A Day in a Flight Attendant Life

On a typical day a flight attendant will:

• get briefed by the captain on emergency evacuation procedures, coordination of the crew, the length of the flight, expected weather conditions, and special issues having to do with passengers;
• make sure that first-aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working order;
• assess the passenger cabin to make sure there are adequate supplies of food, beverages, and blankets;
• greet passengers as they enter the plane, check their tickets, and tell them where to store their coats and carry-on bags ;
• instruct passengers in the use of emergency equipment;
• check to see that passengers' seat belts are fastened, seats are in the upright position, and bags are properly stowed prior to takeoff;
• help passengers in the event of an emergency;
• reassure passengers in the event of turbulence;
• direct passengers if they must evacuate the plane if there is an emergency landing;
• answer questions about the flight;
• distribute blankets, pillows, and reading material;
• distribute beverages, snacks, and sometimes heat and serve meals;
• help those needing assistance, e.g. small children, or elderly or disabled passengers;
• administer first aid to ill patients;
• take inventory of headsets, alcoholic beverages, and money collected prior to landing;
• report passengers' medical problems, lost and found articles, and condition of cabin equipment;
• sometimes, if in a supervisory position, oversee the work of the other attendants aboard the aircraft;

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Flight Attendants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos171.htm (visited November 22, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Flight Attendants, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/39-6031.00 (visited November 22, 2010).