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A flight attendant’s role is one of both service and safety, with safety always the priority. Although passengers often believe it is a service-based role, as that’s what they see onboard the aircraft, they often have no idea it’s very much about the passengers, crew, and Aircraftsafety. It is a very specific role that comes with many challenges and requires adherence to strict rules and procedures.
The aim is always to have a safe and efficient flight, and every day is different. One might think that flight attendants just board the aircraft and start boarding passengers straight away. The truth is that there is a lot of work to be done before every flight, not just on the aircraft but also at the base. There are still duties that need to be fulfilled and preparations to be made. Let’s find out more in detail exactly what flight attendants do before boarding.
Preparing The Aircraft
Once onboard the aircraft and our luggage is stowed away, we start our safety and security checks. This starts with our jumpseat. We check that it is fully operational and that the harness fits properly. Then we check all the safety equipment at our station to ensure that everything is in place and functional. This includes the life vest, smoke hood, fire gloves, and flashlight, and we check that the interphone and PA are working correctly.
We then move to the cabin and perform security checks, checking in a circular motion from the floor to the seats, seat pockets, overhead lockers, and then across to the other side. We are looking for anything that is out of place, unusual, or not operable. A seat may be broken, for example, a child’s toy may be left behind, or something may look out of place. We check that the first-aid kits and AED (defibrillator) are in place, along with safety equipment such as the megaphone, spare safety cards, and extra life vests.
Oxygen bottles must have masks attached, be at the correct level, and be in the correct location. Fire extinguishers must also be checked for serviceability. We also check that the emergency lighting is working and the fire detection systems. The lavatories are also checked for fire suppression devices, and the smoke detectors are not blocked in any way. Every compartment and stowage has to be security checked. The galley is also checked thoroughly, as is the crew rest area on larger aircraft types.
Preparing For Boarding
The flight attendant working in the galley will also check that bar carts and duty-free carts are locked and sealed and have the correct paperwork. They will also check that the number of meals, special meals and crew meals are correct. Anything unusual must be reported to the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) who liaises with the flight crew. Once all security and safety equipment checks are complete, we report to the SCCM, and they report to the flight crew that all checks are complete. These checks must be completed before every single flight.
Depending on the flight, there may be additional steps to take before boarding. On short shuttle flights, meals are often heated on the ground to save precious time. On long-haul flights, headphones and blankets may be placed on seats. Where there is a premium cabin, there is also a premium service during boarding, so we prepare for that in advance, where possible. This may include welcome drinks, snacks, hot towels, and menu cards.
Once the SCCM has liaised with the ground staff and the flight crew, they will announce that boarding can commence. We then position ourselves depending on our assigned area in the cabin. Two crew members will board passengers at the main cabin door and will check that the boarding passes are correct, as well as monitor for potential problem passengers. One crew member will be stationed in each galley, and will also monitor the cabin. Some crew members will stand mid-cabin to assist passengers in finding their seats and space for luggage.
Boarding Is A Busy Time
Boarding is a very busy time with so much going on. On-time performance, of course, is critical for airlines, and delays should be avoided unless it’s a safety, security, or technical issue. Every minute can cost thousands of dollars. If there are overwing exits, a crew member will be stationed there to brief passengers on the use of the exits and ask whether they are willing to help in an emergency. Another crew member will make announcements in the cabin.
As well as their assigned tasks, the flight attendants are monitoring passengers and looking for anyone who may require extra assistance during the flight, and most importantly, in an emergency evacuation. This might include the elderly, parents with young children, those with reduced mobility, or those who are sick or injured. They are also looking for any unusual behavior or any signs of disruptive passengers.
Flight attendants will also deal with issues with seating, lost boarding passes and passports, oversized luggage, and passengers blocking the aisle. During this time, they also need to be aware of their duties in case of an emergency situation. They will also be looking for able-bodied passengers (ABPs) who can help them in case of an emergency or evacuation.
Boarding Complete
Once the SCCM announces that boarding is complete, the doors can be closed. The flight crew will then tell all flight attendants to arm the doors and cross-check. They put the door operating handle in the correct position and check the indications that the door is armed. The opposite crew member then double-checks that the indicators are correct. This means that if the doors were opened now, the slide would be deployed. When reaching the stand after landing, this is completed in reverse, and the crew is asked to disarm the doors.
The safety demonstration then takes place and could be performed manually by the crew or via the entertainment system. This important feature informs passengers of the safety rules they need to follow. The crew will point out the location of the nearest emergency exits. It also instructs passengers how to use their safety card, seatbelt, oxygen mask, life vest, and the brace position. It tells passengers to leave all baggage behind in an emergency evacuation, identify the nearest exit, and remove all sharp objects from their possession.
The flight attendants then start their ‘cabin secure’ checks and make sure that the cabin is as safe as possible during take-off. This also takes place prior to landing. They check that the passengers’ seatbelts are fastened, the seatback is upright, and the tray table is stowed. All baggage must be stowed, and all exits and aisles must be clear. When complete, the ‘cabin secure’ check is passed on to the SCCM, who passes it to the flight crew, so they know the cabin is safe and secure for takeoff.
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Preparing For Takeoff
After the cabin secure is reported to the flight crew, there is a last check that the lavatories are clear of passengers and locked. The galley has to be fully secured, and all carts must have brakes on and be latched securely in place. Atlas boxes need to be latched in place, and all compartments securely closed. Ovens and coffee makers are switched off, and there are no loose items in the galley that could move around on takeoff.
The flight crew will make an announcement for the crew to take their seats. All flight attendants return to their jumpseats and strap in. They review their brace position, which is slightly different depending on the direction they are facing. There is a different brace position for an emergency landing, which is also different from the passenger brace position. Feet are placed forward or backward, and hands are placed on the knees or under the knees.
The 30-second review should take place before every take-off and landing, the critical phases of flight when accidents are most likely to occur. Flight attendants review their location and the safety equipment around it, and the operation of the exit door. They check the conditions outside that might affect an evacuation. They consider people close by who may be suitable ABPs if an evacuation were to occur. Flight attendants run through their commands and procedures in their heads that they would use in an emergency evacuation.
Additional Duties At Base
Prior to every flight or trip, there are other duties that flight attendants have to do at their base. There are simple things to do, such as checking the roster, checking for safety updates, and collecting appropriate paperwork as needed. Flight attendants usually arrive at their base 90 minutes to two hours before departure. They spend 30 to 45 minutes on the aircraft preparing for the departure, including all the safety and security checks and catering checks.
Whilst still at base, there is a pre-flight safety briefing before every single flight. The SCCM collects all relevant paperwork and information and informs the flight attendants of all the flight details, including things like expected flight time, passengers with reduced mobility, special meals, and anything important they need to know about the flight. The SCCM assigns positions with areas of responsibility to all crew members. This is based on seniority at the airline.
Passports and ID cards, manuals, and documentation are checked. Each crew member has to answer one safety and one first-aid question correctly during the briefing, so most flight attendants will check their manuals prior to the briefing as a reminder. If they fail to answer these questions, they can be taken off the flight. This checks that each flight attendant keeps their knowledge up to date and knows their procedures. The flight crew will then introduce themselves, inform us of the proposed flight time, the weather conditions, if there is turbulence expected, and any special instructions regarding safety.
