10 Things People Expect Cabin Crew to Do That Aren’t Their Jobs

When you step onto an airplane, the cabin crew is there to greet you with a warm smile, ready to assist with your flight experience. But let’s face it, the life of a cabin crew member is often misunderstood. Passengers sometimes expect them to be everything from personal servants to babysitters. The truth is, while cabin crew members are highly trained professionals, there are some things that simply aren’t part of their job description.

Let’s take a look at 10 things people often expect cabin crew to do that are not their responsibility.

10 misconceptions about cabin crew responsibilities

Here are the 10 things people expect Cabin Crew to do that aren’t their jobs:

1. Lifting heavy luggage into overhead bins

You’ve packed your carry-on to the brim, and now it’s time to stow it away. But those bins are high, and the bag is heavy. Many passengers think it’s the cabin crew’s job to lift their luggage into the overhead compartments. The reality? Cabin crew are not required to do this. They may assist when they can, but it’s ultimately the passenger’s responsibility to manage their own luggage.

2. Babysitting duties

It’s not uncommon for parents to assume that the cabin crew will keep an eye on their little ones while they take a break. While cabin crew members are there to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, they are not babysitters. Their primary focus is on the overall safety of the flight, not on individual child care.

3. Warming up passengers’ food

Bringing your own food on board can be a good idea, but expecting the cabin crew to warm it up for you is another story. The aircraft ovens are used for preparing in-flight meals, not for reheating passengers’ personal food items. Cabin crew have a tight schedule and food safety protocols to follow, so this is not something they can accommodate.

4. Handling lost and found items

Did you leave your phone in the terminal or misplace your headphones? While cabin crew can sometimes help you locate items lost on the plane, tracking down something left behind in the airport is beyond their responsibility. The best they can do is advise you on how to contact lost and found services.

5. Providing medical diagnoses

Cabin crew members are trained in basic first aid and CPR, but they are not doctors. Passengers occasionally expect them to diagnose and treat medical conditions, but their role is to manage emergencies until professional medical help can take over. If you have a serious medical issue, it’s crucial to inform the cabin crew so they can arrange for proper assistance.

6. Acting as onboard tech support

From Wi-Fi issues to entertainment system malfunctions, passengers often look to cabin crew for tech support. While they can show you how to operate basic functions, troubleshooting more complex problems is not within their scope of duties. If something isn’t working, they’ll report it, but don’t expect them to fix it on the spot.

7. Holding connecting flights

If you’re running late for a connecting flight, it’s easy to hope that the cabin crew can somehow delay the next flight for you. However, this is beyond their control. Cabin crew members don’t have the authority to hold flights or change schedules. Their main focus is ensuring a timely and safe arrival at your current destination.

8. Mediating passenger disputes

Sharing a small space with strangers for hours can lead to disagreements, whether over armrests, noise levels, or reclining seats. While cabin crew can step in if a situation escalates, they are not there to act as mediators for every minor squabble. It’s best for passengers to try to resolve issues amongst themselves whenever possible.

9. Cleaning up after pPassengers

It’s surprising how many passengers expect cabin crew to clean up their messes. From dirty tissues to spilled drinks, some think it’s the crew’s job to tidy up after them. Cabin crew members are responsible for maintaining a clean and safe environment, but they are not janitors. Passengers should be considerate and clean up after themselves.

10. Serving as travel agents

Questions like “What’s the best hotel in our destination?” or “Can you recommend a good restaurant?” might come up during a flight. While some crew members may share their personal tips, they are not there to serve as travel agents. Their primary job is to ensure a safe and pleasant flight, not to plan your itinerary.

Conclusion: what cabin crew are really there for?

Cabin crew members are skilled professionals trained to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. They are there to respond to emergencies, assist with in-flight services, and create a pleasant flying experience. However, they are not responsible for handling every personal request or solving all passenger problems. Understanding what cabin crew can and cannot do can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flight for everyone.

Have any thoughts or experiences related to cabin crew duties? Share your comments below or join our cabin crew forum where experienced professionals can answer your questions about the ins and outs of the job. We’d love to hear from you!

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