What is the role of a flight purser?

AvatarByDale Richard Airplane Travel Tips And Etiquettes (Do's/Don'ts)

What Does a Purser Do on a Plane?

When you board a plane, you may see a flight attendant greet you and direct you to your seat. But what about the person who’s not wearing a flight attendant’s uniform, but is still giving orders and making sure everything runs smoothly? That’s the purser.

The purser is the second-in-command on a flight, after the captain. They’re responsible for everything that happens in the cabin, from passenger safety to in-flight service. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a purser does, and how they play a vital role in keeping flights safe and comfortable.

| What Does A Purser Do On A Plane? | Description | Example |
|—|—|—|
| Manage the cabin crew | Ensures that the cabin crew is properly briefed and prepared for the flight, and that they are able to provide passengers with assistance and amenities. | The purser ensures that the cabin crew is aware of the emergency procedures and that they are able to respond to any emergencies that may occur during the flight. |
| Manage the passenger service | Ensures that passengers are comfortable and have their needs met. | The purser provides passengers with information about the flight, and helps them with any requests they may have. |
| Manage the safety of the cabin | Ensures that the cabin is safe for passengers and crew members. | The purser inspects the cabin before and after each flight to ensure that there are no safety hazards. |

A purser is a member of the cabin crew who is responsible for the overall management of the cabin. They are typically the most senior flight attendant on a flight and are responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of passengers. Pursers also oversee the in-flight catering and manage the cabin inventory.

Purser Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a purser vary depending on the airline and the type of aircraft. However, some of the common duties and responsibilities of a purser include:

  • Managing the cabin crew

The purser is responsible for managing the cabin crew and ensuring that they are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties. The purser also assigns cabin crew members to their specific duties and responsibilities, and ensures that they are working effectively together.

  • Ensuring the safety and security of passengers

The purser is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all passengers on board. This includes ensuring that all passengers are properly briefed on safety procedures, and that all safety equipment is in working order. The purser also works with the flight deck crew to ensure the safety of the aircraft.

  • Providing customer service

The purser is responsible for providing customer service to passengers. This includes answering questions, resolving complaints, and ensuring that passengers are comfortable and satisfied with their flight.

  • Handling in-flight emergencies

The purser is responsible for handling in-flight emergencies. This includes responding to medical emergencies, dealing with unruly passengers, and evacuating the aircraft in the event of a fire or other emergency.

  • Overseeing the in-flight catering

The purser is responsible for overseeing the in-flight catering. This includes ensuring that the food and beverages are of a high standard, and that they are served in a timely and efficient manner.

  • Managing the cabin inventory

The purser is responsible for managing the cabin inventory. This includes ensuring that all supplies are on board and accounted for, and that any damaged or missing items are replaced.

Qualifications and Requirements for Pursers

The qualifications and requirements for pursers vary depending on the airline. However, some of the common qualifications and requirements include:

  • Education and training

Pursers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also complete a rigorous training program that covers a variety of topics, including safety procedures, customer service, and in-flight emergencies.

  • Experience

Pursers typically have at least two years of experience as a flight attendant.

  • Skills and qualities

Pursers need to have a variety of skills and qualities, including:

  • Leadership skills
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Flexibility
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina

Pursers play a vital role in ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of passengers. They are responsible for managing the cabin crew, overseeing the in-flight catering, and handling in-flight emergencies. Pursers need to have a variety of skills and qualities, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, customer service, teamwork, flexibility, attention to detail, and physical stamina.

3. Career Advancement Opportunities for Pursers

Pursers can advance their careers in a number of ways. Some of the most common career advancement opportunities for pursers include:

  • In-flight promotions: Pursers can typically advance to the position of chief purser, which is the second-highest-ranking flight attendant position. Chief pursers are responsible for overseeing the entire cabin crew and ensuring that all passengers are safe and comfortable.
  • Ground-based positions: Pursers can also transfer to ground-based positions, such as flight attendant training instructor, recruiting manager, or customer service representative. These positions offer a different set of challenges and responsibilities, but they can also be a great way to advance your career and earn a higher salary.
  • Management positions: Pursers with the right skills and experience can also pursue management positions, such as station manager or director of in-flight services. These positions offer the opportunity to oversee a team of flight attendants and make decisions that affect the entire airline.

Pursers who are interested in advancing their careers should stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments. They should also network with other flight attendants and managers, and take advantage of any opportunities to learn new skills and improve their leadership abilities.

4. Salary and Benefits for Pursers

The average salary for a purser in the United States is $70,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the airline, the purser’s experience level, and the size of the aircraft. Pursers who work for major airlines typically earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller airlines. Pursers with more experience also earn higher salaries.

In addition to their base salary, pursers typically receive a number of benefits, including:

  • Health insurance: Pursers are typically eligible for health insurance through their employer.
  • Pension: Pursers may be eligible for a pension plan through their employer.
  • Vacation and sick leave: Pursers typically receive paid vacation and sick leave.
  • Other benefits: Pursers may also receive other benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, discounts on travel, and free meals on board.

The specific benefits that a purser receives will vary depending on the airline. Pursers should carefully review the benefits package offered by their employer before accepting a job.

Pursers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on board an aircraft. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including managing the cabin crew, providing customer service, and handling emergencies. Pursers can advance their careers in a number of ways, including through in-flight promotions, ground-based positions, and management positions. The average salary for a purser in the United States is $70,000 per year, and pursers typically receive a number of benefits, such as health insurance, pension, vacation and sick leave, and other benefits.

What Does a Purser Do on a Plane?

A purser is a member of the cabin crew who is responsible for the overall safety and well-being of passengers. They also provide customer service, ensure that the cabin is clean and tidy, and handle any in-flight emergencies.

What are the responsibilities of a purser?

The responsibilities of a purser include:

  • Ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members
  • Providing customer service to passengers
  • Managing the cabin crew
  • Handling in-flight emergencies
  • Cleaning and tidying the cabin
  • Preparing the cabin for takeoff and landing
  • Ensuring that all safety equipment is in working order
  • Complying with all airline regulations

What are the qualifications for becoming a purser?

The qualifications for becoming a purser typically include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • A valid passport
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • The ability to work well under pressure
  • The ability to speak multiple languages (depending on the airline)
  • A strong understanding of aviation safety regulations

How much does a purser make?

The salary of a purser varies depending on the airline, the level of experience, and the location. The average salary for a purser in the United States is around $60,000 per year.

What is the career path for a purser?

The career path for a purser typically starts with a position as a flight attendant. After gaining some experience, flight attendants can apply for positions as pursers. Pursers can then progress to management positions such as chief purser or director of cabin services.

What are the challenges of being a purser?

The challenges of being a purser include:

  • Working long hours
  • Being away from home for extended periods of time
  • Dealing with difficult passengers
  • Handling in-flight emergencies
  • Coping with the stress of the job

What are the benefits of being a purser?

The benefits of being a purser include:

  • The opportunity to travel the world
  • A good salary and benefits
  • The chance to make a difference in people’s lives
  • A rewarding and challenging career

    a purser is a vital member of the flight crew who is responsible for a wide range of duties, including passenger safety, comfort, and service. They work closely with the captain and other flight attendants to ensure that each flight runs smoothly. Pursers are highly trained professionals who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and ensuring the safety of all passengers.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.