Cabin crew must prioritize safety over hierarchy, but also show respect for senior crew and follow standard procedures. The interviewer is checking whether you can speak up about a safety concern without sounding argumentative.
Show that you would respond in the moment or as soon as practical, address the senior crew member privately, state your concern as a question or confirmation, and propose a safe alternative. Avoid sounding like you are refusing the instruction.
Start by acknowledging the senior crew member's authority, then frame your concern as a shared goal rather than a challenge. Say something like, "I want to make sure we secure the galley in the safest way possible, may I walk through the steps with you?" This keeps the conversation collaborative, not confrontational. If the instruction involves a specific risk, such as blocking an exit or leaving loose items during turbulence, mention that observation calmly and ask for clarification, for example, "I noticed this might obstruct the emergency path, is there another way we can arrange it?" In the Philippine context, where respect for seniority is deeply valued, you can soften your tone with "po" and use a questioning phrase instead of a direct correction. If the senior crew member still insists, do not argue in front of others; follow the instruction but privately raise the concern again after the briefing, or with the purser if it remains unresolved. The key is to show you can balance deference with your duty to safety, and that you act with tact, not hesitation.
Many candidates say 'Susunod na lang po ako' even when unsure. Instead, phrase it as confirmation, like 'For safety, may I suggest we check if this blocks the exit?' so you do not sound insubordinate.
Situation
During my hotel practicum, I was assigned to a banquet setup team with a senior coordinator I had only met that morning.
Task
I had to follow her instruction to stack chairs near a fire exit door while preparing a function room for an event.
Action
I noticed the stack could block the exit if it fell, so I approached her quietly during a break. I said I wanted to confirm the setup because I was worried about blocking the emergency exit during a busy event. I offered to move the chairs to an adjacent corner that was still accessible but clear of the door. She agreed and thanked me for speaking up.
Result
We moved the chairs, and the event ran without any safety issue. The coordinator later told my supervisor that I was careful and respectful.
Raise safety concerns early and privately, with a proposed alternative, not just a complaint.
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