We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Flight Attendant

Save

Interested in a career that allows you to travel the world, meet new people, and make a difference in others' lives? A career as a flight attendant may be the perfect fit for you.

What is a Flight Attendant?

Flight attendants are responsible for the safety and well-being of passengers on commercial airlines. They provide in-flight service, such as serving food and beverages, and assist passengers with any needs they may have. Flight attendants must also be able to handle emergencies, such as medical issues or unruly passengers.

Education and Training

There are many different ways to become a flight attendant. Some airlines require flight attendants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, while others prefer candidates with a college degree. Many airlines offer training programs for new flight attendants, which typically last for several weeks.

Skills and Qualities

In addition to education and training, there are several skills and qualities that are essential for success as a flight attendant. These include:

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • The ability to work well in a team environment
  • The ability to handle stress and emergencies
  • A strong work ethic
  • A positive attitude

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Read more

Interested in a career that allows you to travel the world, meet new people, and make a difference in others' lives? A career as a flight attendant may be the perfect fit for you.

What is a Flight Attendant?

Flight attendants are responsible for the safety and well-being of passengers on commercial airlines. They provide in-flight service, such as serving food and beverages, and assist passengers with any needs they may have. Flight attendants must also be able to handle emergencies, such as medical issues or unruly passengers.

Education and Training

There are many different ways to become a flight attendant. Some airlines require flight attendants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, while others prefer candidates with a college degree. Many airlines offer training programs for new flight attendants, which typically last for several weeks.

Skills and Qualities

In addition to education and training, there are several skills and qualities that are essential for success as a flight attendant. These include:

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • The ability to work well in a team environment
  • The ability to handle stress and emergencies
  • A strong work ethic
  • A positive attitude

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of a flight attendant vary depending on the airline and the flight. However, some common responsibilities include:

  • Greeting passengers and checking tickets
  • Serving food and beverages
  • Providing safety instructions
  • Assisting passengers with any needs they may have
  • Handling emergencies

Career Growth

There are many opportunities for career growth within the airline industry. Flight attendants can move up to positions such as lead flight attendant, purser, or even airline manager. With experience, flight attendants can also earn higher pay and more desirable schedules.

Challenges

While a career as a flight attendant can be rewarding, there are also some challenges. These include:

  • Long and irregular hours
  • Dealing with difficult passengers
  • Working in a confined space
  • Being away from home for extended periods of time

Personal Growth

A career as a flight attendant can provide many opportunities for personal growth. Flight attendants learn how to work independently and as part of a team. They also learn how to handle stress and emergencies. In addition, flight attendants have the opportunity to travel the world and meet new people.

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are well-suited to a career as a flight attendant typically have the following personality traits and interests:

  • A outgoing personality
  • A strong work ethic
  • A passion for travel
  • An interest in customer service
  • The ability to handle stress

Self-Guided Projects

There are several self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a flight attendant. These projects include:

  • Taking a first aid and CPR class
  • Volunteering at a local airport
  • Shadowing a flight attendant
  • Learning a foreign language
  • Taking an online course in aviation

Online Courses

There are many online courses that can help students learn the skills and knowledge needed for a career as a flight attendant. These courses cover topics such as:

  • In-flight service
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Customer service
  • Aviation regulations
  • Foreign languages

Online courses can be a great way to learn the skills and knowledge needed for a career as a flight attendant. They are flexible and affordable, and they allow students to learn at their own pace. While online courses alone are not enough to guarantee a career as a flight attendant, they can be a helpful learning tool to bolster the chances of success for entering this career.

Share

Help others find this career page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Salaries for Flight Attendant

City
Median
New York
$55,000
San Francisco
$67,000
Seattle
$74,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$55,000
San Francisco
$67,000
Seattle
$74,000
Austin
$47,000
Toronto
$43,000
London
£28,000
Paris
€48,000
Berlin
€27,000
Tel Aviv
₪19,400
Singapore
S$40,000
Beijing
¥172,000
Shanghai
¥133,000
Shenzhen
¥100,000
Bengalaru
₹562,000
Delhi
₹180,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Flight Attendant

Take the first step.
We've curated 13 courses to help you on your path to Flight Attendant. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the airline industry, covering topics such as market structure, pricing, and regulation. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the economics of the airline industry.
Save
This official publication from the FAA provides a comprehensive compilation of aviation regulations. It covers topics such as aircraft certification, pilot licensing, and airspace regulations. The FAA Legal Team ensures that the information is up-to-date and accurate, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in aviation.
This textbook dives deep into airline operations and management, with a focus on core aspects such as safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. It's particularly valuable for aviation students and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of this domain.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the planning process for airlines, covering topics such as fleet planning, route planning, and network planning. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the planning process for airlines.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the marketing of airlines, covering topics such as product development, pricing, and promotion. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the marketing of airlines.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the airline industry, covering topics such as the development of new technologies, the rise of low-cost carriers, and the impact of globalization. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the evolution of the airline industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of the airline industry, covering topics such as the impact of new technologies, the rise of low-cost carriers, and the changing demographics of the traveling public. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the future of the airline industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of the airline industry, covering topics such as market structure, pricing, and regulation. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the economics of the airline industry.
This textbook delves into the design, analysis, and operation of aircraft. It provides a broad understanding of aircraft engineering, covering topics such as aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion. The authors, all renowned experts in their field, offer a comprehensive treatment of the subject.
With a focus on operational challenges in the airline industry, this book provides practical insights into issues like capacity planning, flight scheduling, and aircraft maintenance. It's geared towards both new entrants and experienced airline professionals looking to stay abreast of industry developments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of aviation safety, covering topics such as the history of aviation safety, the causes of aviation accidents, and the measures that can be taken to prevent aviation accidents. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about aviation safety.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of aviation maintenance management, covering topics such as maintenance planning, scheduling, and quality control. The author, a leading expert in aviation maintenance, presents a practical and hands-on approach to the subject.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the law of aviation, covering topics such as the regulation of airlines, the liability of airlines, and the rights of passengers. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the law of aviation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the operations and management of airlines, covering topics such as the history of airline operations, the different types of airlines, and the challenges that airlines face. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the operations and management of airlines.
This comprehensive history book provides a detailed account of the development of aviation from its earliest beginnings to the present day. The author, a renowned aerospace engineer, presents a fascinating and informative narrative that is accessible to both aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.
In-depth knowledge of aircraft maintenance and repair is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of airline operations. covers various aspects of aircraft maintenance, providing insights into the processes and techniques used.
Covers various aspects of aviation management beyond just airline operations. It includes discussions on airport management, air traffic control, and aviation safety. Consider this book for a broader understanding of the aviation industry.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of avionics, covering topics such as navigation, communication, and surveillance. The author, a leading expert in avionics, presents a clear and concise explanation of the subject.
This introductory textbook provides a broad overview of aerospace engineering, covering topics such as aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion. The author, a leading expert in aerospace engineering, presents a clear and concise explanation of the subject.
Takes a historical perspective to explore the evolution of air transport and its management practices. It provides a broader understanding of how the airline industry has evolved over time, which can be beneficial for those interested in the industry's trajectory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the financial management of airlines, covering topics such as the financial statements of airlines, the financial analysis of airlines, and the financial planning of airlines.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the marketing and management of airlines, covering topics such as the marketing strategies of airlines, the management of airlines, and the challenges that airlines face.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser