What Education Is Needed To Become A Flight Attendant?
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 or who have a college degree, Those working on international flights may need fluency in a foreign language. Prospective attendants may enroll in flight attendant academies.
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Contents
- 1 How hard is it to become a flight attendant?
- 2 Is flight attendant a high risk job?
- 3 What age do flight attendants have to retire?
- 4 What is the hardest airline to get a job with?
- 5 Do you make more as a flight attendant with a degree?
What degree is best for a flight attendant?
Postsecondary Training – Because many airlines prefer to hire employees with some college experience, it is advisable to complete a two-year or four-year college degree. Although there is no specific major that will prepare you for a career as a flight attendant, degrees in hospitality, tourism, public relations, business, communications, psychology, sociology, nursing, anthropology, police or fire science, and education are all good choices.
A business degree with an emphasis in customer service or public relations is another excellent option. If you are especially interested in international flights, you might consider getting a degree in a foreign language. Applicants with college-level education are often given preference in employment.
Business training and experience working with the public are also assets. Attendants employed by international airlines are usually required to be able to converse in a foreign language. Some of these airlines prefer to hire candidates who are proficient in two major foreign languages.
- Most large airline companies maintain their own training schools for flight attendants.
- Training programs may last from three to six weeks.
- Some smaller airlines send their applicants to the schools run by the bigger airlines.
- A few colleges and schools offer flight attendant training, but these graduates may still be required to complete an airline’s training program.
Airline training programs usually include classes in company operations and schedules, flight regulations and duties, first aid, grooming, emergency operations and evacuation procedures, flight terminology, and other types of job-related instruction.
Flight attendants also receive 12 to 14 hours of additional emergency and passenger procedures training each year. Trainees for international flights are given instruction on customs and visa regulations and are taught how to respond during a terrorist attack. Near the end of the training period, trainees are taken on practice flights, in which they perform their duties under supervision.
An on-the-job probationary period, usually six months, follows training school. During this time, experienced attendants pay close attention to the performance, aptitudes, and attitudes of the new attendants. After this period, new attendants serve as reserve personnel and fill in for attendants who are ill or on vacation.
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How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
The flight attendant training course takes 10 weeks to complete. Most students have already begun interviewing with airlines by the time they graduate and some even have job offers. Each persons experience will be different so keep that in mind.
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How hard is it to become a flight attendant?
3. Is it hard to become a flight attendant? – Yes, the process of becoming a flight attendant is challenging. There are up to 1.5 million job applications for 5,000 to 10,000 jobs hiring. It’s very competitive and the training process is long, sometimes taking up to 3 to 6 months for the entire process.
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Is flight attendant a good career path?
Flight attendants are the members of the flight crew that passengers probably interact with the most. They ensure passengers are comfortable, and they must be prepared to respond to safety issues that may arise during the flight. Before each trip, flight attendants inspect emergency equipment.
They instruct passengers on safety procedures, such as how to use an oxygen mask or how to evacuate the airplane; demonstrate how to use seat belts; and ensure passengers fasten their seat belts prior to takeoff. “Our duties begin when we first board an aircraft and ensure all of the aircraft’s required emergency equipment is on board,” says Allison Pereira, a Philadelphia-based flight attendant for American Airlines.
“Many customers do not realize that we are almost always the first responders to any situation onboard.” During travel, flight attendants take care of customer service-related needs, including serving meals, snacks and drinks and facilitating in-flight purchases if part of the airline’s service.
- Flight attendants may reassure anxious passengers during turbulence and are responsible for keeping the peace while in the air, which means sometimes dealing with unruly passengers.
- Safety and service are not mutually exclusive,” says Chieri Beers, who has more than two decades of experience as a United Airlines flight attendant and now trains flight attendants.
“If you’re interested in being a flight attendant, service should be your passion, and safety your priority. Flight attendants are responsible for the safety of customers onboard the aircraft and providing best in class customer service.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 20.8% employment growth for flight attendants between 2021 and 2031.
In that period, an estimated 22,100 jobs should open up. Flight attendants are the members of the flight crew that passengers probably interact with the most. They ensure passengers are comfortable, and they must be prepared to respond to safety issues that may arise during the flight. Before each trip, flight attendants inspect emergency equipment.
