LEVEL: Easy/Medium

1. Please _____________________ = Please don't leave your seat

remain seated
keep sitting
stay sitting

2. The captain has _____________________ off the seatbelt sign.

made/created
turned/switched
clicked/clocked

3. We will be _____________________ out free headphones.

passing
pacing
taking

4. _____________________ = Free-of-charge = Free

Required
Complimentary
Mandatory

5. Every passenger has to _____________________ a customs form.

feel out
fail to
fill out

6. Please make sure that bag is _____________________ under the seat in front of you.
complete
completing
completely

7. At this _____________________ we ask you to please turn off all wireless devices.
time
schedule
hour

8. This bag is a little too big for _____________________ luggage - You're going to have to check it.
airplane
cabin
 plane

9. I'm sorry, but you're not allowed to _____________________ ( = come into) the cockpit.
entrance
entry
enter

10. Upon _____________________, all passengers must go through immigration and customs.
arrival
arrive
arrived

LEVEL: Medium

1. Why is the flight being delayed?

We're waiting for clearance. We'll be taking off shortly.
We will be passing out headphones shortly.
Would you like some peanuts?

2. Am I going to miss my connecting flight?

You have to transfer to terminal 3.
What time is your flight?
We will be arriving in 20 minutes.

3. Can I get a Coke?

Of course with ice?
I'll add ice?
Of course, would you like ice with that?

4. My headphones are not working!

Let me get you another pair.
We'll be coming around soon with drinks.
Let me get you another pear.

5. How much do I owe you?

Free.
Please fill out this form.
The drinks are free-of-charge.
6. Can I use the lavatories in first-class?
We have four lavatories.
I'm sorry but those lavatories are for first-class passengers only.
Would you like an extra blanket?

7. Would it be possible to change/switch seats?

It may be possible, but we'll have to wait until the plane takes off and the captain turns off the
seatbelt sign.
Yes, this is your assigned seat.
Please make sure you stow your belongings in the overhead compartment.

8. How long before we land?

We will be coming around with a snack soon.
We will be landing in about 20 minutes.
Yes, it's a very long flight, isn't it?

9. I just want to stretch my legs.

Would you like something to drink?
You'll be able to do that as soon as the captain turns off the seatbelt sign. For now, please remain
seated.
Would you like a blanket?

10. I requested a vegetarian/kosher meal.

Alright - Chicken or fish?
No, the choice is chicken or fish.
Alright - Let me go check if it's there.
ENGLISH FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
topic: Common terms/expressions used on an airplane by flight crew 1

overhead, sickness, landing, around, remain, turbulence, tables, fold, flight, serving

1. Make sure your bags are stored in the compartment. ( = the compartment above where the
passengers sit)
2. Since this a short flight, we'll only be a light snack.
3. We'll be coming shortly to offer you drinks.
4. Sir, please in your seat until the plane comes to a complete stop.
5. If you start to feel nauseous, there are air- bags in the seat pocket in front of you.
6. We're experiencing light . There's nothing to worry about.
7. Our in- movie is "The Departed".
8. We'll be in 20 minutes.
9. The little fold-down tables where passengers eat their meals are called "meal trays" or "tray ."
10. Passengers should up their meal trays prior to ( = before) landing.

charge, stow, duration, request, blanket, fastened, wireless, lavatories, service, items

1. We're going to begin our meal shortly.

2. Please let one of the flight attendants know if you're interested in purchasing ( = buying) any of our duty-
free .
3. All of the are currently occupied.
4. Make sure your seat belt is .
5. Passengers are reminded to turn off all cellphones ( = mobile phones) and other devices.
6. Are your feet cold? I'll get you an extra .
7. Did you ( = order/ask for) a special meal?
8. The headphones are provided free-of- . ( = you don't have to pay for them)
9. Your phone has to be turned off for the of the flight. ( = for the whole flight)
10. To put your belongings in the overhead compartment = To your belongings in the overhead
compartment
 IN-FLIGHT announcements

Please keep in mind that these airline announcement scripts can vary greatly according to the time of day, the
length of the flight, the aircraft type, the origin and destination and of course, the airline. These texts are
provided simply as a guidance.
 Boarding
 Door closure
 Safety demonstration
 Take-off/ascent
 Turbulence
 Descent/final
 Landing

Boarding
This announcement is usually made while the aircraft is parked at the gate and the last passengers are boarding.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. If you haven’t already done so,
please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Please take your
seat and fasten your seat belt. And also make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright
position.
If you are seated next to an emergency exit, please read carefully the special instructions card located by your
seat. If you do not wish to perform the functions described in the event of an emergency, please ask a flight
attendant to reseat you.
We remind you that this is a non-smoking flight. Smoking is prohibited on the entire aircraft, including the
lavatories. Tampering with, disabling or destroying the lavatory smoke detectors is prohibited by law.
If you have any questions about our flight today, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our flight attendants. Thank
you.”

