Requirements for Becoming a Flight Attendant in Canada

Do you want to become a Canadian Flight Attendant?

Becoming a Canadian flight attendant can be a rewarding career. This position allows you to serve the public during possibly one of the most stressful activities, flying. As a flight attendant, you are the go-to representative of your airline and the first friendly face seen by clients. As of 2010, the annual income for a flight attendant in Canada starts at $53,000.

Basic requirements

Basic requirements exist that must be met in order to even be considered to become a flight attendant in Canada. First, you must be 18 years of age. A valid Canadian passport is required. You should possess bilingual skills, with English as one of the languages spoken. Being physically fit and meeting specific height/weight proportions are also required. (For height/weight proportions see resources).

In order to becoming a flight attendant you cannot have a history of any mental illnesses and you will undergo a psychiatric evaluation. A criminal background check is also conducted, and any criminal history will cause immediate disqualification. You cannot obtain the Transport Canada Security Clearance with a criminal record.

Skill set

With this position it is a requirement to possess a high level of customer service skills and two or more years of customer service experience.

Flying can be stressful for clients and flight attendants should be compassionate and understanding.

Because flight attendants are responsible for keeping the clients happy, calm, and ensure that their flight is as enjoyable as possible, they should also have the ability to conduct themselves well under pressure.

Flight attendants work as a team, and you should be a team player. You must have the ability to adapt to any given circumstances and this includes dangerous situations.

Education and Training

To become a flight attendant in Canada a high school diploma or equivalency certificate is required. You will have to attend training courses to become certified as a flight attendant. Training courses can be quite expensive, but you do have options. If you choose to attend a training course on your own, you will be required to pay in advance all certification and course costs. However, if you are selected by a major airline such as Air Canada you will be scheduled for training. This training is usually seven weeks in duration, and is paid in full by the airline.

You must complete and pass these training courses in order to become certified. Once employed by an airline you are required to complete yearly ongoing training and re-certification courses.

References

• Canada Flight Attendent requirements
• Air Canada Flight Attendant Information
• Cost of training courses

Resources

• Height/Weight Proportion requirements
• Salary Information