Into thin air
Sat, Jun 7 12:20 PM
Even as actresses and models battle minute scrutiny about their weight, women in another profession are struggling to stay thin. Air hostesses are using all means to keep the fat off, because even an extra kilo could get them the sack.
The High Court recently upheld the policy of the national airline Indian to ground some of its air hostesses and cabin crew for being overweight. By 3 kg.
Weighed down Air hostesses are going on crash diets of nimbu paani to meet the weight requirements as airlines have regular checks. To stay thin, many skip two meals a day - the third is usually juice and salad. They also have to exercise regularly. Water is the only thing they binge on.
"Crew instructors explicitly warn cabin crew to keep away from junk food and sweets. They say 'you could lose your Rs 40,000 job otherwise'," says Surabhi Batra, 20, with Oberoi Airports Services.
Tulika*of Jet Airways (5'3"/50 kg) says, "I haven't had a burger or pizza for ages. I only eat one burger every five months and then I don't eat the entire day. Usually I don't eat dinner, just water and fruit." Ground 'em Sheila, 50, who worked with Indian for 26 years, is one of the air hostesses grounded by the High Court judgement.
"The judgement is humiliating. And to think we were fighting over a matter of three kilos. Over 700 staff members face the same problem. But what can we do than eat what's served on board.
This is government setting." Arvind Sharma, advocate says, "This is clearly discriminatory. In international airlines, this would be an insult to womanhood." Sakshi*, 42, a veteran says, "Airlines are too rigid when it comes to matters of weight and Indians are much more conscious.
International airlines like Lufthansa have air hostesses of all sizes, some would make us seem like babies in front of them." Prachi Kapoor (5'4"/ 52 kg) with Jet argues that it's a healthy move.
"We sign a contract when we join that clearly states the weight requirements." Harleen, who just completed her training period with Indigo, feels that it's necessary that airlines would have such rules.
"The air hostesses are the face of the airlines, so they have to look good. Being overweight undercuts that.
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Discrimination…… Naa! The way the airline tickets are sky rocketing and basic services like pillows, blankets, luggage allowance being curtailed, I welcome the High Court's Decision. The flying public certainly needs some perks to make them comfortable, specially on long, boring flights. 😉
Shiv Shakti
