something unusual on-board while cruising over the Indian Ocean (ETOPS, meaning far away from any suitable airport to divert to). I cannot give you any details as briefed but upon checking my snail-mail inbox this morning (I had plenty of time to do so, read on to find out why…) I got a postcard from my Manager. A “Well Done” card for being discreet and professional. The message reads :
“ To Ben,
In recognition of your support and teamwork when forced with unusual circumstances on EK*** on **/**/**. You were discreet and professional ! Thank You & Well Done.“
This is the first time I get something from a company for a job well done. Being French, I’m not used to it as it’s something you wouldn’t get in a million years over in France. It’s just not something they do there. You can bring in millions, all they can find to say is : “Bring in billions tomorrow”. It’s not a custom to reward staff for their hard work. At least in French Management it’s not the case. Although things are changing and they’re realising that these little affectionate notes can make a difference.
It’s always good to know management is in the loop. Might the situation be good or bad. I’ve only met my manager once, just a quick hello in Briefing and that was it.
I had Nujoum yesterday. Which is a day dedicated to Cabin Crew. Again can’t say much about it because I’ll get beheaded if I do so. But building on the success story already achieved by Emirates, they wanted to make sure we did not rest and worked even harder. We recently jumped from the 9th place to the 5th on the Best Airline In The World Skytrax award and they want to be “Outright Number ONE”. So basically they send us on a journey to find our goals and how to achieve it. It’s all very purple and star shaped. A day and venue specifically design for women. Very Oprah style. At times it felt like being in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory minus the humpa lumpas. Highlight of the day : Maurice & Terry’s aerial number… Hovering above our head during lunch in a very Cirque Du Soleil-esque show complete with lighting and loungy music.
Today is back to reality. After sleeping from the minute I got back from Nujoum yesterday and waking up this morning at 0400 hours for my turnaround Ammam flight. Got ready and all, got myself nicely shaved and Nujoumed my way to Crew Briefing Center with a mile long smile. Got to the e-gates where we sign-on and realised I completely forgot my Passport at home. That’s what minimum rest does to you : you rely on minimum brains. This is a touchy situation to be in cause, not only do you get salary deduction for not reporting for a flight, you also get a phone call from your manager to ask you why or why not.
It’s the first time I forget something in a year and 2 months. First time I get an Absent. It’s not me at all. So I was fuming at myself. I called Duty Controller who wasn’t of a big help as predicted and informed Briefing agent that I won’t make it in time for the flight. I went back home after checking my snailmail.
I took things into my own hands and promptly sent an email to my manager before she actually wakes up to rant about this morning’s adventures. I just hope I’m not getting a written/verbal warning… So now I’m back at home watching the sun rise from the living and listening to “It’s A Wonderful Life” by Black which is also the music for the new Emirates Arrival Video Pursers play to passengers going into Dubai… Download it below…
Black - It's A Wonderful Life (4.6 MiB, 155 hits)
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Geeeez, sometimes I feel I just want to evaporate somewhere. I need to get out of Dubai NOW ! Well that’s it from me. Hope you’re well, wherever you are. Next trip is Shanghai, can’t wait too. Get me outta here !
woops, I totally did not get to read this before I asked how your turn around went.
Don’t beat up yourself because of this!
“First time I get an Absent. It’s not me at all. So I was fuming at myself”
“Geeeez, sometimes I feel I just want to evaporate somewhere. I need to get out of Dubai NOW !”
Hope all goes well with your next one!
Till next time,
Darylle
DO you even really need your passport for a turn around? Do you need them for DXB or do you use your pass? Do they even bother to check them in AMM? I remember years ago when we used to stay in AMM we used to walk past immigration – they didn’t even check out staff pass let alone our passports ….
Be great-full that at least you are not on RESERVE….YES NO YES NO
But it does suck to have an AB on your file ! Bonne chance .
Hop hop! Bonne chance & good job for last trip at Mauritus _
Congrats on getting the ‘Well Done’ card, which I’m going to focus on, instead of the forgetting to bring your passport part, which happens at least once to every one… Here in Australia we have to use our passports to leave the country, unlike the e-gate system you have there, so I guess there is less of a chance for us forgetting our passports!
You got that “Well done” postcard from your Manager, and now you anticipate a “written/verbal warning”….Isn’t it strange how you can be hugged and slapped at the same time!
How many levels does one pass before becoming Manager? Is it a quick easy climb to that level? I’m assuming all Managers are cabin crew or ex-cabin crew.
Now to be a PA to the VP Cabin crew, would be an amazing position!!
congrats for your well done card…..and I hope you´ll don´t have any trouble about forgetting you passport……….
I´m a big fan of u
Big hug from Santiago, Chile
When are you coming to ozzieland ????? I’ll be next in Melbourne, in about 2 weeks !!! tell me when you have a flight because I’m missing you dearly !!!!! xxxx
Well done for contacting your boss.You’ll get brownie points for that!!!!! If I worked in the airline industry, (I work in the transport industry) my role would be to contact you first and find out what happened. This is my current role.
Believe or not we ‘don’t throw mud’ we find out the facts first then decide what to do.
You appear to have a good record so I wouldn’t worry too much just don’t make habitual.
regards
Capt
How much time was left on the clock before you realised you forgot your passport? I’ve forgotten my ID twice, and both times went back by taxi and both times I made it. it helps if you have a psycho taxi driver and a couple of 100dh notes handy too…
Well done Ben.
They love you.
Hi all!
if i remember well, Sodwee you had a Noujoum last year, after a Japanese trip… not?…
z
Yes, it’s called a Najm, I also forgot about it. But yes, it’s similar but the Najm is an official reward as the “well done” card is more of a personal thank you from ones Manager.
Sep, Noujoum….CC language!
oh Gosh, i will get lost between these awards…
and yes, sorry M, my spelling was a bit of a french transcription as i studied arabic in Tunisia (where arabic words are transcribed differently as in English-speaking arabic countries…)
so Najm and Nujoum is given by different levels of management? but basically they have a same meaning?
anyway, they are nice points in your EK-record, Sodwee, for future progression, not?
z
Extended-range Twin-engine Operation Performance Standards
Kind of scary situation isn´t it ?
Last year something smilar happened to me, while crusing the Atlantic Ocean heading to Buenos Aires (EZE) from FCO, EN 1 decided to take a rest and terrified all the passangers. That was the first time I had to use the Restrain Kit cause an old man got bloody nuts!
Are you gonna be able to tell us what the hell happened on that fligth ?