Flight attendants have an exciting opportunity to travel the world, meet new people and enjoy a flexible work schedule. In the past, the stereotype of the stewardess job was a glamorous position for young women. Times have definitely changed, and the airline industry has made strides in educating the public about the importance of flight attendants. The stigma of being just a beverage server and pillow fluffer has given way to a career of serious professionals whose training could save your life in an emergency.
Airlines now employ over 100,000 flight attendants each year, and that number is rising. Attracted by the ability to travel to far off lands, there are more applicants than there are flight attendant jobs. Intense flight attendant training, the reality of being in the air 65 to 90 hours per month and strict dress codes preserve the integrity of the profession while saving lives in the process. Map out a plan to becoming a prized steward for a top airline with the following tips:
1. Find an accredited flight attendant school.
2. Compare flight attendant salaries.
3. Use flight attendant information to develop a career.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Graduate from accredited flight attendant schools
The best thing you can do for your career as an airline flight attendant is to graduate from an accredited flight attendant school. The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) has strict guidelines for a steward or stewardess flying on commercial aircraft. In fact, most airlines will not hire you without an FAA accredited certificate.
I recommend: Flight Attendant Express is an FAA accredited school that offers 3-day flight attendant training. For more extensive training,
Pan Am International Flight Academy is a flight attendant training program that will get you on the fast track to an exciting career.
Compare flight attendant salaries
Unlike a conventional job where you can negotiate salary upon hire, flight attendant salaries are negotiated by unions. Compare flight attendant salaries before signing on as a steward for a major airline.
I recommend: Easily compare salaries offered to flight attendants with
cabincrewjobs.com, featuring the top 10 major airlines. Identify your median income according to experience with
PayScale's flight attendant salary chart.
Use flight attendant information to develop your career
Airline jobs may be a dime a dozen, but a successful career takes planning. The more information you have, the better the decisions you will make. Use flight attendant information to achieve your dream career as a flight attendant.
I recommend: Membership in a professional organization is invaluable to any career. Sign-up for the
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA's E-newsletter, which provides inside news, job announcements, networking opportunities and other useful information. Get the scoop on what it's like to be a flight attendant with
Flight Attendant Facts.com (FAF).
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- You don't have to be straight out of college to become a flight attendant. Many airlines are adding mature flight attendants to their teams because of their seasoned demeanor and customer service experience.
The official source of Flight Attendants is the Flight Attendants page at Business.com
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