Becoming a first time flight attendant is a great way to see the world and experience different cultures while building a career. It can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are the steps you should take to become a first time flight attendant:
1. Master the Skills: Flight attendants have a wide range of job skills they must possess, including customer service and communication abilities, the capability to work with diverse groups of people, and medical skills.
Flight attendant schools offer certification courses focusing on the needs of the aviation industry.
2. Obtain a License: Before you can start working as a flight attendant, you need to obtain a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The license will be valid for a two-year period, at which time it must be renewed in order to remain valid.
3. Submit Your Application: Many airlines require flight attendants to complete an initial application. For example, you may be asked to list your experience, educational background, and any special skills you have.
4. Pass a Background Check: Each airline requires its flight attendants to pass a criminal background check and drug test before being hired.
5. Attend Training: Once you are hired as a flight attendant, your employer will provide you with training. This includes learning about airline policies and procedures, safety issues, and customer service.
6. Complete Final Exams: Prior to the end of your training, you’ll need to pass a final exam to demonstrate your knowledge of the material covered.
7. Begin Your Career: After completing the necessary paperwork, background check, and training, you’re ready to begin your career as a flight attendant. Good luck!
What are the first steps to becoming a flight attendant?
The first steps to becoming a flight attendant involve gaining the necessary qualifications and skills necessary for the job.
In terms of qualifications, you will need to be over 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Having a college degree can be beneficial in terms of job opportunities, thus if you plan to pursue a career in this field it is recommended that you obtain one.
Being fluent in a language other than English is also beneficial as you may travel to many countries and passengers may speak different languages.
In terms of skills, you must demonstrate a warm personality and excellent customer service skills. Additionally, you must be confident and comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly-changing environment.
You should also demonstrate a good understanding of the principles of customer service and hospitality and be able to maintain a professional attitude at all times.
In addition to gaining the qualifications and skills necessary, you must also apply for and attain a Cabin Crew License. This license is typically obtained through formal training programmes offered by airlines and/or aviation schools.
During this training, you will learn about safety and emergency procedures, customer service skills, and other topics related to being a flight attendant.
Finally, upon completion of the training, you will need to pass a comprehensive medical and psychological test in order to ensure that you are a fit and healthy individual to work as a flight attendant.
The psychological test will assess your ability to handle stress, deal with passengers and manage any difficult situations that may occur on board the aircraft.
Ultimately, if you possess the right qualifications and skills and are willing to put in the effort, becoming a flight attendant is a rewarding and exciting career choice.
Do flight attendants get to pick their base?
In most cases, flight attendants do not get to pick their base. Generally, airlines assign flight attendants to a specific base that is most often the flight attendant’s home airport. In some cases, however, flight attendants may have the option to select their base airport from a list of airports offered by their airline.
Some airlines even offer “bidding” opportunities for open positions. Flight attendants bid for the routes and bases that interest them, and then the airline awards the routes and bases to the highest bidders.
With bidding opportunities, flight attendants may have more of an opportunity to choose their desired base.
Additionally, some airlines have base transfer programs to accommodate flight attendants who wish to work out of a different base than their home airport. These programs have certain requirements and deadlines but they may provide flight attendants with the opportunity to switch their base after they have been employed for a certain period of time.
For example, United Airlines’ Flight Attendant Base Transfer Program allows experienced flight attendants who meet eligibility requirements to transfer to a different base after they have been employed at their current base for 15 months.
Therefore, while there are a variety of caveats, flight attendants may be able to pick their base in some cases.
How hard is flight attendant training?
Flight attendant training is a rigorous process that takes several weeks to complete. It includes a variety of intensive modules and assessments that require hard work and dedication to complete. Training includes classroom instruction regarding the job, safety and emergency procedures, customer service, and cultural awareness.
Additionally, attendants must practice their responses to various scenarios, such as responding to passengers in hazardous situations, handling onboard medical emergencies, and helping passengers with disabilities.
Role-plays and group discussions are also common components of training to ensure attendants are familiar with onboard hospitality procedures, like proper meal service and cabin tidiness. Finally, attendants must pass an assessment regarding their knowledge and understanding of safety protocols in order to be fully certified.
