A330
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft
Captain instructed crew to prepare cabin for a normal arrival; as we were about to experience a decompression. As oxygen masks were deployed; passengers were instructed to 'Don Oxygen Masks and Fasten Seat Belts.' I sat at my assigned 3L door; donned my oxygen mask; and assisted passengers sitting nearby. I instructed a woman to use an oxygen mask for her infant; and told children not to pull on the masks; etc. Once Captain advised us that it was safe to walk around; flight attendants walked through the cabin assisting passengers. A young woman was hyperventilating; other passengers were shaken; but overall there were no major incidents. The flight deck crew communicated very well with the crew and kept the passengers informed throughout. Passengers complimented the crew on their professionalism and calm as they deplaned. I did notice upon walking through the cabin that several passenger masks had not deployed. These passengers were not within view of the flight attendants; so they remained without oxygen. Also; we did not have a French translator on the flight; therefore communication with the French speaking passengers was compromised.
A330 Flight Attendant describes a loss of cabin pressure during during descent. The cockpit crew was apparently aware that the masks were about to drop and informed the cabin.