How to Become a Flight Attendant

Do you want to learn what it takes to become a flight attendant (air host or air hostess)? If YES, here is a complete guide plus requirements needed to become a flight attendant for free.

Flight Attendants are cabin crew members and are customer service professionals who are required to ensure that customers or passengers have a safe and comfortable flight. Flight Attendants have to always wear a smile while catering to the needs of the customers no matter the circumstance.

What is a Flight Attendant?

Flight attendants are flight workers who greet passengers when the passengers are boarding and thank them while they are exiting. They help the passengers to get seats and help stow away their luggage in the overhead compartment. They also take charge of young passengers who are travelling without their parents or guardians. Other responsibility is that they announce flight safety procedures, answer questions from and calm the passengers whenever the need arises.

They also facilitate food and beverage services. These flight workers work in airplanes and are very important personnel especially as they are cognizant when an airline is rated. A flight attendant is a person (airhost/hostess or steward/stewardess) employed by an airline who ensures the safety and comfort of passengers aboard a flight.

Duties of a Flight Attendant and their Job Description

Even though the duties and tasks of a flight attendant may vary due to the flight duration and the number of attendants available for a flight; a flight attendant has the major responsibility of providing excellent customer service to passengers and still ensuring that they are safe and comfortable throughout the duration of the flight.

The flight attendants are the visible ambassadors of the airline. Their job description also includes serving food and beverage, making safety announcement prior to take-off and occasionally while on the air, selling gift items and offering first aid to passengers if the need arises.Here are some core duties of a flight attendant:

Attending pre-flight briefings-: Meetings have to be attended every time before an upcoming flight, because this is where the cabin crew members are assigned their working positions. They are also informed of the flight details, the schedules involved and special requirements such as disabled passengers especially those in a wheelchair, passengers with medical conditions, infants and young people travelling without a parent or guardian.
Performing pre-flight duties-: Pre-flight duties involves ensuring that the aircraft is clean and tidy, checking the emergency equipment, safety equipment, first aid kits and carrying out security checks, ensuring that meals, beverages and stock are on board and that the information in the seat pockets are not out dated,
Courteous welcome-: Flight attendants welcome passengers into an aircraft with a greeting and a smile and direct them to their assigned seats
Safety Procedures Information-: Flight attendants ensure passengers are informed on the safety procedures of the aircraft.
Emergencies-: During emergencies or turbulent situations, flight attendants take the lead by reassuring passengers thereby calming frayed nerves, unruliness and anxiety. They might also be required to put out little on-board fires. Also, passengers are informed about emergency routes such as might occur during an emergency landing.

Other on-board duties include-:

Stowing away luggage in the overhead compartment
Checking of seatbelts and ensuring that they are secure
Making announcements on behalf of the pilots and answering questions from passengers
Serving refreshments
Selling duty-free goods and informing passengers of prohibited goods in the country of visit.
Walking down the aisle every 10 – 15 minutes except during turbulence to ensure that the passengers comply with the rules according to the guiding regulations especially prior to landing and take-off.
Sharing blankets, headsets, pillows, playing cards, reading materials etc.
Administering first aid to distressed passengers.
Keeping a check on special needs passengers like the minors traveling without a parent(s) or guardian, the elderly and the disabled.
Announce descent preparations and flight delays.
Know how to operate video and audio systems and help passengers with their as well.
Post Flight duties: After a flight, flight attendants are to take inventory of remaining stock, headsets. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage remaining, payments for products made and any other left behind item by a passenger. They are also required to tidy up after passengers must have descended.
Report writing: Flight attendants are required to write a detailed report on the condition of the cabin and any major incident that might have occurred during the flight.

Tools Required for Flight Attendants to Carry Out their Duties

These tools may be referred to as the tools provided by the aircraft according to aviation regulations which are used by the flight attendants in taking care of the customers. They include:

