Service and safety are the paramount priorities of a flight attendant. Well before a flight takes off these people are busy preparing the aircraft, and their work doesn’t stop until every passenger has reached their destination. More than just drink servers, flight stewards must be able to save a life.
The responsibilities of this job are vast and various, ranging from assisting passengers in finding their seat to demonstrating the required emergency safety instructions. Far from a glamorous job, flight attendants need to have excellent physical shape, a good demeanor and patience. There are technical skills to master, including CPR first aid and mechanical adjustments to the airplane.
Good people skills are essential. The benefits of the role are obvious to anyone who enjoys travelling and a constantly changing scene. Daily schedules can involve working for as much as 12 or 14 hours, so stamina is important. The job holder must also be available to work 24 hours, 365 days a year.
A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but many global airlines prefer a college degree in communications, tourism or psychology. There are also special flight training schools that provide the best chance of getting a job. Salaries average at around C
$38,000 a year.