Air cabin crew : Job description

Air cabin crew are the main point of contact for passengers while they are in the air. They are responsible for passenger safety and are trained to deal with security and emergency situations. They ensure that all emergency equipment is in working order prior to take off and explain and demonstrate safety procedures and equipment to passengers. They also reassure passengers in the event of an emergency.

Air cabin crew ensure that passengers are comfortable throughout the flight and that the flying experience is a pleasant one. They attend to passengers' needs and provide a high level of customer service, serving refreshments and selling duty-free goods.

Typical work activities

Tasks typically involve:

• attending a pre-flight briefing, during which air cabin crew are assigned their working positions for the upcoming flight (crew are also informed of flight details, the schedule and if there are passengers with any special requirements, such as diabetic passengers, passengers in wheelchairs or the number of infants on board);
• carrying out pre-flight duties, including checking the safety equipment, ensuring the aircraft is clean and tidy, ensuring that information in the seat pockets is up to date and that all meals and stock are on board;
• welcoming passengers on board and directing them to their seats; 
• informing passengers of the aircraft safety procedures and ensuring that all hand luggage is securely stored away;
• checking all passenger seat belts and galleys are secure prior to take-off;
• making announcements on behalf of the pilot and answering passenger questions during the flight;
• serving meals and refreshments to passengers;
• selling duty-free goods and advising passengers of any allowance restrictions in force at their destination;
• reassuring passengers and ensuring that they follow safety procedures correctly in emergency situations;
• giving first aid to passengers where necessary;
• ensuring passengers disembark safely at the end of a flight and checking that there is no luggage left in the overhead lockers;
  completing paperwork, including writing a flight report.