They instruct passengers on safety procedures, such as how to use an oxygen mask or how to evacuate the airplane; demonstrate how to use seat belts; and ensure passengers fasten their seat belts prior to takeoff. “Our duties begin when we first board an aircraft and ensure all of the aircraft’s required emergency equipment is on board,” says Allison Pereira, a Philadelphia-based flight attendant for American Airlines.
“Many customers do not realize that we are almost always the first responders to any situation onboard.” During travel, flight attendants take care of customer service-related needs, including serving meals, snacks and drinks and facilitating in-flight purchases if part of the airline’s service. Flight attendants may reassure anxious passengers during turbulence and are responsible for keeping the peace while in the air, which means sometimes dealing with unruly passengers.
“Safety and service are not mutually exclusive,” says Chieri Beers, who has more than two decades of experience as a United Airlines flight attendant and now trains flight attendants. “If you’re interested in being a flight attendant, service should be your passion, and safety your priority.
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Is being a flight attendant harder than Harvard?
A glut of applicants – Airlines say they receive a flood of interest for open jobs. A favourite industry saying is that it’s harder to get hired as a Delta flight attendant than it is to get into Harvard, which had an admission rate of about 3.2 per cent this year.
The airline even put out a web series called “Earning Our Wings” about the training program for flight attendants, calling it “one of the most coveted jobs in the world.” Delta expects to graduate nearly 4,300 flight attendants – which it describes as a historic amount – between the third quarter of last year and the end of this year.
Next year, the airline anticipates graduating between 4,000 and 6,000 flight attendants “from a pool of several hundred thousand applicants.” United said in an emailed statement it receives “thousands of applications whenever we open up a requisition, and are only able to keep it open for a few days due to interest!” Interest has been higher than before the pandemic, the airline said.
It’s hiring 4000 new flight attendants this year and expects to hire the same number next year. And Southwest said it has hired and trained more than 3000 flight attendants this year, a record, bringing the total number at the airline to more than 18,500. That’s more than were on staff before the pandemic started.
“It still is very competitive even though the basic qualifications are fairly low,” Unger said.
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Is 30 too old to become a flight attendant?
Flight Attendant Weight Requirements – You will see a lot of flight attendants that are in great shape. It’s a physical job, but not all flight attendants must be slim and trim. You do, however, have to fit into the flight attendant jumpseat. Flight attendants have no set weight requirements, as body types can vary even if two people are the same height and weight.
It’s impossible to give a size or weight for the jumpseat because some harnesses are smaller than others, and people carry weight differently. The jumpseat harness goes over the shoulders and also has a lap belt. So it can be a four-point harness or simply adjustable shoulders straps and a lap belt. Don’t think you’ll fit in the jumpseat? Apply anyway, don’t count yourself out because you may easily fit into the seat.
Another thing you can measure with a weight requirement? You do have to fit in the airlines largest uniform. Sizes can vary, but women’s flight attendant uniform sizes can go up to anywhere from size 20-32. Each airline uniform sizes do vary. Flight Attendant Age Requirements At some airlines, the minimum age requirement to be a flight attendant is 18, but for most, it’s 20-21.
As a flight attendant, age is just a number. You can be too young to be a flight attendant, but not too old as long as you are in good shape and can work long hours and do some heavy lifting. How Old Is Too Old To Become A Flight Attendant ? As long as you are in good shape, you will never be too old to be a flight attendant.
Airlines hire flight attendants in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60+ years of age. Many flight attendants start after retirement as a second career. However, there are flight attendants of all ages, so don’t let your age stand in your way if you want to be a flight attendant. Photo Credit: Breeze Airways Some airlines hire flight attendants at 18, and that’s a great place to start for aspiring flight attendants fresh out of high school. Flight Attendant Height Requirements Each airline will have its height requirements. For example, some flight attendants are under five feet tall, and some are over six feet tall.
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What is the age of most flight attendants?
