Steps to Pursue a Career as a Flight Att
If you have thought about pursuing a job in aviation, here’s all the essential information you need to understand about becoming a flight attendant.
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When considering jobs that involve travel, the position of flight attendant typically ranks among the most recognizable. Choosing to become a flight attendant means you will be traveling regularly and earning a salary while doing so. However, it’s important to remember that this job comes with significant responsibilities, as flight attendants prioritize passenger safety above all else. Additionally, the role necessitates extensive training. If you’re still interested, take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to become a flight attendant to find out more about achieving this ideal career. Just remember that each airline has its own specific requirements and procedures, so it’s essential to verify the details with the airline you wish to join.
Education, Skills, and Qualifications
In general, flight attendants are required to possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, be fluent in English, and hold a valid passport. Airlines also set minimum age limits for their flight attendants, which usually fall between 18 and 21 years old. Additionally, there are certain physical criteria that flight attendants must meet. For example, they need to be able to reach high enough to place luggage in the overhead compartments. While many airlines have eliminated specific weight restrictions, some still expect an individual’s weight to be "proportional" to their height. Other physical demands may include the capability to lift weights of up to 50 pounds and having good vision and hearing.
Experience in customer service can be beneficial for those looking to become flight attendants. According to flight attendant Hailey Way, "Numerous flight attendants come from jobs in the service industry, various positions within aviation, retail, real estate, and more." Hailey’s background includes work with SkyWest Airlines, which provides regional flights for major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, as well as charter airline iAero Airways.
According to Takiyah Johnson, who is both Delta’s director of in-flight service hiring and learning and a flight attendant, "The foremost responsibility of every Delta flight attendant is to guarantee the safety and comfort of all passengers while delivering outstanding service." She adds that flight attendants should be prepared to travel on both international and domestic flights, working around the clock to assist Delta’s extensive network of over 300 destinations.
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Application Procedure
The procedure for applying can differ between airlines, but generally includes submitting an application online, completing online assessments, participating in a video interview, and attending an in-person interview. Additionally, candidates must pass several tests. According to JetBlue flight attendant Elizabeth Regan, "You are required to pass a random drug test, and they conduct a thorough background check covering the last 10 years, including any criminal history." During the in-person interview, applicants must also meet height requirements to ensure they can operate overhead bins and pass a jump seat test to verify that the safety belt is suitable. Furthermore, you will need to read a public announcement aloud to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
If you’re interested in becoming a flight attendant, it’s important to keep an eye on the job listings from airlines. They don’t continuously hire flight attendants throughout the year; instead, they have specific hiring periods based on their requirements. This approach enables all new employees to receive training together. If you aren’t successful in your initial application, you typically have the opportunity to reapply later, although there may be a mandatory waiting period before you can submit another application.
**Training and Certification**
The process of becoming a flight attendant involves rigorous training, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This training culminates in FAA certification, which is essential for working as a flight attendant in the United States. According to Johnson, the program lasts seven weeks, with training sessions held six days a week. It includes both written exams and practical evaluations, covering emergency procedures, familiarity with different aircraft, customer service skills, and actual flight experiences. It’s important to note that training programs can differ significantly between airlines. For example, Way mentioned that the training for flight attendants at her charter airline was only 21 days, which she considers to be the shortest duration she has come across.
"The training sessions focus primarily on safety and FAA regulations, comprising 90 percent of the content, while only 10 percent is dedicated to customer service," explains Way. The safety aspect encompasses a wide range of topics, including evacuating an aircraft within 90 seconds, a requirement set by the FAA regardless of the aircraft’s size, both on land and in water, as well as providing basic first aid. "You are required to pass a medical examination that includes performing safety procedures such as CPR, treating burns, and managing choking incidents," adds Regan.
It’s essential to understand that not every airline compensates flight attendants for their training. Among those that do, some only offer minimum wage instead of the full salary for the role. Generally, airlines cover accommodation costs, and flight attendants often receive a daily allowance for meals.
After successfully finishing their training, flight attendants will obtain certification from the FAA. Following this, they will be assigned a home base, or domicile, based on the airline’s requirements. "When you apply, you need to be open to moving to wherever you’re needed," Regan explains. However, this doesn’t mean you have to relocate to your home base immediately; rather, you should be ready for a lengthy (unpaid) commute, often by plane. "Most flight attendants travel between their work bases and their homes," Regan notes. "As you gain seniority within the company, you can request a transfer if you’d like to be nearer to your home. That said, for new flight attendants, it’s generally simpler to live close to your home base — or at least have a temporary lodging arrangement there — since you will likely be on reserve at the start of your career (more details on that next)."
