20 British Airways Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, every company has their own unique process. This can make preparing for an interview feel daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect.

If you’re interviewing with British Airways, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common British Airways interview questions. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to ace your interview and land the job you want.

British Airways Interview Process

The interview process at British Airways is thorough and can take some time to complete. It typically begins with an online assessment, followed by a face-to-face interview. The final stage of the process is usually a panel interview.

The online assessment is relatively easy, but the face-to-face interview can be quite difficult. The panel interview is also quite challenging, but it is important to remember that the goal is to assess whether or not you are a good fit for the company.

Overall, the experience is generally positive, but it is important to be prepared for a long and challenging process.

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. When answering this question, think of two or three strengths you have that are relevant to the position and explain how they help you succeed. Then, think of one weakness you have and explain what steps you’ve taken to improve it.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person, which helps me stay on top of my work. I also have excellent communication skills, so I’m able to clearly communicate with coworkers and customers. My only weakness is that sometimes I get overwhelmed by large projects. To overcome this, I break down large projects into smaller tasks and set deadlines for myself.”

2. Do you have any experience working in a customer service role?

British Airways is a customer service-oriented company, so it’s important that you have experience working in this type of role. If you don’t, try to find another job where you interacted with customers and provide examples from your previous work history.

Example: “I worked as a server at a restaurant for five years before I moved here. During my time there, I learned how to interact with all types of people and handle difficult situations. For example, one night when I was working, a family came in with their young child who had an accident in his pants. The parents were embarrassed, but I helped them clean up the mess and get new clothes for their son.”

3. How would you handle an angry passenger who was unhappy with the seating arrangement on their flight?

British Airways is a customer-focused airline, so it’s important to show that you can handle difficult situations with customers. In your answer, demonstrate how you would use your communication skills and problem-solving abilities to resolve the situation.

Example: “I would first apologize for their inconvenience and then try to find out what they were unhappy about. I would also ask them if there was anything else we could do to make their flight more comfortable. If they still seemed upset, I would offer them an upgrade or a refund on their ticket. This way, I’m showing them that I care about their experience and want to ensure they have a positive flight.”

4. Have you ever had to deal with an emergency situation in a work environment? If so, what did you do?

British Airways wants to know that you are capable of handling emergency situations in the workplace. This is because they want their employees to be safe and secure while on duty. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to provide an example of a time when you had to handle an emergency situation.

Example: “When I was working as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, we were preparing for takeoff when one of our passengers suddenly became ill. The pilot decided to turn back around so that we could get medical assistance for the passenger. While waiting for help, I helped calm other passengers who were nervous about what was happening. After the passenger received medical attention, we took off again.”

5. Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond for a customer.

British Airways is a customer-focused company, so it’s important to show that you can provide excellent service. When answering this question, try to think of an example where you went above and beyond for a customer and how it positively impacted their experience with the company.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job as a sales associate, I had a customer who was looking for a specific type of shirt. After searching through our inventory, I didn’t have any in stock. Instead of just telling them we couldn’t help them, I offered to call other stores within the area to see if they had any in stock. Luckily, one store did have some in stock, so I drove over there to pick up the shirts and brought them back to the customer.”

6. Why do you want to be a cabin crew member at British Airways?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you view this role. Your answer should include information about why you want to work at British Airways, what attracted you to the company and what makes you excited to be part of their team.

Example: “I have always been fascinated by aviation, so I decided to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering. While working on my degree, I realized that I would rather be up in the air than down on the ground, so I started looking into becoming a flight attendant. After researching different airlines, I learned that British Airways has one of the best reputations in the industry, so I applied here.”

7. What is your greatest achievement in life?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential future colleague. It can also be an opportunity for you to share something that makes you proud and shows the interviewer what you’re capable of achieving.

Example: “My greatest achievement in life was when I graduated from college with my bachelor’s degree. I worked hard throughout my studies, but it wasn’t easy balancing work, school and family life. However, I knew how important it was to me to get my degree so I could pursue my career goals. I’m very proud of myself for sticking with it and completing my education.”

8. Tell us about a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.

This question is a great way to learn more about how you respond to challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to focus on the steps you took to fix your mistake and what you learned from the experience.

Example: “When I first started working as an assistant manager at my previous job, I was responsible for scheduling employees’ shifts. One day, I scheduled one of our drivers to work two consecutive days without taking any time off. After realizing my mistake, I immediately contacted the driver and asked him if he could swap his second shift with another employee so that he only worked one day instead of two. He agreed, and we were able to resolve the issue before anyone else noticed.”

9. What types of situations do you find stressful?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle stress and whether your personality is a good fit for this role. When answering, try to focus on specific strategies you use to manage stress rather than listing all of the stressful situations you’ve encountered in the past.

Example: “I find public speaking to be one of the most stressful situations because I want to make sure that my message is clear and concise. To prepare myself for these types of events, I practice my speech multiple times until I feel comfortable with it. I also take deep breaths before starting so that I can calm myself down.”

