As a 36-year-old Gambian flight attendant with United Airlines, her journey has been one of perseverance, dedication, and passion. However, her path to success was far from easy. In an exclusive interview with The Point newspaper, she shares her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the invaluable lessons she has learned throughout her aviation career.
From a young age, Musukebba had a deep love for travel and cultural exchange. She dreamed of exploring new places, meeting people from different backgrounds, and experiencing the world beyond her home country. Becoming a flight attendant was the perfect way to turn her passion into a lifelong career. However, the journey to achieving that dream was not straightforward.
Determined to join United Airlines, she applied seven times before finally securing an interview. The long wait tested her patience and resilience, but she never gave up. After successfully passing the initial selection process, she received a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) and was placed on a waitlist for months. Finally, after what felt like an endless wait, she was given the opportunity to begin training.
Becoming a flight attendant is not just about serving passengers; it requires rigorous training to ensure safety, professionalism and exceptional customer service. Musukebba recalls how intense the training program was, covering everything from emergency procedures to cultural awareness.
One of the most challenging parts of the training was the emergency evacuation drills, where she had to execute commands flawlessly under pressure. There was no room for hesitation because, in a real-life situation, every second counts. Written exams were equally tough, requiring extensive memorization of aircraft-specific safety procedures. Yet, she embraced the challenge with determination, knowing that every lesson she learned was crucial for her role in ensuring passenger safety.
Her hard work and dedication eventually paid off when she advanced to the position of international purser. In this leadership role, she is responsible for managing cabin crews on global flights, ensuring top-notch service, and addressing any challenges that may arise during a journey. Looking back, she is grateful for every step of the journey, as it has allowed her to do what she loves every day.
While being a flight attendant is an exciting career, it comes with its own set of challenges especially when it comes to maintaining a work-life balance. Musukebba’s job requires her to travel frequently, which means spending long periods away from her loved ones.
Her two children live in The Gambia, while her husband resides in the UK, making it even more difficult to balance her personal and professional life. However, she has learned to manage this challenge by prioritizing quality time whenever she is home. Whether it’s spending meaningful moments with her children or staying connected with her husband through video calls, she makes every effort to keep her family bond strong despite the distance.
Although constant travel can be exhausting, Musukebba reminds herself why she chose this career - it allows her to provide for her family while fulfilling her passion for travel and service. She believes that finding a rhythm that works and making the most of the time spent with loved ones is key to maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
Safety is a top priority in aviation, and Musukebba emphasizes that passengers should always follow safety protocols to protect themselves and those around them. She advises travellers to pay close attention to safety briefings at the beginning of every flight, familiarize themselves with exit locations, and always keep their seatbelts fastened, especially during turbulence.
One of the most common mistakes passengers make is ignoring the safety demonstration, assuming they already know everything. However, each aircraft is different, and emergencies can happen at any time. Musukebba also stresses the importance of following crew instructions during unexpected situations, as quick and calm responses can make a huge difference in ensuring a safe outcome.
As a flight attendant, Musukebba interacts with passengers from all walks of life, which sometimes leads to cultural misunderstandings. She recalls an incident where a passenger was frustrated over carry-on luggage restrictions, not realizing that airline policies differ from country to country. Instead of allowing the situation to escalate, she patiently explained the rules and found an alternative solution that worked for the passenger.
Musukebba believes that clear communication, empathy, and cultural awareness are essential in such situations. Over the years, she has learned to navigate cultural differences by being adaptable, respectful, and open-minded. She has also picked up basic greetings in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Arabic, which helps her connect with passengers on a personal level.
One of the highlights of her job is serving African passengers, especially those travelling to and from Senegal, where she has roots. She specifically chose the Brussels route to assist African travellers, ensuring they feel comfortable and understood throughout their journey. Speaking Wolof, the main local language in Senegal, has been a great advantage in building rapport and providing personalised service.
For those who dream of becoming flight attendants, Musukebba offers valuable advice: stay calm under pressure, be adaptable, and never stop learning. The aviation industry is constantly evolving, and every flight presents new experiences. Embracing challenges with a positive mindset and a willingness to grow will set aspiring flight attendants on the path to success.
She also emphasizes the importance of perseverance, recalling her own journey of applying multiple times before finally achieving her dream. “Never give up,” she says. “Rejections are just part of the process. Keep trying, keep learning, and when the right opportunity comes, you’ll be ready for it.”
Musukebba Sallah’s story is one of resilience, passion, and determination. From overcoming obstacles in her journey to becoming a flight attendant to excelling in her role as an international purser, she has proven that dedication and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Despite the challenges of balancing work and family life, she remains committed to providing excellent service while inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Her experience serves as a reminder that the sky is not the limit - it’s just the beginning.
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