Behind the glamorous façade of a cabin crew lies a profession that requires strict adherence to various rules and regulations. While some of these rules are well-known, others might surprise those considering a cabin crew course at ACAT cabin crew training institute in Siliguri.
Let us explore some unexpected rules that cabin crew members have to follow.
Strict grooming standards:
One surprising rule for aspiring cabin crew members is the stringent grooming standards. Airlines enforce strict guidelines on appearance, including regulations on hair color, style, and length, as well as makeup, hand and foot grooming. For instance, some airlines do not allow visible tattoos or piercings other than a pair of earrings for female crew members. This level of attention to personal grooming ensures a professional and uniform appearance, reflecting the image of the airline.
Weight Management:
Though it may seem outdated, some airlines still have weight requirements for their cabin crew. These regulations are in place not only for aesthetic reasons but also for safety. Cabin crew members must be able to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy luggage and assisting passengers during emergencies. Consequently, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Cabin crew training institutes in Siliguri often emphasize the importance of physical fitness as part of their curriculum to prepare students for these requirements.
Pre-Flight and Post-Flight inspections:
Cabin crew members are subject to rigorous inspections before and after each flight. These inspections can include checks for uniform compliance, personal grooming, and ensuring no prohibited items are carried onboard. Additionally, the cabin crew must inspect the aircraft for cleanliness, security, and safety compliance, which includes checking emergency equipment and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. These inspections are essential to maintain the highest standards of safety and service.
No sitting during boarding and disembarking:
One rule that might surprise many is that cabin crew members are not allowed to sit during the boarding and disembarking processes. This rule is in place to ensure that they are available to assist passengers, manage the boarding process efficiently, and address any last-minute issues that may arise. Cabin crew training institutes in Siliguri train their students to be alert and proactive during these critical phases of the flight.
Limited social media presence:
In the digital age of the second millennium, managing one’s social media presence is crucial for cabin crew members. Many airlines have strict policies regarding social media use to prevent any negative impact on the reputation of the airline. Crew members are often prohibited from posting anything related to their work, including photos in uniform, comments about the airline, or any sensitive information about the job. These policies help maintain and protect the professional aura of the airline.
Mandatory language skills:
While English is the international language of aviation, many airlines require cabin crew members to speak multiple languages. This is a particular requirement for international airlines that serve a diverse passenger base. Knowing additional languages can significantly enhance the abilityof a crew member to assist passengers and handle various situations on board. Aspiring cabin crew members can benefit from language courses offered by cabin crew training institutes in Siliguri to increase their chances of employment.
Continuous training and assessments
Training does not end once a cabin crew member graduates from their initial course. Airlines require continuous training and assessments to ensure that their crew members are up-to-date with the latest safety procedures, service protocols, and regulatory requirements. These ongoing training sessions can include everything from emergency evacuation drills to customer service workshops. Cabin crew members must pass these assessments to continue flying, making continuous learning a critical part of the job.
Health and medical checks:
Regular health and medical checks are mandatory for cabin crew members. These checks ensure that they are physically and mentally fit to perform their duties. Common health checks include vision and hearing tests, cardiovascular fitness, and overall health assessments. Airlines take the health of their crew very seriously, as it directly impacts their ability to perform safety-related tasks. Cabin crew training institutes in Siliguri often include health and fitness modules in their programs to prepare students for these stringent requirements.
Strict dietary restrictions:
Cabin crew members often have dietary restrictions imposed on them by their airlines, particularly regarding what they can consume during flights. These restrictions are in place to prevent foodborne illness that could incapacitate multiple crew members simultaneously. Some airlines even require crew members to eat different meals to avoid the risk of a common food source causing illness. This rule underscores the importance of crew ability to perform their duty without health-related interruptions.
Confidentiality agreements:
Confidentiality is paramount in the aviation industry. Cabin crew members are often required to sign confidentiality agreements that prevent them from disclosing sensitive information about passengers, flight operations, or internal airline procedures. These agreements ensure that passenger privacy is maintained and that the proprietary information of the airline is protected. Cabin crew training institutes in Siliguri emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and professionalism in their courses to prepare students for these expectations.
Mental resilience and handling stress:
The job of a cabin crew member can be incredibly stressful, requiring them to handle challenging situations such as medical emergencies, unruly passengers, and flight delays with calm and professionalism. Airlines expect their crew members to possess strong mental resilience and the ability to remain composed under pressure. Cabin crew training courses in Siliguri include modules on stress management and conflict resolution to equip students with the necessary skills to handle these situations effectively.
Becoming a cabin crew member is not just about the allure of travel and experiencing novel and diverse aspects of life. It involves adhering to a set of unexpected and stringent rules that ensure safety, professionalism, and the highest standards of customer service. Aspiring cabin crew members who are considering a cabin crew course in Siliguri or looking to enroll in a cabin crew training institute in Siliguri must be prepared for these unique challenges. By understanding and embracing these rules, they can embark on a fulfilling career in the aviation industry.