Air cabin crew

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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.

Air cabin crew training

Air cabin crew training new entrants, which usually lasts four to six weeks depending on the airline. The primary focus of the training is passenger safety, including aircraft’s safety equipment and emergency procedures, security and first aid.

Training also involves a series of written and practical tests on specific areas such as:

·   customs and immigration regulations;

·   passenger care and customer relations;

·   assertiveness;

·   food preparation and service;

·   product knowledge;

·   galley management;

·   currency exchange;

·   cultural awareness;

·   personal grooming.

Following the basic training, the first three to six months are usually spent in a probationary period and are viewed as a continuation of the initial training, during which performance is monitored by trainers or senior crew. At the end of the probationary period, assuming all goes well, new recruits become full members of the cabin crew team.

When appointed to a new position, it is usual for air cabin crew to attend a structured training programme tailored to that position. For example, air cabin crew who have previously worked on short-haul flights but have recently obtained a job working in long haul, will attend a training programme tailored for long-haul positions. Additionally, airlines that operate a range of different aircrafts will vary the training programme to suit the type of plane. Airlines also encourage ongoing development through in-house specialist courses, in areas such as crew resource management.