What is a Flight Purser? Role Responsibilities Salary

A flight attendant purser, also known as the lead flight attendant, is in charge of managing the cabin crew on an airplane. They are responsible for ensuring that all crew members are performing their duties correctly and that the passengers are receiving top-notch service. The purser also keeps track of necessary paperwork, such as manifests, and is responsible for passenger safety in the event of an emergency.

Also Read: How to Answer: What Do You Expect From Your Supervisor?

The primary responsibility of a flight attendant purser is to oversee the procedures and practices of their cabin crew. This includes ensuring that all passengers are well taken care of during their journey, from the time they board the plane to the time they disembark. They must be alert and attentive to passenger needs, such as providing extra blankets or snacks.

The purser should also be well-versed in airline emergency procedures and must lead the cabin crew during an emergency situation. They are responsible for conducting pre-flight safety checks of seating, seat belts, emergency exits, and other cabin features.

What is the meaning of a Purser?

The flight purser is basically the manager of the cabin. He/she is responsible that everything is running smoothly inside the flight. It’s like an Operations Manager in an office but for the airplane. The purser ensures that all of the flight attendants are doing their jobs correctly and that passengers are receiving top-notch service.

A purser is an airline employee who is responsible for the coordination of activities in the cabin, making sure that passengers are served properly and safely. Pursers may also be present in other passenger-oriented roles, such as gate agents or ground staff. On flights, pursers typically interact with crew members to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for the passengers.

The purser is responsible for a number of duties, such as ensuring that all necessary paperwork and documents are in order, briefing crew members on safety procedures and emergency protocols, making sure that the whole cabin crew are performing their duties properly, answering questions from passengers, and providing general assistance to travelers.

The Role of a Flight Attendant Purser

The flight attendant purser is a leadership role and it is the highest-ranking cabin crew member on a flight. As such, they have several responsibilities, including:

Pre-Flight Duties

Before the flight takes off, the flight attendant purser is responsible for:

• Conducting a pre-flight briefing to inform the cabin crew about the flight’s details, including the number of passengers, emergency procedures, and any special requests.
• Ensuring that all necessary equipment, such as first aid kits and life jackets, is on board.
• Checking the cabin to ensure that it is clean and ready for passengers.

In-Flight Responsibilities

During the flight, the flight attendant purser has several responsibilities, including:

• Managing the cabin crew and ensuring that everyone is performing their duties efficiently.
• Ensuring that passengers are comfortable and safe throughout the flight.
• Responding to passenger requests and concerns.
• Handling any emergencies that may arise, such as a medical emergency or an unruly passenger.
• Coordinating with the flight deck crew to provide updates on the flight’s status.

Post-Flight Duties

After the flight lands, the flight attendant purser is responsible for:

• Conducting a post-flight briefing with the cabin crew to debrief about the flight and discuss any issues that arose.
• Completing any necessary paperwork, such as incident reports or passenger feedback forms.
• Checking the cabin to ensure that nothing was left behind.

Skills Required for the Job

To be a successful flight attendant purser, there are several skills you need to possess, including:

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage a team effectively.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with passengers, crew members, and ground staff.
• Quick problem-solving skills to handle any emergencies that may arise.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• High level of attention to detail to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Training and Education Requirements: How to Become a Purser

To become a flight attendant purser, you need to complete the same training as other cabin crew members. This includes attending a training program that covers emergency procedures, safety regulations, and customer service skills. Most pursers start out as flight attendants and gain enough experience. When there is a job opening available, they can apply for it. Some airlines may require pursers to have a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or aviation.

Here are the steps to become a purser:

1. Complete the necessary training to become a flight attendant.

2. Gain experience as a flight attendant for at least two years (depending on the airline)

3. Apply to a purser position when it is available.

4. Complete any additional training or educational requirements required by the airline.

5. Pass the airline’s examination and obtain the purser certification.

6. Start working as a flight attendant purser!

The role of a cabin purser is an important one and requires excellent leadership skills, communication abilities, and attention to detail. They have a different set of training and education requirements because it is already a higher role with different set of responsibilities than other cabin crew members. With the right training, experience, and qualifications, it is possible to take on a flight attendant purser role and provide excellent service to passengers.

Also Read: Are Cabin Crews Rich? Understanding Flight Attendants Lifestyle

Salary of a Flight Attendant Purser

The salary and benefits of a flight attendant purser vary depending on the airline and the location. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for flight attendants, including pursers, was $56,640 in May 2019. However, this can range from $28,950 to $80,870 or more, depending on the level of experience, geographic location, and the airline that employs them.

Aside from the base salary, flight attendants, including pursers, may receive additional allowances for meals, travel, and accommodation. They may also receive bonuses or performance-related incentives.

Purser Salary in 5-Star International Airlines

Flight pursers working for 5-star airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc. can expect to earn a competitive salary plus additional benefits. These international airline companies in the Middle East and Europe offer annual salaries that range from $75,000 to $90,000 plus bonuses.

