Flight Attendants

Flight Attendants

Becoming a flight attendant is not for everybody. It requires the individual to be calm at all times and most importantly, be patient. It is also important for a flight attendant to be out going and compassionate.

Having knowledge of different languages is also a plus point; however it is not a necessity. Another skill that should be possessed by individuals wanting to become flight attendants is that they must be very confident and should always have a smile on their faces.

Flight attendants must be flexible, reliable, and willing to relocate. Flight attendants must also be problem solvers. Flight attendants should also be able to work in teams and have excellent coordination skills.

The main responsibility of a flight attendant is to make sure that the passengers are safe and at ease. Flight attendants work in teams to make sure the passengers have a comfortable flight on board. At least an hour before the flight is expected to take off, attendants are addressed by the captain of the flight on such things as emergency evacuation procedures, coordination of the crew, the length of the flight, expected weather conditions, and other issues that the flight attendants may have to deal with in regards to the passengers.

They make sure that first-aid kits and other emergency equipment are on board and are working properly and that the passenger cabin has enough supplies of food, beverages, and blankets to meet the passengers needs.

As passengers start boarding the plane, flight attendants welcome them, check their tickets, and tell them where they can keep their coats and carry on baggage. Before the plane takes off, flight attendants educate all the passengers in how to use the emergency equipment and make sure that all the passengers have fastened their seat belts, and that all carry-on items are properly stowed in the above compartments.

While the plane is in the air, the most important responsibility of the flight attendant is helping passengers when there is an emergency. They also answer queries that passengers may have about the flight; hand out reading material, pillows, blankets, food and drinks. Flight attendants also help small children, elderly or disabled persons, and any other individuals that may require any assistance.

Right before landing, flight attendants make sure that all the headsets are returned, money is collected and that all the alcoholic beverages are where they should be. Major airlines are obligated by law to provide flight attendants for the safety of the passengers.

Flights attendants who are composed, diplomatic and creative, who can interact comfortably with strangers and remain calm under stress, are the ones airlines prefer hiring. The main criteria are that applicants must be at least 18-21 years old and must have exceptional health and the ability to speak clearly.

Flight attendants must have graduated from high school as well as have a college degree and experience in dealing with the public. If the flight attendant wishes to work for an international airline, then they must speak the required foreign languages spotlessly.

After the flight attendant has been hired they must go through a period of formal training which can last between 3-8 weeks at the airlines flight training center. Airlines also have physical and height requirements. Most airlines prefer those candidates whose weight and height are proportionate.

A flight attendant is paid according to her experience and the airline she works for. A fresher flight attendant in United States may earn US$45,000 per annum. A head flight attendant can earn up to US$60,000 per annum. This can differ from airlines to airlines, and the number of hours one clocks per month.

Flight attendants for some airlines are offered extra wages for working on holidays or for taking on positions with additional responsibility. Flight attendants and their immediate family are legible for discounted or free air travel on their own airlines and discounted travel on other airlines.

There are also many benefits such as annual bonus, company shares, retirement plans and medical benefits offered to these positions.

Remarks: The information and figures provided are intended as a guideline only. For those interested, please contact the respective airline headquarters (AirlinesHQ) for further information.