Flight Attendant Jobs

What's it like to be a flight attendant? 

Flight attendants are an important part of an aircraft's crew. They care for and assist passengers while also making sure the safety of all those boarded on the flight. If you want to work as a new flight attendant, it is essential to know a few things about the field. We'll look at the duties of flight attendants, how they work, their working schedules, and what the salaries and benefits are like, so you can decide if it's the right career track to take.

What does a flight attendant do?

A flight attendant operates as a service worker who provides a safe flying experience and comfort to every passenger on the plane. They welcome flyers as they board flights and help them place their bags correctly and take seats. Flight attendants have specialized expertise in the aircraft they are working with and passenger and aircraft safety measures are their major priority. 

A flight attendant job needs you to perform the several duties mentioned as points below in addition to treating passengers. 

●     Fetching briefings from pilots on the climate and weather, the possibility of disruption, and other critical safety information.

●     Inspecting and keeping rescue supplies and equipment on the aircraft

●     Providing assistance to travelers with specific requirements, such as small kids and newborns, handicapped people, or premium passengers boarding planes.

●     Ensure the deck of an aircraft is safe and that travelers follow all safety standards before and during flying.

●     Checking the tickets and information regarding the seating, stowing cabin baggage, and assuring passengers adhere to the size and weight limits

●     Passengers are directed on airplane safety guidelines, escape routes and other major safety instructions for take-off and landing.

●     Providing food and drinks to passengers while traveling the extra mile to ensure their comfort.

●     Pre-flight meetings with pilots and other crew to go through safety protocols and check the right equipment is on the aircraft.

●     Screening for suspected passenger conduct, limiting the risk of hostile and threatening situations, and tracking of incidents on the aircraft

●     Managing electronic transfers and money when customers purchase drinks and snacks on flights 

Required skills for a job as a flight attendant

Flight attendants must have specific abilities as well as excellent transferrable skills to do their job well. 

Specific abilities required for flight attendant employment are generally acquired through training and development activities once they start their careers. 

Among the crucial abilities to learn when you seek a job as a flight attendant are:

Attention to detail

Flight attendants must be extremely vigilant prior to, during, and then after flights. 

Their attention enables them to guarantee that all passengers are securely on the plane and that no one violates any safety protocols.

Flight attendants also have to be well aware of the external factors altering the journey such as weather conditions or any updates on the flight.

Problem-solving skills

Another important ability that flight attendants must have is the capacity to settle disputes. 

Sometimes tensions run high on long flights and the flight attendants must be able to count on their training and expertise to tackle unpredictable circumstances.

There are times when flight attendants must give both mental and physical support to every passenger as well as to the crew staff. 

Problem-solving abilities are also required to assist passengers in resolving conflicts and complaints in a sympathetic and professional manner.

Customer service skills

As they engage in regular contact with passengers, excellent customer service skills are important. Flight attendants provide passengers with their requirements throughout the flight, such as offering in-flight entertainment, comfort, meals and drinks, periodicals, and films on longer journeys.

Communication skills

Writing and spoken communication abilities are essential for a flight attendant. 

They must be able to instruct, teach, and talk to passengers about safety measures, as well as speak before an audience. 

Likewise, effective listening permits flight attendants to grasp passenger requirements, pilot instructions, and critical information that assures everyone on board the aircraft's safety and convenience. 

After landing, flight attendants use written communication to document flight data.

Knowledge of safety procedures

Flight attendants must be aware of the safety standards and procedures that must be followed prior to, all through, and after flights. Once flight attendants begin their duties, this set of skills is often a priority of staff training. Flight attendants learn rescue protocols, first aid, as well as other safety regulations during their training.

Physical Strength

Flight attendants must spend a significant chunk of each flight journey on their feet. 

 As you serve drinks and snacks and respond to the call signal, you'll wear the carpet down the middle aisle. 

Similarly, when you practice your balance abilities, those excellent, powerful feet will need to be strongly placed on the floor. 

