How to Become a Flight Attendant

Being a flight attendant for many people is more than just a job. It's a dream they have harbored for a long time. And while it may bring some challenges, it certainly is a glamorous and exciting job, as it offers life experiences that you will never forget. After all, who wouldn’t want to get paid to travel? So how to become a flight attendant?

Flight attendants reassure passengers by assisting with in-flight safety procedures and making sure safety protocols are followed during flight. This includes checking that all seat belts are fastened, seats are upright and luggage is properly stored. In the event of an emergency, they might lead or monitor the evacuation and be called upon to perform first aid.

First of all, make sure you are available for this job. Read the list of requirements to be a flight attendant.

Requirements for flight attendants:

-- Minimum age - 18 to 21 years, depending on the airline -- At least a high school diploma -- Height - 4ft 11in and 6ft 3in, or 150cm and 190cm, tall (this is debatable) -- Be a “healthy weight” for your height -- 208cm reach (on tippy-toes if you have to) -- 20/30 vision (with or without corrective measures) -- Have a good physical ability (for instance, be able to lift heavy baggage into overhead lockers) -- Clean, neat, conservative appearance -- Being able to speak a second language greatly improves your chances to get a job

Personality traits:

-- Have excellent communication skills -- Professional team leader who works well under pressure -- Flexible and work well in a team -- Patient, caring and conscientious -- Focused on customer service and customer satisfaction -- Problem solver and able to multitask effectively -- Have a positive attitude -- Punctual

Although flight attendants must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, some airlines prefer to hire applicants who have a college degree. Prospective flight attendants typically need to have previous experience in customer services. Many employers prefer applicants with a degree in hospitality and tourism, public relations, business, social science, or communications. Those who work on international flights may have to be fluent in a foreign language. Some airlines as well may require to be graduated in special flight attendant academies.

Flight attendants typically have 1 or 2 years of work experience in a service occupation before getting their first job as a flight attendant. This experience may include customer service positions in restaurants, hotels, or resorts. Experience in sales or in other positions that require close contact with the public and focus on service to the customers may also help develop the skills needed to be a successful flight attendant.

How to become a flight attendant

If you meet all of these requirements, then it’s time to find a job. Go to the websites of airlines that appeal to you and find their “careers” page. Also, visit aviation job boards and check out open vacancies for Cabin Crew. Make a list of all the jobs that appeal to you, and figure out whether you meet their requirements before proceeding. Most airlines will require that you submit an application with your basic information, a resume, and sometimes a cover letter. It might take several weeks before you receive a telephone call or an email from the airlines to whom you have submitted an application.

If you’re hired for a position, you’ll have to undergo a medical exam before the airline makes it official. Find out what the exam will entail and make sure you’ll be able to pass it. Once a flight attendant is hired, airlines provide their initial training, ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training center and is required for FAA certification.

New flight attendant hires go through a few months of training before they become junior flight attendants.  While they gain experience, junior flight attendants are under close scrutiny, and they receive a lower pay and fewer benefits than seniors. After about a year of doing a satisfactory job, junior flight attendants get promoted to senior status, which gives them greater career opportunities.

All in all, like any other job, being a flight attendant has it pros and cons. Some people do not fit the specifics of the working environment, but some are born for this kind of job. Eventually, if you have this exciting feeling inside every time you see an airplane, and you wish to try yourself in aviation – becoming a flight attendant may be your opportunity to do so!

Read other articles at ‘Career Advice’: 1. How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic 2. How To Write Pilot Resume 3. Line training for pilot: everything you need to know