Tips on Finding Employment as a Corporate Flight Attendant

Are you looking for a new challenging career? We'll show you the best airlines to fly with, how to get hired, and how to make the most of your job!

Do you have what it takes to be a flight attendant?

Flight attendants are responsible for ensuring that passengers are comfortable in addition to preparing food and ensuring that supplies such as blankets, pillows and headphones are on board the plane. Flight attendants also play an important role in safety by helping passengers comply with various federal regulations.

To become a flight attendant with an airline or cruise line, candidates must meet specific requirements set by each employer. In general this includes being 18 years old at time of hiring and holding a high school diploma or equivalent.

Flight attendants must also be able to lift 70 lbs and reach a height of 5-foot 5-inches. For new flight attendants, employers often provide training on in flight procedures and emergency scenarios.

Flight attendants work a variety of hours depending on the needs of the airline or cruise line. Most work a 40 hour week, although this will often consist of two separate shifts with one day off in between. Tips are usually included in their wages but those working for smaller carriers may be required to pay for food and beverages served during flights.

Frequent travel is also part of the job, with most flight attendants working trips to different regions every week.

Traveling is one of the greatest reasons that many people choose to pursue this career. There's so much to see and experience, and the variety of people you meet is incredible.

If traveling is your thing then the chance to visit new countries with thousands of others on a daily basis can be an exhilarating experience. However, it's important to remember that your job will require you to fly between cities so you should always prepare yourself for long periods without fresh air when flying.

What should I expect? Are accidents common?

Flying is a dangerous business. While there has never been a fatal crash involving an American Airlines flight attendant, it's likely that someone will be hurt in an accident somewhere every year.

Most airlines and cruise lines have strict policies regarding alcohol use for their flight attendants. Too much can be destructive and flight attendants are held to a higher standard when it comes to drinking because of the nature of their jobs.

Flight attendant training covers all aspects of safety including emergency situations that may arise on board planes and ships. To follow this training, flight attendants must be able to perform safety procedures in a variety of situations, including fire, medical events or aircraft diverting due to weather conditions or security threats.

Flight attendants have a responsibility to help ensure that all passengers are capable of performing emergency procedures at any time during their trip. In order to do this, flight attendants are responsible for making sure that all passengers are informed about emergency procedures and fire safety.

Some of these procedures can be quite in depth, such as performing CPR on an unconscious passenger or securing the airplane in case of an emergency.

In order to perform this role effectively, flight attendants must be able to inform passengers of their rights in an emergency and take part in evacuation drills.

What is the pay like? How much travel am I doing?

Flight attendant salaries vary greatly depending on where you work and the size of your employer. You may start out earning a base salary plus tips but can earn more if you're willing to work extra hours.

Flight attendants working for smaller carriers often earn a lower hourly wage but can make up for it by working shifts that correspond with peak times when they'll receive higher tips.

However, many flight attendants choose to work larger airlines and cruise lines in order to earn more money. The most lucrative salaries are offered by the larger international airlines and cruise lines with annual salaries reaching well into the six figures for some.

Traveling is also an important part of your job. Flight attendants must be prepared to spend long hours away from home but this also offers countless opportunities to explore new countries and meet new people.

How long will it take before I can get promoted?

Flight attendant jobs are divided into two categories: First Officer and Cabin Crew.

Flight Attendants who wish to move up in the ranks and become a First Officer must meet the same requirements as other pilots. They must hold a bachelor's degree with 60 credit hours (minimum) in aeronautics and 150 total credit hours from all disciplines.

First Officers must also maintain a minimum of 3,000 flight hours, 1,800 of which must be as a First Officer. If they've never been promoted this far they may become qualified by holding at least 500 hours and successfully completing an FAA medical examination.

Then they must pass a Class I Instrument Rating, Class II Navigation/Radar Altimeter Rating and Class III Multiengine Rating.

If you want to move up to Captain you must complete the same requirements as other pilots and then secure a job with an airline. Different airlines have different policies regarding how many years of experience are required before they'll promote you to Captain so it's important to choose an airline that will value your experience in the long term.

Flight attendants who wish to move up from their cabin crew position into management may become qualified by completing additional training. This training will increase their knowledge about food and beverage service for passengers in addition to preparing them for leadership positions.

How competitive is it?

As with most jobs, finding a flight attendant job that you enjoy can depend on how much effort you're willing to put in. The best jobs tend to go to the most qualified people.

In order to get promoted you should build a relationship with your employer and work hard so that they'll value your experience in the future. Don't just focus on the pay but consider what type of work you'll be doing and whether or not you'll be happy working at that airline for many years.

What are some alternatives?

Flight attendants must take part in extensive training before they're sent out into the field and this generally takes place before they've joined an airline or cruise line. This means that you'll need to find a job at an airline or cruise line before you're qualified.

Airlines tend to have the most competition for flight attendant positions because they have so many different job classes. You can usually find internships and work for an airline for free, though you may have to pay for room and board during your time there.

If you want to work as a flight attendant, it helps if you know someone who's already in the industry, or can get leads through networking. You'll also find information about upcoming training programs at your local colleges.

One option is becoming self-employed as a flight instructor with a focus on training new flight attendants and then selling your services.

Conclusion

Flight attendants are in high demand, with many opportunities open to those who are willing to put in the effort. Becoming a flight attendant is a great job for those who are interested in travel and meeting new people.

About the Author: Jessica is an author at All Star Resume. She has helped many students like you find work and have fun doing it! If this sounds like you, please visit her site here: www.allstar-resume.com and contact her directly at jessica@allstar-resume.