How to Become a Flight Attendant

The main responsibility of flight attendants is to make certain that airline safety regulations are carried out aboard an aircraft. Although their salaries are relatively low, flight attendants receive the major benefit of free fares from their own airline and reduced fares from other carriers.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Luggage Sets
• Telephone Calling Cards

1. Search for flight attendant open house listings in the newspapers of larger cities, or check online with individual airlines for job opportunities and requirements.

2. Understand that your competition will have at least a two-year college degree and customer service experience, and that many airlines now require both.

3. Learn at least one foreign language if you plan to work for an international airline.

4. Accept that you may have to relocate to another city at the beginning of your career.

5. Be prepared to live on a reserve status for at least one year after your initial four- to six-week training period. You will need to be available as an on-call person, often on short notice. Advancement into regular assignments results from seniority, and the competition is fierce.

6. Expect to fly 75 to 85 hours a month and to also work on the ground. But realize that you will be paid for flight time only.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to be on time for every event in your life before you begin this career. Your job will definitely depend on your arriving within 10 minutes of your assigned schedule.
• Set aside time for annual training in emergency procedures and passenger relations.
• Realize that you will work nights, weekends and holidays and often be in locations far away from your home. You'll learn to use the telephone and e-mail frequently to keep in touch with friends and family.
• If you have problems standing for long periods of time, this is not the career for you.
• Consider the possibility of medical problems brought on by irregular sleep, poor diet, stress and breathing recycled air.

[fgv89]

on 6/12/2009 @susiehughes11:

Most airlines have height requirements for safety reasons, making sure that all flight attendants can reach overhead safety equipment. Typically, the acceptable height for this is 160 to 185 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 1 in) tall. Some airlines, such as EVA Air, have height requirements for purely aesthetic purposes. Regional carriers using small aircraft with low ceilings can have height restrictions.

Flight attendants are also subject to weight requirements as well. Weight must usually be in proportion to height; persons outside the normal range may not be qualified to act as flight attendants.

[karenyap]

on 3/2/2009 I want to be a flight attendant but I lose out on Mandarin and couldn't translate english announcements onflight to mandarin. What help is there online to help me clinch this job?

[tinatx]

on 2/3/2009 What kind of courses that I need in college to fulfill flight attendant? Do i have to finished college? or just a hs diploma??? Can some expert share with me all the info how to becoming flight attendant? Thanks

[susiehughes11]

on 6/23/2008 how tall do you have to be and what is the weight requirement?

[shelby09]

on 5/21/2008 i am an upcoming senior. and i have absolutely NO idea what i want to do after i graduate. i have seriously considered being a light attendant but some articles make it seem harder than i thought it really was.. i really need some insight and advice.. pleasee!!