Door closure
Usually before the door is closed, or while it is closed, this announcement is made.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is/my name is X and I’m your chief flight attendant. On behalf of (Captain Z and)
the entire crew, welcome aboard ??? Airlines flight ???, non-stop service from ??? to ??? (then continuing on
to ???).
Our flight time will be of ??? hours and ??? minutes. We will be flying at an altitude of ??? feet/meters at a
ground speed of ??? miles per hour/kilometers per hour.
At this time, make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position and that your seat belt
is correctly fastened. Also, your portable electronic devices must be set to ‘airplane’ mode until an
announcement is made upon arrival. Thank you.”

When the door is closed and the aircraft is about to pushback, the Captain or the Chief flight attendant will
make an announcement intended to the flight attendants.
“Flight attendants/Cabin Crew, please prepare for gate departure.”
“Flight attendants/Cabin Crew, doors on automatic, cross-check and report. Thank you.”

Safety demonstration
Depending on the type of aircraft and presence of a video system, this announcement will be made.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to direct your attention to the television monitors. We will be showing our
safety demonstration and would like the next few minutes of your complete attention.”

If there is no video system and the flight attendants do the demonstration themselves in the aisles, the
announcement might be as follows.
“Now we request your full attention as the flight attendants demonstrate the safety features of this aircraft”.
Either on the video screen, or live, the safety demonstration might sound like this. If it is a video presentation, it
usually starts with a friendly welcome from the airline, the reminder of the seat belt sign currently illuminated,
the seat back and tray table restriction, as well as the carry-on luggage.

“When the seat belt sign illuminates, you must fasten your seat belt. Insert the metal fittings one into the other,
and tighten by pulling on the loose end of the strap. To release your seat belt, lift the upper portion of the
buckle. We suggest that you keep your seat belt fastened throughout the flight, as we may experience
turbulence.

There are several emergency exits on this aircraft (??? forward, ??? aft, and ??? over each wing.) Please take
a few moments now to locate your nearest exit. In some cases, your nearest exit may be behind you. If we need
to evacuate the aircraft, floor-level lighting will guide you towards the exit. Doors can be opened by moving the
handle in the direction of the arrow. Each door is equipped with an inflatable slide which may also be detached
and used as a life raft.

Oxygen and the air pressure are always being monitored. In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will
automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over
your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does
not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance,
secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person. Keep your mask on until a uniformed crew member
advises you to remove it.

In the event of an emergency, please assume the bracing position. (Lean forward with your hands on top of
your head and your elbows against your thighs. Ensure your feet are flat on the floor.)

A life vest is located in a pouch under your seat or between the armrests. When instructed to do so, open the
plastic pouch and remove the vest. Slip it over your head. Pass the straps around your waist and adjust at the
front. To inflate the vest, pull firmly on the red cord, only when leaving the aircraft. If you need to refill the vest,
blow into the mouthpieces. Use the whistle and light to attract attention. (Also, your seat bottom cushion can be
used as a flotation device. Pull the cushion from the seat, slip your arms into the straps, and hug the cushion to
your chest.)

At this time, your portable electronic devices must be set to ‘airplane’ mode until an announcement is made
upon arrival.

We remind you that this is a non-smoking flight. Tampering with, disabling, or destroying the smoke detectors
located in the lavatories is prohibited by law.

You will find this and all the other safety information in the card located in the seat pocket in front of you. We
strongly suggest you read it before take-off. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our
crew members. We wish you all an enjoyable flight.”

Take-off/ascent
Usually, the Captain will make a small briefing before take-off, sometimes indicating the priority for take-off
(e.g. “We are third in priority for take-off, we should depart in about five minutes”). But there is always an
announcement like:

“Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please.”

“Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off.”
Within a minute after take-off, an announcement may be made reminding passengers to keep their seat belts
fastened.
After passing above clouds or turbulence, the Captain will turn off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, but usually, the
aircraft is still climbing to its cruising altitude. The flight attendants will then invite the passengers to release
their seat belts if needed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, and you may now move around
the cabin. However we always recommend to keep your seat belt fastened while you’re seated.
In a few moments, the flight attendants will be passing around the cabin to offer you hot or cold drinks, as well
as breakfast/dinner/supper/a light meal/a snack. Alcoholic drinks are also available at a nominal charge/with
our compliments. (On long flights with inflight entertainment: Also, we will be showing you our video
presentation.) Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Thank you.”

Turbulence
Occasionally, turbulence may occur during a flight. The seat belt sign will turn on and, in case of moderate to
severe turbulence ahead, the flight crew will make a brief announcement.

“Flight attendants/Cabin crew, please be seated.”

Shortly after the seat belt sign illuminates, this announcement will be made.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign. We are now crossing a zone of
turbulence. Please return your seats and keep your seat belts fastened. Thank you.”

