Are you looking for a job that does not confine you to a desk from 9 to 5? Would you rather prefer a career that involves travelling the world, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people? If all of this appeals to you, then perhaps you should look into the job of a flight attendant.
Flight attendants, formerly known as stewardesses, work on an aeroplane. They are responsible for maintaining passenger’s safety and well-being during the flight. Along with this, they are also required to maintain the flight deck’s security and monitor other chief concerns. The job of a flight attendant encompasses both security and hospitality to individuals travelling from one part of the world to another.
Duties and Responsibilities of a flight attendant
- Maintain aircraft and passengers’ safety standards
- Assist aircraft staff in routine activities
- Help in-cabin preparation as well as passenger checks
- Be well aware of the emergency protocols.
- Analyze and help resolve any safety issues that may arise during emergencies.
- Tend to all passengers politely and courteously.
- Provide exceptional in-flight services. This may include serving meals and beverages as well as attending to passengers’ requests and requirements.
- Demonstrate the use of emergency as well as safety equipment to the passengers. This includes showing them how to properly buckle up their seat belts, put on oxygen masks, etc.
- Ensure compliance with company standards
- Maintain professional conduct at all times and in every situation.
- Take part in various training programs organized by the company. This includes taking the key learning points as well as updated techniques and incorporating them into their services.
- Manage communication with company staff at all times
- Ensure that all passengers are comfortable and satisfied with the entire flying experience.
- Provide up to date information to the flight passengers
- Responsible use of all equipment on the flight
- Effective communication with top management regarding flight safety, schedules and activities.
- Possess the knowledge and training to handle emergencies like evacuation protocols, administering first aid as well as any other unusual incidents.
- Acquire in-depth knowledge of the Federal Aviation Rules and the airlines’ policies and procedures. This also includes the application of these rules in their job.
Key skills required for the job of a flight attendant
Flight attendants are trained individuals who work on commercial and private airlines, tending to passengers’ needs and making their travel as comfortable and safe as possible. To qualify for the job of a flight attendant, one must have the following skills.
- Have a polite, pleasant persona
- Patience and empathy
- Attentiveness
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Possess the ability to make decisions on the spot while keeping customer safety at the highest priority
- Ability to handle stressful situations
- Physical and mental stamina
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Encourages collaborative teamwork
- Demonstrate professional behaviour, including discretion, judgment and integrity.
- A flight attendant must have a clear background check.
Educational Requirements for the job of a flight attendant
To become a flight attendant, one must have a high school diploma. However, many employers now prefer candidates with at least a college degree. Apart from education, there are several other requirements that you must fulfil for the job of a flight attendant. This includes
- Go through a long and rigorous training program.
- A 10-year background as well as a credit check
- FBI fingerprint check and drug test
- To be 18 years old
- Have a height of five feet or higher
- Your vision must be correctable 20/40 or better
What about salary?
In today’s fast-paced world where travelling has become more of a necessity than a luxury, a flight attendant’s job has become increasingly important. Compared to other careers, the job of a flight attendant can be both long and difficult and one that comes bearing an exciting routine and great health care and retirement plan.
As far as the salary is concerned for the job of a flight attendant, one can expect an average hourly salary of $24.28 an hour hence earning approximately $26,860 to $50,500 annually. However, this largely depends on factors like level of experience, geographical location, and even speaking in multiple languages. Not only this but the employment in this sector is rapidly increasing. It is expected to grow by 10 % in the coming years.
