Angel’s Blog

Airport Diaries : Cathay Pacific

[preciousangelblogs]

First Time Using the Announcement

Nov 27, 2025

I had Assiia come with me to the gates as it was her first time. I taught her what to do when document checking the passengers and she was very nice to work with. Both of us were so excited when one of the staff asked if we would like to do the announcement to call some passengers who need further Document Check. We had the chance to do it twice which made both of us feel more better about ourselves. We ended the night shift together by having the opportunity to watch the push-back of the plane and the pilots waving goodbye.

This shift is one of the best shift I’ve ever done. I’ll always take these moments and apply them to my future career.

I am so thankful to have this opportunity to be a part of the Cathay Pacific Family as a student. It has been the best placement experience I’ve ever had.

[preciousangelblogs]

First Night Shift Heading to the Gates - w/ my RAIC

November 17, 2025

After my getting my RAIC in the afternoon, I headed to my night shift and I was so excited to go to the gates using my RAIC for the first time. Just like the yellow pass I had before, this purple pass makes me feel even more like the feeling of actually working in the airport.

After document checking the passengers and boarding all the passengers, I wanted to experience push-back during the night time because I’ve already seen it during the day.

I really enjoy helping out at the gates, it’s really nice to interact with everyone.

[preciousangelblogs]

First Time at the Gate - > Pushback ✈️

October 27, 2025

This was my first time heading to the gates after getting my yellow pass which allows me to go through security to help guide passengers just before they board the aircraft.

I was so excited and happy that I got to experience this role. I was taught how to do a document check when the passengers are lining up behind the totems and ready to board. It’s really nice to have direct interaction with the passengers because they are really nice and also they are very friendly when asking questions. I am really happy to help the Cathay Pacific crew with anything I can help with to make the boarding process more smoothly.

After all the passenger boarded the aircraft, I got a chance to watch for the pushback of the plane and this experience is very remarkable for me. I was fascinated with everything. I could watch it again and again, because I find planes really nice to watch, both in the air and on the ground. This experience really meant a lot for me. :)

[preciousangelblogs]

Flight Delayed + A Challenging Passenger Encounter

October 18, 2025

Today's shift was one that I will definitely remember because it felt very different from all the typical shifts I've had before. The flight was delayed, and the new departure time was moved to 7:00 PM. Even though delays can sometimes make the atmosphere stressful, this one surprisingly felt calm. The Cathay Pacific staff at the counters kindly offered free Starbucks for all of us, including the students. It made the mood lighter and helped us feel better about the delay. Since passengers were arriving later than usual to check in, the counters weren't too busy in the beginning, which gave us time to settle in.

Later on, we had to move everything from our original counters because another airline needed to use them. Our team moved over to Zone 4, and I helped one of the Cathay Pacific staff organize the stanchions and set up the line properly. Even though it was unexpected, it felt nice to contribute and help make the area look neat and ready for the passengers.

However, the moment that stood out the most from this shift was an encounter with a passenger who seemed to be struggling. I first noticed them walking around with a personal cart full of reusable bags and an empty large suitcase. This passenger wandered around for about 30 minutes before approaching me and the other students for help. At first, they just asked for directions after checking in, so I politely guided them toward the "BC Gates" for security.

But then their requests became more demanding and personal, and the situation quickly became uncomfortable. The passenger wanted help packing their belongings, and they kept dropping items on purpose in front of us to get our attention. They also tried to hand me their pouch containing passport, money, and documents so I could hold it while they searched for their boarding pass. I knew I could not do that, so I explained gently that I wasn't allowed to handle personal items or pack their belongings. Even after explaining this, the passenger kept insisting, which made it very difficult and awkward.

I tried my best to support them verbally without crossing any boundaries. Eventually, security at the "BC Gates" stepped in and helped the passenger with their belongings, and I felt relieved knowing they were now being supported by someone with the proper authority. I felt pity for the passenger and genuinely wished I could help more, but I reminded myself that staying professional also means knowing my limits. Not everything is my responsibility, and it's important to follow the rules while still being kind.

This shift taught me a lot about balancing empathy with professionalism. Even when a situation becomes uncomfortable, staying calm, respectful, and within my boundaries is what allows me to provide safe and proper support. Today was definitely unforgettable.

[preciousangelblogs]

Passenger Check-In Using the Kiosk

The Kiosk role reminded me that even the simplest tasks can come with their own challenges. At first, using the Kiosk seemed very straightforward. But as I spent more time helping passengers, I realized that not every check-in goes smoothly. Sometimes the Kiosk asks for extra documents like Visas, or it suddenly shows an error message. There are moments when a family of three or more gets sent right back to the beginning after doing everything correctly, and I can see how frustrated they become. Situations like these pushed me to think fast, stay calm, and guide them the best I could.

I also meet many passengers who do not speak English well and come to me for help. Communicating can be tough, but l've learned to use simple gestures, body language, and the Kiosk's language options to help them understand what to do next. It feels good to see their relief when the screen switches to their own language and everything becomes easier for them.

Another challenge I face is when passengers want me to scan their passport or type in their booking reference for them. Even though I want to help, I know I am not allowed to enter their personal information. Saying no can be hard, especially when they look confused or stressed, but I've learned to stay professional while still guiding them step-by-step.

One part of the Kiosk role I really enjoy is helping passengers tag their bags. Even though it's a routine task for me, so many passengers are amazed at how quickly and accurately I can do it. It makes me happy knowing that something simple for me can make their check-in experience easier and smoother. And during busy times, when I am assisting three different passengers at once, I've learned how important it is to stay patient, calm, and organized.

