What Is the Process of Becoming a Flight Attendant?

Are you interested in seeing the world? Do you want to fly all over the world for free? If so, then you have probably thought about becoming a flight attendant. Becoming a flight attendant is a bit different from other jobs. There is a slightly different educational path you have to follow. We have flown all over the world. We have spoken to flight attendants who are employed by numerous airlines. So of them are just starting their careers. Others are thinking about retiring in the near future. If you would like to learn how to become a flight attendant, take a look at the steps below.

Get Hired by an Airline

If you would like to become a flight attendant, the first thing you have to do is get hired by an airline. That is where this process is a bit different from some of the other jobs on the market today. Instead of majoring in “flight attendant school” in college, you have to get hired by an airline first. In order to get hired by an airline, you need to demonstrate a few qualifications. For example, you will become more competitive if you have an associate's or bachelor's degree. If you have taken classes in public relations, communication, tourism, and hospitality, this may also help you. If you have work experience at a hotel or resort, this may help you as well.

Keep in mind that you may have to meet a few specific physical requirements, given the way airplanes have been designed. Furthermore, you know that you will have to put the heavy card down the aisle, so you have to meet a few other physical proficiency tasks as well.

Many airlines will ask you to complete multiple interviews before they decide to hire you. Therefore, you should be prepared for this in advance.

Complete the Training Program Provided by the Airline

After you are hired, you are not going to be put on a plane immediately. You have to complete a training program as well. This is where the airline teaches you how to be a flight attendant. Most airlines have a formal flight attendant training center. This is where you will receive a variety of lessons that teach you how to be a flight attendant. Of course, you are going to have to memorize the safety pitch at the beginning of the plane and learn how to serve snacks and beverages. On the other hand, flight attendants have to do so much more than that.

In the event of an emergency, you will be expected to guide the rest of the plant through emergency protocols. Therefore, you have to know a bunch of flight regulations that will teach you how to respond in certain situations. The good news is that while you are going to the training program, the airline should arrange for your lodging, transportation, and food. Most airlines will pay you during the training program.

At the end of the training class, you will be asked to demonstrate your proficiency. If you are able to do exactly that, you should graduate from the training program.

Earn the Appropriate Certificates

Passing the various classes the airline puts in front of you is only one of the steps you need to complete if you would like to become a flight attendant. For example, there may be other official certifications you have to earn before you can be put on a plane. Remember that flying is a big deal, no matter whether you are a passenger, a flight attendant, or a pilot. Therefore, you may have to get something called a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the FAA. If you are able to earn this certification, you should be eligible to work as a flight attendant. Keep in mind that regulations change from time to time. Therefore, you may have to go back to a continuing education class once per year in order to stay up-to-date on everything that changes in your field.

Get on a Plane

After you have finished your training and completed your certifications, you should be ready to get on a plane. The airline will probably start by pairing you with an experienced flight attendant who can walk you through the process. After you have been on a plane for a few weeks or a few months, you may be moved to a different flight. Or, you may be asked to do flight attendants as well.

You might have specific flight routes that you want to fly. Keep in mind that most airlines operate on a system of seniority. Therefore, if there is a specific flight path that you would like to fly, you might not be able to do this right away. As you fly from city to city, the airline should pay to put you up at various hotels. They might also pay for your meals. Furthermore, you may also have to be placed on call. Similar to pilots, there is a limit to the number of hours you can work consecutively. If a flight gets delayed, that's Pacific flight crew might not be able to take the next plane. Therefore, you may have to jump up and work that flight. There are a lot of moving parts that go with the work schedule of a flight attendant. You need to be ready to be asked to work on short notice.

Think About Becoming a Flight Attendant

If you are looking for a way to travel all over the world, then you may be thinking about becoming a flight attendant. This can be a rigorous job that demands long hours, given that some flights can be 13 hours long. On the other hand, this can also be an exciting career that provides you with a lot of benefits. So, take a closer look at the process of becoming a flight attendant. This could be something that could lead to a rewarding career for you.