Refreshment containers-: Cool and hot containers are used in serving the passengers refreshment during the flight, its aim is to either keeping the food warm or cold. They include refrigeration units, refreshment carts and storage compartments.
Aircraft Oxygen Equipment-: This is the equipment that is used only during emergencies. The loss of oxygen for example would lead to the need of the flight attendants ensuring that passengers get their oxygen masks. These kinds of equipment include protective breathing equipment, portable oxygen equipment, chemical oxygen generators and supplemental oxygen systems.
Aircraft escape or ejection systems-: An ejection system is designed as a system to be used only in dire emergencies. Although, commercial flights do not own emergency seats as that is only reserved for private jets and military aircrafts but commercial airlines own the emergency exit in the case that the plane lands on say water. These include emergency exit windows and doors, window exit escape ropes, evacuation slides.
Life vests or preservers-: This is a flotation device that ensures that the wearer keeps afloat. These include life preservers, flotation seat cushions.
Aircraft fire extinguishing systems-: This is so as to be able to put off little fires that might happen on-board the aircraft. It is very essential equipment that must not be toyed with.
Blood Pressure Cuff Kits-: This is very vital in checking the blood pressure of distressed passengers so as to make the proper decision of announcing severe cases to the pilot for either an emergency landing.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR protective shields or masks-: This is to protect the flight attendant and the victim from being exposed to infectious disease. CPR is a lifesaving technique that can be applied to passengers with a heart attack or those who’s breathing or heartbeat stopped.
Hypodermic injection apparatus or accessories-: This is used to either extract fluids from the body like blood or inject substances into it. An example of this is an Epi-pen.
Circuit Breaker-: This is a safety component in an aircraft that can be used by the flight attendant when there is an overload or short circuit so as to prevent damage to the electrical circuit.
Calendar and scheduling software-: This is a calendar program that has the full feature of planning, managing and scheduling any task or event. This software is used by a flight attendant to become better at the carrying out their duties or to remind passengers who had asked to be reminded certain things during the flight especially if it is a long haul. Calendar software for flight attendants include: Arkitekitia Flight Itinerary, Valtam Tech Flight Crew Log, AD OPT Altitude, SBS International Maestro Suite amongst others.
Office Suite Software-: This software especially Microsoft office has an array of programs embedded in it like word processing, spreadsheet amongst others. This helps the flight attendant in typing out a detailed report that is needed at the end of each flight.

Other tools are: aircraft communications systems, aircraft environment controllers, automated external defibrillators AED, blood pressure recording units, commercial use ovens, control valves, computers, emergency medical service intravenous IV kit, emergency medical service first aid kits, emergency medical service tourniquets/clamps, emergency aspirator kits, Smoke goggles, Life-rafts, medical acoustic stethoscope, megaphones, nitroglycerin, Personal digital assistants (PDAs), Radio frequency transmitters, rope float lines, smoke detectors etc.

How to Become a Flight Attendant – A Complete Guide

The Labour Market Situation for Flight Attendants

united states

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for flight attendant will decline at 7% from 2012 to 2022; between 2012 and 2022 there will be a projected 14,000 openings. As of 2014, the total of flight attendants was 98,510. California as at 2014 had the highest number of flight attendants at 11,130 while Texas had the least at 7,630.

The median pay for flight attendants as at 2014 was $42,290 per year. Entry level to become a flight attendant is a high school diploma or its equivalent but some airlines prefer college degree graduates. The median age for flight attendants is between 39 years. Male flight attendants have increased and there are 26.4 males per 100 females as at 2007. It is also noted that flight attendant applicants must be 18.

In The U.K

Out of an airline’s total workforce, the cabin crew accounts for more than a third with about 13,500. 11,500 of these crew members are based in Heathrow and about 9,000 operate long haul flights. It has also been recorded that the Heathrow pays the highest while Gatwick pays the lowest. Then, just as it is in the United States of America; flight attendant applicants must either be 18 or 21.

In Australia

Employment for flight attendants from 2007 to 2012 had risen at 30.4%. As at 2012, 10,900 flight attendants were employed with a projected employment of 11,200 as at 2017, an almost insignificant percentage. A flight attendant works full time at an average of 35 hours.

New South Wales has the highest employment ratio for flight attendants at 51.8%. Employed full time male flight attendants as at 2012 stood at 18.5% while that of male flight attendants working part time stood at 11.4%. That of female flight attendants for full time and part time respectively stood at 48.1% and 21.9%.

In Canada

According to a 2006 census data, women accounted for 67% of jobs, a slight decrease from 71% in the 1990s. Even though there has been a decrease over the years, the number of flight attendants is expected to rise. Employment average between 2010 and 2012 was an average of 2,250 with males taking a 28.4% share. The median employment age ranged from 25 years to 44 years. Full time employment stood at 83.4%. It is also mandatory that flight attendant applicants must be 18.

Facts, Figures and Eligibility Requirement for Flight Attendants

united states

Flight attendants require previous work experience especially in a customer service related field.
They must be 18, have a valid passport and pass a background check of 10 years.
Flight attendants work evenings, weekdays, weekends and holidays. They are usually away for 2 to 3 nights and must be prepared to spend a good deal of time away from home.
There is no standard preference for young women, single, short, fat or pregnant females.
Discounted flights for immediate family and spouses
Irregular working hours and shifts
You must meet the vision requirements, contacts and correctable vision lenses are allowed as long as it meets requirement.
Flight attendants must be fit as you must be able to lift a heavy window of 28kg.
The ratio of a flight attendant to passengers is 1 to 50.

united kingdom

Cabin Crews attend a tailored structured training programs specific to their positions. For example; long-haul flights attendants will undergo training for short-haul if their position changes to a short-haul flight.
A cabin crew member must be healthy, fit and able to swim 25 meters unaided.
Height requirement is measured by reach.
Should be either 18 or 21 with a valid passport.
Relevant work experience even though part time ranks higher than qualifications
One would have to pass checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
The most senior of a cabin crew member is called a Cabin Service Director (CSD)
The ratio of a flight attendant to passengers is 1 to 40.

Australia

Flight attendants must possess a 12.months minimum valid Australian passport.
Candidates who know a second language and have awareness about the culture of others.
A Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate is required to be able to serve alcohol and the certificate’s validity must be a minimum of 12 months
Candidates are also to possess a First Aid Certificate
The ratio of a flight attendant to passengers is 1 to 36.

Canada

Flight attendants must possess a valid Canadian passport
Must meet medical standards
Obtain security clearance from Transport Canada
Priority is given to those proficient in French and English and also additional languages.

The demand for flight attendant grows as the demand for airline travel rises. The demand for flight attendants is therefore high because more passengers are now flying and also due to a high turn-over rate because most leave the field after a short period due to either personal or professional reasons. This also means that the field is neither over nor under saturated.

Effects of the Internet and Technology on the Flight Attendant Profession

The internet has come to stay and with it come a lot of positives and negatives for flight attendants.

The positives include:

The ability of the internet to make a flight attendant famous-: Flight attendants that leave a good impression on passengers can get to find themselves and their actions on social media platforms like twitter, Facebook or even YouTube.
Missing Luggage announcements made easier-: Passengers who misplaced their luggage can now tweet at an airline’s handle or contact an airline’s Facebook page and be sure of a prompt response
Online Customer Service-: Gone are the days of flooding airlines with letters. Passengers can now make inquiries and drop their complaints.

The Negatives include:

Keeps attendants on their toes-: An undesirable act could become viral on social platforms have kept flight attendants extra careful of their actions towards passengers.
Flight Attendants vents-: It could also lead to flight attendants venting their frustrations at either airlines/working conditions or at passengers as opposed to when they have to keep mute.

Career Ideas Related to the Flight Attendant Profession

There are a number of career ideas that exist within the flight attendant profession niche. They include:

Airline Passenger Officer-: They provide customer related services like check-in and boarding procedures and provide information as regarding directions and lost luggage and generally assist the passengers.
Ticket Seller-: They sell tickets as well as make reservations for tourist attractions and help make travel arrangements.
Cabin Supervisor-: Cabin supervisors ensure that the cabin crew is briefed well prior to every flight. They inform the cabin crew members of the flight schedules and special needs passengers if any.
Tour Guide-: Tour Guides give special information on history, monuments and work of arts. They accompany visitors on local tours.
Crew Attendants-: They provide safety and in-flight services to passengers and cabin crew members onboard.
Travel Consultants-: These consultants provide information, advice and booking services for people as regarding travel.
Customer Service Manager-: A customer service manager provides excellent customer service and ensures that customer’s needs are being satisfied.
Customer Service Representatives-: Their job differs a bit from that of the managers. Their duty is to provide information about a service or product, respond to complaints and basically interact with customers on behalf of the organization. They are usually supervised by customer service managers.

