How to Become a Flight Attendant
Lean The Duties
Flight attendants do more than just smile, give out snacks and night pillows and assist passengers to their chairs. There are a number of duties and responsibilities involved with this job, and before embarking on this career path, you must have an idea of what to expect. Flight attendant duties include:
- Make sure passengers are comfortable, by handing out food, beverages, blankets and headsets
- Answer passenger queries as pleasantly as possible
- Administer first aid
- Demonstrate evacuation and safety procedures
- Assist all passengers, especially young children and physically impaired individuals to find their seats
- Maintain order and make sure passengers are calm when an emergency arises
- Make sure everyone on board complies with the FAA safety rules and regulations
Get The Requirements
Before you can land a flight attendant job, or even an interview, your potential employers will first check if you've got all the educational and physical requirements, as well as work experience. Remember, a large part of their decision to hire you comes from these requirements, so make sure you prepare yourself fully.
- For the educational aspect, most airlines prefer someone who has a college degree, though this isn't a major requirement. A course in oral communication, psychology, education or other people-related disciplines is a plus point.
- As for the physical requirements, most airlines have set standards for the height of their attendants. Many airlines require someone at least 18 years old, but major airlines only accept those 21 years old and above.
- For the work aspect, applicants with prior experience in customer service, including restaurant, hospitality and retail, are more preferred.
- Aside from these, you must also prepare major identification cards, especially your passport. Being fluent in one or more foreign language is also a bonus, especially if you want to be hired in an international airline.
Do Your Research
Once you've completed the primary requirements, you must find out which airlines are looking for attendants. Check out open house listings in large city newspapers for job opportunities. Individual airline sites also post when they are looking for new people to hire. Once you've seen a few options, send your comprehensive resume to these airlines.
Stress a few important points on your resume that the employer will look for. Example, list down all the relevant work experience you had, as well as foreign language, and first aid knowledge. You should also stress out your readiness to relocate.
The Interview
When the airline invites you applied for invites you for an interview, you must prepare well: this is your chance to impress and let them know how competent you are. Wear a neutral suit, black shoes (for men) or small pumps (for women), and brush back your hair. Don't don any jewelry, just a watch. Let them visualize you as an attendant working for them. Make sure you show an air of professionalism and confidence, and answer all their questions as honestly and clearly as you can.
Public Speaking
One very important trait that airlines look for potential flight attendants is their ability to speak in front of a crowd. Remember, one of the main duties that you'll be given when you're on this job is speaking to different passengers everyday, answering questions and making important announcements. Your employers will then watch you as you speak in front of them, observing your voice quality, your composure, pleasantness, and your ability to comfort people. Practice your public speaking before going to the interview.
Complete Your Training
When you pass the interview, you can move on to the next step: undergoing flight attendant training. This can take between three to eight weeks, at the airline's flight training center. You will need to learn about various emergency procedures and passport and custom regulations. This is done in simulated environments, in front of your instructors and fellow trainees. You will also be taken aboard practice flights, and observed and graded. When you finish these successfully, the FAA will give you a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.
Being a flight attendant is no easy task. Remember, you are responsible for the lives of people, thousands of feet up in the air. Keep these important considerations in mind as you prepare yourself for this fulfilling career. You'll surely be a reliable and trustworthy attendant.
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