What Flight Attendants Do

Flight attendants provide personal services to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers.

Duties

Flight attendants typically do the following:

• Attend preflight briefings on details of the flight
• Ensure that adequate supplies of refreshments and emergency equipment are on board
• Demonstrate the use of emergency equipment
• Ensure that all passengers fasten their seatbelts
• Serve, and sometimes sell, beverages, meals, or snacks
• Take care of passengers’ needs
• Assist passengers with special needs
• Reassure passengers during flight, such as when the aircraft hits turbulence
• Administer first aid to passengers, when needed
• Direct passengers in case of emergency

Airline companies are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety and security of passengers. The primary job of flight attendants is to keep passengers safe and to ensure that everyone follows security regulations. Flight attendants also try to make flights comfortable and enjoyable for passengers.

At least 1 hour before takeoff, the captain (pilot) informs attendants about evacuation procedures, the length of the flight, and weather conditions. Flight attendants must ensure that emergency equipment is working, the cabin is clean, and there is an adequate supply of food and beverages on board. As passengers board the plane, flight attendants greet them and direct them to their seats.

Before the plane takes off, flight attendants instruct all passengers on the use of safety equipment, either by playing a video recording or demonstrating its use in person. They also ensure that seatbelts are fastened, seats are in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed.

A flight attendant’s most important responsibility, however, is to help passengers in the event of an emergency. This responsibility ranges from reassuring nervous passengers to performing first aid and evacuating passengers. Flight attendants also answer questions about the flight, attend to passengers with special needs, and help anyone else needing assistance.

Before the plane lands, flight attendants once again ensure that seatbelts are fastened, seats are in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed.

Before they leave the plane, flight attendants take inventory of headsets, alcoholic beverages, and payments. They also submit reports to the airline company on the condition of the cabin, as well as on any medical problems that may have occurred during the flight.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition