Mabuhay!

A Seneca Flight Services student doing her field placement at WestJet!

[captaincolayn-blog]

Au revoir!

January 5, 2018

I had a wonderful and amazing time doing my placement in WestJet! I will miss this place. 

See you in... maybe seven months or so? :)

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 11: Ninth Shift

November 29, 2018

I couldn’t stress this enough. Never forget to ask this first: where are you flying and which airline. This could save you time and the guest. An example of this is when the guest told me she couldn’t print her baggage tag (but her boarding pass was printed). I helped  her right away. I proceeded to try and print her baggage tag in two different kiosks and it still wouldn’t print. Then I asked her to go to customer service. Minutes later, she came back and told me they sent her here again (I believe they said she should go to the WestJet US side but instead she went straight to WestJet Canada *again*). I was confused then I tried it again. I got the same results. I went with her to go to customer service and they told me she’s flying to LGA. Then I realize I forgot to ask her where’s she flying to. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I feel terrible. This mustn't happen again.

[captaincolayn-blog]

Heading home!!! ❤️

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 10: Eight Shift

November 23, 2018

So I met Mr. D*** P***** today. He asked my name for helping him, and I asked his too because he was really nice. 🌈

Nothing else happened today. Today was not busy. And because it wasn’t busy, I asked an employee some “answered” questions I have  because every time I do this, I get more detailed answers. 💁🏻

➤STROLLERS

- attach blue tag for strollers - ONLY for gate check.

- if not, it must have an “infant/child” baggage tag (under child/infant equipment).

- LGW and LGA DO NOT need a blue tag but MUST have baggage tag (under child/infant equipment).

- the stroller can’t have a blue tag and a baggage tag at the same time.

- if they printed a baggage tag for infant/child and THEY DO NOT NEED IT (because they wanted to check-in the stroller instead), tell them to go to check-in assistance counter to CANCEL it.

➤ You can check-in 4 hours before your departure if you want a hard copy boarding pass from the KIOSK. Kiosk won’t allow you to check-in if 4+hours. You can check-in your baggage 5 hours before your departure. 

➤ Military - can have 4 baggage. No overweight fee but has restrictions (check WestJet site).

🔴 Still in process: understanding WestJet’s Rewards Program. 

Good night for now! Ciao, bello/bella!.

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 9: Seventh Shift

November 16, 2018

TODAY IS REALLY BUSYYYYYYY!!!!!!

A lot of flights are delayed and cancelled due to weather and/or maintenance issue. There are guest that I saw from yesterday that I saw again today 😱

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 8: Sixth shift

November 15, 2018

It’s snowing!!! Commute going home is going to be longer 🤦🏻‍♀️ 

Today was busy. I feel really tired but I still feel great. I think I am getting the hang of asking (1) which airline they are flying with and (2) to where they are travelling, and putting the bluetag for strollers (for gate check). Kudos for me!!!

Today, a lot of flights got cancelled and delayed. Snow is to blame. 😔 Other passengers stayed for two days!

★ Tip: Always have the time to read Dangerous Goods because you don’t know when you’ll encounter a guest carrying a dangerous good item. 

I encountered a guest who was a first time WestJet flyer. When I approached her she was having issues with the machine reading her passport. After two tries she said, “WestJet hates me. This is why I only fly with ***”. I was hurt because WestJet is my company and I told her, “I am sorry that you’re having a bad experience with our machines atm. But this is what I know, WestJet do not hate you.” Then she laughed. She said it’s okay. Then we talked, then I asked her to go to check-in assistance. 

Today, I also encountered a guest who has been a loyal customer of WestJet for 10 years!!! She’s so sweet and funny! She has this fragile checked-in item and she was afraid that it might get broken. So I told her I’ll put the fragile tag on each side so the baggage handler will notice it right away. She smiled, said that I was a sweetheart and thanked me. As I was doing it, she recommended a tape. I looked for a tape and I find none. She went to the store and tried to buy one but found nothing. She came back saying she was cursed. I told her, “no you are not. And if you are, you shouldn’t be happy and smiling right now”. Then she said I am right and “and because I am flying with WestJet”. :)))

Then I realize, at first glance, you do not know who are the first time WestJet flyer and loyal WestJet flyer. YOU must treat every guest equally because it greatly impacts their experience and you want them to fly again with WestJet. 

Overall, today was tiring yet still awesome!!!

[captaincolayn-blog]

As a Westjetter...

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 7: Fifth Shift

November 10, 2018

I get to be a Line Ambassador today! It was fun but I miss talking to guests and helping them with the kiosk. 😄

It’s true that...

