B737-800
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
I was the Number 2 Flight Attendant; working a delayed flight. We arrived at the aircraft and passenger boarding began without any crew briefing from the Captain. Upon door closure; we were notified that the ramp was closed; and we would be sitting for at least 15 minutes; potentially more. I called the cockpit to see if our brake was released (wondering; 'are we receiving flight pay/ATC hold pay for this delay?'). The Captain informed us that 'No-we aren't getting paid a penny to sit here!' We finally were able to leave the gate. Upon taxiing out; we were notified that we would not be departing for some time. We parked and the engines were shut down at some point. The passengers moved about the cabin to the lavatories during this delay. Approximately one hour later; the engines came back on and we heard the announcement 'Prepare for takeoff.' We made an announcement for passengers to return to their seats and bring their seatbacks and tray tables forward; as well as to stow laptops.While conducting our compliance check; I noticed that we were turning onto the runway and beginning to accelerate. The Number 4 Flight Attendant and I struggled to get to our jumpseats as the airplane was taking off. Following take off; there was a substantial amount of turbulence during the climb out. I called the Number 1 Flight Attendant and asked if they had heard a chime before takeoff. They had NOT; and indicated they had been scrambling to get to their jumpseats in time; as well. The Captain finally called to indicate it was probably safe to get up. I called him back to tell him that we were all in the aisle during takeoff; and that we did not hear a takeoff chime. He immediately defended himself; saying 'YES WE DID; we said prepare and chimed;' to which I replied 'Regardless; four of us did NOT hear the chime; and we were in the aisle during takeoff.' He told me that we would 'have a discussion on the ground.'Upon landing the Captain made no comment to us; and when the Number 4 Flight Attendant asked if we were going to discuss what had happened in the crew van; the Captain answered with a loud 'NO!' Pilots should always verify if the cabin is ready for takeoff following a significant delay and sit on the tarmac. A pilot briefing should always be conducted; even if flight is delayed.
B737-800 Flight Attendant reported not receiving the proper pre-takeoff warning from the cockpit.