How to Be an Air Stewardess

Find out how to become an air stewardess.

An air stewardess, also known as flight attendant, is responsible for ensuring passengers’ comfort and safety during a flight. According to Flightattendantfacts.com, some airlines require that an air stewardess be at least 18. Most airlines, however, require a minimum age of 21. According to UScollegesearch.org, federal law requires airlines to hire qualified flight attendants. Therefore, you need professional training to obtain a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Instructions

1. Make sure you qualify for the job before you start your training. According to UScollegesearch.org, an air stewardess must have excellent health and normal eyesight. You will also have to pass a rigorous drug and security screening test. According to cabincrewjobs.com, almost all the U.S. airlines require you to be a U.S. citizen or have a work permit in the United States to become an air stewardess. You will need your Social Security card and a passport as well.

2. Get into a training program. University of Phoenix, Walden University, Everest Institute, Westwood College and many other institutions offer training programs for flight attendants. These courses instruct the candidates on how to operate airplane emergency systems and administer first aid. They also teach them how to deal with potentially threatening situations, such as an engine failure or terrorist attack.

3. Make a list of potential employers. It is a good idea to include U.S. and international airlines on the list.

4. Send your resume to the airlines on your list. You can also search for air stewardess jobs on the Internet. (See Resources for links.)

5. If you are contacted for an interview, prepare for it. Each airline has its own way of conducting the initial interviews. You may have to undergo an open interview with 30 or more other candidates. According to Flightattendentfacts.com, the candidates are divided into groups of about 10 each, and the interviewing panel constitutes five individuals. The interview consists of a short question-and-answer session that is designed to test the interviewees' strengths and weaknesses and to determine whether they are fit for the role.

   If you make it through the first round, you probably will be required to take a test. All selected candidates will be presented with an aircraft scenario in which you will work together to prove that you can handle the job. After passing the test, you should expect a one-on-one interview.

6. Wait for an appointment letter from the airline company. If it hires you, you will have to undergo professional flight attendant training provided by the airline. According to Flightattendentfacts.com, a date is communicated to all successful candidates for attending training classes. Training generally lasts five to six weeks, though the duration varies from airline to airline.

Tips & Warnings

• See the website in Resources to find 1,849 colleges and universities that offer flight attendant training programs.

• According to cabincrewjobs.com, airlines generally avoid hiring flight attendants with visible tattoos, body piercing (except for the ears), offensive-looking makeup or jewelry, and poorly manicured hands.

• If you’re fluent in a second language, such as Spanish, French, Chinese or German, it will help you in your job hunt. However, this is not a requirement and most airlines are primarily concerned with the applicant’s ability to speak fluent English.

References

• US College Search: Flight Attendant Colleges and Universities
• Cabin Crew Jobs: Minimum Qualifications to Become a Flight Attendant
• Flight Attendant Facts: Become a Flight Attendant

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• US College Search: Flight Attendant Colleges and Universities
• Flight Attendant Facts: Flight Attendant Jobs