They give a safety briefing and pass out some drinks, but their jobs are much more important than you might initially think. So, what do flight attendants do in the modern age of flying?  

As a frequent business Traveler, you may take flight attendants for granted and hardly notice them, even as they try to get your attention for safety demonstrations. However, Flight Attendant Day is a good reminder to consider their responsibilities beyond the warm welcome they give you when entering the aircraft. Their jobs are so much more than just ensuring everyone has a pleasant flight.

Here are just a few things you might’ve wondered about flight attendants’ roles and how they do their jobs.

What Do Flight Attendants Do?

In general, the cabin crew, regardless of air carrier, have a few basic roles and responsibilities. Some duties are pretty straightforward, and you likely know about them, while others aren’t as obvious.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the basic duties that a flight attendant is expected to perform include:

• Going over preflight briefings with pilots to discuss what to expect during the flight
• Inspecting emergency equipment before the flight
• Demonstrating to passengers how to use safety and emergency equipment
• Ensuring passengers are following safety protocols (like wearing seatbelts)
• Serving food and drinks, as applicable
• Helping to care for passengers, particularly those who might have special needs
• Helping passengers feel safe during instances of turbulence or other situations that might make passengers uncomfortable
• Administering or coordinating medical care
• Coordinating passengers in the event of an emergency

In short, flight attendants are very much responsible for the experience that you have during a flight, including your overall safety.

What Kind of Training Does a Flight Attendant Have?

Depending on the country and federal regulations, a flight attendant may have to meet certain standards or undergo specific training. Most flight attendants undergo training with their airline. For example, in the United States, flight attendants must pass an exam and receive FAA certification, and participate in ongoing training to continue serving the public in their roles. Similarly, in the European Union, cabin crew members must undergo training related to emergency operations and aircraft types, as well as prove language proficiency and medical fitness, before passing an exam.

Do Flight Attendants Really Protect Passengers?

However, we know what you might be thinking. When considering what flight attendants do, a big part of their role is safety — but can the cabin crew really protect passengers? In the event of a true, in-air emergency, is there anything they can do?

Yes! Absolutely! There have been many examples of flight attendants helping or protecting passengers during the event of an emergency.

For example, in early 2024, Japan Airlines Flight 516 burst into flames just after landing in Tokyo, according to AP News, but even with nearly 400 passengers on the plane, the flight attendants were able to guide all of those passengers to safety in just under 20 minutes. The plane had collided with a smaller Coast Guard aircraft, which resulted in five fatalities in the other aircraft.

How did it all go down?

According to the news report, the Japan Airlines plane collided with the Bombardier nearly immediately upon landing. At this point, flight attendants began their emergency response.

As the AP wrote, “The usual cabin announcement system malfunctions, according to JAL, and the crew is shouting into a megaphone to make sure all passengers hear their instructions. Flight attendants repeatedly urge passengers to stay calm and to leave their belongings behind while making their way toward the closest of the only three usable emergency exits — two frontward ones and the third on the back — as the five others were deemed unsafe… Experts and media describe the 18-minute evacuation as ‘a miracle,’ praising the JAL crew for their response.”

So How Much Do Flight Attendants Make for Doing All This?

In response to the Japan Airlines crash and the crew’s spectacular work during it, an opinion piece in The Hill noted that many flight attendants are performing safety-related roles while off the clock, as some airlines only pay cabin crew when the plane’s door is closed. In other words, they’re not being paid, or not being paid their full salary, during the boarding and deboarding process. In some cases, this means that cabin crew are literally not getting paid to save passengers’ lives.  

There are countless similar stories to that of the Japan Airlines collision, wherein fast-thinking flight attendants saved lives.

How to Appreciate Your Cabin Crew on International Flight Attendant Day

So, how can you show your flight’s flight attendants your appreciation on International Flight Attendant Day and beyond?

The first step is to simply be a good passenger. Practice good manners and common courtesy. Don’t make demands or treat your cabin’s flight attendant(s) as if they’re present simply to serve you. While that may be a part of their job, it’s a very small part in comparison with their overall in-flight duties.

Beyond this, The Points Guy asked its readers their favorite ways to show a little thanks to flight attendants. You may find inspiration in their answers.

A large number of respondents mentioned gift cards as a way to thank flight attendants, especially gift cards to large coffee chains. Others also mentioned small gifts that most can enjoy, such as luxury chocolates or similar snacks.

However, the largest number of responses mentioned kind words and good feedback as a top, simple way to show appreciation. In addition to verbally letting a flight attendant know you appreciate their work, tag your airline and mention the flight attendant by name in a social post showing your gratitude. Send an email to the airline, too (flight attendants do report that that positive feedback goes into their files and can make a difference!).

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