Being a flight attendant is a job that doesn’t require a college degree. Flight attendants are the members of the flight crew that passengers interact with the most. Flight attendants are responsible for handling flight issues as well as making people feel comfortable during the flight.

How Do You Become a Flight Attendant?

Most or all airlines require flight attendants to have at least a GED diploma or high school diploma. Most airlines also prefer cabin crews that have working experience that involves social skills or dealing with public people such as retail sales, hotel receptionists, and people who work in resorts. But remember that, there are no previous experience requirements that any applicants should have in order to receive a conditional offer. Once applicants are hired, flight attendants must attend and complete training courses through their airlines. Cabin crew training usually takes place in the airline’s hubs or base cities which must be certified by the  FAD or Federal Aviation Administration, and must complete an annual recertification process. Airlines May also require cabin crews to pass a physical examination, due to physical demands. Flight attendants must also be able to fly freely within many countries including the U.S. served by the Airline.

What is Hard About Being a Flight Attendant? 

Flight attendants have low wages, which is a bit controversial for people, but true to reality flight attendants do not earn as much as pilots earn”. (Indeed.com) Flight attendants have many responsibilities above them which their salary does not pay it off.  Another reason why being a flight attendant is hard is because of the passenger conflicts that happen often during the flight. Flight attendants have to handle and communicate with rude passengers or passengers who are really demanding in a  good manner, and always have to end the conversation with a smile no matter what words passengers throw at them. There are more issues and troubles about being a  flight attendant such as Travel delays, Frequent time zone changes, and more.

What is Good About Being a Flight Attendant?

There are several cons to being a flight attendant but however, there are a lot more things that flight attendants benefit from being a flight attendant such as free flight and travel opportunities for cabin crew, health insurance, retirement plan,  and many more. As flight attendants travel for their job, flight attendants get to travel while not spending much on staying in the palace or country they land in,  because flight attendants stay in 4-5 star hotels for free without worrying about the expenses. Although flight attendants do not make as much as other jobs, flight attendants still apply for this career because of the benefits and opportunities they can get like traveling around the world and getting to meet new people.

Ms. McCullough is a former flight attendant who is now a teacher at Renton  High School. There are several questions I asked about her time as a flight attendant. 

What made you decide to be a flight attendant? 

“ At the time, my dad was an airline mechanic and as part of his work benefit, we flew everywhere so I  thought it would be exciting to travel for work.”-McCullough

What are some challenges you went through as a flight attendant during your duty? 

“When you first start, you are on call and have no seniority. All the flights you get are random so your  schedule is also random. It’s hard to plan personal time.”-McCullough 

What are the things you love about being a flight attendant?

“ Being able to fly anywhere in the world for under $50 (you only pay taxes) or free if you are  jump seating in uniform.”-McCullough 

What are some things you dislike about being a flight attendant?

“At the beginning, you feel “lonely” because of your schedule but it’s a great way to learn  independence.”-McCullough

What advice would you give a future flight attendant as a former flight 

attendant?

“Take every opportunity to travel; use the benefits to explore the world!”-McCullough 

What are the risks you have taken as a flight attendant?  

“Relocating to unfamiliar places – when I became an international flight attendant, I was based out of  Hong Kong. I didn’t know the language and had to find a place to live, meet new people, etc…”- McCullough

What is the best memory you’ve had as a former flight attendant?

“ I’ve had many good memories as a flight attendant that I can’t just pick one – I celebrated Chinese  New Year for the first time in Hong Kong when I was 18, I went to Mexico for the first time with a  bunch of flight attendants when I was 19, and I went to India and visited the Taj Mahal when I was  20.”-McCullough

Overall being a flight attendant is a great job for many people not about how much a flight attendant makes, but the experience and the benefits they gain from serving  in different airlines. The advice we were given from someone who had an experience as a flight attendant is the advice we should follow or take for our future flight attendants to take every opportunity they get and enjoy the moment,  and experience they will get. We also learned that there are challenges that flight attendants may have to overcome.

Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/flight attendants.htm#:~:text=Flight%20attendants%20typically%20need%20a,background%20check %20and%20drug%20test. 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/being-a-flight-attendant-pros-and cons 

https://www.flyingmag.com/guides/how-to-become-a-flight-attendant/