* guest mistake it as the gates

* the line to baggage drop off

With that being said, your job is to tell them that the way to security is that way and to Westjet’s baggage drop off is that way. You also have to ask (for those people who wants to check-in here) if they have tried the kiosk. If not, you direct them there. The only guests you allow are those having issues with the self check-in kiosks. Examples are those who can’t print baggage tag, boarding pass, the machine can’t read their visa/passport, no credit card or cash to pay for their baggage, and those who want to get an earlier flight.

Overall, today is still awesome!!!

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 6: Fourth Shift

November 9, 2018

Hello/bonjour! I don’t know why but I feel so active today and I don’t feel exhausted. I can still do an extra two hours. 👏🏼 

Today, I helped a girl named Michelle. She was going to LGW. The thing that strike me was when she asked for my name and said, “Thank you, Patricia for helping me.” Mentioning someone’s name to thank them feels a tad better than thanking the person without his/her name. #thoughts

❣️Something to share. 

I find this funny. The two of the guest I was helping was way early for their flight. The first one was the Lady. I forgot where she was going but her flight is at 2000 and she was already at the airport at 1300. She wants to check-in her bag but she can’t at the moment. It should be five hours before her departure. Anyways, I was helping her and she didn’t end up checking her bag so she waited. Then after my break at 1730, I was doing my regular walk around duties, asking guests if they need help. I didn’t know it was her and I asked her if needs help. Then she laughed when she saw me. I laughed too. I recognized her. Haha. I said, “Oh finally, you are checking in!” Then we laughed again. Haha. 

Then this Man, he doesn’t speak English well so I was using Google Translate (Chinese). He also have the same problem like the Lady — they are both early. Then as I was doing my regular walk around duties (first was with the Lady then the Man), asking each guest if they need help, I came across with him again. We were both like, “You again!” Then we laughed 😂 He keeps saying I am giving him good service and that touches my heart. I am not doing anything grand but just listening to him and using google translate. :) I feel happy. 

(I was asking the Man if he paid his baggage online. /// I took a screenshot after work hours.)

After this, I realized that it’s an asset to be a bilingual. I know level one Sign Language but most Deaf person I encounter has their question written already so I barely use it. In my experience here in the airport, it’s good to know French, Chinese, Spanish, and Hindi. If you don’t know any of this language, it’s fine. You can use Google Translate :)

That’s it for today! Overall, this day is still awesome!!!

[captaincolayn-blog]

I SURVIVED MY FIRST WEEK!

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 5: Third Shift

November 3, 2018

Today was hard...

I encountered a guest who was going to Vancouver because her friend died. She was crying. She was having a hard time finishing her transaction. Then I when I talked to her, she said she was having a hard day and don’t wanna pay for her luggage when I told her we charge $30 for the first baggage. I felt bad for telling her that but... I am just following the company policy. ☹️

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This was the time where you can’t do anything but to listen and and say I am sorry. 

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This was the time where you want to do something for her... Like charge it free but you cannot and NOT allowed to do it. 

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This was the time where you want to cheer her up a bit by telling a joke, but apologies and listening to her is the best for now. 

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I told this to my OL. I honestly told him I do not know how to handle a situation like this. Then he said he understands (and something more but I forgot what he said) and he went to the guest and talked to her. 

