Flight Attendant Training Program
Q. How long is your flight attendant training program, and how many candidates attend?

A. Upon joining the company, new recruits undergo a rigorous 15-week training program of classroom and on-the-job training. Generally, each training program is attended by about 20 new recruits.

Q. Do you have __________? Is their training any different?

A. Yes. In fact, male crew make up about 40 percent of our entire cabin crew population. The training that female and male crew undergo is essentially the same; however, some aspects of the training, such as personal grooming, are naturally customized for each gender.

Q. Do you have grooming guidelines?

A. To enable all our _________ Girls to project the right combination of femininity, sophistication and worldliness, a grooming guide has been specially designed for them that sets clear and practical standards for grooming and appearance. A guide has also been developed for our male crew.

Q. What subjects does flight attendant training cover?

A. The training behind our _________ Girl is extremely comprehensive. It not only fulfills in-service, promotional and statutory requirements, but also offers personal development in the form of self-directed courses, such as language classes. Most important, our crew are trained to always strive to exceed passengers’ expectations, going the extra mile where they can and really looking into the finer details to make each flight experience memorable.

Q. In what way are flight attendants trained to handle emergency and safety problems?

A. Safety training modules include basic first aid, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and fire fighting. Practical training includes CPR practice on special instrumented dummies and the use of fire extinguishers in a fire training room. Emergency drills are conducted in a cabin mock-up, and water survival training is conducted in a training pool. A cabin mock-up is also used for instruction on ditching procedures, slide-raft boarding and launching, and a wave generator simulates “open sea” conditions. Various daytime and nighttime sea scenarios and conditions can be re-created. Safety & Emergency Procedures (SEP) training is a crucial part of the training process. Every crew member must attend it annually. Recurrent SEP training includes first aid and fire fighting, and land and sea evacuations are alternated every year.

Flight attendants have a variety of pre-flight, mid-flight, and post-flight duties.
They do everything from helping passengers find their seats to demonstrating safety ...

General Information

A flight attendants first and foremost responsibility is the safety of the aircraft cabin and its passengers. Flight attendants must comply with Federal Aviation Regulations. FAR's require flight attendants to be on aircraft for the sole purpose of performing safety-related duties. However, duties also include a wide range of passenger service functions. Flight attendants must be prepared for the unexpected and able to change from their passenger service role to their critical safety role at a moments notice.

Position Description

The flight attendant is the most highly visible employee to passengers of an aircraft. Flight attendants spend more time with passengers than any other airline employee, and tend to a wide variety of needs and requests. The flight attendant must offer the most personalized service possible to each and every passenger for the duration of flights.

While the flight crew in the cockpit is responsible for getting the passengers to their destination safely and comfortably, the flight attendants are in charge of the cabin, and they too, are responsible for the safety and comfort of the passengers.

Working Conditions

A flight attendants primary objective is the safety of the aircraft cabin and the comfort of its passengers in-flight. Flight attendants spend most of their time in the passenger cabin of an airliner. In addition to passenger safety, flight attendants provide either elaborate service to a small number of first-class passengers or, less elaborate service to a large number of passengers. Service includes tending to a wide variety of needs and requests. The flight attendant must offer the most personalized service possible to each and every passenger in the time allotted.

In-flight service to passengers and the operation of cabin equipment requires the flight attendant to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, lift heavy objects from the floor to above shoulder-level heights, and push and pull equipment. In-flight duties keep flight attendants on their feet most of the time. To accomplish all tasks during the few hours in the air, flight attendants frequently must work at top speed. At times, they must serve meals and pour beverages under rough and uncomfortable flying conditions. (No hot beverages are served in turbulent air.) While passengers can be annoying and demanding, it is the flight attendants responsibility to remain pleasant, and provide quality service.

Most flight attendant duties are performed onboard an aircraft, although you may be asked to assist station agents during boarding, or assist passengers to connecting flights. All of these duties are very important since passengers commonly choose their airline based on the quality of service and comfort throughout the duration of their flight.

Flight attendants are required to buy uniforms and wear them while on duty. Most airlines require a flight attendant to purchase the first uniform which can run between $600 and $800. Deductions are generally taken out of pay in installments. Replacement uniforms and items are often paid for by the airline. The uniform is made to measure and is designed by top names in the fashion world to look like a coordinated high-style ensemble rather than a workday uniform. Airlines may provide flight attendants a small monthly allowance to cover cleaning and mending.

Schedules/Hours: Schedules and hours vary greatly since most airlines operate 24 hours. Hours are irregular, determined by the flight assignment and vary per day. Flight attendants may be away from home for several days in a row including weekends and holidays and therefore must be flexible. The maximum number of flying hours per day is set by union agreement, and on-duty time is usually limited to 12 hours per day, with a daily maximum of 14 hours. Generally, flight attendants fly from 65 to 85 hours per month. Some days you may fly as few as one leg, although it is not uncommon to fly between 7-8 legs in one day. In most cases, agreements between the airline and the union determine the total monthly working time.

Flight attendants must be present for check-in to crew scheduling and briefing at least one hour before flight time. If the flight leaves at 5 A.M., the flight attendant is expected to report to the captain by 4 A.M.

In addition to flight time, about 35-50 hours a month duty time between flights are required.

When flight assignments require overnight stays in cities away from home base, hotel accommodations and travel allowances for meal expenses and transportation are provided. This expense money is paid in the form of per diem (Latin for, "by the day"). Per diem is tax free, and can amount to $200-400 per month. Flight attendants receive an amount set by the airline for each hour they are away from their home domicile.

New flight attendants have to clock up time, filling in for other flight attendants who are ill or on vacation. This means working less popular routes and working on short notice.

