What Does it Take to Become a Flight Attendant?

Many dream of becoming cabin crew members, with thousands showing up for recruitment days. These aspirants have varied reasons: some are drawn to the job’s popularity, others seek to travel the world, some are motivated by the salary, and some are genuinely interested in the job itself. If you’re curious about what it takes to become a flight attendant, here’s a glimpse into their world.

What do aspiring flight attendants endure? What qualities do they need? Are there specific skills required? Is the job suitable only for a select few? Beyond the basic requirements of height, age, and waistline, what else is essential?

Here’s a breakdown of what it takes and what one must undergo to become a cabin crew member. This isn’t to intimidate those aspiring to be flight attendants but to prepare them for what lies ahead. This post aims to dispel the myth that flight attendants are just “glorified servers of the air” and to highlight why I believe they are the “unsung heroes of the skies.”

Patience and Understanding

Flight attendants deal with various personalities onboard. Some passengers are cooperative, while others may be challenging. Cabin crew must manage different attitudes, especially when it comes to safety. They need patience and the ability to control their emotions. Every passenger has a different story, and understanding this is crucial.

Discipline

Being a flight attendant requires strict discipline. This includes not drinking alcohol 12 hours before a flight, staying home when on reserve, reporting to work early, adjusting to different schedules, maintaining a specific waistline, and more. Airlines are stringent with performance and adherence to procedures. A small mistake can cost a cabin crew member their career.

Presence of Mind

Cabin crew’s primary role is ensuring everyone’s safety, especially during emergencies. They must think fast and act decisively, as lives are at stake.

Genuine Concern

Cabin crew must genuinely care about passengers’ safety and comfort. They often put passengers’ needs above their own, especially in emergencies.

Flexibility

Cabin crew must be adaptable, as there are no regular or fixed schedules. This means often missing weekend outings and adapting to varied work times.

Rigorous Training

Training for cabin crew is intensive. Initial training is packed with information and tests, while recurrent training ensures ongoing proficiency, especially in safety procedures.

Wit and Humor

A good cabin crew member can engage passengers with wit and humor, enhancing their flying experience.

Physical Fitness

Cabin crew must be physically fit to handle the demands of the job, from moving around the cabin to handling emergencies.

Authority and Respect

Cabin crew must enforce safety rules and airline policies with respect and authority.

Aspiring to be a cabin crew member is a journey that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s a demanding yet rewarding career, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth.