Long before passengers arrive at the airport, airline maintenance professionals work behind the scenes to ensure aircraft safety, and flight operations dispatchers prepare and adjust flight plans. While the aircraft is secured, passengers and baggage arrive at the airport for screening. The cabin crew and pilots perform a series of checks and briefings to ensure that everything is in order for a safe and secure flight. Later, flight attendants assist passengers to board and stow their luggage, and the pilots follow the procedures and checklists for a safe departure.

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In the air, the crew has responsibility for the safety and security of the flight and all passengers. However, the crew receives constant information and support throughout the flight from Air Traffic Controllers, Flight Dispatch - which coordinates the needs of the flight crew - and various airspace authorities.

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Once the pilots have safely landed the aircraft and taxied to the gate, passengers disembark to collect their baggage or make any further connections. As the responsibilities of the cabin crew and pilots come to an end, ground crews take over and maintenance professionals begin whatever repairs must be made before a new flight can take place.

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