Flight Attendant Career
How to become a flight attendant and details of the profession.
If your current job doesn't include jet setting to Mexico or a three-day lay over in Barcelona, you might find the career potential of a flight attendant just too glamours to pass up. Free travel with all the luxury hotel accommodations you want is just business as usual for flight attendants. Too good to be true? If so, there'd be less competition. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics this employment sector is on the rise and expected to increase 9 to 17 percent between 2004 and 2014. Loose translation: There's plenty of opportunity.
While many airline carriers seek the same candidate qualifications, each carrier also has a set of distinct qualifications they're looking for. For example some carriers have specific grooming requirements. Education is also a major consideration for some airlines. Years ago, a college degree was not the norm, though today it still isn't mandatory, more than half the candidates who apply have at least one year of college. Therefore the more education you have the greater your competitive advantage. Flexibility with relocating and any previous experience you have in customer service or safety also make you a prime candidate.
What a flight attendant does:
- Demonstrates safety and evacuation procedures
- Ensure passengers are comfortable by issuing blankets, head-sets, food, beverages, etc
- Help physically impaired, young children, and any passengers requiring assistance locate and get settled in their seat
- Keep passengers calm during emergencies
- Answer questions
- Administer first aid
- Ensure that all passengers act in accordance with FAA safety rules and regulations
Education requirements
- College degree huge plus, but not required.
- Courses in psychology, education, oral communications, and other people-related disciplines highly suggested.
- Prior experience in customer service (hospitality, retail, or restaurant—all applicable) strongly preferred.
Other considerations
- Typically required to work 10 – 14 hour days.
- New recruits generally spend their first year in “on call status” and fill in for senior attendants are when there are additional staffing needs.
Earning potential
According to the BLS, beginning attendants earned an average of $15,552 a year in 2004, however attendants who fly internation routes earn more.
