The airline and aircraft sectors offer a variety of jobs in addition to flying and servicing aircraft. If this interests you, you might want to think about being a flight attendant, where your job would be to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. You can decide if this is the right career route for you by being aware of the everyday responsibilities and requirements of the job.
This page explains what a flight attendant does, how much they typically make, how to become one, what their work atmosphere is like, and an example of a job description.
What is the role of a flight attendant?
To ensure that passengers are secure and comfortable, flight attendants work for both commercial and private airlines. Along with offering refreshments, beverages, and other services, they assist passengers in finding seats and show them how to use the safety features of the aircraft, such as seat belts. Legally, all airlines must have flight attendants on duty to guarantee the security of their customers.
Pay and employment for flight attendants
The average yearly compensation for a flight attendant across the country is $39,321. Your experience, education, job, and geographic location can all affect your pay.
Between 2021 and 2031, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 21% increase in the number of flight attendant employment. This growth is occurring far more quickly than the average occupation. As a result, there may be 18,100 job opportunities per year.
Education
A GED or at least a high school diploma is required for flight attendants. A applicant with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields may be preferred by some airlines:
- Hospitality
- Business
- Nursing
- Tourism
Some choose to enroll in flight attendant schools as an alternative. Enrolling in foreign language classes could be beneficial if you want to work on international flights.
Requirements for flight attendants
A valid passport, at least 20/40 vision, passing a drug test and background check, and being at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the state or business, are prerequisites for employment as a flight attendant. Completing a medical exam and fitting the height restrictions set by the airline are possible extra requirements.
Training
Gaining customer service skills often requires a year or two of job experience for flight attendants. Once employed, they take part in the airline’s three to six week, and occasionally even up to six month, training program. flying attendants study first aid, flying laws, safety and emergency procedures, and work obligations throughout this training time. To put their newly acquired abilities and knowledge to use, they also practice flying.
This preliminary training is required for all flight attendants in order to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. Depending on the airline company, this position may require additional training to perform on the job.
Skills
In general, flight attendants have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and like working with people. Because flight attendants work long and irregular hours, many find that the opportunity to travel to other places justifies the varied hours; thus, think carefully about whether this is a lifestyle that fits you well.