A level of strength may be required will also allow you to aid others who are not able to lift big baggage into the overhead bin.

Knowledge of FAA policies and regulations

Another skill set required for flight attendants is knowledge of their sector and awareness of the government laws and regulations that every airline should follow. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishes the laws and regulations that aircraft must observe in order to operate safely. It is the obligation of a flight attendant to comprehend FAA requirements and the essential responsibilities to guarantee the safety of passengers. 

Flight attendant requirements

You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport, have 20/40 eyesight, and pass a drug screening test, background check and interview session to be hired as a flight attendant. 

For those having a non-national origin, one should either acquire US citizenship, or be a Green Card holder with a valid passport, social security card, and government-issued photo ID. 

Education

 A high school diploma is necessary for employment as a flight attendant, but an associate's or bachelor's degree in an area such as hospitality or public relations can offer you a comparative advantage. 

Some people attend flight attendant institutes other than going to college. 

You may need to learn a foreign language through courses if you wish to work on overseas flights.

Physical

Flight attendants must also fulfill certain physical standards. 

You should be well-groomed, and professional, with a neat appearance and a good overall medical condition. 

In order to access the multiple compartments during the trip, you may also need to take a medical test and fulfill an airline's height standards, which range from 4'11" to 6'4" tall.

They also necessitate attendants to be able to sit down on a jump seat and do a variety of physical duties with reasonable accommodation, such as lifting, pushing, bending and pulling.

Training

To learn customer service competencies, most flight attendants require a year or two of relevant job experience. 

Once employed as a flight attendant, they must complete three to six weeks, and in certain situations, up to six months, of airline training. 

Flight attendants study safety measures and emergency practices, first aid, aircraft laws and regulations, and job obligations throughout this training time. They also practice flying.

To be qualified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), all flight attendants must finish this first training. Based on the airline, they may be required to undergo several other work training.

Certifications

Flight attendants must have any one of the certifications mentioned below:

FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency

This certification will be obtained after completing on-the-job training and clearing a test, which is required. Flight attendants must undergo training and certification for each kind of airline they operate on.

Flight Attendant Certificate Courses

Certification programs are available from organizations such as the Inflight Institute based on the kind of airline: charter, regional, or international. 

Before being employed, their partner airlines need flight attendants to complete these courses online, which include topics ranging from aerospace vocabulary to safety measures to management of passengers. 

How to Become a Flight Attendant

Serving drinks is only one part of working as a flight attendant. 

While attendants are accountable for the comfort received by a passenger, there is considerably more to this profession. Are you interested in this flying profession? Let's glance at how to become a flight attendant in more detail.

Complete your education

The first step in becoming a flight attendant is completing the application process for a job with an airline. 

You must fulfill the airline's educational and experience standards. Airlines prefer applicants to have a high school diploma or other equivalent qualifications. Many employers, however, will only employ new people who have taken college courses or have an associate's or bachelor's degree. Bachelor's in hospitality, tourism, communication, and public relations will make you a better candidate

Gain relevant work experience

Flight attendant positions are highly sought after, and only the top qualified applicants make it through the preliminary screening section. Appropriate job experience will boost your Profile. At least two years of work experience in hospitality, customer service, or sales is required by many airlines. Airlines seek employment experience that demonstrates your ability to stand for lengthy periods of time, work extra time, resolve issues, and give excellent customer service. 

Employers frequently favor job seekers with relevant work experience. If you like to become one try obtaining relevant experience in customer service by operating in the hospitality sector like resorts or hotels. Once you gain experience, you can try your best work to get into top ones like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines.

Prepare and submit your resume

Create a compelling resume that emphasizes your customer service abilities. Highlight any work-related or volunteering experience that has allowed you to develop your abilities to work with difficult customers. 

Mention situations where you stood on your feet for lengthy periods of time or worked extra hours to show that you're physically able to match the duties of a flight attendant. Leading airlines may only accept resumes for a few full days. Prepare your Resume so that you can respond fast if you learn about a new opportunity for flight attendants.

