“We may be up in the clouds, but our hearts never left the ground” Anon
International Flight Attendants Day falls each year on 31 May. This occasion reminds us of the invaluable service provided to the travelling public by this class of professional, particularly in their primary task of ensuring the safety and security of passengers on board. What immediately comes to mind in this role is attending to the sick; ensuring seat belts are fastened; and guidance and assistance provided in case of severe turbulence or a hijacking or other violent situation on board. Yet there is another critical aspect one does not often think about – saving the passenger from a predatory human trafficker.
Some Past instances
In 2011, Sheila Frederick, a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, noticed a disheveled young girl traveling with an older, well-dressed man. Sensing something was wrong, Frederick discreetly communicated with the girl by leaving a note in the airplane bathroom. The girl responded with a plea for help. Frederick immediately alerted the pilots, who then informed the authorities. When the plane landed, law enforcement officers met the aircraft and rescued the girl from her trafficker.
In 2019, flight attendants on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Sacramento grew suspicious of a man traveling with a young girl. The girl appeared fearful and was not allowed to speak. Acting on their instincts, the attendants contacted the police. Upon landing, the man was arrested, and the girl was rescued. It was later revealed that she was a victim of human trafficking.
Denice Miracle, an American Airlines gate agent, observed two girls attempting to board a flight from Sacramento to New York in 2018. They had no identification, their tickets were purchased by a third party, and they had minimal luggage. Sensing something was wrong, Miracle contacted the police. The girls were discovered to be victims of an online scam leading to potential trafficking. Miracle’s vigilance saved them from a potentially dangerous situation.
In 2020, United Airlines flight attendants noticed a woman and two girls who appeared unusually distressed and out of place. The attendants discreetly alerted the authorities. Upon landing in Denver, the police intervened and found that the girls were being trafficked. The swift action of the flight attendants led to the girls’ rescue and the trafficker’s arrest.
In 2016, a Delta Airlines flight attendant noticed a teenage girl with an older man who seemed suspicious. The girl appeared nervous and poorly dressed compared to the man. The flight attendant reported her concerns to the pilot, who then notified the authorities. When the plane landed in Seattle, the police arrested the man and rescued the girl, who was confirmed to be a victim of trafficking.
A United Airlines flight attendant noticed a teenage girl on a flight to San Francisco in 2018 who appeared to be under duress. The attendant discreetly engaged the girl in conversation and suspected trafficking. She informed the pilot, who contacted the ground authorities. Upon landing, the police intervened, and the girl was found to be a victim of human trafficking.
In 2017, an American Airlines flight attendant saw a young girl traveling with a man who seemed to control her movements and interactions. The attendant’s instincts suggested something was wrong, so she reported it to the pilot. Authorities were notified, and upon arrival in Dallas, the man was detained, and the girl was rescued from a trafficking situation.
These instances highlight the critical role that flight attendants play in identifying and responding to potential human trafficking cases. Their vigilance and prompt action can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
Regulatory Aspects
In early 2018, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) released Circular 352, titled “Guidelines for Training Cabin Crew on Identifying and Responding to Trafficking in Persons.” This document provides guidelines aimed at helping cabin crew and other transportation personnel recognize potential victims of human trafficking and respond appropriately. The Circular was a collaborative effort between ICAO and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and it is viewed by ICAO as a vital tool to prevent the misuse of civil aviation for human trafficking.
Circular 352 is rooted in the approach of the OHCHR and references Resolution 64/293, which supports the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. It encourages member states to ratify and implement the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, emphasizing the importance of these instruments in fighting human trafficking. The Circular urges states to raise awareness about human trafficking within their civil aviation authorities and to require air operators to develop policies, procedures, and training for their employees to address this issue.
The primary goal of Circular 352 is to encourage states to make their civil aviation sectors aware of the severity of human trafficking and the challenges it poses. It requires ICAO member states to ensure that air operators develop training programs to help employees recognize and respond to trafficking. The focus is mainly on cabin crew, who are most likely to encounter victims and traffickers. The Circular provides a framework for training packages that include guidelines on identifying and responding to trafficking in persons.
While the ultimate decision regarding suspected trafficking on an aircraft lies with the pilot in command, the Circular also extends its recommendations to flight crew and airport employees. It suggests that other transportation sectors, such as maritime and rail, could adapt these guidelines to suit their systems.
ICAO’s focus on cabin crew training is relatively recent. In 2017, ICAO released its Manual on the Establishment of Minimum Cabin Crew Requirements, which emphasizes the crucial role of cabin crew in passenger safety and aircraft operations. Circular 352 builds on this by addressing why trafficking happens, indicators of trafficking, and relevant regulatory aspects of air transport. It also provides guidance on the role of civil aviation authorities, reporting procedures, and training for cabin crew.
The release of Circular 352 by ICAO is seen as a proactive measure to enhance the safety and security of air travel. However, there are questions about how ICAO’s mandate, as defined by the Chicago Convention, includes addressing human trafficking. ICAO’s primary objectives are to develop principles and techniques of international air navigation and to foster the planning and development of international air transport. Human trafficking, while a significant issue, does not clearly fit within these objectives.
