British Airways Flight Attendant Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our British Airways interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
It is reality in any workplace that some people will be overachievers and others will just scrape by with the bare minimum on the job. Share with the interviewer how you feel when others do not pull their weight in the workplace and how you handle those people on the job. Answering this question in a way that shows you take a positive yet direct approach will show your interviewer that you will bring a great attitude to the British Airways team.
Answer Example
"I have a current colleague who lacks keeping up with the rest of the team, mainly due to the fact that they are often handling personal phone calls and other things on the job. When I see this happening, I don't hesitate to talk to her to let her know that we are all relying on her. By talking directly to her, she ends her call and joins the rest of us quickly. I am a very direct person who can influence my team in a very positive manner and would love to bring this attitude to the British Airways team."
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2. Do you get motion sickness?
How to Answer
Having motion sickness while in flight certainly wouldn't be good when flying is the daily life of the cabin crew at British Airways. Prior to even applying for this position, hopefully you considered your experiences flying and can handle the physical aspects of the job. With this question, your interviewer is simply looking to hear that you have experience flying, and that you aren't prone to motion sickness some people get when flying.
Answer Example
"I have flown on both large and small passenger planes and have never experienced any adverse effects like motion sickness. This was an important consideration before I applied here at British Airways."
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3. Do you enjoy traveling? Tell me about your favorite destination and one that is on your bucket list.
How to Answer
Being away from home so often can be one of the toughest aspects of the job as a Flight Attendant with British Airways. Be sure to express your interest in travel and new experiences throughout your interview. With British Airways, you will have the opportunity to fly to many different locations across the world, and your interviewer wants to be assured that you would enjoy this aspect of the job, so be open and honest about your favorite destination and your bucket list destination.
Answer Example
"I absolutely love to travel. My family traveled a lot when I was growing up, and it seems that I caught the travel bug too. My favorite destination so far has been Barbados, and Australia is on my bucket list of places I would love to go."
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4. What would you do if you saw one of your colleagues deliberately being rude to a passenger?
How to Answer
Strong customer service is crucial to the success of British Airways. At times, cabin crew members can become stressed and out of focus, and this can lead to some bad interactions with passengers. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the ability to diagnose potential customer service issues your colleagues may be having and address those issues promptly. Talk to your interviewer about how you would deal with this type of situation in an effective and personable manner. If you have experienced this before, use a real-life example.
Answer Example
"My reaction would be different depending on if the colleague was one of my direct reports or not. If the individual reported to me, I would speak with them about the situation in private and request that an apology be granted. If possible, I would upgrade the passenger on their flight seating, as well. If the colleague was an equal, I would likely leave it be and just take special care and attention on the flight to make the passenger feel comfortable and welcome. If the situation became a common occurrence, I would bring it up with management."
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5. What do you know about British Airways?
How to Answer
Ideally, your interviewer is looking to hear that you have done your homework on British Airways prior to your interview, and hopefully even prior to applying, to prove that you have the commitment and desire to be their next Flight Attendant. Display to the interviewer that you have invested time into researching British Airways by talking about some interesting facts you have found about them. Show you are engaged in the process and interested in their particular organization, and your interviewer will know that you are serious about this job.
Answer Example
"Prior to even applying, I did my research on British Airways and love a lot of the things I've learned. First and foremost, I love that British Airways is actively adding women to traditional men's work, like on the engineering team. I also love your organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion in all that you do. I want to believe in the mission and vision of any organization I would work for, and this would be easy for me at British Airways."
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6. Have you ever had a stranger yell at you before? How did you handle the situation?
How to Answer
The work of a Flight Attendant at British Airways can require a very thick skin to be able to deal with passengers who are stressed and even angry at times. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are able to de-escalate these situations with ease by not taking things personally and by taking a direct approach with the rude passenger. Assure the interviewer that you could handle a situation like this in a professional way. If possible, try to use a real life example where you responded appropriately in the past.
Answer Example
"I have had a passenger yell at me before. I did not acknowledge the insults he threw my way and remained calm to keep my voice and tone even. I told him that he would be removed from the flight if it happened again. It was enough to calm him down until the plane landed. I do not enjoy situations like this because it makes the other passengers uncomfortable. It's not about my feelings but rather about the experience others have."
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7. What type of emergency training have you completed?
How to Answer
Going into your interview, it is important to know that British Airways requires their Flight Attendants to have CPR and first aid certification. With this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear if you do have any formal training in CPR and first aid. If you do, talk about your certifications. And if you don't, there is no need to worry; that doesn't disqualify you from the position as British Airways sends new staff for formal training frequently. If this is the case, reiterate to your interviewer that you are willing and able to be trained in this aspect of the job.
Answer Example
"I currently do not have CPR certification, but I do understand this is a requirement of the job and would be ready for the training for that certification immediately upon hire. I do have a current first aid certification, as it was required for my current job."
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8. How would you describe your people skills you would bring to the passengers at British Airways?
