Flight attendants help ensure the safety and comfort of passengers on airline flights. Their job goes beyond serving food and drinks, and several of their responsibilities are mandated by federal law. Flight attendants instruct passengers on safety procedures, like how and when to use the plane’s seat belts, and how to use oxygen masks and exit the plane in an emergency. Before each flight, attendants make sure all necessary equipment and supplies are available on board. Flight attendants may also perform first aid, handle security issues, and deal with any other problem that occurs during a flight.Being a flight attendant requires flexibility, as they are expected to work on short notice, traveling all over the country and the world.
Flight attendants spend a large amount of time on their feet helping passengers with luggage and pushing food and beverage carts, so this can be a physically demanding job as well. What kind of training is required to become a flight attendant?Prospective flight attendants undergo training in all aspects of their job, including customer service, pre-flight procedures, boarding, in-flight service, safety and security procedures, and first aid. Flight attendants also learn about the types of planes on which they will be working, how to deal with unruly passengers, and what to do in different types of emergencies. Some of this training is hands-on and includes practice flights so students can hone their skills.New flight attendants typically receive paid training after being hired by an airline, but flight attendant training schools do exist and some choose to pay for their own training before seeking a job.
Delta Flight Attendant Salary
Training programs can take up to eight weeks to complete.Are there any certification or licensure requirements?Since 2004, any flight attendant who works on an aircraft with more than 20 seats must hold a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).