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**Career Advancement**
**Compensation**
The salary structure for flight attendants can be somewhat intricate, involving several elements. They receive hourly wages for the time spent in the air (known as flight time pay), but they are assured a minimum number of hours paid, regardless of whether they actually fly. It’s important to note that many airlines do not compensate flight attendants for the time spent during the boarding process; they only start earning once the aircraft door is closed. For instance, Delta compensates its flight attendants with 50% of their flight time pay during boarding. Additionally, flight attendants often receive a per diem for expenses, which is calculated based on the number of hours they are on duty. This per diem also applies to layovers on international flights, which can result in a significant total.
Compensation for flight attendants can differ significantly based on the airline, geographical location, and level of experience. For those beginning their careers with a major U.S. airline, the hourly wage generally falls between $30 and $35, in addition to a per diem ranging from $1.50 to $3 per hour. In contrast, regional and low-cost airlines usually offer lower pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for flight attendants is $68,370. Those in the lowest 10% earn about $39,580, while those in the highest 10% make around $104,100.
Timetable
The initial stages of a flight attendant’s career can be tough, as there isn’t a fixed schedule and you’ll primarily be available to take flights on short notice. "In the beginning, you are considered ‘on reserve,’ meaning the airline can assign you to any flight at any location," explains Regan. "That’s why many flight attendants choose to share accommodations with fellow attendants in their home city during their on-call days. After gaining seniority within the company, you can begin to choose your own schedule, although this process can take several years."
When you’re on reserve, you aren’t expected to remain available by the phone constantly; instead, you’ll be scheduled for reserve shifts. Each airline sets its own shift lengths, typically lasting from 10 to 24 hours. While you’re on duty, you need to be prepared to respond quickly to work a flight, but there’s a chance you won’t be summoned at all. "At SkyWest, I requested morning reserve, which ran from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m.," explains Way. "This allowed me to have some free time after 3 p.m. if I wasn’t called in, giving me time off the clock. The evening reserve, on the other hand, was from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., meaning you are on call for the entire day." Regardless of whether you are assigned a flight, you will still receive a "minimum monthly guarantee," which typically amounts to between 70 and 75 hours each month.
As you gain more experience and seniority, you will reach a point where you can "hold a line," which refers to having a consistent schedule for particular flights. According to Way, "Each month, there will be a bidding period during which all flight attendants can request their preferred schedules or reserve days off, allowing them to choose which days they want to work and which they want to take off." With increased seniority, you will have greater influence over your schedule. Regan notes, "In the airline industry, flight attendants’ privileges are determined by seniority. The longer you work, the easier it becomes, and the more favorable your schedule and assignments will be."
Career Advancement
"There are various avenues for progressing your career as a flight attendant, depending on your personal goals within the aviation sector," explains Way. Many flight attendants aim to climb the ranks to secure top international routes and enjoy travel benefits. However, there are additional options available. "If you are passionate about your role, you can take on a position as a purser or lead flight attendant, which typically comes with higher pay and greater responsibilities in overseeing the flight operations and managing the crew," Way notes. "Additionally, you could transition into an educator role while still fulfilling your flying hours, or if you’re looking for a complete change, some cabin crew members choose to become pilots and join the flight crew."
You also have the possibility of pursuing a corporate role in the future, should that be your preference. Johnson states, "We highly recommend that our flight attendants collaborate with their base leaders to express their aspirations for growth, enabling their leaders to assist them in exploring our corporate environment." He adds, "Delta provides various growth and development tools and resources accessible to all employees, including flight attendants, through our internal learning and development platform to help improve current skills and cultivate new ones."
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Advantages of Being a Flight Attendant
"Surprisingly, the primary motivation for most flight attendants is the travel perks," explains Way. Flight attendants have the opportunity to fly for free (though they have to be on standby) with their own airline and occasionally with partner airlines, only needing to cover taxes. Additionally, they get to experience travel while working. "Nowadays, I often have layovers that last 24 hours, which allows me to explore cities I might not have visited otherwise," shares Regan.