Well, Omar and lain, I beg to differ. I think that it is indivduals in the minor leagues that are making you and possibly others think badly of the profession.
But to say that all regional pilots or flight attendants in the industry lack professionalism is a giant generalization to say the very least!
Max- I've had countless times where things have come up that support what iain says. I wish I could spill the beans, but I elect to plead the 5th(not meaning that I was involved, just that I observed some questionable things, not illegeal, or against policy, just questionable).
I think that if the regionals spent some time in ground school with regards to behavior and professional appearance, it would make a world of a difference.
I myself take a lot of pride in what I do. The basics sometimes seem like going above and beyond. but it really isn't. Like shaving everyday, having a neatly pressed shirt, pants, and tie. Wearing your hat and coat(weather permissible) while walking thru the terminal or in front of passengers. Not looking like you ate the enter buffett the day before at sizzler(no I don't go there, nor have I since I was 7...lol).
I understand that sometimes its 100 degrees outside, and the hat and sport coat get axed, but the things I see around the ramp sometimes is ridic.
I once had a flight attendant throw on a sean john fleece over his uniform while still on the plane at an outstation. Then his backpack over that. Then we walked thru the terminal past all the pax that were waiting for their bags. If you don't see something wrong with that, you need to re-think what professionalism is.(and by you, I don't mean you max, just speaking in general terms lol).