S̄wạs̄dī – Welcome on board! A perfect Thai greeting, along with the best tips for Bangkok - from a SWISS flight attendant? If you're flying from Zurich to Bangkok, you just might experience exactly that. But there’s more to it than just a warm welcome:

On SWISS flights to India, Thailand, Japan, and China, four International Cabin Crew Members join the Swiss cabin crew in both Economy and Business Class. Additionally, they will now also be present in First Class on flights to India, with more routes to follow.

Despite being stationed in their home countries, these international flight attendants are an integral part of the SWISS family. With around 200 colleagues, they serve as cultural bridges, helping with translations, explaining cultural differences, and even offering passengers valuable travel tips and recommendations.

A passion for hospitality

Kiki, Kai, Yoshika, Sam, Ruchita, Swathi, Maya, Angela and Nana are part of this exceptional team. When we meet them on a sunny Tuesday afternoon at Operation Center 1, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the camaraderie is palpable. They all know each other well from their frequent stays at the Zurich Airport crew hotel, the second home of SWISS’s International Cabin Crew. Their job is their passion. “It’s a unique experience to work with people from all over the world while embodying the values of SWISS,” says Kiki from Shanghai, who has been flying for SWISS for over twelve years.

Selected from thousands

Many of the crew members have dreamt of flying since childhood, and for them, working for a prestigious airline like SWISS is a privilege. “I saw an ad in a Thai newspaper and thought, ‘This is my chance,’” recalls Maya from Bangkok, who was chosen from 4,800 applicants as one of only ten selected. She has been with SWISS for 14 years and has never regretted her decision. Ruchita from Delhi, who jokingly refers to herself as the crew’s “dinosaur” after 16 years of service, adds that for many Indians, Switzerland is a dream destination - thanks in part to Bollywood films.

The demand for jobs with international airlines like SWISS is high. In some Asian countries, special training institutes prepare candidates for airline interviews. “We learn everything here - from body language to aviation basics,” explains Swathi from Mumbai.

The art of communication

Beyond technical skills, communication is key to ensuring a smooth flight. SWISS’s International Cabin Crew members not only speak their passengers’ native languages but also understand their cultural expectations. “When you understand these differences, you can take better care of passengers and create a more comfortable atmosphere,” says Kiki from Shanghai.

Yoshika from Tokyo adds that many Japanese passengers feel intimidated by the language barrier. Seeing a crew member who speaks Japanese puts them at ease. In many Asian cultures, passengers are often reluctant to express their needs, so it is all the more meaningful to be greeted in their native language after a long journey.

Sam from Bangkok knows this cultural nuance all too well. He recalls a flight where his own mother, flying to Zurich, didn’t dare ask for anything. Because of this, he makes sure to proactively offer Thai passengers water and assistance. Swathi from Mumbai shares a similar experience, noting that many Indian passengers are older and shy. They often don’t speak English and only relax once they realize the crew is from the same country. With a smile, she adds, “But they love SWISS, the service and food - especially when I joke that I cooked it myself.”

Pre-flight briefings are key

Cultural differences don’t just affect passenger interactions, they also impact service routines. This is something that needs to be explained to Swiss crew members as well, says Yoshika from Tokyo.

One example is the Japanese concept of Omotenashi - a form of subtle yet highly attentive hospitality. “If you spill water, you apologize more than once. And serving green tea properly is an art,” she explains.

That’s why she takes the time to show her Swiss colleagues how to serve it in the traditional way. A gesture of respect.

In India, hospitality is just as deeply ingrained. Swathi from Mumbai explains, “We live by the principle of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - ‘The guest is God.’” Direct refusals are considered impolite. Instead of saying no, cabin crew members find alternatives, something the Indian crew humorously call “Touch the Galley and Go”: stepping into the galley, checking for an option, and returning with a solution. “It makes passengers feel like we genuinely tried,” says Swathi.

That’s why pre-flight briefings are crucial. This is the first time the ten- to fourteen-member cabin crew gathers to discuss key flight details. Alongside operational procedures and weather updates, cultural considerations are also covered to prevent misunderstandings, explains Kai from Shanghai.

The noodle soup situation

Kai shares a common cross-cultural mix-up, which he jokingly calls the 'Noodle Soup Situation'. "Chinese passengers often help themselves to noodle soup in the galley. Our Swiss colleagues are surprised when they see passengers entering the galley to get hot water on their own,” he explains. “But in China, this is completely normal—it’s not considered rude at all.” Many public places, including train stations, have self-serve hot water stations.

Cultural differences also extend to food preferences. In India, vegetarian means no eggs - unlike in the West. Meanwhile, Thai passengers are often unsure if their curry contains dairy.

Food as a cultural connection

No matter where someone comes from, food is a fundamental part of the flight experience. That’s why SWISS ensures a variety of options. Alongside Swiss specialties, passengers can enjoy traditional Asian meals and beverages - from Oolong tea and curry dishes to Chinese noodle soups. “Chinese guests prefer rice and meat dishes, while Swiss passengers love bread, cheese, and butter,” explains Kai. SWISS makes sure to cater to both.

“Excuse me, where’s the gym?”

When cultures meet, amusing moments are inevitable. SWISS’s International Cabin Crew has seen it all. “Once, a passenger asked where the gym was,” laughs Swathi from Mumbai. “We had to gently explain that, unfortunately, there isn’t one at 35,000 feet.” Another passenger unrolled his yoga mat mid-flight and began stretching in front of the lavatory.

Nana from Bangkok recalls a moment that highlights the importance of SWISS’s International Cabin Crew: “While working in Economy, a First Class passenger came all the way back to ask for paracetamol. Why? Because she hadn’t seen a Thai flight attendant in First.” Naturally, the crew helped. These moments underscore the unique role of international flight attendants—balancing cultural understanding with professionalism, always with a touch of humor and warmth.

A life between two worlds

What makes SWISS’s International Cabin Crew truly special is their deep connection to both their home countries and Switzerland. “China is efficient but fast-paced. That’s why I love flying to Zurich—it’s so calm and relaxed here,” shares Angela from Bangkok. Occasionally, their families even get to visit Switzerland with them.

The job also offers a unique work-life balance. “We experience both worlds,” says Swathi from Mumbai. Ruchita from Delhi sees it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. For her, it’s not just about onboard service but also about meeting people, hearing their stories, and connecting with them.

Their Swiss colleagues enrich their experience as well. “It’s fun to learn Swiss-German phrases and teach them greetings in Chinese,” says Kai. Angela from Bangkok adds that she especially loves the open-mindedness of her colleagues.

Hierarchies? Barely noticeable. “Every flight, I meet new people. At SWISS, everyone helps each other, across all classes,” Maya from Bangkok adds. And with a grin, she concludes, “At other airlines, I’d never see a captain carrying my bag.”

Sky-high cultural guides

More than just a link between Europe and Asia, SWISS’s International Cabin Crew ensures passengers feel not only safe, but truly welcome. So on your next flight, keep an eye out for them. They’ll be happy to share their culture - and travel tips - with you.

Wishing you a pleasant flight and many happy landings!