General

A Complete Guide To The Cabin Crew Job

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a cabin crew member? A job that is crucial in aviation and includes vital and wide-ranging tasks. Combining passenger safety, exceptional service, and adapting to unforeseen situations is just a small part of their duties in ensuring a safe and smooth flight experience.

In this article, we give a general overview of what it means to work as cabin crew and be part of this unique profession

What does a Cabin Crew Member do?

Contrary to the widespread assumption of many, their duties extend beyond just serving passengers and selling duty-free items. Every working day will be different, that much is clear, but the day-to-day tasks are similar, although they still vary depending on the airline you work for.

The flight day usually begins with a crew briefing in which the crew highlights special aspects of the flight. After arriving at the aircraft, the so-called preflight checks are carried out and boarding starts. After the safety demonstration, the aircraft is ready to take off. This is followed by the in-flight service, where passengers can order drinks or food and buy items from the duty-free shop. After landing and when all passengers have disembarked, the aircraft is prepared for the next flight or the crew is taken to the hotel.

Resposibilities

Flight Preparation

1. The cabin crew also discuss any special features in the cabin, such as how many infants will be on board and whether any special food orders need to be considered
2. So-called work areas are used to determine which flight attendant is ‘positioned’ at which location on the aircraft, e.g. at the front entrance, in the centre or in the rear area. For each position, there are respective ‘pre-flight checks’ that must be carried out and have associated tasks during boarding, e.g. carrying out the safety briefing

Flight Duties

1. During the flight, carrying out in-flight service is part of their standard duties. Passengers are served food and drink or can buy perfumes or similar items from the on-board shop. However, the tasks are not limited to passenger service but also include monitoring flight safety in the cabin and communicating with the pilots in the cockpit.

Emergencies

1. Managing in-flight emergencies is also a routine part of this job. There are often medical problems such as passengers falling unconscious, heart attacks or other conditions.
2. In case of any technical problems affecting the safety of the aircraft, cabin crew also have an essential task. This ranges from preparing the cabin, e.g. for an emergency landing, to controlling and handling the passengers and evacuating the entire aircraft in the shortest possible time.

Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul

Short-haul flights are those that last less than six hours. Long-haul flights therefore have a length of more than 6 hours. Depending on the area in which an airline operates, it may carry out either short or long-haul flights, but sometimes both. This therefore also influences the lifestyle. With short-haul flights, you are usually at home in the evening, which is an advantage if you have a family. With long-haul flights, however, you often travel far away from home and discover new countries and cultures.

Short-Haul

1. Frequent (short) flights
2. More stable routine
3. Usually home in the evening

Long-Haul

1. Fewer but longer flights
2. International layovers
3. Jetlag impact
4. Travelling the world

Benefits

Travel Perks

1. Travel opportunities are, of course, one of the biggest job benefits, and for many, its greatest attraction. Especially on long-haul flights, you travel to new destinations and discover new cities and cultures. The best thing is that you get paid for it.
2. Most airlines offer discounted tickets to their staff, giving you even more benefits to explore the world.

Employee Perks

1. Did you know most airlines offer their employees a wide range of benefits? These usually range from mentioned discounted flight tickets, to health insurance and housing provided by the airline.

Career Growth

1. The cabin crew job offers many personal and professional development opportunities. With increasing work experience, there is the opportunity to advance in rank and take on more responsibility and leadership as a senior cabin crew or purser. There are also opportunities to become involved as an instructor or recruiter within the airline´s training department.

Challenges

Irregular Schedule

1. Flight attendants have very irregular working hours. Switching between early and late shifts, long flights, changing time zones, and jetlag take their toll, and so does working on public holidays that they cannot spend at home with family and friends.

Physical Challenges

1. Cabin crew employees must be prepared to stand for long periods, lift luggage, manage emergencies during flights and cope with jetlag.

Time away from home

1. The job often requires spending long periods away from home, family, and friends, making it challenging to maintain a reasonable work-life balance.

Requirements

Age

1. Minimum age of 18 years.

Education

1. High school diploma, or equivalent.

Language

1. Fluency in English and proficiency in the national language of the airline is often an advantage.

Physical Requirements

1. Meet specific height and reach requirements and competence in swimming.

Each airline has its own set of criteria. If you want to learn more about the qualifications, have a look at our requirements article.