On top of a competitive salary, flight attendant pursers working for 5-star airlines may receive additional benefits such as free or discounted travel, accommodation allowances, meal vouchers, and other perks. Please check out the breakdown of the salary below:

• Base salary – the base salary may be slightly higher than entry-level cabin crew because of the added responsibility associated with this role.
• Flying pay (Flying Hours) – international pursers receive additional pay based on the number of flying hours and travel destinations.
• Bonus and performance incentives – bonus payments may be offered for meeting certain targets or milestones in customer service.
• Meal allowances (Per Diem during Layovers) – same as flight attendants, pursers receive meal allowances during their layovers.
• Accommodation Allowance – some airlines provide housing or accommodation allowances for their flight attendants and pursers. More often, the allowance for accommodation may be bigger compared to entry-level FAs.
• Travel benefits – pursers may receive travel discounts, free tickets, or other perks from the airline they are employed by. Pursers may be able to get discounts on business class tickets.
• Retirement benefits and medical insurance – most airlines offer retirement plans, health and dental plans, and other benefits for their crew members.
• Transportation Allowance – most airlines provide transportation allowances to allow their crew members, including pursers, to travel between airports and their hotels while on layovers.
• Education Allowance – In some airlines, pursers can receive an education allowance to help cover the cost of continuing their studies or vocational courses. Some even get to cover the cost of education for purser’s children. This is a big plus given that child’s schooling is already quite expensive.

Overall, a Flight Attendant Purser can earn a competitive salary despite their irregular hours and extensive travel. With additional benefits such as meal allowances, accommodation allowances, bonuses, and other perks, it’s no surprise that many people are interested in taking up this role.

It’s worth noting that working as a flight attendant purser in a luxury airline is a highly competitive position, and candidates need to meet specific requirements and undergo extensive training before being considered for the role. However, for those that meet the criteria and thrive in this exciting and dynamic work environment, the rewards are significant.

Video: Flight Purser Career Path to Leadership Role

Check out this video on YouTube which features an experienced Flight Purser talking about what it’s like to have a career as a Flight Purser and become a leader inside an airplane:

The career path of a Flight Purser is both exciting and rewarding. With the right training and qualifications, individuals can join a prestigious airline like Emirates and become an expert in all aspects of cabin crew operations. As a Flight Purser, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations within the aircraft and ensuring that passengers

Photos: Cabin Crew Purser

Check out these pictures of what a cabin crew purser looks like during a flight for your reference:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the job of a Flight Purser?

A Flight Purser is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations within an aircraft and ensuring that passengers have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flight experience. The purser also serves as the leader on board, providing guidance and support to other cabin crew members.

2. What kind of qualifications do I need to become a Flight Purser?

To be eligible for this role you will typically need at least two years of relevant work experience in customer service or hospitality industry, plus valid certification from an aviation school or college approved by your country’s governing body (e.g., FAA in the US). You may also need to pass assessments related to problem-solving skills, leadership capabilities, communication abilities etc..

3. How much does a Flight Purser make?

Salaries vary according to airline and region but generally speaking pursers can expect competitive salaries with additional benefits such as flying pay (for international routes), layover allowance (which covers accommodation, meals etc.), bonus payments if targets are met and even travel discounts/free tickets from their employer airlines!

4. What is the career path of a Flight Purser?

Flight Pursers typically begin their careers as flight attendants before progressing to more senior roles such as Purser or Inflight Manager. While there are no hard and fast rules on how this progress can be achieved, gaining experience in customer service and completing relevant certifications will definitely help! With the right training, qualifications, and experience it’s possible for individuals to become highly successful in positions such as these.

5. What benefits can a Flight Purser expect?

Flight Pursers generally enjoy competitive salaries along with additional benefits such as meal allowances, accommodation allowances, bonuses and discounts from the airline they work for. They also typically receive free or discounted tickets for their own personal travel! Other benefits may include access to training and development opportunities, retirement plans, healthcare coverage and vacation days.

6. What challenges might I face as a Flight Purser?

Although the role of a Flight Purser is extremely rewarding, it does come with unique challenges which will have to be faced on a daily basis such as dealing with passenger complaints, managing conflict between crew members, ensuring safety procedures are followed correctly etc. As the leader onboard you will also need to maintain professionalism at all times and ensure that all cabin crew members adhere to company policies and regulations.

7. Can a man be a purser?

Yes! Men flight attendants and women flight attendants can both pursue a career as a Flight Purser. It is important to note however that the qualifications and requirements are equally applicable to both genders, so it’s important for all aspiring pursers to ensure they have the necessary training, experience, and certifications.

8. What kind of qualities do I need to be successful?

The most successful Flight Pursers possess excellent problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, strong leadership capabilities, and an understanding of aviation regulations. Additionally, it is essential to remain calm under pressure and flexible enough to adjust according to changing situations or customer needs. Professionalism at all times is also key in this role.

9. Do pursers have different uniforms as regular crew?

Yes, pursers typically have different uniforms to the rest of the cabin crew. The uniform will generally be a business-style attire and often includes recognizable features such as a hat or badge which signifies the position. This makes it easier for passengers to identify who is in charge on board.

10. What other responsibilities do Pursers need to fulfill?

Aside from their primary role as leader onboard, Flight Pursers are also expected to oversee all operational and administrative tasks related to their flight including overseeing meal service, dealing with passenger queries/complaints, ensuring safety procedures are strictly adhered to etc. They may also need to supervise junior members of staff from time-to-time and provide feedback/guidance on performance when necessary.

Summary

A flight attendant purser is in charge of providing excellent customer service to passengers and ensuring their safety throughout the duration of the flight. They are an essential member of the cabin crew on any airplane and will make sure that all procedures are followed correctly.

They play a critical role in managing the cabin crew and ensuring that passengers have a safe and enjoyable flight. They require strong qualities such as leadership skills, excellent communication, and quick problem-solving abilities to succeed in this role.

If you are interested in becoming a flight attendant purser, you will need to complete the necessary training and education requirements and be ready to take on the responsibilities that come with the job.