Flight Attendant Qualifications
Education
The only formal educational qualification for a flight attendant is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many airlines prefer applicants with at least some college education. College experience is often viewed as a higher level of maturity and responsibility in applicants. Studies have found that over half of working flight attendants have completely at least one year of college. After being hired by an airline, attendants typically complete a three to six week Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) training program before beginning work.
Abilities
It is important to maintain a positive, calm, and confident demeanor as a flight attendant. Airlines tend to look for candidates with a neat, clean, and professional appearance. You will be directly interacting with customers so good communication and excellent customer service skills are essential. English fluency is a must. Fluency in a second language is a major bonus to potential employers and can sometimes translate into a higher paycheck. There are also some specific physical qualifications for flight attendants. Many airlines have height requirements, typically from a minimum of 5'0-5'1 to a maximum of 5'8-6'3. Additionally, you will need to meet certain vision requirements and pass a medical evaluation. There will also be a ten year background check and drug screening.
Experience
Customer service experience is highly valued by airlines. This can come from a wide variety of careers, such as retail work, waiting tables, or answering phones. Even if you don't have prior experience, a college education and confident, professional demeanor during interviews can often be enough to secure a job as a flight attendant.
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