The Circular does not quantify the scale of human trafficking by air or clearly explain how it aligns with ICAO’s aims under the Chicago Convention. Human trafficking is fundamentally a humanitarian issue and does not fall within the traditional duties of cabin crew, who are primarily responsible for passenger safety during flights. The safety and welfare of trafficked individuals become relevant after the flight unless there is immediate danger on board.
Circular 352 begins by distinguishing between trafficking and smuggling. Trafficking is based on exploitation and does not require crossing borders, while smuggling involves illegal movement across borders with consent. The Circular identifies three elements of trafficking: an action (e.g., recruitment), a means (e.g., threat), and a purpose (exploitation). It notes that airport employees and other transport modes can adapt the guidelines to their needs.
The document outlines indicators of trafficking, such as passengers avoiding eye contact, lacking control of their documents, traveling without personal items, and showing submissiveness to a companion. Cabin crew members are advised to be discreet, avoid confrontation, and gather information quietly. They are also encouraged to ask passengers specific questions to assess their situation.
Airlines are required to adopt comprehensive anti-trafficking policies, including training for all relevant employees. The Circular ties its guidelines to the Tokyo Convention, which allows the pilot in command to take reasonable measures if the safety of the aircraft or its occupants is threatened.
In summary, while Circular 352 is a significant step towards combating human trafficking in air transport, it raises legal questions about ICAO’s role in this issue. The document emphasizes the need for clear guidelines and comprehensive training to ensure the safety and security of air travel.
In June 2018, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its Guidance on Human Trafficking, which resulted from the collaboration of law enforcement experts, its Cabin Safety Operations Taskforce, and the Security Group. This guidance provides airlines with the necessary information and tools to create or improve their policies and procedures. By consistently training airline staff, particularly those who interact directly with passengers—such as airport employees, check-in and gate agents, security screeners, and cabin crew—IATA aims to raise awareness about the nature, scale, and humanitarian impact of human trafficking. Additionally, IATA encourages airlines to train their staff on recognizing and reporting potential trafficking situations.
IATA emphasizes the urgent need for airlines to establish a specific, detailed, and practical company policy that is strongly supported by senior management. This policy should ensure a consistent response to suspected human trafficking across their networks. IATA recommends that such a policy should focus on providing appropriate training to employees, including cabin crew and ground staff, to detect and manage suspected cases and victims. The policy should also encourage ground and cabin staff to report any signs of human trafficking they detect at check-in, boarding gates, and on board. It should emphasize paying close attention to possible indicators of human trafficking and reporting suspected cases to local authorities, providing further support when necessary. It is crucial that this policy is effectively communicated to all airline employees and can be translated into practical operational procedures.
My Take
The flight attendant’s duties in ensuring all aspects of the safety and security of the passenger hinges largely on communications between the technical crew and the cabin crew. This calls for a seamless culture of communication, cooperation and equality between the two professional classes. During the past 40 years of the author’s experience in the aviation industry it has been the observation that this synergy largely exists. Airlines, both in their training and culture emphasize this point. Rightly so.
The safety and security of passengers aboard an aircraft are paramount, and effective cooperation and communication between flight crew and cabin crew are critical to achieving these goals. This partnership is not only essential for handling routine operations but also becomes crucial in managing emergencies, including potential human trafficking situations. By fostering a collaborative environment and utilizing clear communication protocols, airline crews can ensure the well-being of all passengers and the smooth operation of the flight.
The flight crew, primarily composed of pilots and co-pilots, is responsible for the overall operation and navigation of the aircraft. The cabin crew, including flight attendants, manages passenger safety, comfort, and compliance with regulations. Both teams must work in unison to handle normal flight operations and respond effectively to any irregularities or emergencies.
During routine operations, the cooperation between the flight and cabin crews ensures that pre-flight checks, safety demonstrations, and in-flight services are executed seamlessly. Communication protocols, such as pre-flight briefings, allow both crews to align on the specifics of the flight, including expected weather conditions, flight duration, and any special passenger needs. For instance, if turbulence is anticipated, the flight crew can inform the cabin crew in advance, allowing them to secure the cabin and ensure passenger safety.
In emergency situations, the coordination between flight and cabin crews becomes even more vital. Clear communication channels and predefined procedures are crucial in handling crises such as medical emergencies, fire outbreaks, or security threats. One notable example is the successful emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. The cooperation and effective communication between Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, and the cabin crew played a significant role in the safe evacuation of all passengers, demonstrating the importance of teamwork under pressure.
The fight against human trafficking provides a clear example of how flight and cabin crews can work together to ensure passenger safety. Human trafficking is a complex crime that often goes unnoticed without proper vigilance and coordination.
To ensure effective cooperation and communication, airlines must invest in regular training for both flight and cabin crews. This training should cover not only routine operations but also emergency procedures, including human trafficking indicators and protocols for reporting suspicious activity.
Advancements in technology also play a significant role in enhancing communication between flight and cabin crews. Modern aircraft are equipped with interphone systems and other communication tools that allow for real-time information exchange. In emergencies, these tools enable quick coordination, ensuring that all crew members are informed and can act promptly.
The cooperation and communication between flight crew and cabin crew are fundamental to ensuring the safety and security of passengers. Through routine operations and emergency situations alike, the synergy between these teams is essential. By investing in training, adopting clear communication protocols, and utilizing technology, airlines can enhance this collaboration, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of everyone on board.
At the end of the day, the only point of contact and communication the passenger has is the flight attendant.
