Unprofessional - yes - but dangerous?
 

So, I was sitting on a big red Malaysian Airbus from Penang to Hong Kong the other day, usual seat 1A (sadly, economy, but i'd paid a few ringitts more for the extra leg room), with a great view of the two stewardesses in front of me.

As we taxied, one of them pulled a hot drink from the microwave / warmer thing, sat down in her crew seat and rabbited away to her colleague. Neither of them had bothered to put on their seatbelt as we rocketed into the sky (the 4 strap thing they have).

It struck me that being responsible for the two forward emergency exits this was irresponsible, and in the event of an emergency stop during take off, or turbulence very dangerous - they would be thrown straight into the plastic divider, coffee straight into my face etc, lots of other problems.

The main thought I had was - if they are this lax about safety during one of the flight critical moments - what else don't they give a toss about? I seriously thought about making a complaint upon arrival into HKG as i'm sure they were breaching all sorts of policies (company and otherwise), but I wondered if I was being a square. After all, I've seen all kind of strange and wacky things over my years in Asia. And this may cost them their jobs.

But surely, it is a fundamental, and simple thing - they should have their seatbelts on during take off (they did for landing). Whaddya think - should I just move on and exercise my right not to fly them, or should a quick e-mail to said companies customer services follow?

Sam,

Flight attendants do some things that aren't permitted of passengers, such as moving about the cabin when the seatbelt sign is illuminated. However, given the circumstances you describe, there's really no excuse for taking the seat and not putting on the seatbelt. Refraining from holding a drink during the takeoff is a matter of both regulation and professionalism. It's also a matter of setting a good example for the passengers.

The seat belt issue is regulatory, and safety related. The flight attendant doesn't have the option of forgoing the belts and harness. It's a requirement. I don't have the option of forgoing the seatbelt and shoulder harness in the pilot seat, either.

I can't tell you what course to take; do as you feel best.

Sam

You would seem to be correct in your observations, Ive never seen crew not strapped in especially in full view of passengers, and the hot drink is a no no...