Descent/final
Before, or during the descent, the Captain will usually make an announcement with local time and temperature
at the destination airport, and time left until arrival. It is followed by an announcement from the flight attendant.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their
full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed
underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you.”

To indicate the landing clearance or final approach, the Captain will either make the following announcement
and/or blink the No Smoking sign.

“Flight attendants, prepare for landing please.”

“Cabin crew, please take your seats for landing.”

It may be followed by an announcement by a flight attendant.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the ??? airport. Please make sure one last time
your seat belt is securely fastened. The flight attendants are currently passing around the cabin to make a final
compliance check and pick up any remaining cups and glasses. Thank you.”

Landing
After touchdown, and as the aircraft is turning off the active runway and taxiing to the gate, the flight attendant
will do one last announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to ??? Airport. Local time is ??? and the temperature is ???.
For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the
Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move
about. (Depending on the airline’s policy/local laws: At this time, you may use your cellular phones if you
wish./Cellular phones may only be used once the Fasten Seat Belt sign has been turned off.)
Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and
please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the
flight.
If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One
of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.
On behalf of ??? Airlines and the entire crew, I’d like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are
looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice day/evening/night/stay!”
 How would you handle a passenger who refuses to comply with flight attendant instructions during takeoff
and landing?
What would you do if someone afraid of flying started panicking?
What are the first things you would do in an emergency situation in the air?
What was your favorite flight experience?
What are your customer service strengths?
How have you resolved a challenging situation with a co-worker in the past?
Do you feel comfortable in new environments and situations?

There are several jobs that people dream about. The job of a flight attendant is one of them.
Some of the known benefits attached to this job are the ability to meet interesting people, see the world in five
star accommodations while earning a good salary and status.
Al though this job has many positive aspects, there is much stress as well.
Flight attendants work for commercial airline companies. The general job role is to monitor passenger’s
compliance with airline safety rules, inform passengers regarding flight details or changes, assist passengers
with basic requests and serve food and drink. The flight attendant also has various important responsibilities
before passengers’ board and as they serve people during the flight. Clearly, basic customer service skills and
effective personal communication skills are very much required.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT INTERVIEW

SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

► Tell us about yourself.

It is typical to begin with such questions; the goal is to establish whether or not you have the necessary abilities
to handle the job well. When you are asked such a question during your flight attendant interview, in your
answer, mention that you can handle stress, and are generally a social person who likes to be around people.
These two traits are the most important traits. If you do not feel they describe you, there are courses to help you
develop your personality in this crucial area.
Once these questions are asked, along with the other general questions like educational qualifications etc., the
interviewer will be interested in determining how you would perform in the day to day activities that are part
and parcel of a flight attendant’s life.

► There is a dispute between two passengers regarding the seats. How would you handle it?
A flight attendant is a hostess, and the first responsibility of a hostess is to ensure that there are no untoward
happenings during the event. Disputes are right on top of the list of undesired incidents during a flight.
Therefore, the first step that a flight attendant must take is to calm down the situation and create a sense of
helpfulness of authority.
Then, upon determining the actual problem, proceed to find out an amicable solution to the matter. If that is not
possible, bring the entire situation to the notice of a superior, which would ensure a quick and logical solution to
the problem.

► You see one of the passengers being deliberately rude to your fellow flight attendant. How would you
solve this?
This is one of the most common problems that flight attendants face during their jobs. Most often than not, the
people who cause such problems are harmless creatures, just somewhat bored.
The best way to solve these problems is by dealing with them in a soft, yet strict demeanor, which would make
the perpetrator uneasy and repentant, and create a sense of relief amongst the other passengers.
► You are a flight attendant, and the plane has fewer entertainment possibilities than previously
planned, what would you do?

Depends on when this situation is discovered. If this is noticed prior to takeoff and there is enough time to
obtain more material, I would inform my superiors immediately so that the relevant resources can be put in.
If this situation is discovered after takeoff, I would encourage passengers to share and minimize their time with
the limited resources.

► Other questions that can be asked are:

1. Why did you decide to become a flight attendant?
2. What are your career goals and future plans? How long do you plan to work here?
3. How much do you know about a flight attendant job? What do you know about us (airline)?
4. Do you have any experience as a customer service representative?
5. Why should we hire you? What are your qualifications for this job?
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the flight attendant job?
7. How would you handle disagreements between passengers?
8. How would you handle a situation in which an annoying passenger breaks the basic flight rules, such as
refusing to fasten his seat belt?
9. Describe a stressful situation in which you had to use your communication skills and/or problem solving
skills. How did you handle the situation and what were the results?
These are some of the questions that are asked in a flight attendant’s interview. Prepare your answers, in a
concise manner. Be prepared to elaborate if requested to do so.