Major airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for the security of airline travelers. Flight attendant jobs ensure that security regulations are followed onboard, and attendants try to keep passengers relaxed and content during the flights as another component of their duties.
Education Requirements
A minimum of a high school diploma is required. Applicants who possess college degrees and who are experienced in dealing with the public hold an advantage over other job seekers in this highly competitive job market. The Federal Aviation Administration certifies flight attendants. In order to be certified, flight attendants must complete training requirements.
Where Did You Learn to Do That?
Flight attendant training ranges from three to eight weeks and takes place at the airline’s flight training center. Trainees learn emergency procedures such as evacuating an airplane, operating emergency systems and equipment, administering first aid, and surviving in the water. They are taught how to deal with hostile situations such as unruly passengers, hijacking attempts, or terrorist attacks.
Report for Duty
Before each flight, the captain reviews emergency evacuation procedures, crew assignments, length of the flight, expected weather conditions, and any special details with the crew.
In the air, the most important responsibility of a flight attendant is to assist passengers in the event of an emergency. Safety-related actions may range from reassuring passengers during rough weather, to directing passengers during evacuation following an emergency landing.
Schedule
The schedule worked out for flight attendants is an agreement brokered between the airline and the employees’ union. Scheduled on-duty time usually is limited to 12 hours per day, with greater maximum lengths placed on international flights.
Attendants fly on average around ninety hours a month and spend another fifty hours a month on the ground preparing planes for takeoff. Just as other frequent fliers do, flight attendants spend time waiting on planes to arrive. Most airlines guarantee a minimum of monthly flight hours, with the option to work overtime. Flight attendants away from their home base receive paid hotel accommodations and a food allowance.
The Upside
As a flight attendant, you can group your flights together to complete your work ahead of schedule, and then have leisure time of up to two weeks in a row, every month. With your free time, you can enjoy the sights of all the exotic places you visit.
The Downside
Occasionally, flight attendants must deal with disgruntled passengers. Flight attendants sometimes must reassure upset passengers during turbulent flights. Attendants may experience health side effects due to irregular sleeping and eating patterns. Dealing with stressful situations, working in a pressurized environment, and breathing recycled air may also take a toll on the health of flight attendants.
The fastest growing sector of aviation is the corporate- or executive-jet flight attendant jobs. These luxurious, private and corporate aircraft cater to sports professionals, government officials, and celebrities.
You may need to relocate to where the corporate flight attendant positions are based. Most flights takeoff from airports in major cities. The salaries for executive flight attendants can run between $33,000 and $100,000.
Corporate flight attendant jobs with charter operators offer a starting salary of $40,000 per year. Charters rent their aircrafts and crews for individual runs rather than being on standby for part- or full-time owners. You are likely to log more in-air hours with charter organizations than with any other air travel groups. The pay will depend on your experience, and the location of the hiring company. The average salary for corporate flight attendants who work for charter operators is $53,000.
Owner operators are another way to go if you are looking for diversity in your chosen career path. You may have to be ready to fly in a moment’s notice, but who knows where you may land! A contract corporate flight attendant is available to work on a contract basis through an assignment agency. Pay is often $350 or more per day when working, and may include transportation to and from the flight's originating city.
Allegiant Air — Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is becoming ''the place to be'' for many American and foreign visitors. Attendants are needed immediately to join the team. While on reserve status, flight attendants are guaranteed seventy-five flight hours per month. Per diem is paid ''time away from base'' at an hourly rate beginning one hour prior to departure, and continuing until fifteen minutes after arrival. Benefits, including medical, dental, and travel privileges are determined by length of service. Allegiant Air offers a competitive salary, excellent health insurance benefits, and 401k.
AirTran Airways — Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is one of the major hubs in the country. Flight attendant jobs based from this busy city put you on a fast track to everywhere! Starting pay for attendants is $18.80 an hour. After six months, you are bumped up to a rate of $20.65 per hour, followed by yearly increases.
Additional Perks
Hotels, rental cars, cruises, and tour packages are offered at a discount for airline employees.
