Flight Purser
Flight Purser
Flight Purser
Aircraft. On modern airliners, the cabin manager (chief flight attendant) is often called
the purser. The purser oversees the flight attendants by making sure airline passengers
are safe and comfortable. A flight purser completes detailed reports and verifies all
safety procedures are followed.
Duties :
Are you ready to take the next step in your cabin crew career but feel that a senior
cabin crew position might be a little much to handle? If this sounds like you, then you
might be suitable as a purser.
As with a cabin crew member role, a purser is responsible for making sure that all
passengers have a comfortable and safe flight. It is your responsibility to serve food and
drinks as well as to sell duty free products such as perfume, cigarettes, alcohol and gifts.
You will also be expected to be up to date with all safety procedures and be ready to act
in case of an emergency, such as an evacuation of the aircraft.
First aid training is also essential and you must be aware of all medical problems that
could arise and deal with them when necessary. Aside from the standard cabin crew
responsibilities, pursers also have to take on a managerial role. Depending on the
airline, you would report directly to the senior cabin crew staff person but would have
your own cabin to manage such as First Class or Business Class.
Some airlines operate slightly differently in that they have two tiers of purser and then a
senior cabin crew member. If this is the case, you would first apply for the position of
junior purser or assistant purser and would report directly to the chief purser.
Within your designated cabin you would be responsible for ensuring that the highest
level of customer service is being provided to all passengers by cabin crew while making
sure that safety procedures are being followed at all times.
You would also be expected to give feedback to staff members on their performance
and suggest ways of improvement as well as boosting sales of onboard gifts and duty
free products.
The role of the purser is in essence very similar to the role of the senior cabin crew – just
on a smaller scale, so if you are considering a senior career, a purser position would be a
fantastic chance to progress while still having a manager above you to report to.
To be considered for a purser role you must thoroughly understand the cabin crew role,
especially air safety procedures. You must also be able to demonstrate a track record of
achieving high customer service and sales records, if you have not excelled in a cabin
crew role then you are unlikely to make a successful purser.
The experience required for becoming a purser varies from airline to airline. Some
expect a minimum of a year of two of experience but airlines such as Aer Lingus require
a minimum of five years flying experience as a cabin crew member.
WORKING AS A FLIGHT PURSER
Duties:
• Flight attendants typically do the following:
• Participate in preflight briefings with the pilots, to discuss cabin conditions and
flight details
• Conduct preflight inspections of emergency equipment
• Demonstrate the use of safety equipment and emergency equipment
• Ensure that passengers have their seatbelts fastened when required and that all
other safety requirements are met
• Serve, and sometimes sell, beverages, meals, or snacks
• Take care of passengers’ needs, particularly those with special needs
• Reassure passengers during the flight, such as when the aircraft hits turbulence
• Administer and coordinate emergency medical care, as needed
• If an emergency arises, provide direction to passengers, including how to
evacuate the aircraft
Airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety and security of
passengers. The primary job of flight attendants is to keep passengers safe, ensuring
that everyone follows security regulations and that the flight deck is secure. Flight
attendants also try to make flights comfortable and stress free for passengers. At times,
they may deal with passengers who display disruptive behavior.
About 1 hour before takeoff, the captain (pilot) may conduct a preflight briefing with
flight attendants about relevant flight information, including the number of hours the
flight will take, the route the plane will travel, and weather conditions. Flight attendants
must ensure that emergency equipment is working, the cabin is clean, and there is an
adequate supply of food and beverages on board. Flight attendants greet passengers as
they board the aircraft, direct them to their seats, and provide assistance as needed.
Before the plane takes off, flight attendants demonstrate the proper use of safety
equipment to all passengers, either in person or through a video recording. They also
ensure that seatbelts are fastened, seats are locked in the upright position, and all carry-
on items are properly stowed in accordance with federal law and company policy.
Before the plane lands, flight attendants once again ensure that seatbelts are fastened,
seats are locked in the upright position, and all carry-on and galley items are properly
stowed.
Before they leave the plane, flight attendants survey the condition of the cabin. They
submit reports on any medical, safety, or security issues that may have occurred during
the flight.
A high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement for becoming a
flight attendant. However, some airlines prefer to hire applicants who have taken some
college courses.
Many employers prefer applicants with a degree in hospitality and tourism, public
relations, business, social science, or communications. Those who work on international
flights may have to be fluent in a foreign language. Some flight attendants attend flight
attendant academies.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Once a flight attendant is hired, airlines provide their initial training, ranging from 3 to 6
weeks. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training center and is
required for FAA certification.
Trainees learn emergency procedures such as evacuating aircraft, operating emergency
equipment, and administering first aid. They also receive specific instruction on flight
regulations, company operations, and job duties.
Toward the end of the training, students go on practice flights. They must complete the
training to keep a job with the airline. Once they have passed initial training, new flight
attendants receive the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All flight attendants must be certified by the FAA. To become certified, flight attendants
must complete their employer’s initial training program and pass an exam. Flight
attendants are certified for specific types of aircraft and must take new training for each
type of aircraft on which they are to work, in addition to receiving recurrent training
every year if they are to maintain their certification.
