陈小宁的博客

和国航空乘聊天

因为美国航空公司避免国际争端，使得中美航线大受影响，不仅没有了直飞，而且迫不得已取消了很多班机。此时，中国航空公司却是渔翁得利，不仅可以直飞北极航线，而且总是航班爆满。难怪在外华人对此虽颇有微词，但还是愿意加入乘飞机的大军。满足自己的目的，也借机回到自己深爱的地方看看家乡变化，也与亲朋好友把盏言欢。

直眼看去，飞机上老外并不多，看来直接影响旅游是板上钉钉的事。而大多数国人年龄完全两极分化，退休年龄的老人和年轻的学子。显然，退休的老人除了个别超富要卷的外，大都是愿意当孝子去帮着照看第三代的，因为此时真正旅游的大都以签证难拿为由在打退堂鼓，深究起来其中受宣传左右的人不在少数。即便如此，波音747的四百多座位基本上是座无虚席。

而年轻人则显得比较神秘的样子，拿着美国学校的录取通知书，怀揣着一腔热血，既想把家中的血本早落到实处，又对未来充满担心。毕竟是到了一个陌生的地方，还有五毛热衷的言辞推动着反向的效果的影响。不过，年轻就是资本，勇闯天涯应该是智者的选择。

尽管有两国交恶的铺垫，但一方面讲敏感的地方要限制，另一方面有生源就有财源，本就是一对矛盾，只看当事者屁股坐在哪边，何况学生是无辜的，都当受害者谁来当英雄呢。在同一架飞机上有近三十个学生来自同一所私立学校，又申请到同一所接收的大学，如果不是姐妹学校的互助，那一定是用了特别的手段有私底下的交易。所以，留学形式并非严峻到撕破脸的程度。

飞机上的人多对乘务员的压力不小，但相比外航来说，国航的空乘年轻能干，精力充沛本身就是一个优势。一架飞机上有一个主乘务长和两个当班的乘务长，从制服上很容易区分。其他的空乘有统一的着装。空少的肩章上有两道杠，但并没有阶级差异，只是为了区分机长的四道杠。

空乘飞国际航线是普遍最愿意的工作，主要就是工资高。但也有不利因素，就是飞行时间相对较长。十多个小时的飞行虽然中间可以轮班休息，但是到达目的地后的时差对睡眠是有很大影响的。新手开始热衷于旅游，但久而久之该玩的地方走遍了也就没有新鲜劲了。

空乘的工作是熬年头的事，从学校出来上岗后没有几年的经历是不可能得到提升的，而如果中间半途而废，不仅失去了高收入的优势，还要从头做起，对于就业形势紧张的现今，也不见得是可以走的出路。不过要是真的由于时差睡眠成问题，到最后落得身体受影响还是有问题的。

一位空姐，在国际班机上干了十三年，收入可观，已经熬到乘务长的级别了，工作上的压力已经没有那么大了，下一步要多考虑的是家庭今后的出路。这是一个对她有些矛盾的现实，她有两个儿子，都到加拿大旅居过一段时间，也有想移民的想法，但是现实做起来很难。她的先生是一位飞国际线的机长，收入比她更高，可是想跳槽却受到政策限制，一旦离职，要付五百多万的违约金，毕竟拿到飞行执照的成本不低，因此，不是想走就能走的自由身。

一个空少，大大咧咧的举动，既和蔼可亲又平易近人，但在他自己的空间里总打哈气，一看就是睡眠不足。他说他每年很严格的体检都是一次通过，比起很多被血压上升挡住需要多做几次测试的同事来说，身体算很好的。可是他对于能否长期做下去也信心不足。

相比较很多航空公司来说，国航的乘务员相对年轻很多，空姐、空少都是最恰当的称呼，不像国外航空公司会有很多上了岁数的空乘，大妈、大爷不在少数。因此，年龄低精力充沛是明显的优点，加上严格的规章制度也避免了经验不足的缺陷。

而且，国航对国人特点了如指掌，在提供服务的同时也会避免不必要的麻烦。比如提供的饮料品种不是面面俱到，而且，采用大包装避免浪费。我喜欢的奎宁水国航就不提供，可乐也没有易拉罐的，只是从大桶里给你倒一杯而已。

不过，国航上的温度调的相对高一些，用空乘的话说，飞机上国内老人较多，怕冷，国人对温度比较敏感，不像吃肉的洋人热量大，这也是国航很人性的一面。

空乘飞机上其实很寂寞，能和同事聊几句没有太多的话题。空姐的眼光因阅人无数也变得比较实际，对空少的兴趣也不会很大。所以想聊天就去找空乘，无论空姐或空少，他们都乐意。

**Chatting with Air China Flight Attendants**

Due to U.S. airlines avoiding international disputes, the U.S.-China routes have been greatly affected. Not only have direct flights been canceled, but many flights have also been cut. In this situation, Chinese airlines have reaped the benefits, not only maintaining direct flights over the polar route but also consistently operating fully booked flights. It’s no wonder that overseas Chinese, despite some complaints, are still willing to join the ranks of air travelers, fulfilling their goals and taking the opportunity to return to their beloved homeland, reconnecting with family and friends, and witnessing the changes in their hometowns.

