Becoming a flight attendant can be an exciting and rewarding career path. However, it does require dedication, training, and preparation to be successful. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to fully prepare yourself to become a flight attendant.
What are the requirements to become a flight attendant?
There are a few basic requirements that all major airlines share when hiring flight attendants:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid passport and be eligible to work in the country of hire
- Meet height and weight requirements (specifics vary by airline)
- Be willing and able to relocate if required
- Successfully complete an airline training program
- Pass a background check and drug screening
Some airlines also require some college credits or customer service experience. Fluency in another language is helpful for international airlines. Overall, airlines look for candidates with a professional, personable demeanor who can provide safe, friendly service.
Research airline requirements
The first step is researching the specific requirements of your desired airline(s). Each carrier has their own minimum standards, training process, and application procedures. Review airline websites and job postings closely to learn qualifications, then tailor your preparation accordingly.
For example, some airlines want candidates with sales or hospitality experience, while others focus more on education level. Knowing what each employer seeks will help you stand out.
Obtain the minimum education
Most airlines require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Earn your diploma or GED if you have not already. Airlines sometimes show preference for candidates with 1-2 years of college as well.
Taking some college courses in hospitality, customer service, communications or foreign languages can help strengthen your resume. Check job postings to see if certain classes are preferred.
Get a passport
This is an essential requirement for flight attendants. U.S. airlines require flight attendants to have a valid passport, even for domestic routes. International carriers will mandate it as well.
Apply for a passport several months in advance before applying for airline jobs. The application and renewal process can take 6-8 weeks. Make sure your passport will not expire for at least 6-12 months after your planned start date.
Meet physical requirements
Airlines have height, weight, vision, hearing and mobility requirements for safety reasons. Although specifics vary, the general physical guidelines are:
- Height: Most require 5’2″ to 6’2″ for females, 5’8″ to 6’3″ for males
- Weight: Proportionate to height, per airline charts
- Vision: 20/40 or better vision in each eye, corrected or uncorrected
- Hearing: Normal hearing range in both ears
- Mobility: Ability to move through aircraft aisles, reach overhead bins, fit through emergency exits
Track your fitness progress leading up to the application. Airlines verify you meet standards during medical examinations given as part of training.
Improve customer service skills
Customer service is a huge part of a flight attendant’s job. Brush up on your hospitality and communication abilities. Take a customer service course, get experience in positions like retail or food service, and focus on being polished, personable and professional.
Specifically develop skills like:
- Smiling, eye contact and warm body language
- Active listening and clear communication
- Positive language and word choice
- Ability to work well on a team
- Confidence and composure under pressure
Learn how to de-escalate tense situations, resolve complaints, and leave customers satisfied. These abilities will serve you well as a flight attendant.
Study your target airlines
Get familiar with the airlines you want to apply to. Follow them on social media, read company news, and talk to current employees to learn their brand, culture and service style. This will prepare you for airline interviews and training.
Key areas to research:
- Company mission and values
- Flight attendant uniform and grooming guidelines
- Onboard service procedures and offerings
- Safety and emergency protocols
- Type of aircraft flown
- Domestic vs international routes
- Customer service style (e.g. warm, sophisticated, lively)
The more familiar you are with an airline, the better you can demonstrate your fit. Study like it’s your new passion.
Consider learning a foreign language
Bilingual or multilingual skills are a huge advantage, especially with global carriers. The most helpful languages for flight attendants are:
- Spanish
- Mandarin Chinese
- Japanese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Korean
- American Sign Language (ASL)
Take formal language classes if possible. There are also helpful apps like Duolingo and Babbel for self-guided learning. Just being conversational can make you stand out.
Get a passport photo
Airlines require a professional passport photo during the application process. Have one taken at least 6 weeks before applying for jobs to give time for processing.
Follow passport photo requirements precisely: 2×2 inches, full front face, solid white background, no glasses or headwear. A photo service like CVS can ensure proper formatting.
This will eliminate application delays over photo issues. Keep digital and printed copies handy.
Prepare a professional resume
Create or update your resume focused specifically for flight attendant applications. Emphasize relevant skills like:
- Customer service
- Communication abilities
- Working well in teams
- Dependability and responsibility
- Cultural sensitivity and diversity appreciation
- Foreign language skills
- Any related training or classes
Use accomplishments rather than duties for impact. Quantify achievements when possible. Proofread extensively to prevent typos.
Keep formats simple and consistent. Airlines may scan resumes during initial reviews.
Write a cover letter template
Prepare a cover letter template that can be customized for different applications. Highlight your motivation for becoming a flight attendant. Express admiration for the airline and how you align with their brand.
Like the resume, focus on relevant skills versus unrelated work history. Close by reiterating your passion for the career and fit with the company culture.
Proofread your letter template multiple times before use. Proper spelling and grammar are essential.
Secure recommendation letters
Some airlines request professional recommendation letters during the application process. These help showcase positive qualities and work abilities from an objective third party.
Consider asking managers, professors, or mentors who know your skills well. Give them at least one month advance notice and provide your resume for context. Request letters be on official letterhead when possible.
Keep copies to include with airline applications. Refresh letters periodically if applying over an extended period.
Research the interview process
Understanding the flight attendant interview format will help you practice and perform at your best. While each airline differs, some common components are:
- An initial screening interview by phone or online
- An in-person panel interview focused on customer service and situational scenarios
- Role playing exercises with other candidates
- A demonstration of speaking foreign language skills (if applicable)
Interviews may involve multiple stages over weeks or months. Thoroughly research your target airline interview styles and timelines so you know what to expect.
Practice interviewing and role playing
Once aware of the interview format, practice extensively so you are polished and confident. Have mock interviews with trusted friends and mentors. Research common flight attendant interview questions and practice answering concisely.
Role playing customer scenarios will also help immensely. Practice remaining friendly and calm no matter the situation. Record mock interviews to spot areas for improvement.
The more you practice, the more natural and compelling your interview skills will become.
Prepare questions to ask recruiters
Most interviews provide time for you to ask questions about the job. Prepare thoughtful queries that show your understanding of the role and motivation. For example:
- “What distinctive qualities make your airline stand out from competitors?”
- “How would you describe the working culture here?”
- “What training resources are provided to employees?”
- “How are flight crews assigned to routes?”
- “What opportunities exist for career development and advancement?”
Well-researched questions demonstrate genuine interest. Jot down options to review before interviews.
Organize essential documents
Create organized files of essential documents needed for airline applications. These typically include:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Resume
- Cover letters
- Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Certificates for training courses
Maintain digital copies as well in case airlines utilize online portals. Keep files updated as documents are renewed or added.
Quick access to these materials will streamline the application process.
Apply for airline jobs
Once fully prepared, start submitting applications! Monitor airline websites career sections closely for flight attendant openings. Submit applications as promptly as possible, as open positions fill quickly.
Follow all instructions carefully. Airlines may automatically reject incomplete applications. Expect a multi-week timeline between applying, interview scheduling, and decisions.
Apply broadly to improve chances. Leverage airline employee referral programs if you have contacts. With diligent persistence, you can land that coveted position!
Conclusion
Advance preparation is the key to becoming a successful flight attendant. While it does take many steps, the reward of seeing the world and providing excellent customer experiences makes it worthwhile. Stay focused on your goals and apply airline best practices, and you will be jet-setting the skies before you know it!