How to become a flight attendant

What will I do if I become a flight attendant?

When you become a flight attendant, you enter a dynamic world of travel, service and adventure. Your role is about more than just serving passengers. It encompasses a wide range of responsibilities to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flight for all on board.

Here’s a glimpse of the day-to-day tasks that you will be performing as a flight attendant:

• Maintain cabin safety and ensure that passengers are secure during the flight.
• Conduct pre-flight safety checks, demonstrate safety procedures and respond to emergencies.
• Provide exceptional customer service to passengers, catering to their needs.
• Assist passengers with boarding, managing in-flight services, attending to passenger requests and addressing their concerns professionally.
• Serve meals, snacks and beverages to passengers.
• Be efficient and accommodating while adhering to specific airline service standards.
• Prepare the cabin before each flight and ensure that seats, trays and in-flight entertainment systems are in working order.
• Participate in cabin cleaning after each flight and reset for the next departure.
• Handle emergencies such as medical incidents.
• Effectively communicate with the cabin crew and passengers.
• Provide important information and updates to ensure everyone is informed and comfortable throughout the journey.
• Cooperate with security measures to protect passengers and the aircraft.
• Maintain records of in-flight incidents, services provided and any necessary reports.
• Collaborate with fellow flight attendants and the cabin crew, as well as the cockpit crew, to ensure the smooth operation of the flight.

What qualifications do I need for cabin crew training in the UK?

Enrolling in cabin crew training paves the way for a dynamic career in aviation. It gives individuals the opportunity to become a flight attendant, an air steward or an air stewardess. This comprehensive training equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in these roles. It offers them the opportunity to travel the world while providing top-notch service to airline passengers.

So, if you are aspiring to become a flight attendant, you must undertake cabin crew training. You can train to become a flight attendant in a few different ways. Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a flight attendant in the UK:

Take up a course at a college

When you enrol in a college course, you can do a Certificate in Air Cabin Crew or a Diploma in the same discipline. These courses are specially designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the duties and responsibilities of cabin crew members. They cover essential topics like aviation safety, emergency procedures, customer service and in-flight service standards.

The entry requirements include:

• Minimum of 2 GCSEs at grades 9 to 3

Through a cabin crew advanced apprenticeship

Cabin crew advanced apprenticeship is a fantastic way to receive a well-rounded education and practical experience. It directly prepares you for a successful career in the aviation industry. This approach not only ensures that you have the necessary skills and knowledge, but also allows you to establish valuable connections with the industry. An apprenticeship is an excellent stepping stone to beginning your flight attendant training.

The entry requirements include:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4
• Proficiency in Maths and English is a must

Direct application

Applying directly to airlines is a straightforward route for those with the right skills and attributes. You can start by researching and identifying airlines that are hiring cabin crew members. You can look for openings that match your location and preferences. Airlines have varying entry requirements, and some may have specific age, height and weight requirements.

If your application process is successful and you are offered a position, you can undergo comprehensive training provided by the airline. Successful completion of this training program is essential to begin your career as a flight attendant.

What skills does an average flight attendant need to have after recruitment?

Flight attendants must have a specific set of skills and attributes to excel in this role. As the frontline representatives of airlines, flight attendants play a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Beyond their professional appearance and warm demeanour, flight attendants must possess a unique combination of interpersonal, technical and problem-solving skills. This helps them navigate the diverse challenges and responsibilities they encounter after recruitment.

Here are the key skills needed to embark on a successful career as a flight attendant:

• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Effective communication with passengers and cabin crew members.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure, such as during emergencies and turbulence.
• Being adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Have problem-solving skills when handling unexpected scenarios, such as medical incidents and passenger disputes.
• Physically fit to handle, lift and manoeuvre heavy equipment and assist passengers with their luggage.
• The ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude.
• Proficiency in additional languages, especially in international airlines.
• The ability to pay attention to detail.

What is the average flight attendant salary in the UK?

The average flight attendant salary can vary significantly depending on several factors. This includes the airline they work for, their level of skills and experience, their base location, etc. Entry-level flight attendants start with modest salaries. They start with around £15,000 per year. Airlines also provide additional allowances and benefits, such as travel perks and accommodation during layovers.

As flight attendants gain experience and move up the ranks, their earnings will increase. After several years of experience, they can earn £30,000 or more annually. Senior flight attendants and those in supervisory roles earn higher salaries. They also receive bonuses and other incentives.

In addition to their base salaries, flight attendants often receive various allowances such as flight pay and meal allowances. The specifics of these allowances can vary among airlines and are generally influenced by factors like flight duration and international travel.

It is also important to note that different airlines may offer varying pay scales and benefits. So, it is advisable for individuals interested in this career to research and compare opportunities with different carriers.

Possible career progression of a flight attendant

The career progression of a flight attendant can be a rewarding journey that offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. While many flight attendants choose to make this their long-term career, others explore different paths, both within and outside the airline industry.

As new flight attendants gain experience, they can advance to become senior flight attendants. They can take leadership roles within their cabin crew and provide guidance to junior crew members.

Some flight attendants become trainers and help new recruits learn the ropes of the profession. They become cabin crew instructors and impart their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of flight attendants. Flight attendants can also seek specialised roles such as working in VIP or first-class cabins.

As they gain more experience in cabin service, they can consider roles in ground operations. They can become customer service agents, airport supervisors or take up a role at airline headquarters.

How many hours will I be required to work if I become a flight attendant?

Flight attendants have unique working hours that are unlike traditional 9-5 jobs. Their schedules are governed by the demands of the airline industry, which operates around the clock. Flight attendants often have irregular and unpredictable working hours. They may be scheduled to work on weekends, holidays and during both day and night shifts.

Airlines typically use shift patterns and rotations to schedule their flight attendants. These rotations can vary widely and often involve a mix of long and short flights. However, strict regulations limit the number of hours a flight attendant can be on duty in a given day or week. This is primarily for safety reasons, ensuring cabin crew members remain well-rested and alert during their duties. Flight attendants generally work anywhere between 30-40 hours per week.

What type of environment do flight attendants work in?

The working environment of flight attendants is challenging yet rewarding. It combines aspects of safety and service in a fast-paced, ever-changing setting. Their primary workplace is the aircraft cabin, and this environment can range from a small regional aircraft to a large international jumbo jet. The cabin layout, seat configurations and in-flight services vary between different aircraft, making adaptability a crucial skill.

Flight attendants based in the UK have the opportunity to work on both domestic and international routes. This offers a diverse and exciting working environment where they can explore different cultures, languages and destinations.

Flight attendants also experience layovers at various destinations. These layovers can range from a few hours to a few days, offering opportunities to explore new cities and cultures. However, they must be prepared for a fluctuating working environment that may involve adjusting to different climates and time zones.