The time when 100,000 applied to be Delta flight attendants

It is said that getting into Havard is easier than becoming a flight attendant. In 2010, the world saw how difficult it is to become a cabin crew member, particularly for an airline like Delta. More than 100,000 people applied to be Delta flight attendants that year, with only 1,000 openings! That translates to only about 1% acceptance rate.

This demonstrated to many that becoming a flight attendant is not only one of the most desired jobs in the world, but also one of the most difficult to obtain.

Delta recently announced that it will open 4,000 to 6,000 flight attendant slots in 2023 as the airline expands its services and routes. Will the airline receive the same number of applications in 2010?

In a time when many people have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, and with more people in the United States wanting to work for one of the country’s most prestigious airlines, there is no doubt that Delta will receive the same number of applicants, if not more!

But why do these much people want to be a flight attendant

The most obvious reason why so many people want to be cabin crew is the lifestyle. Being paid to travel to different countries and places, the benefits and discounts, the prestige of wearing such a beautiful uniform, and the pay are all benefits. It’s such a glamorous job that haters and bitter people say “they’re just glorified maids in the air.” There’s no need to be bitter, mamser, especially if you didn’t make the cut. You can always give it another shot.

However, little did many know that this job can also be grueling, tiring, and challenging.

According to Delta, these are the key responsibilities of their flight attendants:

• Ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers while providing exceptional customer service, at an altitude of at least 8,000 feet
• Provide assistance lifting and stowing luggage into overhead bins and soliciting assistance when needed
• Demonstrate the use of safety and emergency equipment and ensure safety requirements are met
• Prepare, serve, and sell beverages (including alcohol) and meals (which may include beef, pork, seafood, peanuts, etc.)
• Answer questions and assist passengers when necessary, particularly those with special needs
• Actively seek to ensure the safety and comfort of customers when an aircraft experiences delays or hits turbulence
• Administer and coordinate emergency procedures or provide emergency care (e.g., performing CPR and basic first aid) when needed
• Respond to and provide clear and accurate directions (verbally or non-verbally) to passengers in the event of an emergency
• Make decisions to address issues keeping in line with Delta policies, procedures, and core values
• Work both independently and as part of a team to accomplish work tasks
• Meet deadlines and manage unexpected changes in a time-sensitive and stressful environment
• Practice safety conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures

As you can see, there is a lot expected of those who want to work as Delta cabin crew. This is why it is difficult to become a Delta flight attendant, or even a cabin crew member with any airline.

In the Philippines, usually less than 10% are accepted

In the Philippines, only around 10% or less of cabin crew aspirants make it to the local airlines. In a recent AirAsia Philippines open day, almost close to a thousand aspirants lined-up where only less than 40 people were taken in. This 2022, Cebu Pacific received more than 10,000 applications, with only around 300 to 500 (estimated only) making it in.

Working as a cabin crew in the Philippines, on the other hand, provides more job security because labor laws in the country are strict and airlines cannot simply fire you without due process and explanation. You will also receive benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, and others. PAL is said to pay the highest salary for cabin crew among all airlines in the Philippines. How high is it? I’m not going to give you an exact figure, but it meets international standards. That’s all I have to say.

At the end of the day, it’s not about how much money you make, but about how you manage and spend it. Even if you work for an international airline that pays twice as much as a domestic airline, if you don’t know how to manage money, you might end up nowhere.

A very desirable job which is so hard to get in

Returning to Delta, what happened in 2010 demonstrates how desirable the job of flight attendant is but how difficult it is to obtain. Given the responsibilities and even the lifestyle, it is not for everyone. It may look good on Instagram, but remember that flight attendants are dealing with human lives. The good salary, free travel, and other perks are essentially just job benefits, which is why it is critical for you to understand your “why.”

If you want to read the pros and cons of becoming a flight attendant, you can find it here.

So, to all who want to be a Delta flight attendants in 2023, my advice is to focus on becoming part of the 1% who will make it, rather than the 99% who will not. Incase you make it, congratulations, soar high, but remain grounded. If not, it’s not the end of your journey, but just the beginning.