A cordial greeting accompanied by a welcoming smile and that rapid “photograph” from head to toe: did you too happen to get on a plane and feel squared by the flight staff ? Sorry to belittle our ego, but hostesses and stewards do not find us particularly attractive (or at least that is not the time to eventually express their interest …) nor are they looking for inspiration from our look. None of this. So why are they looking at us so carefully as soon as they get on the airplane ladder?
This is explained by the British newspaper ” The Sun “, publishing an interview with some members of a crew. The ritual requires that the crew is present to welcome us, wishing us a safe journey. But this custom conceals something quite different. There are in fact three features that stewards and assistants immediately notice by taking a look at the passengers.
The first, identifiable by movements and behaviors, is to find out if anyone who aboard has abused alcohol or taken illegal substances . It is not difficult to notice if someone is drunk at take-off and the staff must be prepared because the passenger could become aggressive at any moment. In this regard, Sjaak Schulteis, an assistant of Lufthansa Airlines , states: “If a passenger gets under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he may not even be allowed to fly.”
Another detail not negligible by the assistants is your physical form . In this case, it is essential to understand if during an emergency situation you might be able to help evacuate. “If I see someone muscular and physically fit I memorize their face and seat – declares a hostess in the interview with the Sun -. Then I ask in all discretion one of these people if she is ready to help us, if necessary “.
Third and final step is to identify the nationality of each passenger . In the event of an emergency, the crew must ensure that they speak their own language. “If someone does not understand English, they will not be able to understand the instructions,” says Sjaak. But how to recognize the origin of travelers? The glance is not enough, then the experience of the on-board team comes into play: listening to conversations and observing read newspapers.