Are you in search of a career that allows you to travel? Consider becoming a flight attendant. Benefits include free flights, an affordable salary and the chance to explore the world with ease.
The job can be physically demanding, yet ultimately rewarding. Unfortunately, it necessitates a great deal of physical labor, lack of sleep and long hours. But, if you look at the benefits firms like Cathay Pacific offer Cathay employees, you can easily see you will love it.
You don’t need a college degree
Many people aspire to work as a flight attendant, yet it can be daunting to start. Although it’s no easy feat, with hard work and dedication you can succeed in this exciting industry.
As a flight attendant, you’ll enjoy free travel, exclusive perks and an incredible lifestyle. It’s also an amazing chance to explore the world and connect with new people.
Unlike many professions, flight attendants don’t need a college degree to become one. In fact, most airlines hire candidates with high school diplomas or GED certificates.
The initial step in becoming a flight attendant is to complete an online application and send it off to multiple airlines. After being accepted, some may contact you to arrange an interview – this can be quite rigorous but gives you valuable insight into the career as well as whether or not you are suitable for it.
Once accepted, you’ll be sent to a training course. These usually last between three and six weeks but each airline has its own requirements. In addition to classroom-based lessons, you’ll learn how to handle emergencies on board as well as operate emergency slides.
After successfully completing your training, you’ll be placed on reserve status. During this period, you are not permitted to fly until certified by the FAA. Providing you have a good performance record, however, this may be lifted after around one year if all goes as planned.
In the meantime, you can begin building customer service experience by working at a hotel or resort or providing customer support via phone and email. Doing so will give you an edge when interviewing for a flight attendant position.
A college degree isn’t necessary to become a flight attendant, but it can make you more attractive to employers. Some airlines prefer applicants with college degrees as it demonstrates that they’ve put in significant effort into learning and developing their skills.
Flight attendant jobs offer you the unique chance to travel the world. You could work aboard a cruise ship or fly directly to your desired destinations.
You can get an entry-level job
Flight attendants provide passengers with food, drinks, and other services aboard airplanes. They also inspect luggage and emergency equipment upon arrival at the aircraft, greet passengers as they board, and instruct them on how to use seat belts and other safety devices.
If you aspire to become a flight attendant, applying for an entry-level job with an airline is easy. Companies such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines post open positions on their websites; if you meet the qualifications, an airline representative will contact you to arrange an interview.
Prepare for your interview by researching the airline and who they hire. In order to make a great impression during the interview, use your best customer service skills while remaining professional.
In addition to prepping for the interview, it is wise to learn about the flight attendant training process. Flight attendants must complete a three to six week program at an airline training center which includes courses on airport terminology, safety procedures, and emergency procedures.
After completing flight attendant training, prospective flight attendants are eligible to take an FAA certification exam. Upon passing the test, they will receive their certificate.
Becoming a flight attendant requires at least 18 years old and either possess a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may require you to wait until 21 before applying for an entry-level position as a flight attendant.
Flight attendanting can be both rewarding and exciting, but also demanding. You may have to work long hours and travel frequently; furthermore, your schedule might include irregular breaks that keep you away from home for days on end.
Furthermore, the job can be hazardous due to spending so much time inside an aircraft cabin which is pressurized and vulnerable to debris, smoke, and turbulence. Furthermore, you will be required to spend a considerable amount of time standing and conversing with passengers during your shift.
You can train on the job
Flight attendants are responsible for providing comfort and safety to passengers on board a plane. This includes transporting them from the airport to their aircraft, serving meals and drinks, as well as making sure they follow all flight rules and regulations.
Train to become a flight attendant by attending an aviation school. These programs last three to six weeks and provide knowledge about the airline industry, aircraft maintenance, and emergency procedures.
Before beginning flight attendant training with an airline, you must pass through pre-employment screening. This includes taking a drug test and background check. Upon passing these requirements, you can apply for flight attendant training with that airline.
The training program typically begins with several days of classroom instruction. You may also need to take a written test as part of the process. Furthermore, you’ll receive practical training in first aid and CPR techniques.
After that, you’ll spend approximately four to six weeks aboard a real aircraft learning about emergency procedures and flying safely. These courses can be very intensive, so be prepared for long training sessions and days away from home.
Your training schedule will require plenty of study time, so be sure to bring along all necessary supplies. Make sure you have a notebook, pen and paper so you can keep track of everything so you don’t miss anything important while studying.
You may need to study in a hotel room, so make sure you bring along an extra set of writing utensils with you. Aim to complete 12 hours of studying each day during your training program.
Another essential part of your training as a flight attendant is mastering all airport codes. This is especially essential if you plan on flying on other airlines besides your current one, since these will be tested frequently during interviews. Understanding airport codes is essential for working as an airline attendant – you won’t want to get them wrong!
Once you complete your formal training, an employer may place you on reserve status, meaning that until after one or two years of experience as a flight attendant, employers won’t hire you for regular flights. At that point, however, seniority will determine when and how often you bid on flights.