If you’re hoping for airlines to lower their standards for cabin crew selection, think again! Airlines will never compromise on their standards when choosing flight attendants, primarily because safety is at stake. It’s crucial for cabin crew aspirants to rise to these standards, rather than expecting the industry to adjust to their current level.
Blaming airlines for high standards is a misguided approach. It’s disheartening to see some people fault airlines for their rigorous selection process, viewing it as a barrier to achieving their dreams. This attitude is counterproductive. Instead of pointing fingers, aspirants should focus on improving themselves to meet these high standards.
Why Compromising Standards is Not an Option for Airlines
Airlines are unwavering in their high standards for cabin crew recruitment because lowering them would mean compromising several critical aspects. Foremost among these is passenger safety. Airlines need individuals who possess the right attitude, quick thinking, emotional control, and selflessness. Flight attendants are not just there for service; their primary role is to ensure the safety and security of passengers. In emergency situations, flight attendants are the first responders, and having someone unprepared or unable to react appropriately could have dire consequences. Therefore, the safety aspect is non-negotiable and central to the recruitment standards of airlines.
Secondly, lowering standards could significantly affect an airline’s branding and image. These standards encompass not only personal grooming and hygiene but also the ability of flight attendants to present themselves confidently and professionally. This includes their attitude towards diverse passengers, communication skills, and physical appearance. High standards don’t necessarily equate to looking like celebrities such as Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, or Gal Gadot. It’s more about clear skin, well-maintained physique, healthy teeth, groomed hair, and proper posture. Flight attendants should consistently exude confidence and positivity.
These are the primary reasons why airlines will steadfastly maintain their high standards. Therefore, it’s incumbent upon aspirants to elevate their capabilities to meet these demands.
The Extensive Expectations from Flight Attendants
The role of a flight attendant is demanding. They are safety professionals, entrusted with the lives of passengers, while also tending to their needs. As the most visible representatives of the airline, often interacting with passengers for extended periods, they embody the airline’s branding and core values. For national flag carriers, flight attendants also represent their country.
Airlines invest millions in flight attendant training, covering mock-up cabins, door trainers, water landing pools, VR equipment, CCOM (Cabin Crew Operation Manual), software, hardware, and more. This investment also includes the salaries of the trainers. With such significant investment, it’s understandable why airlines have high expectations and set the bar high for their flight attendants.
Elevate Your Game
As an aspirant, you face a straightforward choice: either raise your standards to meet the airline’s expectations or risk being passed over for someone who already does. Given the abundance of candidates eager to become flight attendants, airlines are confident in their ability in choosing the right people. They are extremely selective in their hiring process.
Moreover, if airlines were to lower their standards just to accommodate certain individuals, it would be grossly unfair to those who have worked diligently to meet the high criteria set forth.
Experiencing rejection, whether once or multiple times, doesn’t spell the end of your dream to become a cabin crew member. Rather, each rejection should be viewed as a learning opportunity, a chance to assess what worked and what didn’t. Use this feedback to steadily improve yourself. If you face rejection again, it’s an indicator that there’s still room for growth. Persistently refine your skills and qualities until you meet the standards. Aim to be among the elite few who succeed.
Remember, nothing is impossible. God has provided you with the resources and abilities to continually improve and surpass your previous efforts. As Amor Maximo wisely stated, “Becoming a flight attendant isn’t just about trying repeatedly; it’s about the quality of each attempt to earn your wings.”
Compete with yourself, strive for progress, and when you finally succeed, the sense of achievement will be all the more gratifying, knowing the extent of effort and dedication you’ve invested to align with the airline’s standards. Now matter how much we rant or complain, airlines will never lower their standards in choosing flight attendants.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
