What Do You Need to Become a Flight Attendant?

Flight attendant jobs are adventurous but stressful.

Flight attendants are the people who help passengers stay comfortable and safe during flights. Often called a glamorous job, it is one that can be strenuous and tiresome at times--and rewarding and fun at other times. The flight attendant job is an important one, as the attendant maintains in-flight safety, provides customer service and helps keep passengers comfortable and, at times, calm during a shaky flight. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, flight attendants typically have a college degree and customer service experience.

Knowledge of Safety

Flight attendants must be prepared for safety and security.

A willingness to learn about safety and the ability to keep calm in a crisis is necessary. All flight attendants must have a knowledge of in-flight safety. Even though the chances of flight problems arising are slim, according to the website Fear of Flying, flight attendants must be prepared for problematic situations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, flight attendants help instruct passengers on how to use the seat belts, breathing devices and life jackets. They must also know how to handle high-stress situations in case of an emergency.

Customer Service Skills

Customer service skills are a must.

According to Cabin Crew Jobs, customer service skills are essential. While in-flight, the flight attendant makes sure the cabin is safe and secure in addition to serving food, beverages, helping people calm down during turbulence and answering any flight questions that may arise. They also deliver messages to the cabin, and need to be trustworthy and friendly. Airlines, like any company, have a company culture and image, and the flight attendant represents the airline to the customers.

Education

The flight attendant should have good communication skills.

Many airlines, according to Cabin Crew Jobs, require at the very minimum a high school diploma, while others require college degrees. College degrees are important to some airlines, as they want to know the candidate is mature and has had academic success. Cabin Crew Jobs specifies that more than 50 percent of flight attendants have had some college, while over one third have a bachelor's or associate's degree. Some flight attendants have additional degrees.

Flexible Schedule

Flexibility is a must in the life of a flight attendant.

Flight attendants must be willing to relocate and have flexible work hours. They do not have a typical nine-to-five workday. Because of this, a candidate must be willing to live a more flexible life, work on last-minute flights and travel long hours flying. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, flight attendants usually work 12- to 14-hour days, clocking in 75 to 90 hours of flight time per month. Sometimes, flight attendants are called in an hour before a flight, while at other times their flight assignments are canceled an hour before a flight.

Training

The flight attendant job can be physically strenuous.

Flight attendants must be certified by the FAA, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Airlines usually help a flight attendant receive certification. They must be willing to learn current evacuation, firefighting, security and medical emergency procedures. They must proficient in these procedures and have the physical capabilities to carry them out.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Fear of Flying
• Cabin Crew Jobs

Resources

• Flight Jobs