How to Answer
The most successful Flight Attendants are often those who have great interpersonal skills and the ability to please passengers from all different backgrounds. British Airways will be looking to gauge your people skills during your interview process by asking questions that dig into your ability to get along with and serve others. This question is very direct and open ended, so do your best to really sell your interviewer on the great people skills you possess that would lead to great interactions with British Airways passengers.
Answer Example
"In my current job, my supervisor often comments positively on my ability to relate to our customers well and provide excellent customer service. I was taught from a young age to treat every person with respect and dignity, and these are values that I still carry with me to this day and would be happy to bring to the British Airways team."
9. At times you may be asked to take a British Airways flight across country and back on short notice. Are you you available for short notice scheduling?
How to Answer
The life of the cabin crew at British Airways can involve the need to be very flexible in your work hours and flights you are scheduled to work. With this question, your interviewer is looking to delve into how flexible you can be if you were to join the British Airways team. As you answer, be sure to be open and honest about your personal life and your availability to be scheduled on short notice. Discuss with the interviewer how you would react in a situation like this.
Answer Example
"I am more than happy to do what it takes for the good of my company and team. My previous supervisor commented often on my willingness to take long shifts whenever required. I am very fortunate to have a flexible family life at home and the ability to work when called upon. I would accept the opportunity and maintain a positive attitude."
10. If you had a passenger who couldn't keep calm due to anxiety from flying, how would you calm them down?
How to Answer
Taking care of passengers with severe anxiety may be a regular occurrence and you should be prepared to expertly manage a situation like this. Try to highlight your ability to soothe the passenger with a calm tone and the educational pieces you would share with the passenger to help prove you can be a vital member of the British Airways cabin crew.
Answer Example
"A person who is in a state of panic can generally be calmed down through conversation and distraction. If a British Airways passenger were experiencing an anxiety attack, I would insist that they focus on a conversation with me. Other techniques could include having them close their eyes, take deep breaths, and count to 100 and backwards again."
11. Describe a situation when you were able to have a positive influence on the actions of others.
How to Answer
Flight Attendants are often relied upon to be the beacon of hope and positivity to both the passengers of British Airways and the rest of the cabin crew on a given flight. During your interview, your interviewer will be looking to gauge your ability to do just this by having you talk about a time when you had a positive influence on others. Prior to your interview, think of a situation that clearly demonstrates how your influence on others helped lead to a very positive outcome.
Answer Example
"Last year at work, we had a situation where our executives allowed all of us to make a pitch in regards to where the company's philanthropic efforts should go. I created a really great presentation that impacted the executives enough for them to choose my charity of choice. It was an amazing feeling to know that my passion and research could amount to something so life changing."
12. Why are you the best candidate to join the British Airways cabin crew?
How to Answer
This question gives you an opportunity to show off your skills, qualities, and accomplishments that make you the most unique candidate in consideration for the British Airways team. Consider answering this question by demonstrating how you have proven yourself in your past roles. You may not know what the other candidates have to offer, but you do know your strengths and the unique ways you can add value as British Airways' next Flight Attendant. For example, if you share that you are reliable, offer a scenario that proves you follow through and show up. Consider talking about a difficult project you completed, overcoming obstacles and a tight deadline. Keep your strengths and examples relevant to what you may be expected to accomplish in this new role. Remember, you have so much to offer, so do your best to give one last sell on your self to your interviewer.
Answer Example
"I think the one quality that is going to make me stand apart from other candidates you are interviewing for this position is my reliability. I am very proud of my attendance record at work, having only called in sick one day during my career when I came down with the stomach flu a couple of years ago. If hired for this role, you will quickly find out that I am an employee who is committed to my work and my team, each and every day."
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13. Give me an example of a time that you went above and beyond the call of duty at work.
How to Answer
British Airways will give favor to the candidate they interview who brings a great attitude, often choosing them even if they aren't the most qualified. Assure your interviewer that you are willing to go above and beyond your regular duties each and every day in order to benefit British Airways and their passengers.
Answer Example
"I was raised to believe that you always deliver more that you are asked to do. I am always willing to go the extra mile for the good of my company. Last week I was asked to work a double shift because a co-worker called in sick. I did so without complaining because that's the type of employee that I am."
14. How do you feel about the British Airways uniform standards?
How to Answer
Prior to interviewing with British Airways, it is important to know that the airline puts a strong focus on the dress code for their staff. In the early 2000's, British airways contracted high-end clothing designer Julien McDonald to design their uniform to proudly reflect the airline's heritage and values. Discuss with your interviewer your thoughts on the dress code and professional standards at British Airways. Keep in mind that airlines also have very strict grooming and personal appearance policies. It is good to familiarize yourself with the policies of the airline you are interviewing with prior to interview, and be able to speak about your ability to follow them during your interview.
Answer Example
"I 100% agree with the dress code at British Airways and would look forward to donning the uniform each and every flight. The uniform gives passengers the idea that we command respect and creates an air of professionalism. I would also look forward to the professional look each time I am in flight. I have also read about the personal hygiene policies of the airline and was glad to see that they match my own personal tastes as well."
