Airlines would not be able to exist or run properly without the assistance of cabin crew, and this is why they are so fussy about cabin crew recruitment. This is a special job and it requires the services of special people. Cabin crew personnel are far much more than glorified tea trolley pushers!
These members of staff form the central form of contact between the airline and the service it offer its customers. If a customer is unhappy with one airline, there are plenty of competitors out there they can try. Cabin crew is responsible for travelers' safety and comfort, and this is far more involved than just doling out drinks and food.
They are specifically trained to deal with the safety and security of all passengers as well as deal with emergency situations; this is their key performance area. They need to be tactful and gentle with fearful passengers and firm with respect for unruly passengers. They also have to help with boarding as well as disembarking.
Before the flight even takes place they are briefed regarding all relevant details and once on-board they may be responsible for checking that the aircraft has been properly cleaned and is tidy, as well as fully stocked. Checking the equipment in the cabin and making sure it works, checking emergency medical supplies.
In matters pertaining to ground staff, they also liaise, checking passenger seating numbers, make sure the passengers are belted in and secure hand luggage. All in-flight emergency procedures are demonstrated by cabin crew, and they are also responsible for taking control should an emergency situation arise. In many instances they help passengers compete any necessary travel documents and file flight reports.
The hours of a cabin crew are never the same, they depend on the flights and there is not such thing as a typical working day, week, or month. A rota system generally controls their shifts, but this could change at the drop of a hat.
Nights, public holidays, weekends are all grist for the mill of cabin crew and they have to be as flexible in their approach to their work as the airline is to their flights. Some cabin crew work short haul, others work long haul and some work both.
It is a physically demanding job, as shifts are long and much of these are spend standing and walking up and down the aisles of the aircraft. But the beauty of it, is that you get to see new places and meet different people all the time. Salaries are good, but not fantastic, but there are a lot of fringe benefits which go along with the job; great travel deals being one of these. So if you want to work and travel and still be able to come home, this might be the perfect job for you.
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