How to Become a Flight Attendant in Melbourne, Australia

Flight attendants are trained professionals responsible for the safety of onboard passengers.

Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the second-largest international airport in Australia. Flight attendants are trained professionals and responsible for the safety and well-being of passengers. As an airline employee, the adventures and travel benefits outweigh the low pay and cramped working conditions. Attending flight attendant school is not necessary; all airlines train their flight attendants. However, attending courses that offer certificates, either online or class-based, is advantageous during the interview and hiring phase. Most schools have job placement programs allowing you a better chance at choosing your preferred employer.

Instructions

1. Pass the eligibility requirements for the airlines you are interested in working for. Minimum age requirements vary; the range can be from 18 to 21 years of age. Height restrictions can vary with each airline. Fluency in English is a requirement, and one or more additional languages are preferred. Good health and fitness is preferred. Physicals are routinely performed before employment. Background checks are thorough for security purposes, and drug testing is included in pre-employment screening.

2. Research options for flight attendant courses that are nationally accredited and developed by cabin-crew professionals. Aviation Australia is the leading provider of aviation training in Australia. Located at Brisbane International Airport, it is a training partner with aerospace programs and over 60 airlines. Students benefit from eight weeks of classroom and hands-on training in skills, values, customer service and knowledge of airplanes and aviation. The field-training area houses cabin simulators, staged fire training and aviation training devices.

3. Take online flight attendant training courses from your home. Inflight Institute is internationally recognized and has several flight crew certification classes to choose from. The institute is routinely monitored by airlines searching for qualified flight attendant trainees to hire. Courses include lessons on aviation medicine and first aid, dealing with multiple flight attendants on board, and training on specific types of aircraft.

4. Fill out an application and pay the annual fee for membership in the Flight Attendants' Association of Australia, a union for the industry. The union's numerous benefits include: flight crew news, job positings, interview advice, clarification of working conditions, salary negotiations, low mortgage rates, travel insurance, shopping and hotel discounts and legal assistance.

5. Look into potential Australian and international airline companies and their benefits. Melbourne Airport is the largest international airport in the region; it serves as a main hub for Qantas and Virgin Blue, and is a home base for Jetstar Airways and Tiger Airways Australia. You may also consider working for Strategic Airlines, Skywest Airlines, Qantas Link, Airnorth, and regional Pacific Airlines that routinely fly in and out of the Melbourne area.

6. Create a resume with your experience, education and training courses completed; include the training certificates you have received and aviation or flight attendant organizations that you are a member of. Call the human resource offices for several airlines and have their job application sent to you or go in person to Melbourne Airport with your references and resume; be prepared for a possible walk-in interview.

References

• Flight Attendants' Association of Australia Domestic Regional Division
• Inflight Institute: Flight Attendants Schools

Resources

• Aviation Australia: Flight Attendant Training
• Best Aviation: Flight Attendant School
• Flight Attendants' Association of Australia: Membership Application Form