Questions & Answers: Cabin Crew Interview
Questions & Answers: Cabin Crew Interview
Questions & Answers: Cabin Crew Interview
• If you have a friendly demeanour, passengers will feel welcomed and well looked after
by you on a flight.
• Outgoing personality? Your desire to assist people during the flight will go a long way.
• Strong leadership and listening skills? You’ll be able to work well with others in a
more senior role.
Example: “First, I would ask the passenger if they are okay, and if there was anything I could do
for them to help put them at ease. I would reassure them that anxiety while flying is very common
and give them some tips for staying calm. I would also make them aware that I would be coming
back to check that they were okay throughout the flight so they are aware they have a helping
hand throughout what could be a rather traumatic time for them.”
“At my company, we had been continuing to work with a specific vendor for a number of years,
simply due to inertia. It was easiest to simply renew the vendor’s contract rather than consider
alternatives. While my manager initially objected to alternatives, I explained that it would take time
to evaluate top vendors and present the alternatives, and that it would still be her final decision on
who to work with over the long term. We considered a total of five vendors, including the one we
dealt with now. The end result was the selection of a newer, cheaper vendor with better features
for our department at a cost savings of £20,000 per year…”
“I have a knack for creating a positive atmosphere around me! I always look to uplift anyone I
speak with, whether it’s a passenger or a co-worker. If I had a passenger who wasn’t having an
enjoyable experience, I would try to improve their satisfaction by talking with them, checking if we
as an airline have met their needs e.g. would they like a blanket, neck rest etc. and offering up my
help wherever possible. I would listen to them and try to meet their needs.”
Example: “At my last job, a customer came in absolutely furious, yelling at our staff. I knew it
was out of frustration, so I didn’t take it personally and I made sure they knew their concerns
were being heard. I listened carefully and apologised for the issue they were having. She was
complaining about an item she wanted to return, however she didn’t have her receipt. I explained
that I wasn’t able to give her a cash refund without the receipt, but that I could allow her to have
the same amount in store credit. It ended up being a win-win situation for everyone, and she
walked away happier than when she came in.”
This type of answer shows that you possess the necessary skills to assess and fix a
negative situation.
Example: “While working in customer service, we ran a campaign on a particular product during
Christmas, which required us to hit a certain cash target for the month. In addition to this, we
knew how busy we would be due to the busy period, where we would be required to have a lot
more face to face time with customers. Before the store opened in the morning, we would all sit
down as a team and acknowledge what everyone would be working on individually throughout the
day to encourage these sales, and at the end of the day we would identify where we were up to, to
see if as a team we were meeting expectations. Each of us knew what we had to do individually to
achieve what was expected of us as a team.”
Example: “I would aim to keep calm and collect my thoughts quickly to choose what my next
steps should be – which would include getting my own oxygen mask on first before assisting
others. I would then look to reassure passengers and ensure they have taken the right steps to
prepare. I understand that although this would be a very stressful time for passengers, I would
need to convey my authority and direct them toward the necessary safety procedures. After this,
I would locate the nearest exit doors and start planning a few steps ahead to try and keep
everyone calm.”
Example: “I have always had a passion for customer service, because I feel that I thrive in this
type of setting. While I loved working in my previous role, becoming a member of cabin crew
This answer encompasses a passion for the job (which is also a demand in the individual due
to the lack of time spent at home), mentioning someone who inspired you to pursue it, and
showing your desire to help others.
11. How would you handle a passenger who refuses to comply with
flight attendant instructions during takeoff and landing?
Passengers who refuse to listen to cabin crew at the beginning and/or end of a flight put
themselves and others at risk, so it’s important to emphasise how you would resolve the
situation without escalating it. Conflict management skills would be essential here. Use quick
thinking and good judgment to guide your decision making skills. Here’s an example of how you
might answer this question:
“I would repeat my instruction to the passenger, in case he/she misheard me due to cabin noise,
and emphasise the consequences to those on the flight if they choose to disobey a crew member.
If the passenger still refuses to comply, I would seek assistance from other flight assistants. As a
last resort, the situation would be reported to the captain.”
“I would have to say my first flight on a 747. It was a short trip, but it was easy to see why it gets
the nickname ‘The Queen of the Skies’.”
“A miscommunication between myself and a co-worker caused some friction, and an order due to
arrive at our store was delayed. It was my error, so I apologised to my co-worker for the disruption
and offered to speak to those who would be affected by the delay.”
“I love travelling, so getting the chance to go to the local market would still be a thrill for me
in a new country! Even if I don’t speak the native language, I’d be more than comfortable
communicating my needs for food, for example.”
For example: “I always had a wonderful experience with easyJet when I flew with you as a child.
My mum and dad would frequently choose yourselves and the flight attendants were always
friendly to me. As I got older, I realised that for a budget airline, easyJet holds the best reputation
for passenger experience. It was a no brainer for me.”
“Rules and regulations are put in place for a reason, particularly health and safety. I understand
that airlines have strict rules to abide by, and can respect that they are present to ensure
everyone’s safety and the overall brand’s reputation.”
“During my time with a previous airline, I had a passenger who was afraid of flying and couldn’t
seem to relax. I went over and introduced myself to her and reassured her that we had excellent
weather conditions that evening, and that it should be a smooth flight. I offered her a cup of tea,
and also went and got her a blanket and pillow to make sure she was comfortable during the
flight. Every now and then when I walked past her I checked to see how she was doing, which she
told me she was very grateful for towards the end of the flight.”