History
The History of flight attendant began as soon as passenger air travel began in the early 1920’s. United airlines was the first to offer special service to passengers in flight. In 1925, they hired graduate nurses to tend to their passengers comfort and needs, who were called stewardesses. Soon after other airlines added stewardesses to their flights as well. At first they were responsible for refueling airplanes, loading passenger luggage and equipment necessary for the flight as well as cleaning the interior of the airplane. After a period of time, airplanes were growing larger and the number of passengers increased, the stewardesses also began preparing and serving meals and drinks during flights (Barry, 2007).
According to Thomas (2009), “By the late 1930’s flight attendants were expected to work long hours making about $1 an hour and on average worked about 100 hours a month, also at that time they were treated poorly by the male passengers groping, pinching and padding their butts” (p.4). Upon World War II the nurses left the airlines and joined the military. The airlines started to hire young women who were not nurses. In that time most flight attendants were women, and the airlines often required that they remain unmarried in order to retain their job. Airlines also instituted age, height, and weight restrictions. They were also expected to provide a glamorous and pleasant image for airlines (Ferguson, 2005).
Barry (2007) explained that because training flight attendants was expensive, the airlines began to offer better benefits and other incentives and removed some of their employee restrictions. Experience was also rewarded with higher pay, better benefits, and seniority privileges given according to the number of years worked. Nowadays flight attendants fill more positions than any other airlines occupation. The introduction of the Federal Association Aviation (FAA) regulations required at least one flight attendant for every 50 passengers gave even greater growth and job security to this career. According to Dillon (2007), “The more than 75.000 flight attendants pay a vital role in maintaining the safety and comfort of the skies. Many airlines are easing still more of their restrictions, such as age and weight limitations, as the role of the flight attendant has change to require special training and skills” (p.8).
Flight attendants perform a variety of preflight and inflight duties. At least one hour before takeoff, they attend a briefing session with the rest of the flight crew; carefully check flight supplies, emergency life jackets, oxygen masks, and other passenger safety equipment, and see that the passenger cabins are neat, orderly, and furnished with pillows and blankets. They also check the plane gallery to see that food and beverage to be served are on board and that the gallery is secure for takeoff (Ferguson, 2005).
In a 2007 article Sky-High: Jobs related to airlines, “Airline companies are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety and security of passengers. The primary job of flight attendants is to keep passengers safe and to ensure that everyone follows security regulations” (p.8).
Flight attendants also try to make flights comfortable and enjoyable for passengers. At least 1 hour before takeoff, the captain informs attendants about evacuation procedures, the length of the flight, and weather conditions. Flight attendants must ensure that emergency equipment is working, the cabin is clean, and there is an adequate supply of food and beverages on board. As passengers aboard the plane, flight attendants greet them and direct them to their seats (Echaore, 2010).
Before the plane takes off, flight attendants instruct all passengers on the use of safety equipment, either by playing a video recording or demonstrating its use in person. They also ensure that seatbelts are fastened, seats are in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed. A flight attendant’s most important responsibility is to help passengers in the event of an emergency. This responsibility ranges from reassuring nervous passengers to performing first aid and evacuating passengers. Flight attendants also answer questions about the flight, attend to passengers with special needs, and help anyone else needing assistance.
Before the plane lands, flight attendants once again ensure that seatbelts are fastened, seats are in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed. Before they leave the plane, flight attendants take inventory of headsets, alcoholic beverages, and payments. They also submit reports to the airline company on the condition of the cabin, as well as on any medical problems that may have occurred during the flight (Barry, 2007).