8 Misconceptions About Flight Attendants: What Passengers Shouldn’t Expect from Them

What Does a Flight Attendant Actually Do?

If you’ve ever flown before, you’ve most likely interacted with the friendly and helpful flight attendants on board. However, there are many misconceptions about what their job entails. Here are some of the things people expect flight attendants to do that aren’t actually part of their job responsibilities:

1. Clean the Airplane

Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually the responsibility of the ground crew to clean the airplane between flights. Flight attendants may do a quick trash clean up, but they are not responsible for deep cleaning the aircraft.

2. Handle Checked Luggage

Flight attendants are not responsible for loading or unloading checked luggage – that duty falls to baggage handlers. Any issues with lost or damaged luggage should be directed to the airline’s customer service.

3. Serve Full Meals on Short Flights

On short flights, airlines may only offer snacks or drinks for free. It’s not the flight attendant’s decision to not serve full meals – it’s simply a cost-saving measure implemented by the airline.

4. Provide Medical Care

While flight attendants are trained in basic first aid and CPR, they are not qualified medical professionals. In the event of a medical emergency, the flight attendants will assist and call for medical professionals on the ground.

5. Babysit Unaccompanied Minors

Children flying alone are the responsibility of their parents or guardians. Airlines may provide special assistance for unaccompanied minors, but flight attendants are not responsible for babysitting them during the flight.

6. Carry Passengers’ Bags

Flight attendants are not bellhops or porters – they are there to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. They may assist with stowing carry-on luggage, but they are not required to carry heavy bags for passengers.

7. Entertain Passengers

While some airlines may offer in-flight entertainment, it’s not the responsibility of the flight attendants to keep passengers entertained. Their job is to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, not to be entertainers.

8. Allow Passengers to Break Rules

Flight attendants are there to ensure that all passengers follow the rules and regulations set by the airline. They are not permitted to let passengers break rules, even if they feel sympathy for their situation.

In conclusion, flight attendants play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. While they may not be responsible for some of the things people expect them to do, their service and dedication to their job is invaluable to the airline industry.