Flight Attendants

Career summary

#match with 7856, checked 2/24/15 lh

Attendants greet passengers, verify tickets, and help passengers locate their assigned seats. They also help passengers store their luggage in the overhead bins. On most flights, attendants follow the same routine. Before each trip, the captain informs them about the weather and any special passenger needs.

Attendants answer passengers' questions about the flight and the airplane. Attendants demonstrate how to use safety equipment before the plane takes off. They also check that passengers have buckled their seat belts and that luggage is properly stowed.

Attendants serve beverages and meals during the flight. They also operate movie and music systems. Attendants collect money for food, special beverages, and headsets.

Flight attendants distribute items such as:

• Reading materials
• Headphones
• Blankets
• Pillows

After the flight, attendants help passengers leave the airplane. They keep flight records and write down any problems that occurred during the flight. On smaller airlines, flight attendants may clean the passenger cabin.

Occasionally attendants give first aid to passengers who become ill. Attendants keep first aid kits stocked. They also make sure other emergency equipment is in working order.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Baggage Porters and Bellhops
• Counter and Rental Clerks
• Counter Attendants
• Customer Service Representatives
• Hotel Desk Clerks
• Reservation and Ticket Agents
• Transportation Security Screeners

Military careers

• Transportation Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to flight attendants.

• Attend preflight briefing led by captain. Learn about crew duties, weather conditions, and special passenger problems.
• Greet passengers, verify tickets, and direct passengers to assigned seats.
• Assist passengers with storing carry-on luggage in overhead or under-seat storage. Assist passengers with special needs.
• Explain use of safety equipment and what to do in case there is an emergency.
• Walk aisle of plane to verify that passengers are seat-belted and luggage is stowed properly.
• Serve prepared meals and beverages.
• Collect money for beverages and headsets.
• Attend to passengers' needs by providing magazines, pillows, and blankets.
• Administer first aid to passengers who need it. Ensure kits are complete.
• Prepare reports on medical or equipment problems that happened during the flight.
• Inventory headsets, beverages used, and money collected.
• Direct and assist passengers in an event of an emergency.

Common work activities

Flight attendants perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Assist and care for others
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Evaluate information against standards
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, flight attendants:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have an extremely high level of contact with passengers.
• Often speak in front of large groups of passengers.
• Communicate mostly by face-to-face discussions.
• Almost always work as part of a team of flight attendants.
• Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of passengers and coworkers.
• May at times deal with conflict situations in which they interact with unpleasant or unhappy passengers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Always wear a special uniform.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are exposed to loud and distracting sounds and noise levels on a daily basis.
• Almost always work indoors. Attendants who work for smaller airlines may work outdoors while helping passengers board aircraft.
• Are exposed to recycled air for long periods of time.
• Often work physically close to passengers and other attendants.
• May get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
• Are regularly exposed to high places, such as the top of jetways.
• Are regularly exposed to diseases and infections carried by passengers.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations and whole body vibration.
• Are sometimes exposed to radiation.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause passengers to be injured by falling luggage or runaway carts.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that greatly impact passengers.
• Usually don't need to consult someone else before making a decision.
• Determine most, but not all, of their daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor first.
• Must meet daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Schedules are usually fairly regular.
• May work nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Usually fly 75 to 85 hours a month. They spend an additional 75 to 85 hours a month preparing for flights, writing reports, and waiting for planes to arrive.
• Usually have 11 or more days off each month. This may be due to changes in schedules or limits to flying time.
• May spend at least one-third of their time away from their home base. Airlines usually pay for meals and hotel costs during this time.

Physical demands

Flight attendants frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Keep or regain their balance.

It is important for flight attendants to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for flight attendants to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

Flight attendants need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Emergency Medical Care

Training

To work as a flight attendant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the employer;
• complete a flight attendant training program; 
• have one to two years of related work experience; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school. However, many flight attendants have a bachelor's degree.

Flight attendants must complete their employer's training program. During training, you learn emergency procedures, first aid, and flight rules and duties. You also learn about flight procedures, customs regulations, and customer service.

