Become a Flight Attendant

Answer 1

If you have a passion for travel and a flexible work schedule, a flight attendant job might be the right career path. According to BLS.gov, the official site of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, flight attendant jobs are in high demand, which can make landing a position a bit competitive.

Responsibilities

Flight attendants perform a variety of duties. Their first and foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of airline passengers. Flight attendants fulfill this duty by educating passengers about flight procedures and airplane layout, as well as attending to any health concerns or special accommodations for handicapped or elderly passengers. Flight attendants also ensure the comfort of airline passengers by providing beverages and other refreshments.

Positions and Advancement

Most flight attendants begin with formal training that usually lasts about 3 to 6 weeks. Once training is complete, prospective flight attendants must pass a certification exam. Newly-certified flight attendants are put on reserve for one year, and gain experience by filling shifts for sick or otherwise indisposed employees.After the reserve phase, flight attendants are allowed to bid on shifts and move up in the ranks. The more experience a flight attendant has, the more likely they are to win bids. Flight attendants may advance to leadership positions as supervisors, recruiters, and trainers, as well as administrative positions.

Salary

As of May 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that flight attendants make a median annual salary of $35,930. Starting salaries are a bit lower, with the average 2009 earnings listed at $16,191. Flight attendants may receive additional benefits, such as travel discounts for family members, insurance, retirement plans, paid vacations and holidays, stock options and incentives for international, night, and holiday flights.

Prerequisites

Although a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for flight attendant jobs, a college degree or some college education is often preferred. Previous employment in a customer service setting may also be beneficial.

The primary benefits of flight attendant jobs include ample job opportunities, room for advancement and lots of travel. On the downside, the job is physically demanding and often entails a lot of time away from home. If you think the benefits outweigh the risks, inquire about job opportunities in your area and seek out additional information.