Looking around, there aren't many foreigners on the plane, clearly showing that tourism has been directly impacted. Most of the Chinese passengers are at two extremes in terms of age—retirees and young students. Evidently, apart from a few ultra-wealthy retirees who still want to hustle, most are willing to be filial and help take care of the third generation. Meanwhile, those who would typically travel have retreated, often citing difficulties in obtaining visas. In truth, many have been influenced by the propaganda. Even so, the Boeing 747 with its more than 400 seats is almost fully occupied.

The young people, on the other hand, appear rather mysterious, holding admission letters from U.S. schools, filled with both excitement and anxiety. They hope the financial sacrifices made by their families will pay off, but they also worry about the uncertainties of moving to a foreign place. After all, they're heading into the unknown, with the added influence of reverse rhetoric from those with a certain agenda. Nevertheless, youth is their greatest asset, and venturing into the world should be the choice of the wise.

Despite the ongoing tensions between the two countries, while there are restrictions in sensitive areas, as long as there are students, there is money to be made. This is a paradox, depending on which side you’re on. After all, students are innocent, and if everyone is a victim, then who will be the hero? On the same plane, nearly thirty students come from the same private school and have all been admitted to the same university. If it’s not through a sister-school arrangement, there must be some behind-the-scenes deal. So, the situation for studying abroad is not as dire as it might seem.

The high number of passengers does put pressure on the flight attendants, but compared to foreign airlines, Air China's cabin crew is young, capable, and full of energy, which is an advantage in itself. On a flight, there is one chief purser and two on-duty supervisors, easily identifiable by their uniforms. The other flight attendants wear the standard uniform, while male flight attendants have two stripes on their epaulettes, not signifying rank but rather distinguishing them from the captain, who has four stripes.

Flight attendants generally prefer working on international routes, mainly because of the higher pay. However, there are disadvantages, such as the longer flight times. Although they can rest during shifts, the time zone differences upon arrival have a significant impact on sleep. Newcomers might be excited about traveling at first, but after exploring most of the destinations, the novelty wears off.

Being a flight attendant is a long-term job. After graduating from training school, it takes years of experience before one can expect a promotion. If they quit halfway, not only do they lose the advantage of high income, but they also have to start over in a highly competitive job market. If the time zone issues severely impact sleep, health problems can arise in the long run.

One flight attendant I spoke with had worked on international flights for thirteen years. She earned a good salary and had risen to the rank of purser, so the pressure had eased considerably. Her next concern was her family’s future. It’s a bit of a dilemma for her. She has two sons who have both lived in Canada for a while, and she's considered immigrating, but it’s not easy in practice. Her husband is an international flight captain, earning even more than she does, but switching jobs is difficult due to the policy constraints. If he quits, he would have to pay over five million yuan in penalties, as the cost of obtaining a pilot’s license is high. So, leaving isn’t as simple as it seems.

Another flight attendant, a young male, had a relaxed and friendly demeanor. He was personable and approachable but kept yawning in his downtime, clearly sleep-deprived. He mentioned that he passes his strict annual medical exams with ease, unlike many colleagues who have to retake tests due to high blood pressure. However, he’s unsure if he can stay in the job long-term.

Compared to many airlines, Air China's flight attendants are relatively young. The titles of flight attendants and stewards fit them well, unlike foreign airlines that have many older crew members, where it's common to see middle-aged attendants. Therefore, youth and energy are clear advantages for Air China, and their strict regulations help compensate for any lack of experience.

Additionally, Air China is well-versed in catering to Chinese passengers. Their service avoids unnecessary complications. For instance, the range of beverages offered isn't exhaustive, and large containers are used to avoid waste. My favorite, tonic water, is not available, and Coca-Cola is only served from large bottles, not cans.

The temperature on Air China flights tends to be a bit higher. According to the flight attendants, it's because many of the elderly Chinese passengers are sensitive to the cold, unlike Western passengers, who have more body heat due to their diet. This is one of Air China’s considerate touches.

The life of a flight attendant can be lonely. There isn't much to talk about with colleagues after working together for so long. The flight attendants, having seen all kinds of people, have become practical in their outlook, and the female attendants aren't particularly interested in the male stewards. So, if you want to chat, find a flight attendant—whether male or female—they’re always willing to talk.