Pass your flight attendant interview

Be prepared to attend many interview sessions. 

For instance, the airliner may do a telephone screening or group round before moving on to in-person interview questions. 

Prior to beginning training, aspiring flight attendants should clear their interviews. 

Proper background verification and a drug screening will also be required.

Flight attendants must be of sufficient height and weight to access overhead storage. 

Your eyesight must be fixable to 20/40 or greater, and you must be in good physical and mental condition.

Many recruiters evaluate prospective flight attendants through video interviews. 

Examine your surrounding area carefully before doing a video interview, and assure the setting is tidy and silent. Make the camera level to your line of sight and in a solid posture to get a clean, clear photo. Airlines appreciate a professional and polished look, so dress modestly.  

Most prohibit piercings, tattoos on visible areas, and artificially colored hair. 

Complete the airline's training program

Airlines supply flight attendants with a three-to-six-week training session. 

Throughout the program, you will normally receive classes for eight hours every day at its flight training center. 

You'll be briefed on flying restrictions, employment responsibilities, and company procedures. 

This course will teach you how to utilize codes, make public address statements, conduct ordinary job activities, and manage in-flight crises. 

Typically, airlines will provide for hotel and transport to the training location, although you may be responsible for the cost of meals. 

Based on the airline, training may be compensated or unpaid. You will learn how to manage crises alongside the other new recruits, including protocols for evacuating an airplane and operating emergency equipment such as evacuation slides, oxygen masks, and flotation gear. 

As you reach the end of your classroom training, you will fly into practice and be graded on your abilities.

As part of the curriculum, you will conduct four supervised test flights. 

To become a flight attendant, you must successfully complete your training and get a grade of at least 90 percent. 

Get your FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency

When you've finished your course, your company will register with the Federal Aviation Administration for your Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. 

You must obtain a distinct certification for each kind of aircraft with which you are licensed. 

Yearly training is required to keep your certification valid.

Start Your Career as a Flight Attendant

Having completed your training and your diploma, you might think you'll soon be jet-setting around the globe while making a career. 

It's not quite as quick as that. 

There will be possibilities to work, you will not have a set schedule and will have to wait a while before flying to many of the more attractive destinations. 

The period relies on the carrier and the location you work, but it may be anything from several months to a few years. 

Newly joined flight attendants are normally required to work at least a year on reserve status, while specific companies or places may need three to five years on reserve status, or on call. 

You'll need to have your extra bag packed as you'll be required to report at any time to substitute crew members who are on leave or handle extra trips. 

You are compensated for your hours on reserve, and the company usually gives you particular days to be on call.

You will not be on call at all times. 

Flight attendant work schedule and environment 

Flight attendants might work either part-time or full-time. 

They might be employed by international, regional, commercial, or corporate airlines. 

They also work unusual hours since flight service is 24/7. 

It will also include special days like festivals, public holidays or weekends. 

Most carriers limit flight attendants to 12 hours of work each day, however, foreign flights may compel them to work more hours. Flight attendants must take at least 9 hours of break in-between duties, according to the FAA. 

They frequently spend nights in hotels between journeys and may be gone for days in a row.

Flight attendants can work from 65 to 90 hours during the flight journey and up to 40 or 50 hours organizing the interior of the cabin. 

Many flight attendants' work patterns do not follow the standard 40-hour weekly model. 

This implies that flight attendants can work for several weeks at a time and then take a week or more off. Furthermore, many flight attendants operate in "on-call" positions, where they may be required to report to work promptly if their employers require them. 

Attendants work part-time in the air and part-time on the land, planning for or awaiting the next flight. While flying, they collaborate with other flight crew members in the plane's cabin. 

Job duties can be stressful sometimes, as they have to settle any disputes caused by difficult passengers and deal with those who are anxious. 

They are also required to handle emergency situations effectively like any air turbulence. 

