The Chief Flight Attendant must always remain calm and set an example for the rest of the crew.
What Are the Duties of a Chief Flight Attendant During a Flight? (Rules and Regulations)
- heliya erfani
- 6 hours ago
On every flight, the role of the cabin crew is far more critical than what passengers may notice. One of the most important members of this team is the person we call the purser (chief flight attendant). In this article, we will explore the duties of the purser during a flight. You are not just going to find out “what they do,” but also “how they do it.” This content is beneficial for those who want to know what the flight crew actually does — from the moment they begin preparations before takeoff until the moment the last passenger steps out of the aircraft — and what responsibilities are assigned to the purser. If you are a passenger, this will also help you gain a better understanding of the services and responsibilities carried by the purser. Stay with the Sepehran blog.
The Chief Flight Attendant is the highest-ranking member of the cabin crew and is responsible for coordinating all in-flight cabin operations. They act as the main link between the pilots, cabin crew, and passengers, ensuring that all safety and service protocols are properly followed. Before each flight, the Chief Flight Attendant attends the pre-flight briefing, reviewing the flight plan, crew duties, and emergency procedures. During the flight, they oversee the implementation of service, safety, and hygiene standards.
In emergency situations—such as turbulence or medical incidents—the Chief Flight Attendant is the one who makes the final decisions. This position requires high attention to detail, strong stress management, and leadership skills. In essence, the Chief Flight Attendant serves as the “Flight Manager within the cabin.”
The purser’s duties go far beyond providing service; they are responsible for safety, coordination, and passenger satisfaction. They must manage every stage of the flight — from passenger boarding to final disembarkation.
The main responsibilities include:
The Chief Flight Attendant must always remain calm and set an example for the rest of the crew.
One of the Chief Flight Attendant’s first tasks is to take part in the pre-flight briefing. During this meeting, key details such as the flight schedule, weather conditions, passenger count and capacity, number of crew members, and any operational notes are reviewed.
The Chief Flight Attendant must ensure that every cabin crew member is fully aware of their duties, that all safety equipment is available and functioning, and that proper coordination is established between the cabin crew and the pilots. This briefing may also cover topics such as passengers with special meal requirements, special assistance needs, or potential emergency scenarios.
This initial preparation lays the foundation for a safe and well-organized flight. In fact, it is similar to preparing a professional team before a competition: if anything goes wrong at this stage, the impact will be noticeable during the flight.
One of the Chief Flight Attendant’s first duties is to participate in the pre-flight briefing. During this meeting, the flight schedule, weather conditions, passenger count and capacity, number of crew members, and all other relevant flight details are reviewed. The Chief Flight Attendant must ensure that every cabin crew member understands their assigned duties, that safety equipment is available and in good working order, and that proper coordination is established between the cabin crew and the cockpit crew.
This briefing may also cover matters such as passengers with special meal requests, those with special needs, or potential emergencies. Such initial preparation forms the foundation of a safe and well-organized flight. In fact, this stage is much like preparing a professional team before a competition—if anything goes wrong here, its effects will be noticeable throughout the flight.
Next, the Chief Flight Attendant is responsible for checking the cabin equipment. This includes verifying the proper functioning of seatbelts, oxygen systems, life vests, emergency exit doors, and ensuring that overhead bins are securely closed and that sufficient service supplies are available. Additionally, amenities such as drinks, water, snacks, and waste containers must be stocked and readily available. If any passenger needs help, the Chief Flight Attendant must make sure that the crew is ready to respond.
These checks guarantee both safety and passenger comfort. Other related duties include ensuring the cabin is clean, inspecting the condition of the lavatories, and verifying that no hazardous items or passenger-related risks are present.
During the flight, the Chief Flight Attendant(Chief Purser) takes on the role of cabin team leader. They assign duties, ensure service and safety standards are followed, and handle any issues that arise in the cabin. This includes monitoring crew behavior, addressing passenger misconduct, coordinating with the cockpit when necessary, and relaying essential messages from the pilots to the cabin.
For example, if a passenger becomes disruptive, it is the Chief Flight Attendant who first decides how to handle the situation and, if necessary, reports it to the captain. Their effective presence in this role helps maintain order and safety throughout the flight.
The Chief Flight Attendant must ensure that the cabin crew provides proper service to passengers — including greeting them, assisting them to their seats, serving meals and beverages, and responding to questions and requests. They are responsible for monitoring passenger satisfaction, and if any issues arise (for example, a passenger with dietary restrictions or someone requiring a special seat), they must guide the team accordingly. This task is directly linked to the passenger experience and can strongly influence the traveler’s perception of the airline.
One of the most critical responsibilities of the Chief Flight Attendant is safety and emergency management. They must be able to guide passengers during critical situations, ensure that safety equipment is ready for use, and coordinate emergency evacuations or medical assistance if necessary.
For instance, if a technical issue occurs or a passenger faces a medical emergency, the Chief Flight Attendant is the first to intervene, activate the crew, and communicate with the captain. This level of responsibility highlights the importance of their role inside the aircraft cabin.
After landing, the Chief Flight Attendant must ensure that passengers disembark in an orderly manner with all their personal belongings. The cabin is then inspected, and the overhead bins are checked; the cabin is prepared for the next flight. The crew may also monitor the passenger exit flow, airport gates, or transit areas to identify anyone without the proper boarding documents or carrying suspicious items. This step helps maintain security for future flights.
The final task of the Chief Flight Attendant is to complete the flight report. This document includes details such as unusual events, passenger misconduct, equipment malfunctions, and the amount of food and service supplies used. The report is then submitted to the airline’s quality control or operations department for review, to identify issues and improve future flights.
This responsibility is part of the airline’s safety and quality culture, ensuring continuous improvement.
To succeed in this position, experience alone is not enough. A Chief Flight Attendant must possess a combination of technical, communication, and leadership skills, including:
Team spirit and professional behavior are also key factors for success in this role.
Chief Flight Attendants must comply with the regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority and their airline. Some of the main requirements include:
In addition, Chief Flight Attendants are not allowed to operate flights when fatigued or ill. Any violation may result in suspension or revocation of their crew certification.
Advancing from a flight attendant to a chief flight attendant requires experience, careful evaluation, and specialized training. The typical steps include:
Once approved, the candidate is officially appointed as a Chief Flight Attendant and receives a formal certificate.
The Chief Flight Attendant is the beating heart of the flight—responsible for maintaining order, safety, and comfort among both passengers and crew. Reaching this position is not easy; it requires experience, discipline, and continuous training. But for those who love the sky and enjoy serving passengers, the journey is worth it. If you are interested in becoming a flight attendant, the role of Chief Flight Attendant can be the peak of your career development.
