A flight attendant assists in ensuring passenger security and convenience on airline flights. Their work extends beyond serving food and drinks, and federal law mandates several of their duties.
They instruct passengers about security processes, like how to use the seat belts of the aircraft and how to use oxygen masks in an emergency to exit the plane.
They also ensure that all required equipment and supplies are accessible on board before each flight. Additionally, flight attendants can conduct first aid, manage safety problems, and handle any additional concerns that may arise while traveling.
Training as a Flight Attendant
This profession requires flexibility because you are expected to work on brief notice, traveling throughout the nation and the globe. Attendants devote a lot of time to helping passengers with their luggage and pushing food and beverage carts on their feet, so this can also be a physically challenging task.
Prospective professionals are trained in all elements of their work, including customer service, pre-flight processes, boarding, in-flight service, processes for safety and security, and first aid.
Additionally, flight attendants will study the kinds of aircraft they will be working on, how to handle unruly passengers, and what to do in distinct emergency situations. Some of this training is hands-on and involves flights to exercise so that learners can improve their abilities.
New professionals typically receive paid training after being employed by an airline, but there are training schools for flight attendants, and some choose to pay for their own practice before looking for a job. Training programs may take up to eight weeks to complete.
Average Salary for a Flight Attendant
According to Smartasset, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the median pay was $56,000 in 2018. That figure is higher than the domestic average.
BLS data shows that the lowest 10% earned less than $28,950. Meanwhile, the highest-earning 10% made more than $80,870.
Where to Apply for Jobs as a Flight Attendant
It can be intense competition for employment in this sector. For the hundreds of employment opportunities that they post, airlines receive tens of thousands of apps regularly. Applicants can distinguish themselves by spending time in college, acquiring customer service experience, and studying foreign languages.
After getting an education and training, you can also apply for positions through these websites.
- Indeed – Indeed is a leading job search platform in today’s market.
- GovernmentJobs – GovernmentJobs is a job search engine for federal, state, and city jobs.
- ZipRecruiter – ZipRecruiter is a well-regarded job search engine.
On the websites of airline operators such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and other regional carriers, you can learn more about the recruiting procedures, necessary skills, and training procedures.
Flight attendants are represented by several distinct unions and professional organizations, such as the Association of Flight Attendants and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. On the website of each organization, you can learn more about the problems that are essential to flight attendants.
Airlines also post on their websites open flight attendant positions, and you can apply online for jobs. Some airlines, such as Delta, enable you to create an Internet profile to match openings that suit your experience, place, interests, and abilities.
Conclusion
If you love to travel and meet new people, being a flight attendant is one way to do it. Do you think you have what it takes to work as a flight attendant?