Train passengers before flight

During a flight, the journey is always unpleasant in a way or another. Sometimes the seats on the plane are uncomfortable, the food that is served is inedible, at times annoying passengers are on board the flight, and usually the lavatories in the plane are too compact to be used.

Nevertheless, the cabin crew are always pleasant and they try their best to make the flight as enjoyable as possible. They greet passengers as soon as they step in the aircraft and then demonstrate the safety instructions for the benefit of the passengers.

Passengers's request for food and drinks are always fulfilled and the cabin crew are also trained to provide basic first aid in case of emergencies. They are also trained to answer all questions the passengers may have regarding that particular flight.

Recently, I have been on a well-known regional airline's flight to Egypt. The seats were comfortable, the food was good and I was entertained throughout the flight because I could watch movies on the TV console provided on each seat. Despite the positive atmosphere, one of the cabin crew was not behaving normally. His eyes were really red and he was not following the routine procedure that was being followed by the others.

For instance, during the take off, I purposely shut the window blind and waited for a comment from him. It is not allowed to shut blinds during take off and landing, but he did not bother to say anything.

Attitude

Another passenger was playing with his mobile phone, which is supposed to be switched off, and this particular flight attendant ignored it. Maybe he was either sick or did not get enough sleep, so his lackadaisical attitude can be forgiven, since cabin crew are humans too like other employees. However, at the time of landing, all air hostesses and flight attendants are supposed to take a seat and remain in that position till the aircraft lands safely.

This cabin crew member too did it. And may be because he was really tired, he closed his eyes for a couple of minutes. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw a passenger standing so he screamed at him and called the "F" word.

Everyone on the flight was shocked. Foul language should not be used ever, let alone that the aircraft was full of families and children. The passenger made a mistake, but not all passengers are aware of the extent of danger associated with such an act.

Cabin crew should be pleasant with passengers even when they make a mistake, but they should be firm if the same passenger keeps on repeating the mistake over and over. The foul-mouthed flight attendant should receive the punishment that he deserves, of course as per the company's rules and regulations.

I have an interesting suggestion for all airlines to put into consideration. It would be beneficial for all airlines if they provide a day's training for passengers on safety and behaviour. At the end of the training they can be granted a certificate of competency. The training should include all the safety measures, including handling of luggage on board. They should also be taught how to behave once they are on board an aircraft.

The certificate would facilitate the work of cabin crew tremendously and would simultaneously eliminate any clash or danger that passengers might encounter.

Hanan Esmail Al Sahlawi is a UAE columnist.