Flight attendants typically have to acquire seniority after working for several years before they can pick their desired work schedule and site. 

Many flight attendants choose to live near their base airport so they can commute to work quickly, particularly if they get called in on short notice. 

Most airlines have a diverse and inclusive workplace without checking the sexual orientation or gender identity of employees. 
 

Types of a Flight Attendant
 

Cargo manager 

A cargo manager oversees and directs the ground crew's duties in collecting, unloading, safeguarding, and arranging plane freight or luggage. The person may calculate the aircraft's center of mass and gravity and identify the volume and direction of cargo. 

Flight attendant

Before they may pick their schedule and destination, flight attendants normally must accumulate years of work experience and rank. Several flight attendants opt to reside close to their main airport so they can swiftly drive to work, especially if they are called in on late notice. 

Ground operator 

A ground operator is usually a local agency providing services like transport and guide services. 

Management personnel 

Airport managers are frequently recruited from near the area in which the airport is situated, and they are in charge of all airline operations. 

These flight attendant roles entail supervising all other staff and units, as well as managing daily activities and upcoming airport plans.

Captains

During air travel, a minimum of two pilots are normally on the deck. The pilot will be the captain who gives a command and is in charge of the entire crew. The second pilot or co-pilot assists the main pilot in communicating with the control tower, monitoring aircraft systems, and operating controls.

First officers 

The first officer (FO) or co-pilot is the second pilot of an aircraft. 

He/she is the aircraft's second-in-command after the captain, who acts as the official commander.

Flight engineers

A flight engineer (FE) is a part of a plane's flight crew who helps in monitoring the aircraft's complicated systems. The role was frequently called the air mechanic in the early days of aviation.

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are in charge of the division and effective movement of flights and vehicles working on the airport's flight paths and roads, as well as aircraft in the air near the airport, which is typically 9 to 18km depending on airport rules. 

Flight operator

A flight operator or airline dispatcher aids in flight route planning by considering aircraft performance and load, enroot winds, storms, instability predictions, airspace limitations, and airport situations. 

Career Path Progression for Flight Attendants

There are various job titles in the flight attendant industry ladder. Check out the new heights that a flight attendant can fly as the career progresses. 

Cabin Crew

A boarding plane cabin crew member is tasked with numerous jobs and tasks and duties, including holding staff meetings on the flight schedule and route. 

A cabin crew member is in charge of inspecting the plane's supplies and ensuring that emergency equipment is operational. Cabin crew personnel are responsible for making sure that passengers are comfy during the trip.

Cabin Crew Trainer

A cabin crew trainer or instructor is assigned to provide proper training to the cabin crew team to handle the passengers’ needs and guarantee they stay comfy throughout the journey. 

Cabin Crew Supervisor

A cabin crew supervisor supervises the crew team members and assures them that they are instructed on their job duties before the flight. 

He or she is accountable for maintaining that there really is no communication issue between cabin crew personnel and management in order to minimize mismanagement and delays on board aircraft.

Cabin Crew Head

A cabin crew chief is frequently referred to as the chief purser. He or she is in charge of supervising the cabin crew in order to suit the demands of the passengers. A cabin crew leader ensures that all security and safety protocols are followed. He also ensures that food and drinks are supplied properly on the trip. 

Flight Attendant Salaries

Flight attendants earn an annual income of $35,958 on average. 

This typical wage might vary based on the airline you work for, your job experience, and your qualifications. 

For example, a flight attendant who is just starting out may earn less than a flight attendant who's been in the industry for 10 years or more.

 The career future for flight attendants is strong, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 17 percent rise in work opportunities between 2019 and 2029. 

This suggests that job prospects for flight attendants are expected to expand within the next few years.

What perks do flight attendants enjoy?

Flight attendants have excellent travel benefits. Some airlines provide complimentary standby flights to their employees and their spouses, children, or other families. Those who cannot fly for free usually get heavily discounted fares. Deals on motels, rental vehicles, and cruises are also frequently available.