Every shift at the Kiosk teaches me something new—whether it's problem-solving, communicating, or staying professional under pressure. I enjoy being able to support passengers right at the start of their journey and make their airport experience a little less stressful. I'm proud of how much I've grown, and | look forward to learning even more with every shift.

[preciousangelblogs]

Thanksgiving with the Cathay Pacific team! 🦃

October 13, 2025

Today's shift felt extra special because it was Thanksgiving, and the Cathay Pacific team celebrated it with a nice meal that looked just like an in-flight service! The trays were neatly set up with different options, and everything looked so delicious. I chose the chicken meal, and honestly, the smell alone made me so hungry. It filled up the whole kitchen and made the place feel so warm and welcoming.

Eating together with the other students and staff felt like sharing a meal with one big family. Everyone was chatting, laughing, and enjoying the food. It was a really nice break before starting a busy shift. The food was amazing, and by the end of the meal, I was so full and happy.

After the break, I felt energized and ready to start my shift. It is nice how a good meal and good company can make such a big difference. I am feeling thankful—not just for the food, but for the people I get to work and learn with every shift.

[preciousangelblogs]

Cathay Pacific Totems

October 4, 2025

Another part of our daily setup is the totem duty.

Every shift, we're responsible for bringing the totems out from the storage room and placing them in their correct spots. These are the tall signs that help passengers line up properly at the check-in area.

Sometimes we have to push two at a time, which can definitely be a bit of a workout-especially when the wheels don't want to cooperate. There's even one totem that seems to have a mind of its own. No matter how straight you try to push it, it just swerves in its own direction. It always makes everyone laugh because we all know exactly which one it is.

Even though it might sound like a small task, it's actually an important one. We make sure every totem is placed in the correct queue and is clearly visible so passengers know exactly where to go. Once everything is lined up perfectly, the area looks neat and organized-ready for the day's flights.

It's small details like this that make the whole operation run smoothly. I'm starting to see how every little thing we do contributes to keeping the airport experience easy and efficient for passengers.

[preciousangelblogs]

Stocking Up the “DIM SUM” Cart

September 27, 2025

Today's shift gave me a better look at what happens before the actual check-in starts.

One of our responsibilities as students is to stock up the "Dim Sum" Cart right after our briefing. I really like that nickname because of how many different things are stacked and organized inside, just like dim sum dishes in a cart.

The cart includes all the essentials our team needs for the shift, like boarding passes, baggage tags, wheelchair pins, priority tags, and fragile stickers. We make sure each item is fully stocked, neat, and not overflowing. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference when the counters get busy.

Having everything ready and easy to grab helps the staff work faster and smoother.

I actually enjoyed doing this part of the job because it really showed the teamwork behind the scenes. Working with other students to refill and organize everything made the task go by quickly, and it was nice seeing everyone take it seriously. It's one of those things that might seem simple, but it's a key part of keeping the operation running well.

We also made sure the sizer was brought down with enough boxes and bags for wheelchairs and strollers. Along with the SSBD computer, these are all brought to the counters and set up before passengers arrive. Seeing everything come together made me realize how much preparation goes into making each shift smooth and organized.

Even though it's more of a setup role, it made me feel like I was really part of the team that keeps everything moving. Little by little, I'm learning that every task, either big or small-matters.

[preciousangelblogs]

Second Day with Cathay Pacific

On September 17, 2025 was my second day of field placement, and also my first time wearing the Cathay uniform! I've always loved the colour red, so l was honestly so happy seeing myself in it. I don't usually like wearing skirts, but this one made me feel confident and professional because it really gave me that "I work at the airport" feeling.

I was assigned to SSBD (Self-Service Bag Drop) today. I've heard some students say it's not their favourite role, but I actually really enjoyed it. It's probably my favorite position so far. I liked helping passengers how to use the machines and figuring things out on my own.

There were still a few moments when I wasn't sure how to answer some questions from the passengers, but the Gap Hiring students were super helpful and patient with us. They always made sure we knew what to do, and it really helped build my confidence.

What I loved most about this day was how everyone worked together. We all helped each other out, which made the day go by smoothly.

I'm starting to feel more comfortable and proud of how far I've come, even though it's only been day two of my placement.

#cathaypacific #fieldplacement #teamwork

[preciousangelblogs]

First Day as a Customer Service Ambassador for Cathay Pacific Airways

September 15, 2025 marked my very first day of Field Placement with Cathay Pacific. At the start, I felt nervous and overwhelmed—there was so much information coming at me all at once, and I worried I wouldn’t be able to remember everything right away. Thankfully, former students from my program were there to guide us, answer questions, and share tips from their own experiences. Having fellow classmates training alongside me also helped ease the pressure, since we were all learning together.

That day, our assigned flight was completely full, which made the environment even more fast-paced. Passengers often approached me with questions I didn’t yet know how to answer, and because the trainers were also busy assisting others, it wasn’t always easy to get immediate help. I also learned about certain boundaries, like not being allowed to handle passengers’ passports or assist travelers from other airlines. These rules are in place to protect both us and the passengers—for example, preventing damage to documents or giving out incorrect information.

Although the pace was intense and I stumbled a few times, I felt a huge sense of relief and pride by the end of the day. I survived my first shift, and the trainers reassured us that we did well. Looking back, it feels like a real accomplishment, and I’m grateful for everything I learned on day one.