Flight Attendant Jobs | Airline Stewardess Jobs
Flight Attendant Jobs - What is the Job of a Flight Attendant? What do Stewardess Jobs Involve?
Flight attendants are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers during a flight. In addition, their goal of a flight attendants career is to make the flight as comfortable as possible for those on board.
Before flight, the stewardess is usually briefed by the captain as to the itinerary, expected weather conditions, and emergency procedures. The job of the flight attendant is to make sure that adequate supplies of food and beverages are on board, in addition to first aid kits and emergency equipment.
When airline passengers board the plane, airline attendants are there to help them store their luggage in check and their tickets. Before taking off, flight attendants will instruct passengers on how to use emergency devices and how to fasten their seatbelts.
During the flight, stewardess jobs involve distributing pillows and reading material, as well as food, and assisting passengers such a small children and the elderly who need help. In a flight emergency, an airline attendant will also offer first aid if a passenger becomes ill, and they are responsible for taking an inventory of money collected from food and drinks consumed during the flight.
Working Conditions for Stewardess Jobs - How is the Working Environment for a Flight Attendant Job?
The flight attendant work usually involves 65 to 90 hours of flight time a month, with another 50 involved in waiting for planes to take off. Some of this flight downtime will be used to write reports, and the option to work additional hours is usually present.
Flight attendant jobs will usually involve nights, weekends, and holidays, as these are the busiest times during which passengers travel. Flight attendants are not allowed to be on duty for more than 12 hours a day, except in instances of international flight.
Since flight attendants travel all over the country and the world, they must be willing to move frequently, as airplanes have home bases where they route most of their flights out of. The best flight attendant jobs are offered on a seniority basis, and most starting stewardesses will have to work long hours at random times.
Becoming a flight attendant can be stressful, and involves standing during the entire flight, and remaining pleasant no matter how tired are cranky one is. In addition, flight attendant jobs involve dealing with disruptive passengers and calming individuals during crisis situations, such as storms.
Flight Attendant School Education - How to Become a Flight Attendant - How to Receive Your Flight Attendant Training
Flight attendant jobs must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, and a college degree is preferred. While a high school diploma is sufficient to become a flight attendant, most flight attendants decide to train in such areas as sociology, and nursing, communications, hospitality, or a related field.
International flight attendants on overseas airlines must be able to speak more than one language fluently. After a flight attendant is hired, they then undergo formal training, which can last 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the specifications of their job.
Flight attendant trainees are taught how to deal with emergency systems, how to serve passengers, administering first aid, and flight safety protocols. A airline stewardess will also learn flight regulations and responsibilities, and receive instruction on how to carry themselves. After training, flight attendants will receive a Federal Aviation Administration’s certificate that demonstrates their proficiency.
Flight Attendant School Requirements - How to Become a Airline Stewardess
Flight attendants certification is provided by the FAA. In order to require the certification, the flight attendant must complete a number of emergency training requirements, and complete a proficiency check to make sure that they are sufficiently qualified for the job.
Other skills that flight attendant jobs should have include a pleasant attitude and a professional manner of dress. Age and appearance requirements are common and most must have good vision, no tattoos, and no extravagant hairstyles.
Airline employees must also pass a background check which is required by the Federal Aviation Administration, or they will not be employed.
Flight Attendant Employment - What is the Future of Flight Attendant Careers?
Over the next decade, flight attendant employment should grow by about 11%. Population growth will mostly be responsible for this increase, and competition is expected to be fierce as they are usually more applicants than there are flight attendant positions.
College training will go a long way in obtaining a position with an airline, and much of the job growth will also come through retiring flight attendants who are leaving the profession.
The job market for flight attendant employment is largely depending on the state of the economy, and during a recession or a depression, it will be difficult to find work.
Flight Attendant Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Flight Attendant Jobs Earn?
In 2006, flight attendant jobs earned a median salary of $15,849 during their first year of employment. Flight attendant benefits include the ability of their family’s to fly for free, in addition to health and Medical Care, 401 K plans, sick leave, a per diem allowance for daily expenses, and paid vacations.
Uniform replacements are usually provide a free of charge, and the majority of flight attendant careers are associated with the Union of the Association of Flight Attendants. Other flight attendants are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Transport Workers Union of America.