Professional Bodies and Association in the Flight attendant Field

There are a number of professional bodies a flight attendant can join that is peculiar to the country they reside in. However, the paramount thing is to be sure that you join one. Here are some as it concerns each country;

United States

In the United States of America, there are a good number of professional bodies for flight attendants and they include the following;

Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA)-: APFA represents a large percentage of flight attendants and cater to their interests by protecting them from maltreatment from airlines.
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)-: AFA-CWA helps negotiate for better pay, benefits, and work rules at its members’ airline and also to help improve their safety whilst on the job.

The UK

Just like other countries and the United States of America, there are professional bodies in the UK too. They include;

Association of Flight Attendants (LHR): This is a local British trade union of the Association of Flight Attendants and is responsible for the working conditions and welfare of its members.

Australia

Bodies in Australia include;

Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA): FAAA is a union that fights for conducive working condition and treatment of its flight attendants members.
Flight Attendants Association of Australia Domestic Regional Division: This is a union that represents cabin crew members by promoting and protecting the interests of its members.

Canada

WestJet Professional Flight Attendants Association (WPFAA): the association is about properly providing for the economic wellbeing and safety of its members.

Benefits of Becoming a Flight Attendant

Every profession/ career have got reasons why people become a part of it. This is also one of the reasons why some folks are delving into the flight attendant profession. There are great benefits to becoming a flight attendant and they include:

Flight benefits-: It doesn’t matter if your airline doesn’t go to the place you want to travel to; you get flight benefits across all airlines as a flight attendant either free or at most heavily discounted. You can also get a seat in first class if it is available on the aircraft you plan to travel with while off duty or on real holidays.
Meeting different people-: Being a flight attendant offers you the opportunity of meeting different people from business men to celebrities and getting to make an impact in their lives and them in yours.
Uniform-: Flight attendants don’t have to worry about what they will wear as the airline provides its attendants with the uniform peculiar to the airline.
Work Less Than a Month-: Depending on your level of seniority you might get to work just 10 or 20 days in a month.
Huge Discounts-: One of the very benefits that you can enjoy here is the fact that you get discount on hotels and cars. This automatically helps you soar higher financially.
Your immediate family and friends get travel benefits
You get health benefits, pension plans and insurance programs.
You get to join a credit union
The opportunity to learn different languages and cultures of different people at layovers.

Discouraging Factors That Stop People from Becoming Flight Attendants

Every profession has several factors that may be discouraging to it. This also holds sway in the flight attendant profession. Some of these discouraging factors include:

Long and grueling work hours-: Flight attendants usually have to work for 12 to 14 hours during assignments. This as a factor can discourage new employees or recruit hopefuls.
Height requirements-: Even though some airlines do not give a specific height as criteria for employment, all airlines usually require that a flight attendant must be able to reach the overhead compartment. This might be discouraging to people who do not have the height and cannot reach the compartment.
Physical Stamina-: A flight attendant must be able to do a lot of walking and so would need to have the stamina for the job especially as the work hours are usually 12 to 14 hours plus the fact that they cannot afford to sleep like the passengers during flights.
Physical Requirement-: A flight attendant must be able to lift heavy objects and those without this requirement might be discouraged from becoming a flight attendant.
Toned down lifestyle-: This is especially true for those who love loud make-up; unusual hairstyles and visible tattoos or facial piercing. Sadly if you have any of these, then you cannot become a flight attendant.
Anger management-: For those with anger issues, the job of a flight attendant require that you remain calm and courteous at all times even when a passenger aggravates you. There is almost always an annoying passenger especially those who might blame you for all their woes.
No Family get-togethers especially during holidays-: Forget Christmas, Easter, New Year Eve’s celebrations amongst other holidays, because this is the peak working period for a flight attendant.

How Much Do Flight Attendants Earn?

Flight attendants earn differently across international borders and also depending on the kind of flights – international or local – they work in.

In the United States as at 2014, the average pay for flight attendants was $42,290 per year.
In Australia as at 2015, the average pay for flight attendants are AU$ 41,434 per year.
In Canada as at 2015, the average pay for flight attendants is C$21,359 per year.
In the U.K as at 2015, the average pay for flights attendants are £14,592 per year

How Long Does It Take to Become a Flight Attendant?

The length of time before one can become a flight attendant differs from country to country.

