What are your experiences as a flight attendant?
Flights
Sonja asked:
I am thinking of becoming a flight attendant. I think I have a lot of the qualities looked for in one, for example I’ve flown hundreds of times and speak four languages fluently. What other types of attributes are looked for in a flight attendant?
I am thinking of becoming a flight attendant. I think I have a lot of the qualities looked for in one, for example I’ve flown hundreds of times and speak four languages fluently. What other types of attributes are looked for in a flight attendant?
If you are a flight attendant, how has it been? Is it really stressful, or are there more pros than cons? Does the company you work for have regulations about what you have to look like, how tall you have to be, etc?
flight
August 25th, 2008 at 3:31 am
Caffeinated Content
My mother is a flight attendant, so this isn’t a direct account. She seems to like it a lot, and has done it for over 20 years, the fact that you speak 4 languages fluently is a big plus for you, but you will be tested by the company on these languages (so that people can’t just say that they speak a second language).
It can also be very stressful, because you will have to undergo training, and then complete emergency procedures training and testing every six months, the reason that they are so stressful is that, if you dont pass the test, you can lose your job, and it happens every six months.
There is a height limitation, but I dont know exactly what it is, and there are presentation expectations depending on which airline, but hers says ‘natural coloured hair, and no facial piercings’ so pretty much, dont have blue hair or eyebrow piercings.
I have to say that there are more pros than cons, just because she has enjoyed it for so long. Good luck, and I hope that I have helped even just a little bit.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Website content
You’ve flown a lot so you’ve got an idea (ish), but of course what the passenger see’s and what is going on behind the scenes can be very different! Speaking other languages is always helpful but not essential with most airlines. You would do well to have extensive customer care experience, be outgoing and confident (but watch this doesn’t come across as arrogant), be able to smile lots!, be able to hold down a good conversation, be able to provide times where you’ve given/received good/bad customer service or overcome stressful situations etc. Having First Aid Training would also be an advantage.
I’ve done the job for 11 months and it’s been an experience! You feel a bit bewildered at Training as it’s a lot to learn in 4 weeks, then when you think you’re ready to go and you know everything, you start flying and find there’s a whole load of new stuff to learn on board concerning service etc. So it can be a bit daunting but if you listen, do what you’re told and dont be afraid to ask questions then you’ll do fine and you’ll be continuously learning. It’s more often than not all “go go go” and most of the time you’re lucky to get a break for something to eat but you can get night flights when everyone’s sleeping and you can chat to colleagues and read magazines etc but obviously there is still work to be done even then. This only stresses you out if you’re the kind of person who allows themselves to get stressed.
The pros are when you get nice trips to nice places, stay in beautiful hotels, and enjoy good food and have nights out, or sunbathe and go shopping etc. If you travel to the US you can get far better prices for certain things that would otherwise cost you a fortune at home (if you live in the UK). The cons are that you suffer physically from the effects of flying ie you’re absolutely knackered after some flights sometimes for days. I can get up at 5am and not get home until 1am the next morning, and obviously you’d be away days when on a long-haul but that bit doesn’t bother me or I wouldn’t be doing this job.
The Company I work for requires me to be taller than 5ft 2″ (cant remember now but there is a maximum height also), and there are lots of standards on appearance - doesn’t matter what you look like but you must wear your hair and make-up a certain way and wear certain tights/bra/watch/earrings/rings/hair accessories/shoes/nail varnish etc.