Date: Mon 21st September ,2009

Hi Janet

Thank you for writing the book “The Mile Hi! Club : Memoirs of a Stewardess”.

It brought back many memories, both pleasant and unpleasant ones, for me as a former airline cabin crew.

Many years back, there was British Airways advertisement on TV where there were a class of children playing musical chairs. When the music stops, a boy didn’t get a seat and he threw a tantrum. The word “Future CEO” was flashed. Then, a girl stood up and gave up her chair to the boy. The word “Future Cabin Crew” was flashed.

I hope the book will help to educate people to treat cabin crew with respect, to enlighten them that flight stewardesses are also somebody’s daughter, and to acknowledge the fact that it is one of the few ‘giving’ professions around.

I also love what you did for the stray dog in Taipei. May you and your family be blessed abundantly.

Sincerely,
Angelina Phoon

Date : Tuesday, 14th July, 2009

Gosh! I guess I’m late by 2 whole months! Got the book only in Jul…what have I been missing???

Just clarify..my Nick ( Lao Hero), does not means me is some old man here… just a nick i always use in all forums…

Was lunching with my colleague and we decided to pop into Popular. Chanced upon this book. Awesome! Its the only book that I read in the last 2 years! Gosh….I could feel myself immersed into Janet’s character and the quotes seems very real!

When I was in NS, i had got to know many stewards who came back for reservist, including a chief steward. Heard of many stories from him, good and bad ones…? That stroke the fire in me to join a leading airline one day. Sadly, I went for the interview and failed to made it past round 1. Since then, I give up on my flying plans. Instead, I working in a job where I need to travel frequently right now to please the travel bug in me.

As I read the book, I can really relate to many of these anecdotes. The hotel rooms, the air crew, the airlines, the smell, the uniform and every thing. Bec I see it all the time. The lingo used, is also very catchy and its somewhat “grammatical correct english” but catchy present day lingo! Like one forumer put it: Conversational english. I think this is the main strengh of the book. The chapters are short, witty, easy language with profound words at times. Good mix.

Many times, I just laugh to myself (many internal injuries already) and even suppress my laughter while in office. I have been strongly recommending this book to my colleagues (all of whom travel widely) and all are “queueing” up to borrow my book! Haha… Janet, will try to get them to go buy…worth every cent of it…. $20+ for 2 nights of entertainment and insight into your world, its worth every cent, dollar, ringgit, peso, euro blah blah…

As for the fav part of the book, its hard for me to pick a fav. Really. All chapters are equally good. Another forumer said, its like a diary, 13 years worth of it, cram into it. Which chapter to leave out? which to keep? Tough choice.

Well, personally I feel it was tough to say goodbye. You must have your reasons to do so. I can sense your pride, your love and commitment for the job. But end of the day, you may want to persue other dreams. Kick another door open. I was very tough for me to resign from my first job too and I still miss my old job very much and am proud (yet sad cos I miss those times) to be associated with it whenever I see them in the media. Same for you?

Janet, congrats to you on such a wonderful book and I enjoy every single line of it. Do carry on chasing that dream and kick the next door wide!!

Date : Sunday, 5 July, 2009 12:21 PM

Hi Janet,

I’ve just finished reading your book and I must say it really brought back alot of memories. Just like you, I gave up a life that I loved (which I must say was very difficult to adapt in the beginning) for the sake of my son.

I recommend this book to every past, present and future flight attendant and I wish you all the best.

Elizabeth Moraes

Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:09:33 +0800

Hi Janet,

Really love your book, when i started reading, I just can’t stop reading. Your book is really very interesting and also has lots of very useful information at the same time. It really helps me to understand more about the career that I’m interested in.

What you describe about your experiences as an air stewardess makes me nervous and at the same time, even more interested in this career.

Like you, being an Air Stewardess has been my childhood occupation all the way until now. (I’m in poly now) I really love to travel around and seeing air stewardesses walking around in the air port with grace and very elegant makes me want to be a part of air stewardess. But i have some questions regarding this career which i hope you could help me to clarify. Would really appreciate your help.

1st question:

As you mention, we have to look presentable to be able to be an air stewardess. My looks are around the average types of girls. Thus, I think I’m able to meet the presentable criteria. However, there is 1 flaw in my feature. You see, 1 of my teeth at the lower row is crooked. But, the row of teeth on top are perfectly straight. so, if i were to smile showing just my upper row of teeth, it’ll be straight. but, when i talk or laugh, if people were to look closely, they would be able to see the crooked tooth on the side.

Thus, i would like to ask you, will this affect my chance of getting shortlisted for the next round of interview? I am planning to put braces. But i need to save up money first as putting braces cost up to around $4000+. So, I’ll need quite a period of time to save up.
But, by the time i save enough money to put on braces, it’ll be time for me to go for the interview. As i plan to go for the interview in 1 yr time.

