Flight Attendant Job Description Sample

Flight Attendants help in ensuring the safety, security and comfort of people traveling on airplanes. They may work independently or as part of a team of Flight attendants to improve customer satisfaction for flight passengers, which translates to improved revenue for the concerned airline. They also greet passengers, check tickets, elucidate on how to use safety equipment, and serve drinks or food.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Flight Attendant?

• Attend meetings before the flight regarding travel details
• Maintain adequate supply of food, beverages and emergency gear in the flight
• Maintain sanitation on board the flight
• Demonstrate how to use emergency and safety gear
• Make sure all passengers have their seatbelts secure
• Serve beverages, food etc
• Guide the passengers on safety related rules and protocols
• Check whether all safety regulations are met before flight
• Greet passengers and verify tickets
• Distribute emergency equipment and offer instructions
• Keep the cabin secure
• Help passengers and cabin crew in case of emergencies
• Offer special attention to senior citizens, children, disabled etc
• Document and report flight incidents
• Comfort passengers when airplane experiences turbulence
• Offer first aid when required

How much can a Flight Attendant earn?

According to salary.com, the average annual Flight Attendant salary is $71,945. It lies in the range of $57,750-$89,203. Salary may vary according to the experience and education of the flight attendant.

What are the education and entry requirements for Flight attendants?

Many employers look for candidates with at least a high school diploma for flight attendant roles. Some airlines prefer hiring those with college degrees or courses in areas like hospitality, tourism, business, public relations, communications etc. International employers often expect Flight attendants to be fluent in a foreign language. There are academies that offer special courses for Flight attendants to cover these educational requirements.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a successful Flight attendant?

• Good interpersonal skills for interacting with passengers
• Patience to deal with unreasonable demands of some passengers
• Ability to take rapid action when needed
• Effective communication skills
• Excellent attentiveness (to keep track of safety risks and ensure a pleasing travel experience)
• Customer focus
• Physical dexterity (to carry objects in narrowed spaces)
• Good eyesight
• Strong sense of balance
• Sociability
• Ability to handle stress
• Attention to detail
• Sensitive
• Team player
• Dependability
• Adaptability
• Professional look
• Honesty
• Flexibility
• Strong decision making
• Problem solving skills
• Excellent coordination skills
• Capacity to follow planned schedule
• Ability to follow instructions precisely
• Aptitude for following safety guidelines

What are the pros and cons of being a Flight attendant?

Pros:

• You get the opportunity to travel across foreign countries
• You benefit from allowances, such as free air travel, subsidized airfare, free accommodation and meals etc
• Good scope for career growth
• You get to meet new people on a daily basis
• High job satisfaction
• Good pay

Cons:

• Unsociable working hours
• You miss family time
• You have to deal with unruly passengers at times
• Working with people on a day-to-day basis (may not be a suitable profession for introverts)
• Sleep deprivation
• Training takes time (getting hired is tough)

Work environment and career outlook

Flight attendants are often seen working in the cabin of passenger aircrafts. They are usually expected to stand for long periods and constantly interact with passengers and crew members. At times, they have to calm down passengers when the plane experiences turbulence. Flight attendants work nights and weekends and spend a lot of time away from their family. They often have to stay in hotels or apartments with colleagues. With experience, Flight attendants can have more flexibility when it comes to picking their work schedules. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of flight attendants is expected to decline 7 percent from 2012 to 2022. Competition for new jobs in this area is likely to be tough because the occupation usually gets more applications than there are vacancies. Most openings will arrive from the need for replacements among the existing employees.