By Hazel Plush January 1, 2025 — 5.00am
Your plane has taken off, it’s stopped ascending, there’s no turbulence… So why are the seatbelt signs still on? Chances are, safety concerns or cockpit delays aren’t to blame – it’s because the crew are changing their outfits. Behind the curtains, they’re pulling on fresh jackets or waistcoats, removing their hats and swapping their shoes – and they just need a moment more.
“Most passengers have no idea we’re getting changed, it’s very secretive,” said Aya, laughing, as my eyes widened with the revelation. “It marks the start of service; we switch from our regular uniforms into our pleated dining jackets, which give us better dexterity when serving food.”
Qatar Airways crew will change before serving food on board. Credit: Getty Images
As an Image and Style Specialist at Qatar Airways, Aya’s job is to keep the crew looking sharp at 35,000 feet – which requires a sneaky change at take-off and landing. “For women, we remove our hats and slip on flat shoes, because doing a six-hour flight in two-inch heels is torture, believe me.”
And so began my “grooming standards” training with Qatar Airways, the mandatory course that every cabin crew newbie must pass, and adhere to throughout their career. Lasting two days, the training covers everything from personal hygiene to the six pieces of makeup th
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