Having worked at Monarch for just over 8 months, I have learnt that what makes it a truly special place is the people working alongside you. As cliché as it may sound, as soon as you step foot into the company you really feel part of a big, ‘extended’ family.
But some of us, like Susan and Rebecca Richmond, can literally say they work with family! Susan, who has been Monarch cabin crew for over 26 years, now works with her daughter Rebecca who has just recently completed her 4th summer season with Monarch.
I caught up with both Susan and Rebecca and asked them a few questions, being curious on how the whole mother/daughter/colleague relationship works at 30,000 ft. Enjoy!
Susan, let’s start with you – tell me a little bit about yourself.
Born in the 60s, I grew up in Denton, Manchester with a very close, loving family which I shared with my older sister.
What inspired you to become cabin crew?
As many little girls dream, I had always wanted to become an air hostess. I have always liked to dress up and had an interest in people and felt great satisfaction in caring for them. I loved the idea of taking people to a holiday destination which they had worked so hard for.
When did you decide to take the plunge and apply for the role, and why did you choose Monarch?
I applied to Monarch in 1988 at the age of 24. I was offered a cabin crew position and started my role on 6 February 1989! I chose Monarch because I had previous experience with them as a passenger. It was the only airline I wanted to apply for, having had outstanding service from them and knowing of their excellent reputation.
What has kept you motivated to do the best job you can throughout the years?
No flight is ever the same and I find people fascinating and so interesting, each and every customer is different. I take each and every customer as one of my family members and treat them as I would like my own family to be treated and cared for. At times, a flight can be challenging but it can also be very rewarding to see you’ve been able to do the best you can.
How did you feel when Rebecca announced she also wanted to be cabin crew?
I was overwhelmed and knew that I could give her support and also pass all my years’ experience to her, although she already knew most of it!
How was it to see Rebecca get the cabin crew role at Monarch?
I had Rebecca three and a half years after joining Monarch and returned back to work when she was three months old. I could only dream that one day my daughter would follow in my footsteps and can only describe this as “I’m living my dream”. And just when you think it cannot get any better, she becomes as I call her “My Little Miss Monarch”, appearing in newspaper ads and in terminals. I am so proud of her, and she does look good!
How does it feel to work alongside Rebecca?
It’s a dream! We have a fantastic relationship at home and at work. This is such a proud and memorable time in my life which I will never forget and I cherish every moment I share with her. One of the proudest moments I can remember is when I was operating as cabin crew no.2, and Rebecca was no.3; I looked down the cabin at the start of the safety demonstration and there she was, in the cabin holding the safety card. I thought “that’s my beautiful daughter”. When we work together, sometimes Rebecca cannot help calling me ‘mum’ and on many occasions this is overheard by our customers, who are overwhelmed that mother and daughter are working together in this particular industry!
Thank you Susan! Now Rebecca, over to you – what inspired you to become cabin crew?
My mother inspired me to become cabin crew, as I knew she’s had a great career working with Monarch. I also knew she had a lot of respect for the company, after all she is still here after 27 years! I applied for the role as soon as I turned 18 after completing a year at college in art & design.
How did you feel when you passed the training and got your wings?
I felt quite relieved, as I wouldn’t have wanted to let my mother down and embarrass her! But overall I was very proud of myself.
How is it to work alongside your mum?
At first it was weird! I think it’s because you put on a work role when you’re in front of customers, and to do this in front of my mother was quite embarrassing as she didn’t know me like this. Now it’s the norm. My mum always pulls “This is my daughter, you know!” out of the bag with customers and I found they love having a mother and daughter serving them on a flight!
Now, a cheeky question – how does it feel seeing your face in the Monarch advertising?
When I first saw the advert I couldn’t quite believe it, I was shocked but pleased at how well it had turned out! As the days and weeks went by, I seemed to appear all over the airport and newspapers. It means a lot to represent such a large company and receive such good feedback from it.
Thank you Rebecca! It’s been great – now, to finish the interview, one question for you both…what’s your favourite destination to fly to?
Venice, as that’s where we flew on our first ever flight together!