Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Logbook Entry; MEL; Human Factors; Aircraft; Manuals; Procedure
Our crew was called in to do this flight due to a mechanical door malfunction and the other crew was timing out. Once we got there I was told that the door was fixed and good to go by station manager.The other crew left their bags on the aircraft so when we were allowed to go on the plane it was 2 crews and the front end. [Flight Attendant] was the last to enter the plane. Once we were there the boarding door was closed. We asked what was going on and a few mechanics and ground personnel were there and they explained that they were showing the crew and Captain the L-1 door and what it looks like. The three of us out waiting questioned we should also be inside being briefed since it was us that is taking the flight. I think if we were briefed at this time all this commotion would not have happened.The Captain did brief us and explained that the door does open and close and some parts were missing but it was all cosmetics. He also made a PA announcement that we were good to go.I did take pictures of the door once we closed it and ready to go. In the meantime my Supervisor called me to see if we needed anything and gave me support. That was very nice of her. It meant a lot to us!As we were taxing my R-1 [Flight Attendant] noticed light coming through the rubber part of the door frame. I can pull back the rubber and feel the wind and see outside as we were taxiing. Of course we were not briefed on this so I called the Captain and told him if he can come out and take a look at door. I was not sure if this was safe and maybe we might get sucked out once we takeoff. Captain made an announcement that we will be returning to the gate to have the mechanics take a look at the door and in the meantime some passengers wanted to get off the plane. They felt it was unsafe.Once we arrived in ZZZ and it was time to open the door; I could not see outside. The normal viewing window was not there. It was a little square window. I could not see the agent's thumbs up but I can hear her knock. It worked out fine with me just hearing her knock to open the door. It all worked out ok but in an emergency there was no way we can see outside. We as flight attendants are taught to look through the viewing porthole to see for fire or any obstacles in the way. I remember mentioning this to [Flight Attendant] that this might be an issue. That's when she said to send her the pictures. Now that it is over and I can reflect on what was going on I should have refused the flight due to safety issues. Thankfully there was no emergency and everything went smoothly.
Flight attendant reported an issue with a door seal that resulted in a flight delay and maintenance action.