September 29, 2025 | 12:16 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When boarding a plane, flight attendants usually greet passengers at the door. This gesture not only signifies good customer service but also goes beyond mere pleasantries. It also helps ensure a safe and pleasant flight.
In fact, flight attendants conduct quick evaluations of passengers to ensure safety and security. "When we greet passengers at the door, it's not just about being friendly—we're also quietly assessing," said flight attendant Venezia Macias, as quoted from Travel + Leisure.
For example, they assess passengers' behavior and condition, such as signs of intoxication and suspicious behavior. This includes passengers who may need additional assistance, such as elderly passengers, mothers with young children, or passengers with disabilities.
Unlike land or sea transportation, where security personnel are always on standby, the movement of cabin crew after the aircraft takes off is limited. Therefore, identifying issues during boarding allows them to address problems before takeoff. Although this assessment is done in a matter of seconds, the results serve as an early warning system.
Emergency Situations
In addition to assessing potential threats, flight attendants also look for people who may play a crucial role in emergencies. Former flight attendant Rachel Nichols stated that they also identify passengers with mobility issues and locate families with young children who may need extra attention during a possible evacuation.
"Flight attendants are scanning passengers, looking for those who are able-bodied and capable of assisting in case of an emergency or threat," said Nichols, who once worked on long-haul routes for a Middle Eastern-based airline.
Service Strategies
While offering greetings, flight attendants also prepare service strategies. Knowing the composition of the passenger list helps us anticipate needs during the flight, from meal service to identifying anxious passengers who may need attention.
Macias added that flight attendants ensure compliance with carry-on baggage policies by observing how passengers are dressed and making sure that no one causes trouble. Even as passengers board the plane, they check tickets and assist passengers in finding their seats. This ensures a smooth and timely departure process.
As reported by Simple Flying, sometimes if there are empty seats in business class, the cabin crew can offer an upgrade to passengers. They will look for someone who is well-dressed and looks professional to offer a complimentary class upgrade.
Cabin crew members are trained to be constantly aware of their surroundings. During boarding, they observe unusual behaviors. Drug couriers exhibit certain behavioral signs, as do human traffickers, so cabin crew members keep watch. They also pay attention to passengers who may be causing disturbance or disruption.
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