Average Age of Flight Attendants – The average age of flight attendants is 32, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with most falling in the 25- to 34-year-old age bracket. The minimum age requirement for flight attendants is 21. There are some airlines that are more lenient when it comes to age requirements, but they are typically regional or smaller carriers.
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Do you need to be fit to be a flight attendant?
Hiring criteria for flight attendants – Before you begin filling out the application for a flight attendant position, you need to see if you meet the criteria. All airlines require at least a high school diploma, and some require that flight attendants have some college — either an associate or a bachelor’s degree.
- You’ll also need to pass a physical fitness test, have good vision, undergo a background check, and meet the height requirements of the airline.
- In addition, in most flight attendant positions, you must maintain a professional appearance with no visible tattoos or body piercings.
- If you meet the criteria, you’re ready to fill out the application.
You may participate in more than one interview, including phone and in-person interviews. If you pass these markers and get hired, you are ready for your training.
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Do flight attendants go home every night?
Work Environment – Flight attendants have variable work schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, because airlines operate every day, and some offer overnight flights. Attendants work in an aircraft and may be away from home several nights per week.
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Do flight attendants have to wear heels?
Summary – In conclusion, the choice of footwear for flight attendants is an important factor in providing a safe and comfortable experience. While some airlines still require female flight attendants to wear high heels as part of their uniform, many have relaxed their dress codes to allow more comfortable options such as flats or low-heeled shoes.
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Is flight attendant a high risk job?
4 Accidents – Accidents and unfortunate events have been major headlines in the last ten years, but it is still extremely safe to fly. in fact, that you are more likely to get kicked to death by a donkey than be involved in such an accident. Cabin crew are highly trained to do everything possible in an emergency situation and have as many survivors as possible.
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How many hours do flight attendants work?
Major airlines employ flight attendants to attend to the needs of passengers and provide instruction on safety and emergency protocols. A flight attendants number one responsibility is making sure security and safety rules are followed, but they also are responsible to make sure passengers are comfortable.
- One hour prior to takeoff, pilots brief attendants about flight details and security rules.
- Flight attendants ensure that emergency equipment is available for the flight as well as monitoring the plane for adequate amounts of food and drinks.
- After passengers enter the plane, flight attendants instruct them about safety and emergency procedures.
Prior to take off, flight attendants make sure carry-on items are securely stored and passengers’ seatbelts are properly secured. If there is an emergency, it is a flight attendants’ responsibility to assist passengers. For example, if passengers had to be evacuated from a plane after an emergency landing, flight attendants would direct the evacuation.
- They also administer first aid to sick or injured passengers.
- Before the plane lands, flight attendants take inventory, make a note of the cabin’s condition, and keep records about any sick or injured patients.
- Lead flight attendants, also known as pursers, supervise other attendants while performing the same duties.
Work environment. Flight attendants work nights, weekends, and holidays. But since most attendants are union members, they usually work set hours. Most attendants are usually limited to working 12 hours shifts but some are allowed to work 14 hour shifts.
- Those working on international flights are usually permitted to work longer shifts.
- Attendants usually spend 65-90 hours in the air and 50 hours preparing planes for passengers monthly.
- Most airlines usually guarantee attendants at least 65-85 flight hours every month, usually with opportunities to work overtime.
While working, Flight attendants are away from their homes for at least a third of the time, so airliners pay for hotel rooms and food. Flight attendants are often required to move. Those with seniority can choose the routes they work and the location of their home bases.
- Nearly all flight attendants begin their careers working on call or being designated to reserve status.
- Flight attendants on private jets usually work whenever they are needed.
- Flight attendants get to travel to new places and often receive discount airfare for their personal travel.
- Being a flight attendant can be stressful since attendants often deal with difficult passengers and must be pleasant during their entire shift even if they are stressed or the plane is flying through turbulence.
Flight attendants are susceptible to back injuries if overhead luggage is not properly secured and health problems associated with a pressurized cabin and breathing recycled air. Flight attendants sometimes have irregular eating and sleeping routines. Company Information About Privacy Policy Help Contact Us Submit a Resource
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What age do flight attendants have to retire?
