Fly high – successful flight stories

What is the life of Romanian flight attendants like? Here are the success stories of Ionuț Scripcaru and Mădălina Gurău

We admire their elegance as they walk through airports at any time of day or night, the friendliness with which they greet us aboard airplanes, and the tenacity with which they solve problems while we are 11,000 meters in the air. But what is the life of flight attendants really like? What made them choose this profession? What education do they have? How do they handle the demands of the job and the pressure from passengers around the world? We spoke with two flight attendants—one at the beginning of his career, Ionuț Scripcaru (Flyyo by Aerro Direkt), and one with experience, Mădălina Gurău (Emirates). Both were trained by the Shell Team Aviation, cea mai mare școală privată de însoțitori de zbor din România.

How did you decide to become a flight attendant?

Ionuț Scripcaru: I’ve always been passionate about aviation and liked the idea of interacting with people from all over the world, with different religions and cultures… Plus, I know I’m making a positive contribution to the flight crew and passengers through my friendly attitude and ability to manage diverse situations.

Mădălina Gurău: The thought of becoming a flight attendant came in 11th grade, out of a desire to become independent and travel. Coming from a small town, I wanted to go abroad.

Only 4 weeks of flight attendant school

To be able to work as a flight attendant, you must graduate from EASA-accredited courses. How was the training at the aviation school?

Ionuț Scripcaru: The courses at the Shell Team aviation school were very interesting. I was still in high school when I started them. I learned a lot about aviation safety, emergency procedures, and passenger services. The instructors are very well-trained and provided many practical examples that helped us better understand our responsibilities. It was a very valuable experience and prepared me well for a steward career.

Mădălina Gurău: Oh, it’s been 12 years since then, and I remember it like it was yesterday. The courses with Shell Team were excellent. I would describe them in a few words: aviation-dedicated instructors, respectful with students, brave and helpful, always ready to support you, and passionate about what they do. For me, it was my first contact with aviation, and I have stayed close to the Shell Team ever since.

Which airlines do you work for?

Ionuț Scripcaru: I work at Flyyo by Aerro Direkt, and this year, I want to join the aeroclub to advance and become a first officer.

Mădălina Gurău: I can proudly say I’ve worked for the most sought-after companies, namely Etihad Airways and Emirates. Currently, I am welcoming you aboard Emirates aircraft to enjoy a top-level experience.

How was your first flight?

Mădălina Gurău: My first flight was fascinating. It was also my first time flying by plane. It was to Greece, and I remember pressing my nose to the window, enjoying that “office with a view.”

Ionuț Scripcaru: My first flight was unreal, very beautiful, and full of emotions. I felt a mix of enthusiasm and responsibility, but also great satisfaction when I was able to apply all the knowledge I had gained during school. From my first flight, I knew I had chosen the right path!

Many young people dream of becoming flight attendants but may not yet have the courage to take the first step because of the unknown. What is life as a flight attendant like?

Ionuț Scripcaru: Life as a flight attendant is dynamic and full of adventures, and the most important thing is that there is no “routine.” Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. It is a job that requires flexibility and adaptability but also offers many benefits, such as the opportunity to travel and explore new cultures. It’s also very satisfying to know you can contribute to the flight’s safety.

Mădălina Gurău: The job of a flight attendant challenges you a lot, gives you the opportunity to be independent, work, and visit places you only dreamed of when you were young. It makes you want to reach as high as possible, achieve your highest goals, and surpass yourself.

Flight attendant – strengths and weaknesses of the profession

What do you like and dislike about your job?

Ionuț Scripcaru: I like that it gives me the opportunity to travel and see new places, but also to interact with people from different cultures. I also enjoy the sense of responsibility and satisfaction I feel when I know I’m contributing to the safety and comfort of passengers. One of the difficult aspects is the irregular schedule, which can include late-night or early-morning flights… Or sometimes being far from friends and family.

Mădălina Gurău: Life as a flight attendant is beautiful, thrilling. The beauty of flying will captivate you, and you will get past the less pleasant parts, such as fatigue, jet lag, and missing family events. But you always look up higher.

Are there still passengers with a fear of flying?

How are passengers? How do you reassure those who are afraid of flying?

Mădălina Gurău: Passengers come from all nationalities, some are more fearful, and others are more experienced. I think what’s important is building a relationship of trust between the passenger and the crew. They need to feel safe and be able to rely on you at any time.

Ionuț Scripcaru: Passengers are very different, with various personalities and states of mind or anxiety. Some may be relaxed, while others may be stressed due to fear of flying. To reassure those with a fear of flying, I try to provide clear information about the flight and explain that it is a safe process. I also listen carefully to their concerns and offer emotional support, encouraging them to take deep breaths and focus on pleasant things, and I bring them something sweet to make their day better.

It seems like flight attendants are always on vacation. How often do you go on vacation?

Mădălina Gurău: At my company, we get 30 days of vacation per year, plus the days off between flights and legal requirements. A vacation could be a short visit to Bucharest or an unforgettable experience in Mexico.

Ionuț Scripcaru: It depends on how many flights I have in the month. If it’s a month with more flights, I prefer to dedicate my free time to rest. But if it’s a slower month, I will definitely go on a short vacation for 3-4 days. I usually go on vacation every 2-3 months.

About Shell Team Aviation –The largest private aviation school in Romania, Shell Team Aviation operates in four strategic cities in Romania: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Bacău, and Timișoara. The school offers monthly accredited training courses by the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR) and EASA for those who want to become flight attendants or cabin crew members. These courses last 4 weeks. The cost of the flight attendant course is €1,800 for full payment or €2,000 for payment in 4 installments, or €1,500 if you come with a friend. Accommodation costs are included in the tuition fees during the training period.

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Press & PR: Denis Radu for Shell Team

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