Flight attendants ensure that passengers are kept safe and comfortable at all times while on board an airplane. They educate people about safety precautions and respond to their needs. Flight attendant jobs are fast-paced and stressful, but they come with perks like free travel to new places. There are a variety of flight attendant jobs available, both with commercial airlines and privately owned businesses. Individuals with sufficient training and experience can advance to supervisory and management positions.
Large commercial airlines employ the majority of flight attendants. Before each flight, flight attendants inspect the seats, safety equipment, and emergency doors to ensure that everything is in working order. Prior to takeoff, attendants are frequently required to stock restrooms and food carts. They assist passengers in boarding planes, locating seats, and securing their belongings. Passengers are given information about the flight and its destination, as well as emergency procedures and items such as pillows, drinks, headphones, and magazines.
A high school diploma or GED is usually required to work as a flight attendant for a commercial airline. New hires must complete a formal training course that can last anywhere from three to eight weeks. Safety and emergency procedures, first aid, customer service, and company policies are all taught to new flight attendants. In the United States, flight attendants receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration after completing their training. Other countries have specific government agencies that issue new flight attendants with licenses or certifications.
Reserve status is usually assigned to new flight attendants. Reserve flight attendants are usually available on short notice to cover for sick or vacationing flight attendants. After at least a year on reserve, attendants are more likely to find more consistent work, though hours, times, and destinations are still subject to change. Those with the most seniority are given first priority in scheduling and the most consistent hours.
There are several ways to advance your career as a flight attendant. While performing similar duties, lead flight attendants supervise crews of attendants. Leads are typically flight attendants who have worked for a number of years and have demonstrated their ability to manage on-board operations. Employee trainers, human resources personnel, and general administrative professionals may also be available in the airline industry.
For private flights, some companies and governments hire flight attendants. Private flight attendants typically have prior commercial airline experience. They usually don’t have set schedules or know what will be expected of them ahead of time. Private flight attendants, like commercial flight attendants, are expected to be extremely friendly and helpful to passengers at all times.