Smaller airlines may send trainees to a larger airline's training program. Some airlines provide transportation to the training centers and pay for housing and school supplies. However, as a new trainee you are not viewed as an employee until you successfully complete a training program. Some airlines charge students to attend a training program.

Training lasts from three to eight weeks.

Work experience

Flight attendants typically need one to two years of prior work experience in customer service.

On-the-job training

After completing a training program, flight attendants work on practice flights. This training may last up to three months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be transportation specialists. Training lasts six to nine weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Foreign Language
• Hospitality
• Psychology
• Safety and First Aid
• Travel and Tourism

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers prefer applicants who have two or more years of college. Some employers hire flight attendants who have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience dealing with the public. However, most flight attendants are college graduates.

Flight attendants must be at least 18 years old. They must be in excellent health and have the ability to speak clearly. They must also meet height requirements. Most airlines require women to be at least five feet two inches tall. Some airlines also have weight requirements. An applicant's weight must fall in the range of required weights for their height. Applicants should be willing to relocate to major cities where the airlines are based.

Most employers prefer applicants who have majors that are people-oriented, such as education or psychology. Employers look for flight attendants on international flights who can speak an appropriate foreign language well. Some airlines prefer candidates who can speak two major foreign languages on these flights.

Airlines prefer to hire poised, tactful, and resourceful people. They look for people who can interact well with strangers. Employers prefer to hire people who can remain calm in uncomfortable situations.

Some employers require applicants to be willing to submit to random drug and alcohol testing and have reliable transportation to and from the airport. Most airlines also require employees to be without visible tattoos and facial piercing or gauges.

Tips

Flight attendants need to be flexible, prepared to work long hours, and willing to go where their company needs them. They also must know how to handle and stow carry-on luggage in the overhead bins without causing injury to themselves.

#Added sentence above Tips based on job description for Flight Attendant with Continental Airlines posted 3/28/06, CJ. Sentence about handling luggage without injury based on April 8, 2010 Journal of Business article, "Carry-on accidents said rising." cj Added comment about tattoos and piercings from the TheTravelAcademy.com website 4/2/18 cj.

Costs to workers

Flight attendants usually must buy their first set of uniforms. Employees are required to pay relocation expenses. Some workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Licensing/certification

Flight Attendants must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to show they have successfully completed all requirements of an FAA-approved training program.
Attendants must take a refresher training course to renew their certification each year,

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Flight Attendants 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Beginning pay varies by airline carrier. Within a company, new hires start at the same salary, even those who have experience. All flight attendants receive the same pay increases. Flight attendants earn more pay for night and international flights. Some airlines offer extra pay for attendants who work holidays. Airlines also pay more for positions that require more responsibility or paperwork.

Flight attendants are required to wear uniforms. They usually must pay for their uniforms. However, airlines usually pay for uniform replacement. They also may provide a small allowance to cover cleaning costs. Airlines usually provide money for meals when work prevents attendants from returning home.

One of the benefits of being a flight attendant is that they and their immediate families are entitled to fly for free. Flight attendants may also fly on other airlines for reduced prices. They usually also receive health and retirement plans. They may receive paid vacations.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Most flight attendants live in major cities where airlines have their home bases. Almost all flight attendants work for airlines. A small number of attendants work for large companies that have private planes.

Major employers:

• National and regional airlines

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to grow faster than average. Federal Aviation Administration safety rules require one attendant for every 50 seats. As airlines replace smaller aircraft with new, larger planes that can accomodate more passengers, the number of flight attendants will increase.

Competition will be very strong for job openings. Job prospects will be best for applicants with a college degree. Most openings will occur as people leave this occupation.

Other resources

AirlineCareer.com 

Airlines for America 
1275 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1300
Washington, DC 20004
202.626.4000

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA 
501 - 3rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
800.424.2401
202.434.1300

Communications Workers of America 
501 - 3rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.434.1100

Federal Aviation Administration 
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
866.835.5322

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Flight Attendants (53-2031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Airplane-flight Attendant (352.367-010) 
• Flight Attendant, Ramp (352.367-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Flight Attendant

Holland occupational cluster

• Enterprising/Social/Conventional

COPSystem

• Service Skilled