I feel like I failed today.

~~~~~

After an hour later...

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Their they are...

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Walking...

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Like a boss.

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Some are even carried.

Why not use your feet bro?

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You can say they are a head turner.

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Cute. Handsome.

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Height doesn't even matter.

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There is one on the right.

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Two on the left and there’s one more coming...

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Almost everybody are awestruck!!!

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D O G S are everywhereeeeeeeee!!!!!!

asdfghjklertyuiosfsvrebr... 🤤

I SAW SO MANY DOGS TODAY!!!

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Side tip for today.

★ Tip: Bring a sanitizer with you! Just in case an old man touches (taps) your face (minutes after he sneezes) because you’re so helpful to him and that’s his way of saying thank you 😂

Overall, still a “paw”-some shift! 

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 4: Second Shift

November 2, 2018

What I learned today:

         ☞ Guests can’t bring drinks inside the security. 

I feel happy when I hear the guests say, “I am so glad you are here to help.” It absolutely warms my heart. ❤️

Also today, again, I find it hard dealing with the passengers who got their flights cancelled because they get mad at you, but inside of you wishes you can change their situation. However, all you can do is apologize and show them where’s the airline they have to take now. 

I am worried when I do my shift this coming December 25. 🙁

★ Tip: Reread dangerous goods and airport codes. Have a copy if you can. 

Overall, it is still a tiring day and my feet is aching but still an awesome shift!

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 3: First Shift!!!

November 1, 2018

I start at 1300 today! It felt weird because I am not working with my friends but I am glad my cowestjetters are friendly and willing to answer my questions.

★ Tip: Whenever kuya cleans the trash cans, make sure you check your water bottle if it is still there. It might end up inside his garbage bag 😂

Doing this shift, what I find hard is to deal with the passengers who just had a cancelled flight. I can feel their frustration. You must always remember it is not their fault and NOT even yours, SO LISTEN TO THEIR RANTS AND BE NICE WITH THEM. 

★ Tip: Bring a paper and pen with you. Write the things you are learning and your questions. 

Overall, this day is tiring but still awesome! 

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 2

October 30, 2018

Ola! Ola! Guess who is a walking zombie?!

We start at 0800 today! We all meet at the WestJet kiosk and helped the passengers check in and answer their questions.

★ Tip: make sure you ate again and wearing comfortable black leather shoes.

Lunch break! We had a thirty minutes break and ate inside the lounge. Then we went downstairs to see where the passengers get their luggages, and we saw a dog being trained.

All were distracted between listening to Chris vs the dog... Mostly were watching the trainer pet his dog 😂

Then we went to the kiosk again until 1500.

What we feel today...

... our feet hurts.

... we were starving after.

... sleepy too.

And... seeing a chair was the best sight and BEING ABLE TO SIT WAS THE BEST FEELING EVER today.

Overall, this day is awesome!

[captaincolayn-blog]

DAY 1

October 29, 2018

Guess who arrived 0648 today? I forgot that we start at 0900 not 0800 😂 I was getting worried if where is everybody and I was thinking if I am in the right place. Then I saw Chris and he told me we start at 0900 today. Pheeew. 😅

★ Tip: Make sure to reread the email and recheck your alarm. But hey, you get to explore the area!

We went inside the training room. Donna asked me to open the door for everyone. Then, when everyone arrived, we are all asked to go to the other room. There, we had our short introduction and discussion about our roles and responsibilities. 

★ Tip: Make sure you had breakfast before leaving your house and you have some snack with you. The cafeteria is outside the building.

Then we finally went to the Terminal 3 to see the GSAs in action. I remember when we were all walking towards WestJet kiosk, guests were looking at us, thinking what are we 😂 Then Chris taught us how to use the kiosk and let us do it ourselves. 

★ Tip: wear a light back pack or any bag because you’ll be standing all day. Do not wear heels (wear if you want 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Then guests started coming... 

It’s unbelievable how we can offer help right away with the kiosks knowing we just learned it five minutes ago. 

★ Tip: You can leave your water bottle on the floor near the kiosks and wear COMFORTABLE SHOES. No heels. Also when in doubt, ask if you dont know the answer. 

Then there is this one guest who we helped. In the end she gave us a pack of Halls candies. ❤︎

★ Tip: S M I L E always.

It felt good assisting and helping the guest. Now I am bit worried when I start this Thursday alone. It is easy with friends but that’s not life, you gotta do it alone for you to learn.

Overall, today was awesome! We all felt great but our feet is dead tired. Haha.

🌈 FACT: WestJet is truly a fun and friendly environment to work. 

[captaincolayn-blog]

GUESS WHAT?

September 21, 2018

I have my WestJet interview today at school. I was so nervous. I remember, when I stepped in the campus door, I was thinking, “I am four steps closer. Then three if I got in... but will I though?” Then I went to the cafeteria, and I was surprised to see lot of students having an interview today too. I caught myself thinking, “this feels like a flight attendant interview process. Their makeup and hair are on point. How will I stand out?” Then I saw my former classmates. I sat with them and I feel less nervous because I get to talk how scared I am. Then minutes later... it has begun... a fun interview has begun.

After the interview, I was overthinking. I was sacred again. I even evaluated myself if how did I do and so on. I went to my locker and I realized I was being hard on myself. I know I did great and they will see it. Then I started to change my clothes for my afternoon shift at work.

Then I finished my work. Got to the bus stop as soon as I can. I walked fast towards my place. Ran towards the elevator, wishing it was a hospital elevator (hospital elevators are soooo fast). Ran towards my unit. Said my fast hi’s and hello’s to my dear family. I felt like a teenager in a movie that couldn’t wait to tell her friends over a group chat about her crush (haha). That’s how fast I am, if you can imagine. Grabbed my laptop. Opened it. Clicked safari icon. Logged in to my Seneca email.

Then I saw a message from WestJet. 

...

I saw the first line... “Hello, It was a pleasure to meet you today...” dot. dot. dot.

...

I said to myself, “Wow. I didn’t get in.” I can feel the tears (haha).

...

Then I clicked the email because I have to read it.

...

“Hello, It was a pleasure to meet you today...”

...

I stopped reading actually. I really did but...

...

“We would like to offer you a placement at WestJet.” 

...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I got in!!!!