10. Do you have any knowledge or interest in aviation?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about you as an individual. British Airways wants employees who are passionate about aviation and enjoy working in this industry. In your answer, share what got you interested in aviation and how it has impacted your life.

Example: “Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with airplanes. My parents took me on many vacations when I was younger, and I remember looking out of the airplane window at all the different landscapes we were flying over. It really sparked my interest in aviation and inspired me to pursue a career in this field.”

11. Describe a time when you were embarrassed by something that happened to you. How did you respond?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to recover from a mistake. In your answer, try to focus on how you learned from the experience and what steps you took to ensure it didn’t happen again.

Example: “I once had an important meeting with a client that I was supposed to attend via video conference. Unfortunately, I forgot to turn on my computer’s camera before starting the call. When I realized my mistake, I quickly ended the call and restarted it so they could see me. The client was very understanding of the situation and we were able to continue our meeting as planned.”

12. Are you willing to take extra shifts if we need you to?

British Airways is a 24-hour operation, so they need employees who are willing to work overtime when necessary. When you answer this question, make sure that you emphasize your willingness to do whatever it takes to help the company succeed.

Example: “I am happy to take extra shifts if needed. I understand that sometimes we have to work long hours and weekends to get everything done. As long as my performance remains high, I would be happy to take on more responsibilities.”

13. Can you tell me about a time where you received positive feedback from a manager/customer?

This question is a great way to learn more about the company culture and how employees are recognized for their hard work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific examples of praise you’ve received in the past and what actions led to that praise.

Example: “In my last position as an assistant manager at a local restaurant, I was praised by my general manager for always being willing to help out other team members when they were short-staffed or needed assistance with something. He said he appreciated my willingness to pitch in wherever I was needed and that it made him feel confident knowing I would do whatever I could to ensure our customers had a positive experience.”

14. Would you feel comfortable handling sick passengers?

This question is asked to determine your comfort level with handling emergency situations. It’s important for flight attendants to be able to handle any situation that may arise during a flight, including helping passengers who are sick or injured. In your answer, explain how you would help the passenger and what steps you would take to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Example: “I have worked as a nurse in an emergency room setting for five years now, so I am very comfortable assisting ill or injured passengers. If someone was feeling ill or had a medical emergency while on board, I would first assess their condition and call for assistance if needed. Then, I would assist them by getting them water or medicine, calling for paramedics or arranging for transportation after landing.”

15. How would you handle a situation where someone was complaining about another person?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you handle conflict and complaints. Use examples from your experience to show that you can remain calm, solve problems and work with others.

Example: “I would first listen to both sides of the story and ask questions to clarify what happened. Then I would speak with the person who was complaining about the other employee to find out if there were any patterns or reasons for their behavior. Next, I would talk to the employee who was being complained about to see if they had any insight into why this is happening. Finally, I would meet with the person who was complaining to discuss my findings and offer solutions.”

16. What qualities do you think are important to have as a cabin crew member?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the qualities they are looking for in a candidate. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer back to the job description and highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a cabin crew member is patience. I’ve worked as a flight attendant before, so I know how stressful it can be when there are delays or other issues with flights. Having patience helps me remain calm and empathetic toward passengers who may be frustrated by these situations.”

17. Have you ever worked in a fast-paced environment before?

British Airways is a fast-paced environment, and the interviewer wants to make sure you can handle the pace. If you have worked in a similar role before, share your experience with working under pressure. If this is your first time, explain that you are ready for the challenge.

Example: “I’ve worked in a fast-paced environment before at my previous job where I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once. This helped me develop my multitasking skills and learn how to prioritize tasks. I am confident that I can adapt to the pace of British Airways.”

18. Do you have any allergies?

British Airways is a global airline that flies to many destinations. The interviewer wants to make sure you can fly safely and comfortably on their planes. If you have any allergies, be honest about them. Explain how they affect your ability to perform the job.

Example: “I am allergic to peanuts. I always let my employers know when I apply for a position so they can accommodate me. For example, at my last job, I had an office with a door where I could work without disturbing others. My coworkers knew not to bring nuts into the office. When we traveled, I made sure to pack snacks that didn’t contain nuts.”

19. What languages can you speak fluently?

British Airways is a global company, so they may ask this question to see if you can communicate with their international customers. If you speak multiple languages fluently, share that information in your answer. If you only speak one language fluently, explain what other languages you can understand and use.

Example: “I am fluent in English, but I also have intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish and French. I took three years of high school Spanish, and I studied abroad in Spain for a semester during college. I still practice my French every day by speaking it with my grandmother.”

20. If a child was crying loudly during a flight, what would you do?

This question is a behavioral one that allows you to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you would handle the situation.

Example: “If I were on duty when a child was crying loudly during a flight, I would first try to calm them down by speaking in a soft voice and offering them something to eat or drink. If they continued to cry, I would ask their parents if there’s anything else I could do for them. If the parents said no, I would offer to take the child to the back of the plane where it’s quieter so they can play with some toys.”