The Authority and Power of Flight Attendants Onboard an Aircraft

Most of you might see flight attendants as those who simply perform safety demonstrations and serve chicken or beef. However, you might not be aware that they hold enough authority on board to have you arrested if you threaten the safety of the flight or anyone, including other crew members. In an industry where safety is paramount, airlines will do anything to ensure that safety and security are upheld. One way to achieve this is by granting their flight attendants the authority and power necessary to properly carry out their duties.

Like it or hate it, that is the bare truth, which you have to learn to accept. Yes, flight attendants do wield some authority and power, and this is for everyone’s safety, including yours.

The core of a flight attendant’s authority lies in their responsibility for passenger safety. International aviation regulations, embodied in the Chicago Convention and Annex 17 (Security), empower flight attendants to take all reasonable measures to maintain good order and discipline onboard and the enforcement of safety regulations.

In the Philippines, flight attendants are protected by Republic Act No. 9497, Chapter XI Sec. 81 clause 9 which states that “Any person who, while on board an aircraft, interferes with a crewmember’s or flight attendant’s performance of their duties, assaults, intimidates, or threatens any crewmember or flight attendant, shall be subjected to imprisonment from one (1) year to three (3) years or a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) but not exceeding Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00), or both, as determined by the court;”

A Flight Attendant’s Authority and Power

Flight attendants undergo rigorous training in emergency procedures, crowd control, and conflict resolution. They are vested with the authority to:

• Issue commands: Passengers are legally obligated to comply with lawful instructions issued by flight attendants during flight. This includes directives related to safety briefings, emergency procedures, and maintaining a peaceful environment.
• Restrain disruptive passengers: In extreme cases, flight attendants, with the assistance of the captain, can physically restrain unruly passengers who pose a threat to themselves, the crew, or other passengers. This can involve using handcuffs or other restraining devices until the aircraft lands and law enforcement intervenes.
• De-board passengers: If a passenger’s behavior endangers the safety or security of the flight, the captain, in consultation with the flight attendants, has the authority to divert the aircraft and have the disruptive passenger removed by law enforcement upon landing. This can have significant consequences for the passenger, including fines, criminal charges, and potential inclusion on airline no-fly lists.

Maintaining Order

The authority of flight attendants extends beyond ensuring physical safety. They play a major role in maintaining order and a peaceful environment within the confined space of the cabin. This includes:

• Enforcing policies: Airlines have established regulations regarding passenger conduct, such as restrictions on alcohol consumption, disruptive behavior, and tampering with emergency equipment. Flight attendants are responsible for enforcing these policies and can deny service or take disciplinary action if necessary.
• Mediating conflict: Flight attendants often act as mediators in situations of passenger disagreements or disputes. Their ability to de-escalate situations and maintain a calm atmosphere is crucial for a pleasant flight experience for everyone on board.
• Addressing security concerns: Flight attendants are trained to identify suspicious behavior and report any potential security threats to the captain. They play a vital role in ensuring the overall security of the flight in collaboration with airport security personnel.

Flight attendants also have a range of tools at their disposal to enforce their authority and ensure passenger compliance:

• Public Address System: Flight attendants can utilize the aircraft’s PA system to make announcements, issue instructions, and warn passengers of potential consequences for non-compliance.
• Crew Coordination: Flight attendants work as a team, and any serious issue can be escalated to the lead flight attendant or the captain for further action.
• Law Enforcement Liaison: In extreme situations, flight attendants can contact airport authorities or law enforcement officials on the ground to intervene upon landing.

Consequences of Disobeying Flight Attendant Instructions

Failing to comply with a flight attendant’s lawful instructions can have significant consequences for passengers:

• Fines: Disruptive behavior can result in hefty fines levied by the airline or by airport authorities.
• Criminal charges: In severe cases, unruly behavior might lead to criminal charges, such as disorderly conduct or interfering with a flight crew.
• No-Fly Lists: Airlines can place persistently disruptive passengers on no-fly lists, effectively banning them from future flights with that particular airline or even a broader industry-wide list.
• Potential Detention: Upon landing, law enforcement officials might detain unruly passengers for further investigation and potential legal action.

It’s important to understand that flight attendants exercise their authority with a focus on de-escalation and conflict resolution whenever possible. Their primary goal is to ensure a safe and pleasant flight for everyone onboard. However, their ability to maintain order and enforce regulations serves as a crucial safeguard against potential threats and promotes a respectful environment for all passengers.

Hence, never disregard the authority and power of flight attendants on board. They are tasked with implementing safety procedures, rules, and regulations for our own safety. When flight attendants do safety compliance walkarounds, please comply if they tell you to put your seats in upright position and to wear your seatbelts. Failure to do so can get you into trouble. Never forget that in the airline industry, safety is non-negotiable.