How do you become a flight attendant?

I always thought it would be cool to be a flight attendant, but I have no idea how to start. Do you need a degree?? Where would I apply?

UpintheAir2012-02-10T12:45:24Z

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PS; Suzy; you do not apply at the airport but rather at the airlines themselves.

As with many in this industry, I am on my third airline (due to layoffs, acquisitions, etc.).
I have interviewed with 6 or 7 airlines.
In every case, I was offered a job, so the following advice may be helpful to you.
Any airline that hires you will train you, so you do not need any kind of training beforehand.
You would apply directly to the airline, just as with any large employer.
Most airlines require you to be 21 with a good customer service background.
There is a free website written by a flight attendant which gives a wealth of information about the job as well as listing which airlines are hiring
http://www.flightattendantcareer.com
When an airline opens up the job opportunity, (which is rare) they normally get tens of thousands of applications, so make sure that your resume reflects the skills and background they are looking for.
If your resume is pulled, you will get an email inviting you to a group interview.
The airlines are looking for flexible, dependable employees who can contribute to the success of the company.
Let them know what you can do for them to provide great customer service.
Most airlines prefer "seasoned" people who are responsible, who will show up to work on time and who can deal with difficult situations in a poised and mature manner.
You must be willing to relocate and work very flexible and unpredictable hours. If you are not willing to, don't even bother going through the hiring process.
What do they look for?
1. Friendly (you interact in a positive way with everyone you encounter in the interview venue and this includes your fellow interviewees)
2. Well groomed
3. Polite
4. Team player
5. Confident and poised.
6. Able to speak clearly
7. Customer service background.
If you are called, show up to the interview looking well groomed and professional. This is not the time to show off your fashion flair.
If possible, wear a dark suit and white shirt or blouse.
If you are female, have a conservative hairstyle and if your hair is long, pull it back or wear it up. Wear minimal makeup, cover up any tattoos, and remove any studs, etc. Only have one or two earrings in each ear lobe.
Men, good hair cut, clean shaven, etc.
In the information session, you will be told that you will probably be on reserve for some time (which means you are on call with no fixed schedule.) They will emphasize that while on reserve you will have no life. This is true and if you cannot cope with this, forget about this job.
You will also be informed that you must pass a 10 year background check, a drug test, a physical and that you must be completely honest about any legal or criminal activity, even something as small as a speeding ticket.
Do not omit anything ; it will all come out in the background check.
If you are selected during the information session you will be called in for a group interview and a one-on-one interview.
If all is good, you will have a drug test, a physical and the background check prior to a solid job offer.
If offered a job, you will then go to the airline’s training base for initial training lasting 3-6 weeks. You must pass this training, and it is quite challenging.
After completing training you will be flying and will be on probation for 6 months to a year.
There is annual recurrent training that you must pass.
Do not go to a "trade school" specifically for the airline industry; it is a waste of your time and money.
Any college will be a benefit however.
If you are fluent in more than one language that can be a plus.
Good luck! It is a great job for the right person.

R2012-02-10T00:49:21Z

You do not need a degree to be a flight attendant! Don't attend flight school. But, if you have some sort of college degree, it would be preferred. To start, read about it on cabincrews.com. Also, go visit your local airport and apply for it. You should be te minimum age of 18. Some require you to be 21.

Prairie Girl2012-02-10T00:57:33Z

Requirements:
height 5'1" to 5'8"- 6'3" depending on airline
weight in proportion to height
over 18
high school graduate
customer service experience
pass 10 year background check
pass drug test
pass medical evaluation
college not required but those with college degree have an edge over others
for international flights they generally look for people who speak one or more foreign language

The airline will train you in a 6 week FAA training program that is security sensitive
Apply at airline of your choice