In the United States, one can become a flight attendant after a maximum of 8 weeks and a minimum of 3 weeks after being trained at the airline’s flight training center, a requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certification. Then trainings continue with experienced flight attendants on-the-job and could take a year or two.
In the U.K, training to become a flight attendant usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks with training involving written and practical tests. After that, the first 3 to 6 months are spent on probation with the trainers and senior crews monitoring the trainee. At the end of probation period, new recruits can then become flight attendants.
In Australia, there isn’t much as regards training for hopeful flight attendants, as requirements differ between aircrafts and can range from a day to two or more. The applicant is just required to own a passport and improve their chances by learning a language.
In Canada, the average training period is about 7 to 9 weeks, training varies for different airlines. After this, they are placed on a 1 year reserve where they are called to fill in for absent flight attendants. After a year of reserve, the new flight attendants can then bid for regular assignments.

What are the Educational Requirements for Becoming a Flight Attendant?

In most fields educational requirements are usually used as a determinant in recruiting especially if the job requires reading, writing etc.

United States

The entry level educational requirement according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a high school diploma or its equivalent with many airlines preferring college degree graduates. There is also an on-the-job training requirement before one can be considered a junior flight attendant.

U.K

The entry level educational requirement in the U.K is a good secondary education with a credit and above in English and Mathematics. However, an HND/Degree or foundation degree with subjects in hospitality management, leisure and tourism management, languages and travel are highly likely to be considered. A postgraduate qualification is not required.

Qualifications are encouraged for certificates in level 2 for Air Cabin Crew, level 3 for Senior Cabin Crew and diploma in Aviation operations.

Australia

The entry level educational requirement in Australia by most airlines is an HSC/ACT year 12 with good results in English and Mathematics even though one can work as a flight attendant without the formal requirement. Also relevant experiences or a qualification in the hospitality or customer service industry is of a great advantage. Entry can also be through a traineeship in Aviation (flight operations) mostly from year 10.

Canada

The entry level educational requirement in Canada to become a flight attendant is a high school diploma. The Canadian Aviations Regulations (CAR) requires that airlines train successful applicants in a training program that has been approved by Transport Canada. The training is usually written and practical.

Is a Professional Certification Needed to Become a Flight Attendant?

In the United States

Yes certification is indeed needed to become a professional flight attendant. After the training which involves learning emergency procedures and receiving specific instructions on flight regulations, students go on practice flights and after they have successfully passed the training, they receive a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the FAA. Re-trainings have to occur periodically to maintain this certification.

The certifications from the FAA are different for specific aircrafts like commercial, private, military etc.; therefore new trainings are required so as to be certified for the different specific aircrafts. International flight attendants also have to learn foreign languages. Also, some flight attendants attend special academies for flight attendants.

In The UK

Yes, some airlines in the UK might ensure that the flight attendants partake in professional qualification courses such as the NVQ in Aviation Operations in the Air or Diploma in Cabin Crew. Also, airlines with different aircrafts will provide varying training to suit the type of airplane.

Additionally, cabin crews are encouraged to continually develop themselves by participating in in-house specialist courses such as crew resource management.

Australia

Yes, applicants are to have a First Aid Certificate and a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate to serve Alcohol with a 12 months minimum validity. Also applicants could have a Certificate II and III in Aviation (Flight Operations). Additionally, a proficiency in foreign language is required.

Canada

In the case Canada is different, as certification isn’t really needed. Applicants don’t need extra certifications except the training required by the Canadian Aviations Regulations as approved by Transport Canada. The training covers government rules and regulations, emergency procedures and aviation first aid amongst others. Here, foreign language proficiency is normally an added advantage.

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain Certification training?

Certification trainings in the countries listed above, by airlines are usually at no cost. The only costs are those that are gotten from obtaining the basic qualifications before applying to be a flight attendant. Here is some good information below;

In the United States

Different certifications that are taken personally by applicant especially intensive courses in schools like International Air and Hospitality Academy, Travel academy etc. Usually cost between $1000 – $2000 dollars while some basic online programs might cost $20. It is good however to note that attending these schools before applying is no guarantee at getting a job as a flight attendant.

In the UK

Most certifications that are personally taken by the candidate differ. Even though no airline charges for trainings and in-house certifications, other flight schools do. Most online flight schools charge from £50 for diploma programs. While offline course fees are from £50 (basic one day crash course) to £650 (9 weeks intensive course)

Australia

Certification courses differ between academies but averagely costs from $4000 to $7000 for domestic and international students respectively.

