The job of flight attendant has long been one open to women and it has evoked images of glamorous destinations, friendly smiles and exciting people. The childhood dream of many, it is also a career choice for women around the world. However, it is not all glamour -- it takes hard work, patience and training, like any other job in the field of aviation.
Responsibilities and Duties: The main responsibility of the flight attendant is to ensure the safety of the passengers on board in case of emergency. The second obligation is to provide the best customer service possible.
Required Training: Although a high school diploma fulfills the minimum education necessary, additional schooling is usually preferred. A training program, provided by the company, teaches flight attendants about first-aid, CPR, general emergency training, people skills, security and handling equipment properly. This program generally lasts five weeks, although it may be a short as 4 or as long as 8 weeks of intense instruction.
Working Conditions: A flight attendant must deal with long days, stress, time factors, delays, no lunch breaks, recycled air and dry air. They must also be able to handle cramped kitchens, busy airports and crowded airplanes.
Personality: A flight attendant needs a patient and pleasant personality to be able to deal with the stress of a plane full of angry passengers. An empathetic and self-motivated nature is also recommended. The abilities to work as a team player and handle emergency situations under stress are desirable in this position. Also, many airlines have uniform/grooming standards and physical requirements - such as being able to lift, push, and pull up to 65 pounds - that must be met.
Average Salary: The salary of a flight attendant varies with each individualıs length of service, the type of aircraft and the airline. The range usually starts around $12,000 and goes up to $50,000 (after thirty years and working the maximum number of hours). Notes one flight attendant, ³This job was once very desirable but has since fallen due to low starting salary.²
Employment Possibilities: If you speak another language, you can work more exciting trips to foreign destinations. A flight attendant can acquire more qualifications, such as various leadership positions available in which they can be in charge of the flight service or speak as the destination speaker aboard the flight. They also have the opportunities to be a domestic or an international flight attendant.
The Best and Worst Aspects of the Job: Although a flight attendant gets to work different days and certainly does not have a routine 9 to 5 job, he or she must accommodate odd working hours, long days, all-night flights, early sign-ins, no lunch hour and being away from home. Breathing dry and recycled air, working long hours without good food to eat, unexpectedly getting stuck in a strange city and working holidays are some of the most common complaints of the job. However, great travel opportunities for you and your family, only flying 2 or 3 days a week (if you have seniority) and not having a ³boss² (like in an office) seem to more than make up for the hardships!