ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a realistic account of professional relationships as experienced by crew themselves. Crew are usually recruited because of their positive characteristics which should ease their ability to relate to others. The majority of flights proceed without major conflicts amongst the crew. However, different factors affect the level at which people have bonded and therefore the team dynamics. Conflict can negatively affect attempts to socialise during the layover period. Crew spend a considerable amount of their time away from home. However, the brief nature of crew relations may interfere with the ability to form meaningful, non-superficial relationships and can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness. UK airline crew agree that the level of social engagement during the layover period is very closely linked to the first impressions of their colleagues. Interactions during layovers may also encourage more personal working relationships and improve team functioning upon return to the aircraft.