Setting lower mandatory retirement age for female cabin attendants is void — SC MANILA, Philippines — Emphasizing the fundamental equality of women and men, the Supreme Court (SC) nixed an airline’s collective bargaining agreement pegging the compulsory retirement age of female cabin attendants at 55 compared to 60 years old for males.
Section 144 (A) of the Agreement provides that the compulsory retirement age for female cabin attendants is 55, while the retirement age for male cabin attendants is 60.PAL said female cabin attendants between 55 to 59 no longer have the “necessary strength to open emergency doors, agility to attend to passengers in cramped working conditions, and the stamina to withstand grueling flight schedules” compared to their male counterparts.But the SC said PAL could not provide the basis for differentiating the compulsory retirement age based on sex.SC said female cabin attendants were denied employment opportunities at an age “not young enough to seek a new job but not old enough to be considered retired.””This deprived them of benefits attached to employment, such as income and medical benefits, five years earlier than their male counterpart, without any factual basis,” the SC said.Aside from violating the Constitution, the Labor Code, the Magna Carta of Women, and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, SC said the employees do not voluntarily agree upon the agreement.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen wrote the decision. Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier concurred with the opinion. Associate Justices Jhosep Lopez and Japar Dimaampao took no part, while Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando is on wellness leave. RELATED STORY:
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What is the hardest airline to get a job with?
Updated 2018-03-10T11:32:00Z Delta flight attendant training isn’t just harder to get into than Harvard — it’s also much more difficult to pass. Delta/YouTube
For aspiring flight attendants, Delta Air Lines, ranked by its employees as one of the best places to work, is also one of the most difficult places to get a job. It’s harder to get invited to Delta flight attendant training than it is to get into Harvard University. Keep reading for some of the most interesting details about the intensive training school.
Delta Air Lines flight attendant is perhaps one of the most competitive jobs out there. On Glassdoor, employees rate Delta Air Lines 4.3 out of 5 stars, citing pros like great perks and benefits, a professional and friendly environment, and flexibility.
Danny Elkins, who’s been a flight attendant with Delta since it acquired Pan American World Airways’ North Atlantic routes in 1991, would agree. “I started this career at 22, left my home in North Carolina, and soon found myself living in NYC, flying around the world. Both my home life as well as my professional life became an instant adventure,” he told Business Insider,
Of course, getting the job is no walk in the park. “I am told it’s harder to get invited to the Delta Flight Attendant training center than to get into Harvard University,” Elkins said. And he’s not wrong. According to Delta, of the 150,000 people that applied to be a Delta Flight Attendant in 2016, only 1% made the cut.
By comparison, the acceptance rate for Harvard’s class of 2021 was 5.2%. “Our culture at Delta is important to us, so we have to make sure those we hire can not only serve to keep our customers safe and comfortable on board but also fit well within our organization,” Elkins said. Delta implements an array of techniques, including video interviews, Q&A sessions, and in-person meetings to evaluate candidates to see if they’ll be successful as a Delta flight attendant.
“It’s a rigorous process, but we make sure it’s fun and engaging for prospective crew members. And we often have an opportunity to select some amazing flight attendants,” Elkins said. For the chosen few who make it past the interview stage, an eight-week training school awaits.
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Do you make more as a flight attendant with a degree?
Average salary Flight attendants with college degrees and years of experience on airlines might be able to earn a higher hourly wage than less-experienced or -qualified individuals.
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What is the hardest airline to get a job as a flight attendant?
For aspiring flight attendants, Delta Air Lines, ranked by its employees as one of the best places to work, is also one of the most difficult places to get a job.
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Is it better to go to flight attendant school?
Summary – So as we mentioned, it is not mandatory to attend a Flight Attendant School prior to applying to become a Cabin Crew. It can be very useful to some people, however you will often find most of the things that you need to know to prepare for your Assessment Day online, on Flight Attendant Blogs or YouTube for example.
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Where is the best place to become a flight attendant?
One of the best airlines to work for as a flight attendant is Alaska Airlines. Before you get hired at Alaska Airlines as a flight attendant you will go to unpaid training for five weeks. Alaska Airlines accepts flight attendants starting at age 21.
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