I’m planning to put brace on only the bottom row of my teeth. So, do you think that going to the interview with braces would affect my chances too? Or going without braces but with 1 crooked tooth will affect my chances more?

2nd question:

This is quite a sensitive question. Hope you done mind. cause I heard from someone saying that air stewardess usually have big chest. Is it true?
I mean do they choose air stewardess by seeing the chest size? Cause my chest size is not big at all. I’ve always been tease and make fun of saying I’m ‘airport’ It’s small. (I’m only an size A) Will this affect my chances too?

Last question:

I would like to ask you, being an air stewardess means the spoken language must be strong right? especially English. you see, I’m being brought up in a Chinese speaking family. although my English is acceptable, but when compared to other English speaking people, there’ll be a slight difference. For my O’level, i got an B4 for my English. but the problem is my spoken English is not that good compared to people who are brought up in an English speaking environment. Do you think I’ll loose out to others during the interview if the interviewers hear my English and compare it to others? Will my chances of getting shortlisted become slimmer?
Hope you could answer my doubts as I really need someone who knows the system for being Air Stewardess. Sorry for such a long email and using up your time. Please reply me. THANKS ALOT!

Yours truly,
JT

Hi Janet!

OH MY GOSH!! You replied me! ^.^
At first I have doubts that you would reply, cause I thought that you would be busy. But thanks so much for your advise! You give me hope and boost my confidence!

You are like my hero that answer my qns and uncertain thoughts. THANK SO SO MUCH! You’re really a rare
person!! super nice one!! I really hope that you are my mentor (if i got to become an air stewardess)!
You’ll be my role model! =)

Once again, thank you so much. All the best in your life!! =) You’re like an angel! really!

Love,
JT

Date : Saturday, 27 June, 2009 1:23 AM

Hi Janet,

My name is J. just got the last book of the shelf from Kinokuniya @ Taka this afternoon and all i? can say, is really a page-turner! i really cant put my hands off the book! =)

As cliche as it might sound, which you might have heard umpteen times , i really aspire to become one of the best air stewards in the industry.

I have been trying to find someone whom is really experienced in this field and can really help me to point me to the right direction or even give me advice on how should i go about pursuing in this career .? and you came along with your book. Your book have really been an awesome, really help us, providing us with immense insight of what exactly this industry is all about.

Janet, i have some burning questions that i would to ask yo, who has such immense experience in this field
I have just graduated from Temasek Polytechnic, Diploma of Culinary and Catering Management. and i’m waiting to go into NS this coming month of July. and after that, i would be going overseas to further my studies in Adelaide in the field of Hospitality and come back to join the industry. this is what i have plan out for the next 4 years of my life.

1)? Question: What’s your opinion four years down the road in this industry? (Please don’t get me wrong, regardles the future of the airline industry, i would still pursue a career in this industry. )

I have acompanied female friends for SIA interviews that were held at Sheraton, and i all i can say, there are really gorgeous ladies and handsome guys with perfect complexion couple with killer looks.? And as for me, i have complexion issues, that have been quite discouraging for me, Acne scars, which due to my itchy hands and lack of complexion knowledege during seconday school days, i went to ‘pop’ the pimples, which resulted with the scarring. I have been using facial products to better improve the current situation. i understand that besides, being pleasant looking, being confident and having a good personality, what other areas that we would be assess on?

Right now, due to the ‘restraints’ i have, i would like to the next 4 years, to really prepare myself for the industry, in terms of, skills-wise, physical requirements, etc.

2) Question: i believe during the interview, the assessment for ladies and guys are different? As in the criteria looked out for would be different aye? So i was wondering what would be the criteria(s) that as GUYS, would be assess on?
Thank you so much in advance, for spending your time to read through this email! ‘m really looking forward to receive your reply.

PS: just a suggestion, maybe, just maybe, A Steward might write a book as well? Memoirs of A Steward? Just a suggestion

Yours,
J.
(Big Fan of Yours )
Date : Thu 11/6/2009 3:15 AM

Hey Janet,

Kudos Kudos?Gong Xi Gong Xi?Congratulations on the success of your 1st? book. Looking forward to your 2nd and many more books to come. J

I just finished reading your book so come here kaypoh kaypoh abit?suddenly feel like I am ?listening? to the story of an old friend hahaha :p

