Introduction
If you're looking to get a job as a flight attendant then you may be curious what the job entails. A flight attendant is responsible for making sure that passengers on the flight are comfortable. Being a flight attendant is really only the perfect job for those who are personable, friendly, and have no problems being away from home for weeks at a time.
What Does A Flight Attendant Do?
A flight attendant is responsible for several different things, besides just making sure that the crew and passengers are comfortable on their flight. The nature of the work, also includes.
- Making sure first aid equipment is readily available and updating passengers about the emergency process. Also, making sure there is an adequate supply of food, beverages, blankets, head phones and other important necessities.
- Answering any concerns or questions the passengers may have. A flight attendant is always updated by the pilot, about the flight about one hour before take off. If there are any questions about the flight, then the passengers should ask the flight attendant and the flight attendant should be knowledgeable and know the answer to the questions.
- Taking inventory of headsets, alcoholic drinks and money. Flight attendants will need to take a pre flight inventory of products on the plane as well as a landing inventory of products on the plane.
- Serving is another important aspect of being a flight attendant. This means, if a passenger wants a meal or a glass of wine, you'll need to get it for them. Flight attendants also will need to be able to greet passengers, direct them to their seats and instruct them on how to store their carry on luggage.
Working Conditions
Being a flight attendant has it's pro's. You're able to travel across the world being a flight attendant but you'll also have to able to work nights, weekends and holidays. Usually, a flight attendants shift is about 14 to 16 hours long per shift. It is very important to have a flexible and open schedule if you're looking to be a flight attendant as many flight attendants are always on call.
Training
You do not need a college degree to be a flight attendant. However, you do need common sense, a friendly disposition and need to be at least eighteen years of age. You also would have to have graduated from high school and in most circumstances, be able to speak one more language, besides English. Flight attendants should be well groomed, looking clean and have weight proportionate to height. Airlines prefer flight attendants with no visible tattoo's, facial hair, facial piercings and unusual make up. Flight attendants also will need to have pretty close to perfect vision, with or without glasses or contacts. A flight attendants vision must be at least 20/30. Once hired, a flight attendant takes on formal training which can go on anywhere from three weeks to eight weeks. Training takes place at the flight carriers individual training center. Before becoming a certified flight attendant, the flight attendant will need to pass their training course as well as take a final exam or test to show they have the essential skills.
