How to become a flight attendant

If you’re looking for a career that will take you to new heights, knowing how to become a flight attendant could give wings to your dream. A career in this field offers plenty of perks and an average wage of approximately $59,500 a year. If you are indeed thinking of becoming a flight attendant, it’s important to prepare yourself by knowing the steps involved in achieving the role and what your duties would entail.

Role of a flight Attendant

A flight attendant has three main roles, which are:

Ensuring the safety of the passengers

A flight attendant must ensure that passengers are safe by learning the aircraft’s proper security guidelines and protocols. They are prepared to assist passengers if there is an emergency by performing first aid, putting out fires, directing evacuations, and protecting the deck.

Helping passengers to their seats

Flight attendants help passengers find their seats and show them how to fasten their seatbelts if needed. They ensure their carry-on bags are put in the proper location before takeoff.

Ensuring the passenger’s comfort

Making the passenger’s flight comfortable is one of the key jobs for flight attendants.

How to become a flight attendant

Flight attendants must meet the airline’s specific requirements before being hired. Afterward, they will attend special training and complete certification before formally becoming a full-time flight attendant. The entire process consists of several steps beginning with the eligibility criteria.

Hiring criteria for flight attendants

Before you begin filling out the application for a flight attendant position, you need to see if you meet the criteria. All airlines require at least a high school diploma, and some require that flight attendants have some college — either an associate or a bachelor’s degree.

You’ll also need to pass a physical fitness test, have good vision, undergo a background check, and meet the height requirements of the airline. In addition, in most flight attendant positions, you must maintain a professional appearance with no visible tattoos or body piercings.

If you meet the criteria, you’re ready to fill out the application. You may participate in more than one interview, including phone and in-person interviews. If you pass these markers and get hired, you are ready for your training.

Flight attendant training

Once you’re hired as a flight attendant, the airlines will send you to formal training at their flight training center. The training school lasts between 3 and 6 weeks. Flight attendant training is mandatory to meet the FAA certification. It also prepares you to fulfill the duties of your upcoming position.

During training, you’ll learn the various procedures and protocols that you’ll need to enact in case of an emergency. Some of these include evacuating the aircraft, administering first aid, and operating emergency equipment. You’ll also learn specific information about flight rules and regulations, company policies and operations, and your job duties.

Once you near the end of your training, you’ll be ready to go on a few practice flights.

Certification requirements

The FAA provides the Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency, and you receive it by completing your training and passing the exam. The certification will specify what type of aircraft you are qualified to work on. If you want to expand your work and fly on different types of aircraft, you will need to undergo the training designed for that aircraft. Each aircraft has different types of training, exams, and certificates.

Every year, flight attendants must go through training to keep their certification up to date.

Work schedule for flight attendants

Once hired into the position of flight attendant, you may not gain a regular schedule immediately. Most new employees are on call – what’s known as reserve status – while they gain experience. During this period, flight attendants must be ready to fly at any time. They may receive notice for a job at a moment’s notice and be prepared to go. They do get paid for the reserve and flight time, so there are no gaps in income.

New attendants must be flexible with the number of hours they work and the job location, although after they’ve worked for an airline for a while, they will start having a more regular schedule. A regular schedule consists of approximately 75 to 100 hours monthly and an additional 50 hours on the ground doing paperwork duties.

Other characteristics of flight attendants

Not everyone is cut out to be a flight attendant. Certain personal characteristics are necessary to be successful, such as:

Customer-service skills

Flight attendants will be dealing with customers throughout the day. They must possess professionalism and grace when dealing with others because some passengers may be disruptive or problematic. Flight attendants need to know the best tactics to diffuse a situation and not worsen it.

Calm manner

If an emergency arises, flight attendants will need to remain calm, so the passengers don’t become agitated or panic. They will need to act fast on their feet, making quick decisions in emergencies while presenting as cool, collected and in control.

Physical fitness

Flight attendants will be up in the air for many hours, several days a month. They will carry items, put bags in overhead compartments, push food and beverage carts, and be on their feet for long periods. They must have the physical stamina to fulfill this job well.

Attention to detail

During the flight, flight attendants need to pay strict attention to their surroundings. Their job is to maintain the safety and comfort of the passengers, so they must keep an eye out for any issues that could potentially interfere with those goals.

Communication skills

Flight attendants will spend a lot of time communicating with others during the flight. They’ll be explaining safety features to the passengers and assisting them with many other needs. It’s crucial that they have excellent communication skills.