2 answers
Ryleigh
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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what's the first step to becoming a flight attendant
I'm a freshmen in high school and I'm looking into jobs # #high-school
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2 answers
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
711
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Ryleigh:
This is a fun and rewarding career. You get to travel the world and see many exciting and interesting places.
Flight attendants need a high school diploma or the equivalent and work experience in customer service. Flight attendants receive training from their employer and must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be eligible to work in the United States, have a valid passport, and pass a background check and drug test. They must have vision that is correctable to at least 20/40 and often need to conform to height requirements set by the airline. Flight attendants also may have to pass a medical evaluation.
Flight attendants should present a professional appearance and not have visible tattoos, body piercings, or an unusual hairstyle or makeup.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma is typically required to become a flight attendant. Some airlines may prefer to hire applicants who have taken some college courses.
Those who work on international flights may have to be fluent in a foreign language. Some enroll in flight attendant academies.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Flight attendants typically need 1 or 2 years of work experience in a service occupation before getting their first job as a flight attendant. This experience may include customer service positions in restaurants, hotels, or resorts. Experience in sales or in other positions that require close contact with the public and focus on service to customers also may help develop the skills needed to be a successful flight attendant.
TRAINING
Once a flight attendant is hired, airlines provide their initial training, ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training center and is required for FAA certification.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
All flight attendants must be certified by the FAA. To become certified, flight attendants must complete their employer’s initial training program and pass an exam. Flight attendants are certified for specific types of aircraft and must take new training for each type of aircraft on which they are to work. In addition, attendants receive recurrent training every year to maintain their certification.
ADVANCEMENT
Career advancement is based on seniority. On international flights, senior attendants frequently oversee the work of other attendants. Senior attendants may be promoted to management positions in which they are responsible for recruiting, instructing, and scheduling. Best of luck to you!
How To Become A Flight Attendant • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/flight-attendants.htm#tab-4
This is a fun and rewarding career. You get to travel the world and see many exciting and interesting places.
Flight attendants need a high school diploma or the equivalent and work experience in customer service. Flight attendants receive training from their employer and must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be eligible to work in the United States, have a valid passport, and pass a background check and drug test. They must have vision that is correctable to at least 20/40 and often need to conform to height requirements set by the airline. Flight attendants also may have to pass a medical evaluation.
Flight attendants should present a professional appearance and not have visible tattoos, body piercings, or an unusual hairstyle or makeup.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma is typically required to become a flight attendant. Some airlines may prefer to hire applicants who have taken some college courses.
Those who work on international flights may have to be fluent in a foreign language. Some enroll in flight attendant academies.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Flight attendants typically need 1 or 2 years of work experience in a service occupation before getting their first job as a flight attendant. This experience may include customer service positions in restaurants, hotels, or resorts. Experience in sales or in other positions that require close contact with the public and focus on service to customers also may help develop the skills needed to be a successful flight attendant.
TRAINING
Once a flight attendant is hired, airlines provide their initial training, ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training center and is required for FAA certification.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
All flight attendants must be certified by the FAA. To become certified, flight attendants must complete their employer’s initial training program and pass an exam. Flight attendants are certified for specific types of aircraft and must take new training for each type of aircraft on which they are to work. In addition, attendants receive recurrent training every year to maintain their certification.
ADVANCEMENT
Career advancement is based on seniority. On international flights, senior attendants frequently oversee the work of other attendants. Senior attendants may be promoted to management positions in which they are responsible for recruiting, instructing, and scheduling. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Norma Brenes
Editor and Writer
9
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Norma’s Answer
Most airlines require a minimum age of 18 and will enroll you in a training program once they hire you, so even though experience as a flight attendant would help, you don't usually need it. Establish any work history that you can while you're in high school to show that you're a good, reliable employee. Working part-time in a retail store or restaurant will give you customer service experience. Just do your best in any job so that you build a resume and references. You'll also find a lot of online advice on becoming a flight attendant, including YouTube videos. Good luck!