I had read abt ?The Mile Hi! Club? in the papers sometime last mth and I thought to myself ? Hey! Seems like and interesting book! Shall go to the bookstore and pick it up?. I seldom read lah?but I always loved to read life stories of successful people whom I respect and admire. (usually I admire the person first then buy his book but after reading this book I truly admire and respect you too) The last book that I bought from the bookstore to read was story of Warren Buffet last year. Nah, I am nowhere a big time investor nor am I trying to impress anyone that I read HIS book?juz trying to illustrate that I don?t anyhow go to the bookstore and pick up any book to read?So ?The Mile Hi! Club? must be something huh?haha J

Finally got my hands on the book last Friday and true enough once started cannot stop man!!! I like the way you write?really funny and entertaining?make me ?cheo ka peng? (laff until drop)?hahahaha?Especially when you newbird kena scolding?kena bullied by seniors?aiyo?reminds me of my army daze?BUT that was only the first few chapters. I found myself no longer laughing as the chapters went on?suddenly I found tears rolling down my cheeks???

WAhhahahahaa?no lah?not so ?? lah?but I must say that after reading the book, I was left totally touched. Totally touched by the author?s LOVE and PASSION for her job of 13 years. I can feel HER PRIDE IN THE JOB and the PRIDE when she puts on THAT UNIFORM?although she complains it?s very uncomfy?hehehe :p The feeling I get from the book is that you really loved flying so much and you really took a lot of pride in your job. Can see you really did not sensationalize the story and I can feel it?s written with your heart. ????! J

Actually, I not kaypoh to know why you left and of course the decision to leave must be damn painful. I am just curious to know if you cried like mad when you resigned? I am trying to imagine how was your last flight as a cabin crew like? When the plane touched down and after all passengers disembarked, did you walk to the galley?run your fingers thru all the stuffs (especially that metal plate that you use to serve drinks)? With tears flowing? Hehe oops am I too drama here? Or maybe you were more drama then? Satisfy my curiosity can? Hahaha :p

I am sure the difficulties and ?sufferings? you had to go thru to complete this book is indescribable and I will never be able to understand. Even got flamed?ouch! That goes to tell how much you loved flying, so much that you braved all uncertainties, overcame all odds and here I am reading the book!

I am truly touched by your passion and ?stubbornness? and I sincerely respect you for that. Looking forward to more stories from you. J

Wow! I din realize I am such a talented writer too?can write such long post. Anyone interested in my story too? Heehee :p

Cheers!

Date : Monday, 25 May, 2009 8:20 PM

Hey Janet,

Just finished reading the mile hi club and I have just one word.

Outstanding!

I could literally feel myself laughing with you, crying with you and cheering you on as I turned the pages one after another.? It was immensely heartwarming to read about your ups and downs and how you remained strong through it all.

I graduated from school about a year ago and the bullying by seniors, the long working hours, the time away from family strike a familiar cord within me.? The churning stomach as you reach the airport? I occasionally get that too as I reach the office.? And yes, all everyone sees is the glamour .

Loved the book, will tell all my friends bout it, and congratulations to you and your team for such a wonderful effort!

Sincerely,
CL

Date : Thu 21/5/2009 3:46 AM

Dear Janet,

I just read your book, and wanted to drop you a note telling you that I enjoyed reading it very much. It was a great read, so even though I
could only read it in between deadlines it was hard to put down the book each time and I was glad to be able to get back to it whenever I
could.

Thank you for sharing your interesting experiences and giving such? sincere insights into the world of flight attendants. I think you have
extended your service to your airline by writing this book and helping people understand part of what makes your airline such a great one.
Its great to read all your advice to the young about what to expect in the job as well:) I’m sure many will benefit from the knowledge you
have shared.

All the best for your future endeavors.
Warmest regards,
DF

Date : Mon 4/5/2009 9:09 PM

Hi there,

I was laughing so hard when reading the excerpts from your book.

Having been in the same Industry before, I cracked up more when I read Cabin Crew Culture.

So told myself, I have to really have this book.

Thing is, I am residing in Oslo, Norway.

Hope you can send it over to this side of the world.

And please, tell me how and how much in order for me to get my hands on it.

Zu A.
Date: Mon 4/5/2009 1:17 AM

Hi Janet,

saw the article on papers that you have wrote a book regarding about your life as a stewardess.
I have came across such books in Malaysia but not in Singapore.

In the past, I was wondering how come no stewardess in Singapore come out with a book to write about the interesting and hot stuff that is happening within this industry. But now there is .. You!

Keep the stories coming in the blog & may your book sell like hotcakes!!

Cindy

Date : Sun 3/5/2009 5:42 PM

Hi Janet

I saw your article on Saturday New Paper, 03 May 2009. It was a wonderful write-up and I immediately log-in to your website to purchase the book. Being a former cabin crew, it was an experience to be 35,000 feet above the ground ?

Best Regards
R P