Flight attendants

			Check out another job
			Search a job category Architecture   - Building architects   - Landscape architects Art and design   - Artists   - Designers Computers   - Computer programmers   - Computer and information       systems managers   - Software engineers   - Support specialists and       system administrators   - Statisticians Educators   - Administrators and principals   - Counselors   - Post-secondary teachers   - Elementary, middle school       and high school teachers Engineers   - Engineers   - Aerospace   - Agriculture   - Biomedical   - Chemical   - Civil   - Electrical   - Environmental   - Industrial   - Mechanical   - Nuclear Entertainment and sports   - Actors, producers and directors   - Athletes, coaches and officials   - Dancers and choreographers   - Musicians Financial   - Accountants   - Economists   - Financial advisors   - Securities, commodities and       financial services sales agents Health care   - Chiropractors   - Dentists   - Dietitians   - Occupational therapists   - Optometrists   - Pharmacists   - Physical therapists   - Physicians and surgeons   - Psychologists   - Registered nurses   - Speech pathologists   - Veterinarians Legal   - Judges   - Lawyers Media and communications   - Advertising and public       relations managers   - Broadcast announcers   - News analysts, reporters       and commentators   - Photographers   - Public relations specialists   - TV, camera and film operators   - Writers and editors Office / elected officials   - Human resources, training and       labor relations managers   - Secretaries and       administrative assistants   - Top executives and       elected officials Sales   - Loan officers   - Purchasing managers   - Retail salespeople   - Real estate agents Scientists   - Biological   - Chemists   - Environmental Service   - Counselors   - Firefighters   - Police officers and detectives   - Social service workers Travel   - Flight attendants   - Pilots   - Travel agents

Major airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety of the traveling public. Although the primary job of the flight attendants is to ensure that safety regulations are followed, they also try to make flights comfortable and enjoyable for passengers.

At least one hour before each flight, flight attendants are briefed by the captain, the pilot in command, on such things as emergency evacuation procedures, crew coordination, length of flight, expected weather conditions and special passenger issues. Flight attendants make sure first aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working order and the passenger cabin is in order, with adequate supplies of food, beverages and blankets. As passengers board the plane, flight attendants greet them, check their tickets and tell them where to store coats and carry-on items.

Before the plane takes off, flight attendants instruct all passengers in the use of emergency equipment and check to see that seat belts are fastened, seat backs are in upright positions and all carry-on items are properly stowed. In the air, helping passengers in the event of an emergency is the most important responsibility of a flight attendant. Flight attendants answer questions about the flight; distribute reading material, pillows and blankets; and help small children, elderly or disabled persons and any others needing assistance.

Flight attendants may work nights, holidays and weekends. Attendants usually fly 75-85 hours a month and generally spend about 75-85 hours a month on the ground preparing planes for flights, writing reports following completed flights and waiting for planes to arrive. They may be away from their home base at least one-third of the time. During this period, the airlines provide hotel accommodations and an allowance for meal expenses.

The combination of free time and discount air fares provides flight attendants the opportunity to travel and see new places, but the work can be trying. Flight attendants stand during much of the flight and must remain pleasant and efficient. Occasionally, flight attendants must deal with disruptive passengers. Back injuries and mishaps opening overhead compartments are common. In addition, medical problems can occur from irregular sleeping and eating patterns, dealing with stressful passengers, working in a pressurized environment and breathing recycled air.

Training and qualifications

Airlines prefer to hire poised, tactful and resourceful people who can interact comfortably with strangers and remain calm under duress. Applicants usually must be at least 18 to 21 years old. Flight attendants must have excellent health and the ability to speak clearly. In addition, there generally are height requirements, and most airlines want candidates with weight proportionate to height.

Prospective flight attendants usually must be willing to relocate, although many flight attendants are able to commute to and from their home base. Applicants must be high school graduates. Those with several years of college or experience in dealing with the public are preferred. Highly desirable areas of concentration in college include such people-oriented disciplines as psychology and education. Flight attendants for international airlines generally must speak a foreign language fluently.

Once hired, candidates must undergo a period of formal training, ranging from four to seven weeks. New trainees are not considered employees of the airline until they complete the training program. Trainees learn emergency procedures, such as evacuating an airplane, administering first aid and water survival tactics. In addition, they are taught how to deal with disruptive passengers and hijacking and terrorist situations. Trainees for the international routes get additional instruction in passport and customs regulations. Flight attendants must receive 12 to 14 hours of annual training in emergency procedures and passenger relations.

Job outlook

Employment of flight attendants is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Opportunities should be favorable because the number of applicants is expected to be roughly the same as the number of job openings. Those with at least two years of college and experience in dealing with the public should have the best chance of being hired. Many flight attendants are attracted to the occupation by the glamour of the airline industry and the opportunity to travel, but some eventually leave in search of jobs that offer higher earnings and require fewer nights away from their families. Employment of flight attendants is sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy.

Earnings

Flight attendants held about 124,000 jobs in 2000. Median annual earnings of flight attendants were $38,820 in 2000. The majority of flight attendants hold union membership, primarily with the Association of Flight Attendants.

Related links

Information about job opportunities and qualifications required for work at a particular airline may be obtained by writing to the airline's personnel office. Information about job opportunities and qualifications required for work at a particular airline may be obtained by writing to the airline's personnel office.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.