How do you feel about SQ girls smoking openly?

[ycp81]

Just wondering, I had only seen SQ gals smoking at Changi Airport, but had never witnessed any Silkair gals doing the same.

[SINFJ]

Folks, can we please keep the discussion to peoples thoughts about the 'image' of the girls smoking while in uniform rather than the morality and issues of smoking in general.

Going back to the question raised by the OP, while I am not a fan of smoking I don't see a problem here, and if they are not breaking any rules I don't think SQ will either.

It may be worth remembering than underneath the pretty looks and classy Kebaya's are regular people who do normal everyday things like the rest of us, despite what some seem to think.

I sm sure they have not broken any rule. If so, SQ would have stepped in long ago.

As I mentioned, it is about the image of an SQG languishing in her workdress dangling a ciggie in between her fingers. Whatever pride in there is the kebaya is injustified by a casual act.

[bmchris]

No, smoking is acceptable but perhaps away from the public eye.

I think this speaks to the bigger issue. We wouldn't be having this thread if smoking was more integrated into day to day life - as it was say 50 years ago.

Smoking, while legal in many situations, has become in many environments a restricted act. Sort of like car racing - legal on a track, but illegal on the street (didn't want to use other "riskier" examples).

For goodness sakes - the US President is an occasional smoker. But I doubt you'll often find a picture of him doing it. It's all about the image - nothing about reality. A pity really.

Just say a SQ FA recognized an F (or any other) pax smoking, and went up to share a smoke and a chat. Wouldn't that be enhanced customer relations?

[trekkie]

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[boing]

Personally, i don't find anything wrong in what they are doing. The act of SQ girls smoking, not smoking itself which I absolutely condemn. They need a break after all.
But I have a strong feeling that SQ will step in after the unwanted publicity and put in a memo to all SQ girls to refrain from smoking in public areas. The pilots smoke at the basement 2 of Terminal 2, near the BT shuttle bus stand. But without their epaulettes and peak caps, they look no different from the other airport staff.

[feb01mel]

Just wondering, I had only seen SQ gals smoking at Changi Airport, but had never witnessed any Silkair gals doing the same.

Silkair control centre is at T2 near one of the car parks, they will smoke at the car park.

[concept|infinit]

I am saying this on the premise that we are talking about upholding an esteemed image, not whether it is legally or morally right of such an action.

The SQ Kebaya has become somewhat an icon depicting the Singapore brand. The person wearing it speaks of an illustrous culture. EOD, it boils down to wearing it with pride, so I would not foresee smoking by the kerbside. No, smoking is acceptable but perhaps away from the public eye.

I feel the same. Its always been about image.

Its probably along the same line of reasoning, why cops in Singapore aren't allowed to smoke in uniform these days.

[MSPeconomist]

I don't think smoking is a good image for any uniformed employee in public, so that at the very least the same rules should apply to all cabin staff. Also, it's not setting a good example for children, given that many young girls dream of becoming Singapore girls when they grow up.

Personally, I would prefer that the person serving me food and beverages not smell from smoke, which would in principle preclude smoking after the employee's morning shower on work days or anytime when in uniform. This is clearly going too far since smoking is legal for adults. A few passengers are likely to be extremely allergic to smoke. Others will have used aversion therapy to quit smoking, so that smelling smoke is tough for them. Yet OTOH the crew should have privacy rights about what they do when off duty. Real addicts can become tense and cranky when deprived of tobacco and we want our crew to all be in good moods.

In Minneapolis (where it is forbidden to smoke indoors except in one's private home, with only a few limited exceptions), most downtown corporations have rules that their own employees cannot smoke on the sidewalk outside of the company's own building. This leads to the comic scene of employees with photo-ID badges from company A smoking in front of company B and vice versa, even in extremely cold weather. People still smoke and the rule means that smoking breaks require more time away from work. Very funny IMO.

[mhadian]

For me, I don't care if SQ girl smoking, it's not ruining the image at all IMO....

Actually me and the LSS i had in my recent SYD-SIN flight, we smoke together outside the airport while waiting for pickup... it's super rare coincidence though

[flyguy]

SQ stewardess n stewards have been taught during their cabin crew training that they are Not to smoke whilst in Uniform - and periodically they have been reminded not to do so. The SQ girls who smoked whilst waiting for their own transport outside at T2 or T3 or even overseas are therefore touting what they are taught. However in one occassion i have seen a young SQ girl smoking outside T2 arrival hall whilst waiting for her transport and I looked at her n abt to approach her when she sensed it and quickly stubbed out her cigarette. Seems tome that these girls smoked just more soto look "cool" or put on an act - as they look more like blowing smoke n as a smoker before - i know how to see whether one is really smoking n enjoying a cigareete and how one is just puffing away n just blowing smoke.

[SINFJ]

SQ stewardess n stewards have been taught during their cabin crew training that they are Not to smoke whilst in Uniform - and periodically they have been reminded not to do so. The SQ girls who smoked whilst waiting for their own transport outside at T2 or T3 or even overseas are therefore touting what they are taught. However in one occassion i have seen a young SQ girl smoking outside T2 arrival hall whilst waiting for her transport and I looked at her n abt to approach her when she sensed it and quickly stubbed out her cigarette. Seems tome that these girls smoked just more soto look "cool" or put on an act - as they look more like blowing smoke n as a smoker before - i know how to see whether one is really smoking n enjoying a cigareete and how one is just puffing away n just blowing smoke.

Exactly!!! It is like how we are taught not to have cock hair in our uniform during muster parades in BMT. If we throw caution to the wind, it's our problem

[Gunnar Smithsen]

IMO, I find nothing wrong nor do I feel that the brand 'image' is under threat from SQ crew smoking at the airport - frankly, I've never given it a thought until now.

Being a smoker myself (and working in the hotel industry), having dated SQ cabin crew and being friends with numerous current and ex-cabin crew who smoke - I can assure those who object to the smoking scenario that we are all quite conscious of the nicotine smell and do what we can to avoid our clothes/uniforms from carrying that odour back to the workplace...

And having had my smoking crew friends on my flights I know that I couldn't notice the smoking smell on them...

[wsssaero]

Silkair control centre is at T2 near one of the car parks, they will smoke at the car park.

Isn't smoking in car parks illegal now?

[zvezda]

Yesterday, I spent just over 8000 euro for an F ticket to SIN on SQ. If I ever see an SQ employee smoking in uniform, then that will be the last time. I'll switch to LH, enjoy the much better lounge in FRA, and sleep better knowing that I'm helping to save innocent lives.

[Gunnar Smithsen]

Yesterday, I spent just over 8000 euro for an F ticket to SIN on SQ. If I ever see an SQ employee smoking in uniform, then that will be the last time. I'll switch to LH, enjoy the much better lounge in FRA, and sleep better knowing that I'm helping to save innocent lives.

Hahahah funniest thing I've heard today! Sorry zvezda but if you think LH crew don't "openly" smoke in uniform before a flight you are sorely mistaken!