Advancement
After completing initial training, new flight attendants are typically placed on call, also
known as reserve status. While on reserve status, attendants must be able to report to
the airport on short notice to staff extra flights or fill in for absent crewmembers.
New attendants usually remain on reserve status for at least 1 year, but in some cities
attendants may be on reserve for several years. After their stretch of time in this reserve
period, flight attendants gain enough seniority to bid on monthly assignments.
Assignments are based on seniority, and the most preferred routes go to the most
experienced attendants.
Career advancement is based on seniority. Senior flight attendants exercise the most
control over route assignments and schedules; therefore, they often can choose how
much time to spend away from home. On international flights, senior attendants
frequently oversee the work of other attendants. Senior attendants may be promoted
to management positions in which they are responsible for recruiting, instructing, and
scheduling.
Important Qualities
Attentiveness. Flight attendants must be aware of any security or safety risks during the
flight. They also must be attentive to passengers’ needs in order to ensure a pleasant
travel experience.
Communication skills. Flight attendants should speak clearly, listen attentively, and
interact comfortably with passengers and other crewmembers.
Customer-service skills. Flight attendants should have poise, tact, and resourcefulness
to handle stressful situations and address passengers’ needs.
Decisionmaking skills. Flight attendants must be able to act decisively in emergencies.
Physical stamina. Flight attendants may need to lift baggage and stand and walk for
long periods.
Flight attendants should present a professional appearance and not have visible tattoos,
body piercings, or an unusual hairstyle or makeup.
1. Cabin Crew
High Demand
Here's how Cabin Crew is used in Flight Purser jobs:
• Conducted debriefings for cabin crew and performed post-flight duties including
inventory reports, incident reports, and crew performance evaluations.
• Worked in scheduling for few months, changing Cabin crew duties and sending
them notification.
• Work soundlessly with cabin crew to transport passengers between domestic and
international destinations.
• Promoted within months to Senior Certified Attendant responsible for cabin crew
in-flight operations
• Supervised Cabin Crews during flights and reconciled paperwork for in-flight
meal/beverage service.
• Prepared passengers and cabin crew for emergency landings and aircraft
evacuation.
2. Customer Service
High Demand
Here's how Customer Service is used in Flight Purser jobs:
3. CPR
Average Demand
Here's how CPR is used in Flight Purser jobs:
5. In-Flight Service
Average Demand
Here's how In-Flight Service is used in Flight Purser jobs:
6. Company Policies
Low Demand
Here's how Company Policies is used in Flight Purser jobs:
• Ensured flight attendants compliance with company policies.
• Communicated to staff all additions and changes to government regulations and
company policies and procedures and administered union contract properly.
• Maintained and monitored flight crew coverage by adhering to Federal Air
Regulations, company policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Provided excellent customer service while working within and following Federal
Aviation Regulations guidelines and Frontier company policies.
• Complied with all company policies and standards regarding scheduling, manual
updates/revisions, and uniform/appearance.
• Practiced the safety protocols of flight emergency procedures consistent with
company policies and FAA regulations.
7. Flight Crew
Low Demand
Here's how Flight Crew is used in Flight Purser jobs:
8. Emergency Procedures
Low Demand
Here's how Emergency Procedures is used in Flight Purser jobs:
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all emergency procedures and the use
of all emergency equipment on board the aircraft.
• Conduct pre-flight briefings concerning weather, altitudes, routes, emergency
procedures, crew coordination and lengths of flight.
• Communicated all needed information to fellow flight attendants concerning
updated manuals, new emergency procedures and equipment's.
• Trained in professional service, emergency procedures, cultural awareness and
diplomacy and customer service skills.
• Initiated and implemented emergency procedures in place for flight attendants in
passenger and aircraft emergencies.
• Remained current on emergency procedures and updates to comply with federal
regulations.
9. International Flights
Low Demand
Here's how International Flights is used in Flight Purser jobs:
Responsible for making sure that all passengers have a comfortable and safe flight
• Serve food and drinks as well as to sell duty free products such as perfume,
cigarettes, alcohol and gifts
• Ensuring that the highest level of customer service is being provided to all
passengers by cabin crew while making sure that safety procedures are being
followed at all times
• Keep up to date with all safety procedures and be ready to act in case of an
emergency, such as an evacuation of the aircraft
• Provide feedback to staff members and suggestions as to how to improve
performance or service
Duration Level
8 Months Certificate
Type Eligibility
Certificate 10+2
• They should be 10+2 Standard with basic knowledge of the English language from
a recognized school board.
Other Requirements-
• Applicants possessing skills like punctuality, working well in a team, calm and
reassuring manner are good suit for it.
• They should be quick and efficient when working; welcoming manner; pride in
appearance and physically fit.
• They are also required to have common sense, communication skills, and a clear
speaking voice.
• They also should be able to know how to handle tricky situations i.e. difficult
passengers, toddlers, any air-related emergencies, etc.
How is Certificate Course in Air Hostess/Flight Purser Course Beneficial?
• Airports
• Colleges & Universities
• Aviation Academies
• Airlines
• Tourism Industry
• Air Hostess
• Cabin Crew
• Ground Staff
• Flight Steward
• Flight Purser