Canada

Certification courses are often from $1000 Canadian dollars, depending on the certification course embarked on by the student and the duration.

Can You Become a Flight Attendant by Taking an Online Course?

Yes, you can become a flight attendant by taking an online course. First, you will have to look for an accredited flight attendant school online with important member airlines affiliations and apply. Then select the courses you would like to study.

Member airlines for accredited online schools usually monitor progress of the students especially as the flight schools usually make available the name and statistics of the student making them visible for hiring and placing them on top of the hiring pool. The requirement for an online school after payment is a good internet connection.

Career Opportunities Open to a Flight Attendant

The career opportunities open for a flight attendant are numerous – especially since it involves customer service. A flight attendant can work in the following industries or sectors:

Psychiatric Aides-: They can use their customer and personal service skills to help emotionally disturbed patients by leading them in educational and recreational activities under the direction of nursing and medical staff.
Transportation Security Officer-: They can use their skills in conducting screening for passengers or cargo to by operating basic security equipment like x-ray machines and hand wands to ensure compliance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Recreational Protective Service Workers-: They can help monitor recreational areas and provide assistance and protection to participants.
Other Transportation Attendants-: They can help provide services such as courteous greetings, serving refreshments or answering questions from passengers aboard ships, within trains and in terminals or buses.
Occupational Therapy Aides-: They might perform tasks such as preparing treatment rooms or the patient themselves under supervision of the occupational therapist or an assistant,

Skills and Personal Traits Needed to Become a Successful Flight Attendant

The skills and personal trait that a flight attendant must have aren’t limited to just a smile and being adept at handling the refreshment cart. It is more than that; a flight attendant must have the following:

Customer Service Orientation-: This is an action taken by the flight attendant in considering the needs of the passengers and ensuring that the needs are being met.
Perceptiveness-: This means the flight attendant has to be able to discern the reasons behind the actions of a passenger and therefore suitably react to the situation.
Active Listening-: This is a communication technique that is part of the skill of a flight attendant because they have to re-state what they have heard from the passenger, to confirm if what they heard was what passenger said, thereby helping minimize any action that could lead to a distressed or frustrated passenger.
Speech clarity-: A flight attendant must speak audibly and with clarity, so as to be able to convey information effectively either in giving announcements or in one-on-one communication with the passenger.
Judgment and Decision Making-: There are cases that are considered as emergency and there are cases that could be handled right there in the aircraft. A flight attendant has to decide what is regarded as an emergency and what isn’t; and therefore take a decision immediately depending on the attendant’s judgment.
Reading comprehension-: A flight attendant must be able to read documents and sentences, since sometimes information is conveyed via texts.
Critical thinking-: The flight attendant has to use reasoning in determining alternative solutions to a problem, or be aware of different approaches that could be used in solving a problem that might arise.
Active Learning-: The flight attendant has to understand the implications of new information either for current use or for future problem solving.
Conflict resolution skills-: A flight attendant must be able to resolve whatever conflict might arise during; a flight.

Tips for Advancing a Flight Attendant’s Career

There are several tips and advice that would sure do well to help keep a flight attendant at the top of their game. Here are some advice as regarding advancing a flight attendant’s career:

A high immune system especially as most times flight attendants have to breathe in recycled air.
A good moisturizer for the skin to keep it glowing, because remaining cooped up in the aircraft and exposed to the artificial thin air damages the skin.
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
Stay rested by sleeping whenever tired.
Eat right: Try to take in as much fresh food as you can.

In conclusion, being a flight attendant is not easy as people make out but it could be fun especially if it is the right job for you. A flight attendant is basically the visible ambassador of an airline and has to remain courteous and have a customer service orientation. A flight attendant should be able to attend to anyone – from young children to adult, and must possess a good sense of judgment and be calm at all times especially during crises.

It is worthy to note that most airlines encourage modesty with no visible tattoos, extra piercings, unusual hairstyles or make-ups. Also, a flight attendant must be hygienic and not have bad breath. Correspondingly, as a flight attendant, you must learn to communicate, pass instructions and make announcements with clarity and also be able to listen and fully understand the needs of the passenger.

Finally, a flight attendant must know how to use the equipment on-board and be certified in CPR and other first aid treatments. In all, there might be pros and cons to becoming a flight attendant, but the appreciation of a satisfied passenger is worth all the efforts.