Eight strict rules cabin crew must always follow when flying
Do you want a job where you get to travel around the world inside a giant metal bee, explain the same safety rules to different cohorts of customers and know all the secret cubbyholes and rules about air travel?
Well good luck with that, because we're not a recruitment agency, but I suppose you could always apply for some kind of cabin crew role.
However, in any job there are some rules to follow and if you want to fly up, up and away into the skies as a flight attendant then there's some things you'll need to be aware of.
According to Simple Flying, there's a grand total of eight rules cabin crew could be expected to follow.
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Don't be late
This one is pretty obvious, don't you think?
Planes take off according to rather strict timetables and if you're not at work on time then the flight might just have to go without you.
You might end up being sent home or placed on 'standby', which is where the airline will pluck your replacement from.
If it's really not your fault then you might be alright, but if you make a habit of showing up late then you can wave bye-bye to your job.
Keep the ink and metal hidden
Plenty of people have tattoos and piercings, but many airlines will want you to keep what's on display to an appropriate minimum.
Depending on the airline some will allow you to have tattoos as long as they're not too obvious, while others won't want anything that pokes beyond the confines of your uniform.
Earrings are alright, but if your body is pierced with enough metal that a visit to a magnet shop is risky business then you might not be allowed.
Downplay the jewellery
You may wish to shine bright like a diamond but your employer will probably want the uniform to be the thing which is noticed.
Sometimes the jewellery restrictions are there for safety reasons as well, so save it for the time between jobs.
Keep a close watch
Timekeeping is really important so having a watch is a good idea but your employer might have some ideas about the size and design of it.
You might need your watch to keep track of the exact time certain things happen, so figure out what the airline wants wrapped around your wrist.
Maximum baggage allowance
You'll be expected to stay in a reasonable enough shape for your uniform, so sudden changes in weight will be frowned upon.
Apparently certain airlines have incredibly strict rules prohibiting weight gain.
Behave yourself in uniform
When you're wearing that uniform you're representing the airline, so you really need to make sure you're behaving.
Passengers can get escorted off the plane for bad behaviour but it's going to be far more embarrassing if cabin crew get their marching orders.
No airline wants to have to explain why someone wearing their uniform is causing a ruckus.
Don't be a blabbermouth
While you can't exactly keep all the details of your job private there are some bits of information you're apparently not meant to divulge.
Flight attendants can talk all day about useful advice they've got for passengers but some topics will be off limits.
Company secrets, you know?
Stay single (sometimes)
According to Simple Flying, there are some airlines which prefer their cabin crew to remain single and only really want to hire single people.
However, this doesn't seem to be a widespread practice so don't expect to be told you can't fly unless you're solo.
On the other hand, a relationship expert said that pilots and flight attendants were among the occupations where someone was most likely to cheat.
Always on the go with a hectic schedule and often far away from home, this supposedly gives lots of opportunities to be unfaithful with little risk of getting caught.
Topics: Travel, Plane Etiquette
Joe Harker