Flight attendant training requires weeks of hard work, dedication, and effort, but once complete, attendants are ready to begin work with confidence in their newfound knowledge and skill.
What is an entry level flight attendant?
An entry level flight attendant is a person who has been newly hired as a flight attendant and is typically not certified to work on aircraft yet. Generally, entry level flight attendant roles require no prior experience in the aviation industry, though a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Entry level flight attendants will receive training from their respective airlines for the basics of their job including safety, emergency preparation, customer service, and airport procedures. They will often be assigned to an experienced mentor who will teach them how to properly service passengers, serve meals and drinks, comply with safety regulations, and to effectively problem solve any issues that may arise.
Once they have completed their training and have logged the required flying hours, entry level flight attendants can be certified to work on aircraft and be promoted to non-entry level positions.
Indeed, being an entry level flight attendant is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. From welcoming flyers near the boarding gate to directing passengers to their seats, the job offers the opportunity to witness the miracle of flight while getting to know international travelers.
Entry level flight attendants have the unique ability to bring a bit of joy and make a difference in other people’s lives throughout their work adventures.
Do flight attendants make good money?
Yes, flight attendants make good money, depending on their experience and the country they are employed in. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for flight attendants was $56,000 in May 2019, making it a relatively lucrative field to pursue.
In addition, flight attendants get the added benefit of free or discounted travel and other perks, such as being able to stay in hotels overnight and getting free meals on flights.
However, it is important to note that a flight attendant’s income is largely determined by their employer. A flight attendant may work for a low-cost carrier and make substantially less than one who works for a major airline.
Additionally, the amount of experience a flight attendant could earn could also be a factor in their pay. Most flight attendants receive their pay either hourly or on a commission basis, making more money based on the number of passengers they serve.
For anyone looking to become a flight attendant, it can be a highly rewarding and lucrative career. However, it is important to do your research to determine the best job options, based on location and experience.
Is it easy to get hired as a flight attendant?
Getting hired as a flight attendant is not necessarily easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get hired as a flight attendant. All potential flight attendants must complete a rigorous interview process.
They must also pass physical and safety certifications and possess a valid passport. Additionally, the airline may require flight attendants to be proficient in a foreign language.
In addition to the skills and qualifications needed, flight attendants must also display exceptional customer service. Airlines look for candidates who have the interpersonal skills needed to interact with customers and address any customer inquiries or complaints.
Flight attendants must also be able to demonstrate the ability to remain calm in pressurized situations.
It is also important for potential flight attendants to possess a strong knowledge of the airline industry and aviation regulations. To be considered, applicants should be familiar with industry-specific terminology, flight and safety procedures, and the policies of the airline.
Overall, getting hired as a flight attendant can be challenging depending on the applicant’s experience and qualifications. However, with dedication and hard work, flight attendant candidates can become successful and launch a rewarding career in the airline industry.
Which airline has the highest paid flight attendants?
The airline with the highest paid flight attendants is United Airlines. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for United flight attendants is $63,000 per year. This is significantly higher than some other airlines that are also known for paying their flight attendants well, such as Delta ($60,000 per year) and American ($56,000 per year).
As of 2021, United Airlines is the only major U. S. carrier to offer a two-year pay guarantee in which flight attendants are promised a two-year salary increase, regardless of their performance. This pay guarantee helps make United’s flight attendants some of the highest paid in the industry.
Additionally, these attendants also enjoy excellent benefits, including health insurance, holiday pay, vacation pay, wage protection, sick pay, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
Are flight attendant jobs hard to get?
Yes, flight attendant jobs can be difficult to get. In general, this is a competitive field, and those who are the most qualified and have the most experience are the most likely to be successful in securing a job.
Flight attendant positions usually require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED, previous customer service experience, flexibility, physical stamina, problem-solving skills, and, often, foreign language proficiency.
In addition, applicants will usually undergo an extensive interview and assessment process, including background and criminal checks, prior to being offered a job. This process is designed to ensure that only the most qualified and able individuals are identified and recruited.
Finally, because the demand for flight attendants is very strong, companies often have a limited number of openings, increasing the difficulty associated with getting a job in the field. Therefore, those interested in a career as a flight attendant must be willing to dedicate the necessary time and effort to stand out among the competition in order to be successful.
