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Edmark
Student
Angeles, Central Luzon, Philippines
1
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How to be flight attendant
#flight-attendant #airline-industry #aviation-industry
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Edmark although no higher degree than a high school diploma is required to become a flight attendant, airlines may prefer that they you have a college degree, or at least some college experience, especially as flight attendant jobs continue to be competitive. However, most flight attendant education will take place after your hired as a flight attendant. This training, which usually lasts for three to six weeks, will educate you as a flight attendant in case of emergency procedures, airline policies, flight regulations and more. You'll also complete practice flights. Aside from education Airlines also look for flight attendants who can communicate well with others and are skilled decision-makers, since they'll need to stay calm and level-headed in case of an emergency. If flight attendants work on international flights, they may be required to have proficiency in a foreign language.
Because this job requires moving around and standing, flight attendants should be in decent physical shape. They may be on their feet for long periods in a cramped space and will need to be able to help people move overhead luggage, manage equipment like food carts, and operate emergency exits. There are usually a number of additional requirements related to age and physical condition for flight attendant positions. Airlines often require certain age, height and weight restrictions. Additionally, employers place high standards on physical appearance, hygiene and grooming. Airlines also conduct medical screenings and background checks of prospective hires. Being an airline attendant means not having a regular 9-to-5 office job. They work nights, weekends and holidays, and may switch shifts frequently. Flight attendants usually work 12-to-14-hour shifts, but may work longer for international flights. However, flight attendants will get at least a nine-hour break in between flights, as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Hope this helps Edmark
Employers also prefer job candidates who have work experience in a related job. If you want to become a flight attendant, consider getting experience in customer service by working in a hotel, resort, or restaurant.
Be prepared to complete multiple interviews. For example, the airline may start with a phone screening or group interview before proceeding to a one-on-one interview. Dress professionally and be prepared to discuss why you would be an excellent choice to represent the airline.
Because this job requires moving around and standing, flight attendants should be in decent physical shape. They may be on their feet for long periods in a cramped space and will need to be able to help people move overhead luggage, manage equipment like food carts, and operate emergency exits. There are usually a number of additional requirements related to age and physical condition for flight attendant positions. Airlines often require certain age, height and weight restrictions. Additionally, employers place high standards on physical appearance, hygiene and grooming. Airlines also conduct medical screenings and background checks of prospective hires. Being an airline attendant means not having a regular 9-to-5 office job. They work nights, weekends and holidays, and may switch shifts frequently. Flight attendants usually work 12-to-14-hour shifts, but may work longer for international flights. However, flight attendants will get at least a nine-hour break in between flights, as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Hope this helps Edmark
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Thank you Raquel for your continued support. What get by achieving our goals is not as important as what we become by achieving our goals.
Doc Frick
I am surprised that although John is not a flight attendant, his answer is very thoughtful, thorough and correct. However, although the duty days (i.e., the hours in a work day) can be long, especially during irregular operations, in general the shifts are not 12-14 hours. Unless you're regularly working international flights that cross an ocean, most duty days are similar to "normal" jobs at around 8 hours a day. Also, it's not unusual to have a few days or weeks off work whenever you want (unpaid, of course). So, don't let the hours scare you. Finally, the FAA has increased the minimum rest between duty days (not flights!) to 10 hours although the airlines usually plan for at least 11 hours because flight delays are common.
Dr Fisch
Dr Fisch
Flight Attendant
34
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dr’s Answer
The first step to becoming a flight attendant is to find out who's hiring. Visit the websites of the airlines you're eligible to work at (based on your nationality, etc). Look for a link that shows the jobs available at each of those airlines. In the job post, they will list their individual requirements (education, location, physical qualifications, etc).
At my airline, I submitted an online application. A few months later I was asked to come to their headquarters for a group interview. The group consists of many applicants. They told us what the job was really about and had us all do a few tasks as they observed us. Also, for some that day, they also conducted a few individual one-on-one interviews. A few months later, I was invited to go through training. Airlines typically train their own flight attendants. There is no need to go to "flight attendant school" or program elsewhere because each airline has their own ways of doing things and use specific airplanes designed to their specifications. After a month of training, I was finally flying for the airline about 10 months after I first submitted my online application. So...it may take a while!
The position may be very competitive as for many people would like to do this job. If you are really serious about doing this, I would suggest doing ANY job for the airline you would like to work at. And then, if a flight attendant position opens up at that airline, you may have a chance of moving into that position before they offer it to the general public. Also, it's really great to see what it's like working a different position at an airline before becoming a flight attendant because it helps your perspective of the overall picture.
Hope this helps!
At my airline, I submitted an online application. A few months later I was asked to come to their headquarters for a group interview. The group consists of many applicants. They told us what the job was really about and had us all do a few tasks as they observed us. Also, for some that day, they also conducted a few individual one-on-one interviews. A few months later, I was invited to go through training. Airlines typically train their own flight attendants. There is no need to go to "flight attendant school" or program elsewhere because each airline has their own ways of doing things and use specific airplanes designed to their specifications. After a month of training, I was finally flying for the airline about 10 months after I first submitted my online application. So...it may take a while!
The position may be very competitive as for many people would like to do this job. If you are really serious about doing this, I would suggest doing ANY job for the airline you would like to work at. And then, if a flight attendant position opens up at that airline, you may have a chance of moving into that position before they offer it to the general public. Also, it's really great to see what it's like working a different position at an airline before becoming a flight attendant because it helps your perspective of the overall picture.
Hope this helps!
Shanti Henry
1
Answer
Updated
Shanti’s Answer
The first step in becoming a flight attendant is applying for a position with an airline. You'll need to meet the airline's requirements for education and experience. Airlines require job applicants to have at least a high school or equivalency (GED) diploma. Many, however, will only hire candidates who have taken college classes or who have an associate or bachelor's degree. Degrees that will prepare you especially well include hospitality, communication, tourism, and public relations.
Flight attendants must also meet specific physical requirements. Airlines typically have minimum and maximum heights. They also require attendants to be able to sit in a jump seat and complete a range of physical tasks, like pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting with reasonable accommodation.
You will also need to pass a background check and a pre-employment drug screening. Visible tattoos are typically not allowed unless they can be concealed with makeup.
Flight attendants must also meet specific physical requirements. Airlines typically have minimum and maximum heights. They also require attendants to be able to sit in a jump seat and complete a range of physical tasks, like pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting with reasonable accommodation.
You will also need to pass a background check and a pre-employment drug screening. Visible tattoos are typically not allowed unless they can be concealed with makeup.