In your first few days on the job, it’s completely normal to feel a mixture of emotions – nerves, excitement and anticipation.
In this blog, our industry partner, Cabin Crew Wings, share their thoughts on the excitement of the first few days on the job, as well as what you can expect.
Getting To Know Your Base
After you complete your pre-employment training, you’ll get the opportunity to have a look around the airport ‘base’ which you’ll be flying in and out of.
This will include being shown where to go, how to use any staff accessible computer systems or equipment, and how to ‘check in’ for flights as cabin crew.
As with any type of job induction, there will be a lot of information to take so don’t be afraid to ask for something to be repeated, or for clarification if you’re still unsure.
You’ll be told the rules and regulations for flying as crew for your airline, what identification you’ll need to bring, and the rules for your carry-on luggage and security checks. Yes, the crew need to go through the security process too!
Pre-Flight Briefing
On your very first flight, you’ll be flying as an extra member of crew to allow you to observe the existing, more experienced crew members.
At the pre-flight briefing, you’ll meet the crew which you’ll be flying with – you’ll find that they are friendly, reassuring and happy to help – let’s not forget that they were once in your shoes. You’ll discuss the proposed flight plan with the cabin manager/supervisor and go over the basic safety procedures.
Your pilots will introduce themselves, confirm the flight times and notify you of any information relevant to the flight ahead. For example, if any turbulence or delays are expected.
Once aboard the aircraft, you’ll get started with the standard pre-flight checks. This includes checking the doors, toilets, intercom, safety equipment and fire/smoke alarm system. You’ll also look over the seating to check everything is in order, and that there are no items present which shouldn’t be there.
The galley will also need to be checked over to make sure everything is functioning, present and correct for the in-flight food and drink service. If your airline is supplying meals as part of the service, this will be the time that any special requests are checked over – such as meals for passengers with dietary intolerances.
Following successful completion of these checks, it’s time to welcome your very first passengers on board as a member of the crew!
During the Flight
When the captain announces that boarding can commence, it’s time to put that trademark cabin crew smile on. Great customer service, and making your passengers feel welcome, are crucial parts of the job.
Once everyone is seated, it will be time for the safety checks (you’ll recognise some of these already from flying as a passenger – seatbelts need to be fastened, tray tables and window-blinds up, seats in the upright position!) before the safety demonstration takes place.
Depending on your airline, this may be demonstrated by the cabin crew, or by a video/audio recording.
It will then be time to strap yourself into the jumpseat and get ready for take-off – as you would expect, it feels very different from taking off as a passenger.
You’ll get the chance to have a go at various duties, but the nature of these will depend on individual flight conditions and circumstances. Always listen to your fellow crew members and respect their requests on those first few flights. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on anything which you’re unsure about.
It’s likely that you’ll have to deal with passenger requests and assist with the food, drink and duty-free services. You might find that the majority of the flight passes in a bit of a blur as you get to grips with it all – don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.
If you’re lucky and the flight workload and conditions permit, you might get to spend a little bit of time in the flight deck, perhaps even for landing – this will be an experience which you’ll never forget!
Landing and Debriefing
You’ll take part in the pre-landing safety checks, making sure your passengers are securely and safely seated, and that everything is safely stowed away.
After you have landed and the passengers are disembarked, there are still plenty of jobs for the crew to carry out – including checking for personal items which may have been left behind, clearing the cabin of any rubbish and completing paperwork.
Depending on your airline, you could be welcoming another set of passengers on board within the hour, or handing over to a completely new crew for another flight.
You’ll finally take part in a debrief of the flight, discussing what went right, and what (if anything) went wrong. Your cabin manager or supervisor will also give you feedback on your performance; this is great constructive criticism for you to learn from. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions.
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