Airline cabin crew members are responsible for ensuring the comfort, safety, and welfare of passengers during flights. This role is crucial in both short-haul and long-haul travel, as cabin crew members serve as the primary point of contact between the airline and its passengers.
Key Responsibilities
The duties of an airline cabin crew member include:
Greeting Passengers: Cabin crew members welcome passengers as they board and exit the aircraft.
Assisting Passengers: They help passengers find their seats and provide special attention to those who may need additional assistance, such as the elderly or disabled.
Serving Meals and Refreshments: Cabin crew are responsible for serving food and beverages during the flight.
Safety Checks: They check emergency equipment and ensure that all safety information is available to passengers.
Demonstrating Safety Procedures: Cabin crew demonstrate how to use emergency equipment and explain safety procedures before takeoff.
Administering First Aid: In case of medical emergencies, cabin crew members are trained to provide first aid.
Handling Emergencies: They must be prepared to deal with various emergencies that may arise during a flight.
Providing In-flight Services: This includes supplying newspapers, magazines, in-flight entertainment options, and selling duty-free goods while pursuing sales targets.
Reporting Duties: After each flight, cabin crew members produce written reports detailing any incidents or observations.
Work Environment
The role can be physically demanding due to long hours spent on their feet and dealing with time zone changes. Cabin crew often work irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays. Many airlines require staff to live near their base airport due to the need for quick response times when on call.
Qualifications and Training
While a degree is not typically required, qualifications in travel, tourism, hospitality management, or nursing can be beneficial.