15. What do you think the British Airways Flight Attendant's primary responsibility is as a crew member?
How to Answer
While certainly an open-ended question that you are free to take in multiple directions, it is important that you carefully read the British Airways job description prior to your interview to be able to talk about the two or three main responsibilities of a Flight Attendant with the airline. Talk to the interviewer about what you feel is most important to achieve on a day to day basis and try to focus your answer on the fact that providing excellent customer service is always the first priority in this role.
Answer Example
"As British Airways' next Flight Attendant, I feel that my primary responsibilities are to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers and to be a positive ambassador of British Airways in all that I do. If hired for this role, you would quickly find that I have a very positive spirit that connects well with others I work with, including both fellow staff and passengers."
16. If you were on a layover in an unknown city when working for British Airways, what would you do to find a restaurant?
How to Answer
As a Flight Attendant with British Airways, you will often find yourself far away from home in unfamiliar surroundings. At some point during your interview, your interviewer is looking to hear that you are able to handle these lonely situations by asking a question like this. Assure the interviewer that you are ready and able to handle this type of situation by being resourceful when you are in these unfamiliar settings.
Answer Example
"Technology is an amazing thing these days! I have multiple apps on my phone that help me find new hot spots in any area. I will sometimes go out with my crew or take to Facebook to see which friends of mine may be in the area. Every trip is different for me, and that's half the fun of it."
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17. At your current job, what are you most proud of in your work?
How to Answer
Happy and motivated employees usually have something they take pride in, and your interviewer is looking to get a sense that you take pride in what you do and that you'd bring this sense of pride to the British Airways team. This will reflect well on your ability to take great pride in your work as a Flight Attendant at British Airways. Prior to your interview, put some serious thought into what really satisfies you in your work and how that can project into taking on this job.
Answer Example
"In my current job, I am most proud of the environment that I have created with my team since taking over as crew lead. We have fun and get the job done at the same time. Productivity has increased and turnover has declined steadily."
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18. Are you okay with being on a long layover?
How to Answer
At British Airways, it is inevitable that long layovers will happen from time to time in this job as a Flight Attendant. You will find yourself far away from home and from family, and you need to assure the interviewer that you are capable of handling these layovers. For this question, talk about your ability to do what you feel is personally best for you when away from home and family. There is no right or wrong answer for this question; your interviewer will simply be looking to hear that you are able to handle layovers by taking the time to do what is right for you.
Answer Example
"I fully understand that long layovers are part of the job. I am accustomed to this happening and don't mind keeping myself busy in another city. I simply view this as an opportunity rather than a set-back. The way technology has changed, I can be almost face to face with my spouse and my kids at the snap of a finger through my phone and that has made this job so much easier."
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19. How would your current coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
With this question, you get the opportunity to sell yourself as British Airways' next Flight Attendant based on feedback that you've received from colleagues in the past. We recommend selecting three words that truly define who you are; the words should have no possibility of being taken negatively. Encouraging is a great option. Caring is also a good choice. Respected might be an appropriate choice and hard-working is a commonly used choice. Punctual is great for those who are always a little early. Customer-service focused is an excellent selection. Just be yourself, and remember to keep it positive and related to this job as a Flight Attendant.
Answer Example
"My colleagues have always told me that I am a reliable team player and they appreciate my ability to be called upon when needed to help out in any situation. I believe that a team effort is the key to success in any organization. If you were to talk to any of my former supervisors, they would tell you that I show up to work every day with a smile on my face and a positive attitude in tow, and I know this aspect of my personality would suit me well as a Flight Attendant on the British Airways team."
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20. If offered to join the British Airways team, what does your work availability look like?
How to Answer
Before you offer up your evenings and weekends to British Airways, be sure that you are clear on what they need from you for this position. To do this, carefully read the posting details and job description for what they are requiring out of their next Flight Attendant. If it only says part-time or full-time and you are asked about the hours you're available to work, it is okay to ask questions regarding the expected hours for clarification. Once they have laid out the expectations, you can tell them that the expectations meet your availability. You want to show them you're excited about the job, and you are willing to make yourself available to work when they need you.
Answer Example
"Coming into this role early in my career, I fully expect to be scheduled for flights to destinations all over the world and to be working on holiday weekends as well. I am fortunate to be young in my career with no hard commitments, and I'm willing to work as hard as possible to prove myself in this role."
21. Talk about a difficult person you've worked with in the past. What made them difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
How to Answer
You want to prove to your interviewer that you work well with every personality, even though you recognize there are some folks out there who are quite difficult to please. This can be a challenging question to answer, but it can be done graciously. Tell the interviewer what made this person challenging and explain what their relationship was to you. Be sure to mention a few positive things about the person as well, while still making your point. Next, share how you feel your responsibility is to work well with your team and help out however you can, so you chose to adapt to work with this challenging person. Finally, be sure to laugh a little about the situation along the way. It will definitely lighten the mood and show the interviewer you understand some people can be challenging.
Answer Example
"In my current job, I work with a person who brings a negative attitude to work every day. While he is very productive, his attitude towards me and others we work with can make things difficult on some days. I have learned to not take things personally with his attitude and try to kill him with kindness. Now that we've worked together for a few years, we can actually have some laughs with him when his attitude is even further out of line, and he tends to tone it back after that."