How to become a flight attendant

What does a flight attendant do?

A flight attendant is charged with assuring the safety and comfort of airline passengers. They may work on business or commercial airlines.

Flight attendants respond to the needs of passengers, reply to their inquiries, and ease any concerns they may have. They also speak with the pilot and crew as required.

Other duties of a flight attendant include:

• Helping passengers during the boarding process, assisting them in finding their seats, and storing their baggage
• Explaining the location and usage of safety and emergency equipment
• Ensuring that passengers follow safety regulations, such as having their seatbelts fastened when required
• Serving passengers beverages, snacks, and comfort items as needed during the flight
• Reassuring passengers in case of turbulence or delays
• Helping passengers during emergencies
• Assisting passengers with disembarking at the end of the flight

Steps to become a flight attendant

The pathway to becoming a flight attendant typically involves fairly clear steps but can vary depending on the airline's requirements.

In general, you must be 18 or 21, have a valid passport, and attain education, work experience, and training. Certification by the FAA is also required before you may work as a flight attendant.

Many aspiring flight attendants follow these common steps:

Step 1: Complete your education

A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) is the minimum requirement for most flight attendant jobs. However, candidates with a degree or completed college coursework may have an advantage over those without education.

Some degrees that can help you become a flight attendant include hospitality, tourism, public relations, business, communications, psychology, and sociology.

Step 2: Gain relevant work experience

Before being hired as a flight attendant, you should obtain work experience in a related field. Airlines may prefer candidates with at least two years of professional experience in customer services, hospitality, or sales.

Airlines may look for skills in potential flight attendants, including the ability to work long hours while standing, willingness to work overtime, problem-solving capabilities, and expertise in customer service.

Step 3: Submit your résumé and pass your flight attendant interview

When preparing your résumé, emphasize your customer service, problem-solving, and physical capabilities and include both paid and volunteer work that shows you can handle difficult customers.

Your interview may include a background check, drug test, and vision and medical screening. Dress professionally for your interview with no facial piercings or tattoos visible.

Step 4: Complete the airline's training program

Once hired, you must complete your airline's flight attendant training program. This full-time program lasts about six weeks and will teach you flight and company regulations and how to operate emergency equipment, evacuate an aircraft, administer first aid, and other job duties.

You must also complete supervised practice flights to pass the training program.

Step 5: Get your FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency

After completing the airline's training program, your supervisor will apply for your Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the FAA. You must have a certificate for each aircraft type in which you intend to work.

Each year, you must complete training to maintain your certification.