Airline Flight Attendant Job Position |
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Airline Flight Attendant Job Description & Salary Information
Duties and Responsibilities
The flight attendant is the face of an airline, having the most interaction with customers and representing their company. Flight attendants are the standard comparison measure for many airlines and may well be the basis for whether or not a customer returns to fly with the airline again.
Attendants are responsible for passengers from the moment they enter the plane to their eventual departure. These men and women have to check tickets, serve drinks, store overhead baggage, and answer questions on a good day, but are also responsible for having medical certifications and knowing how to cope with difficult weather and operating safety equipment like oxygen masks. A flight attendant must be able to keep a smile and calm voice even if the plane is going down because it is their job to make sure the passengers remain safe in the aircraft’s cabin. Coping with emergencies and stress is all part of the job.
From before the first passenger comes down the gate, the flight attendant is at work. It is their job to make sure that elderly and disabled customers are properly accommodated. They must direct passengers to their appropriate seats, instruct them in all safety protocols of the aircraft, and resolve disputes before the plane even takes off.
During flight, the attendant is responsible for serving drinks and occasionally food to the passengers, delivering blankets, answering questions and calls, and maintaining safety protocols. The flight attendant may make announcements and be required to react quickly and intelligently to developing conditions. This can mean anything from CPR to first aid and, more recently, being responsible for properly reacting to hijacking situations.
Qualifications and Challenges
Only a high school diploma is necessary to become a flight attendant; however, many airlines prefer to see a two-year degree and a large amount of training is required by all airlines prior to ever getting on the first flight. Training is typically conducted at an airline’s home office and is a lengthy course lasting several weeks. Trainees rarely get paid during training time, but room and board expenses are often covered.
During training, a flight attendant will be instructed in every facet of their duties ranging from basic first aid and CPR to emergency drills involving plane crashes, evacuations, and hijackings. Topics as varied as passenger psychology will be given to future attendants so they are able to deal with problems as calmly and efficiently as possible.
All attendants must also learn the proper food and service procedures of the airline, how to assist young, elderly, and disabled passengers, and all FAA regulations pertaining to safety and their job. At the end of the course, all attendants must pass a comprehensive test as outlined by the FAA. Upon completion, they are eligible to work and may well be working flights the next day.
The work schedule is one of the greatest challenges of being a flight attendant. Hours are incredibly flexible. An attendant may be working a single three hour flight one day and a full 12 hour flight the next. Additionally, there is no guarantee the attendant will end up in their own city at the end of the day. There will inevitably be layovers and aggravated passengers, unable to get to their destinations at the promised time. They will also be exposed to sickness and jetlag. Attendants must cope with all of this while maintaining a well groomed appearance and a professional attitude.
When considering a job as a flight attendant, there are several qualifications airlines typically look for. Well mannered and polite dispositions are important, especially under stressful situations. Stressing experience in public relations and customer service can mean the difference between getting an interview and having to look for another job. Age is not a huge factor, but most airlines prefer attendants to be at least 21 years old so they can serve alcoholic beverages when asked. Clear, concise English speaking skills are a must and knowledge of a foreign language can be an excellent selling point. With roughly 15,000 new attendants being hired each year, there has never been a better time to consider becoming a flight attendant.
Salary & Compensation
Typical wages for a flight attendant vary by airline, experience, and hours worked. On average, an airline flight attendant earns between $12.00 and $26.00 per hour. With experience and long-term commitment, a flight attendant may earn a higher salary rate. High-paying flight attendant jobs feature salaries ranging from $55,000 to $60,000 a year. The average annual salary for a flight attendant rests at $40,000 per year.
Beyond the obvious and exciting benefit of travel, flight attendants enjoy being able to maximize their time off by working longer shifts and earn extra money by working during busier seasonal periods, holidays, and overtime. Flight attendants also frequently swap flights with coworkers for the chance to visit new places or obtain preferential hours. Being a flight attendant may also afford the opportunity for free flights and discounts on car rentals and hotels at a destination of your choice. Qualified flight attendants receive further job benefits, including 401(k) retirement plans, medical coverage, and paid time off.
Who’s Hiring?
Apply online for this position:
Caribbean Airlines Application
Cathay Pacific Airlines Application
Continental Airlines Application
Lufthansa Airlines Application
Singapore Airlines Application
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I am very interested in a career as a flight attendant
February 14th, 2012 at 8:56 pmI have excellent communications skills and strong leadership skills owned 2 businesses and love to communicate with the public I am 53 tall thin active and very out going
My name is Valena and I am interested in a career as a flight attendant. I am 22 years of age, slim, active and very outgoing. I have completed up to college education programme and I did graduate. I have a well rounded communication ability and I can adapt to any environment.
May 3rd, 2012 at 8:59 am