Flight attendants on board a flight collectively form a cabin crew, as distinguished from pilots and engineers in the cockpit, who form the flight crew. The primary responsibility of the flight attendant is to maintain safe conditions in the passenger's cabin, to teach passengers safety procedures, and to assist passengers during emergencies. Secondarily, the flight attendant serves passengers food and beverages and dispenses items for comfort and entertainment.
Your obvious aim, and quite possibly your lifelong dream, is to become a flight attendant. Having a dream is one thing; achieving it is another. The airline industry is a very competitive industry to break into, take heart because this article is published here to help you. I will put my flying experience as a flight attendant. Plus, my experience as an aviation safety instructor is a guide for you to follow.
Being a flight attendant will open your eyes to the world. The opportunities will be what you make of them, and there are many of them to experience. If you love people, varied work hours – including weekends and public holidays, living out of a suitcase, and you possess a desire for daily travel, then flying is for you.
Being a flight attendant is like being
part of a large family. It allows you to do things like travel around the
world, set in famous restaurants, gyms, or another meeting place, and talk to
other flight attendants like they were your best friend. The camaraderie of
flying is fantastic, and possibly one of the best things about the job.
Flight Attendant Job Description
1- Duties and Work Environment
Provide high-quality customer service to passengers based on airline service quality specifications and individual needs. This includes, but is not limited to, cabin service during flight and/or ground. As well as read, interpret, clarify and provide safety instructions to passengers. The Flight Attendant ensures compliance with the safety and security rules and procedures of the airline and the countries.
One
of the most important safety-related tasks is the management of passengers
during any potential emergency events, such as planned /unplanned emergency landing, medical emergencies, assessment of security threats, and a variety of
challenging situations.
The flight attendant makes sure that unauthorized personnel is prevented from accessing the cockpit. Operates in an environment subject to varying weather conditions and air pressures caused by turbulence, changing positive and negative G loads, changing workplaces, changing hours and shifts and working conditions, moderate noise levels, dim lighting, confined spaces, and frequent contact with others.
A flight attendant
may be exposed to radiation levels of three to six millisieverts (mSv) per year
which are within the acceptable limits for exposure under international laws.
2- Physical Activities
Flight attendants are required to
be able to perform a combination of physical activities in the course of their
workday. The types and combination of physical activities that are required may
vary from day to day, depending upon the job tasks assigned. Some of those
activities include the following:
- Works in aircraft aisles
and galleys for periods of up to 14 hours or more, performing duties that
require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, reaching, lifting, stretching,
and bending. Such duties may be complicated by unpredictable, and at times, air
turbulence.
- Pushes or pulls movable
carts (which could weigh up to 250 lbs. / 113.3 kgs). The estimated required
force is 45 lbs. / 20.4 kgs. or more.
- Frequently required to use force up to 25 lbs. / 11.3 kgs. to lift, push, or pull objects, such as beverage stowage bins. Occasionally required to use 25 to 55 lbs. (11.3 to 24.9 kgs) of force to lift, push, or pull objects.
At times, required forces must be
performed with the arms at or above shoulder level, such as closing or opening
overhead bins.
3- Specific Duties and Capabilities
- Proactively assists passengers with the storage of hand luggage (for example, from the floor to above shoulder level), clothing, and other belongings. Serves or sells food, beverages, and many other facilities as per standard of service.
- Keep the cabin clean.
- Providing assistance, which can include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, too sick or incapacitated passenger.
- Operation of mechanical and safety equipment such as oxygen systems, aircraft doors, evacuation slides, fire extinguishers, life rafts, Galley equipment, communication system, audio/visual equipment, and lighting systems.
- Uses computers, including navigating within Windows environments, entering data, and retrieving information using company-operated systems.
- Reads, understands, updates, and uses technical or specialized information. In addition, interact in a professional and friendly manner with passengers, co-workers, and passengers of all types and backgrounds.
- Works with other crew members on a team to ensure that meeting all standards of service. Takes responsibility and is responsible for safety-related obligations and assignments. Displays exceptional interpersonal skills and exercises good judgment.
- Presents a professional image, including a neat and well-groomed appearance as described in the uniformed appearance standards for flight attendants.
Flight Attendants Requirements
Flight Attendants, both men, and women are employed to make the airline passengers' flight as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible, as I mentioned before. If you are interested in becoming a flight attendant, you are on the most helpful website that guides you from the first step.
Furthermore, as an aviation professional, you will gain basic aviation safety knowledge and customer services tips.
Age
The minimum age required to be a
flight attendant is 18 years old. Some airlines need you to be 19 or 20 when
you apply, but none airlines make the requirement older than 21.
Personal Qualities
These are some personal qualities
in no particular order that new flight attendants may want to consider
concerning their traits and abilities. These will help to strengthen the weak
sides of your personal qualities before applying for a new job.
|
Personality |
Physical Qualities |
|
Ability to work as a team Good personal organization Good planning skills Desire to treat everyone
equally Ability to work under pressure Being alert, noticing things Flexibility Patience Professionalism Quick reactions Decision-making skills Communication skills Customer-service skills |
Good coordination Excellent health Stamina Height Physical strength Clarity of speech Good vision and hearing Personal hygiene A good memory |
Note: The height requirements for flight attendants
differs slightly across airlines, but the average is a minimum of 159cm (5 feet
2 inches) without shoes.
Marital Status
Married men and women with
children are eligible, as are those widowed and divorced, provided they can
qualify otherwise. But some airlines require unmarried girls. Therefore, the
marital status depends upon the policy of the airline.
Swimming Skill
Be able to swim 20-50 meters
across a pool about 2 meters deep or more. You must be confident in the water,
be able to swim without a flotation device, and be able to tread water for a
short period.
Education
High school graduation is a
minimum. Most airlines prefer at least two years of college or business
experience involving public contact.
English language
English usage is required.
Airlines with international routes usually require fluency in one or more
foreign languages, such as French, Spanish, and German.
Criminal Background Checks
A flight attendant must have NO
criminal background.
Medical Fitness
Flight attendant job requires the
applicant to be in excellent physical health.
Drug Screens
A flight attendant must pass a
drug screens test.
Valid Passport
A flight attendant must possess a
valid passport with six months validity remaining before expiration.
Airlines often prefer job
applicants who have work experience in a related field. If you want to become a
flight attendant, consider gaining relevant experience in customer service by
working in a hotel, resort, or restaurant. Be prepared to complete multiple
interviews. For example, the airline may start with a phone screening or group
interview before scheduling a one-on-one job interview. Dress professionally,
and be prepared to discuss why you would be an excellent choice to represent
the airline. Airlines' needs for flight
attendants vary. If you did not accepted by one airline. Your luck will drive you to another airline.
Thus, it is a good idea to apply for many jobs in several airlines. Always keep flight safety first. Summary