How to Become a Flight Attendant in Australia

Flight attendant requirements are set by individual airlines.

Many major airlines fly into and out of Australia, but to become a flight attendant based in Australia, consider joining one of an Australian airlines. There are many such airlines, the largest by far being Qantas. Qantas flight attendants for domestic Australian flights and international flights out of Australia are employed by QF Cabin Crew Australia Pty Ltd. In addition to being able to provide excellent customer service, including service to customers from other cultures, there are a number of eligibility requirements to be met. Airlines set their own eligibility requirements for flight attendants: Qantas is likely to be typical.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of Australian permanent residency
• Passport valid for at least twelve months
• Senior first aid certificate
• Responsible Service of Alcohol Attainment Statement

Instructions

Personal Attributes

1. Be at least eighteen years of age when applying to join QF Cabin Crew Australia Pty Ltd.

2. 

   In addition to personal qualities, specific qualifications are usually required.

   Be between 163 and 183 cm in height (5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet). There are no weight restrictions.

3. Be willing to relocate. Flight attendants in Australia may be required to work out of a number of different cities.

4. Be fit and healthy. Qantas offers the example of being able to swim 50 yards fully clothed.

5. 

   You will need a valid passport.

   Have permanent resident status in Australia, as well as a passport valid for at least twelve months. Australian citizenship is not required.

Specific Qualifications

1. 

   Airlines look for first aid qualifications.

   Obtain a senior first aid certificate. If you already have one, make sure it is current. Certification is available from several sources in Australia, including Australian Red Cross and St John's Ambulance Australia. A St John's senior first aid certificate, for example, remains current for three years after which a refresher course is required. Initial certification requires two days training and in 2010 costs 175 Australian dollars. Specifics may vary depending on source of certification and location of training.

2. 

   Responsible service of alcohol is important.

   Earn a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Attainment Statement." Qualifying usually takes one day and may cost around 60 to 70 Australian dollars. Not all RSA qualifications are nationally recognized (New South Wales, for example, does not recognize qualifications derived from online training). Airlines typically require that the statement be obtained by the end of their recruitment process, so check their specific requirements carefully.

3. Exploit your language skills. Fluency in priority languages (Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese) is highly advantageous when applying to QF Cabin Crew Australia Pty Ltd. Proficiency in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Thai are also valued.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to large airlines like Qantas and Virgin Blue, there are almost forty other airlines based in Australia and New Zealand which may offer cabin crew career opportunities.

References

• "The Cabin Crew Interview Made Easy"; Caitlyn Rogers; 2006

Resources

• Qantas Flight Attendant requirements