The Role of a Flight Attendant: Beyond Common Expectations
8 Things People Expect Flight Attendants To Do That Aren’t Their Jobs
Introduction
Flight attendants have a very important job. They are responsible for the safety and security of airline passengers as well as ensuring that they are comfortable during their flight. However, some people have unrealistic expectations of flight attendants and believe that they should perform tasks that are not part of their job description. In this article, we will discuss eight things that people expect flight attendants to do that aren’t their jobs.
1. Lift Heavy Bags
Many people assume that flight attendants are there to help them lift their bags into the overhead compartments. However, this is not true. Flight attendants are not required to lift bags that are too heavy or too awkward to lift. If you need help with your bags, it is best to ask a fellow passenger or the ground crew.
2. Babysit Children
Some parents believe that flight attendants are there to watch their children during the flight. However, flight attendants are not responsible for looking after children. They are there to ensure the safety of all passengers and cannot provide individualized care to any specific passenger.
3. Serve Personal Food and Drinks
Some passengers believe that flight attendants are there to serve them personal food and drinks. However, flight attendants are responsible for serving food and drinks that are part of the airline’s menu. They cannot serve individualized food and drinks unless they are part of a special meal request.
4. Resolve Personal Issues
Passengers sometimes expect flight attendants to resolve their personal issues such as lost baggage or missed connections. However, flight attendants are not able to resolve personal issues. They can only provide information and assistance for issues related to the flight and airline.
5. Clean Up After Passengers
Some passengers believe that flight attendants are responsible for cleaning up after them. However, flight attendants are only responsible for cleaning up items that are part of the airline’s service such as food trays and cups. They are not responsible for cleaning up personal items left behind by passengers.
6. Provide Special Assistance
Some passengers with special needs may expect flight attendants to provide personal assistance. However, flight attendants are not trained to provide individualized care for passengers with special needs. They can only provide general assistance and information.
7. Enforce Personal Requests
Some passengers may ask flight attendants to enforce personal requests such as asking a passenger to stop using their phone. However, flight attendants are only able to enforce airline policies and regulations. They cannot enforce personal requests.
8. Provide Personal Entertainment
Some passengers may expect flight attendants to provide personal entertainment such as books or magazines. However, flight attendants are only responsible for providing the airline’s entertainment options. They cannot provide personal entertainment.
Conclusion
Flight attendants have a very important job and are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers. However, they are not able to perform tasks that are not part of their job description. It is important for passengers to have realistic expectations of flight attendants and understand their limitations.