Flight attendants frequently have between 12 and 18 days off per month and over a years time, average about 156 days off. (The average office worker has 96 days off and, works eight-hour days.) Of course, days off are not necessarily at home, buy many flight attendants use these days as mini vacations.

Depending upon seniority, the flight attendant may be directed by a senior flight attendant or may direct the work of a junior flight attendant. You may bid for flights, but the final assignment is determined by seniority. The longer the flight attendant has been employed, the more likely he or she is to work on chosen flights. Domiciles and routes worked are bid for on a seniority basis, and almost all flight attendants work on a reserve status (on call) at one point in their career.

In addition to performing flight duties, flight attendants sometimes make public relations appearances for the airlines during career days at high schools, fund raising campaigns, sales meetings, open house and interview sessions, conventions, and other goodwill occasions.

Reserve After finishing initial training, flight attendants are assigned to a base or domicile of the airlines choice. New flight attendants are placed on reserve status and are called on either to staff extra flights or fill in for attendants who are sick or on vacation. Reserve flight attendants on duty must be able to report for flight on short notice. Flight attendants usually remain on reserve for at least one year; at some cities it may take five years or longer to advance from reserve to permanent status. Domiciles and routes worked are bid for on a seniority basis, and almost all flight attendants work on a reserve status (on call) at one point in their career. Reserve means that you are on call. New hire flight attendants are put on reserve for up to one year.

Ready Reserve: Ready reserve means that you are required to work standby at the airport. If operational and staffing needs require, an airport ready reserve’s standby time may be extended to ten (10) hours or until the last flight departs, whichever is earlier. Other names or slang terms for ready reserve include Airport Alert and Flying the Couch.

Routine Duties Are as Follows

Pre-flight Duties Take part in a pre-flight briefing by the captain with the entire flight crew to learn about expected weather conditions, special passenger problems, etc. Check seat belts, seat backs and tray tables Screening passengers for carry-on limitations Verify destination and direct passengers to seat assignments Ensure that carry-on luggage is stored in accordance with compliance regulations Ensure passengers are fully compliant with all Federal Aviation Regulations Check supplies, safety equipment and the public address system Assist the handicapped, elderly and children pre-board planes Check passenger cabin and galleys before passengers board to see that all supplies, safety equipment, and food are on board and in place Greet passengers Help passengers stow carry-on luggage and coats Check that passenger seat belts are fastened Ensure that passengers are in observance of "No Smoking" signs Make announcements over public address system regarding weather, altitude, estimated flight time, etc. Demonstrate use of safety equipment In-flight Duties In-flight duties keep flight attendants on their feet most of the time.

The chief responsibility of a flight attendant is to ensure safety of passengers and their evacuation in case of emergency Abide by and ensure all passengers abide by all Federal Aviation Regulations Perform emergency and evacuation procedures when necessary Ensure passengers are seated properly Maintain cabin safety under severe turbulence Communicate with the captain Explain and demonstrate safety features Distribute reading materials, pillows, and blankets to passengers who request them Serve refreshments and meals to passengers and crew during flight Give first aid assistance and help uncomfortable, ill or nervous passengers Answer passenger questions and reassure apprehensive travelers Take special care of unaccompanied children Safety demonstration and announcements Assist passengers with disabilities Operate mechanical and safety equipment Monitor cabin lighting and temperature Answer a wide variety of questions Distribute customs forms Maintain a friendly and helpful service during flights Make landing announcements Check that cabin is secure for landing Thank passengers for choosing your airline at the end of flights

Post-flight Duties Write reports on minor medication given to passengers, lost and found articles, cabin and equipment needing attention and numerous other matters that may need to be reported. If required by the airline, perform tidying chores such as folding blankets, wiping off the buffets, straightening curtains/shades etc.

Typical Requirements and/or Experience

These are typical requirements and may vary per airline. Requirements are set high to maintain a high quality of service.

Age: Typically, applicants must be at least 18 to 21 years of age. Some carriers may have higher minimum age requirements.

Physical: Flight attendants must maintain excellent health including an attractive, well groomed, conservative appearance, weight in proportion to height (Refer to the General Height / Weight Requirements chart below.), and good personal hygiene. Minimum heights are required to reach overhead bins and vary per airline. Vision correctable to 20/30 or better (uncorrected no worse than 20/200). Vision may be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Men must have their hair cut above the collar and be clean shaven. Women can have short or long hair. If hair is long, it is usually required that it is pulled back off of the face. Both men and women should have well manicured hands. Airlines generally will not hire, or allow any applicants and employees to have visible tattoos, bizarre hairstyles or makeup, or body piercings. Every airline administers a pre-employment physical by an appointed physician to verify that you are an acceptable candidate and that you meet their physical requirements. The physical will include a drug screening.

Language: Excellent language and communication skills are essential. Applicants must use good grammar and speak clearly with a pleasant voice. Often during the interview process, applicants are asked to demonstrate basic abilities. Languages spoken will vary depending on the airline. __________ require that you speak English fluently.

_________: All _________ require that you are a ________ or ________ with ________ to obtain __________________. Also, you will be required to have a _________. Personality: Applicants must be poised, mature, emotionally stable, confident, outgoing and good conversationalists. Interpersonal skills and professionalism are very important.

Experience: Applicants should have previous experience in a position with public contact, customer service or in the hospitality industry. Some airlines will overlook a lack of customer service experience if you have a college education.

Relocation: Applicants must be willing to relocate to the base the airline is hiring for. After a certain period of service, flight attendants may have an opportunity to request a transfer.

Work Hours: Flexibility and reliability are usually the most paramount qualities of all applicants. Once hired, flight attendants must be able to work flexible hours. Flight schedules and flying assignments may include nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, overnights and layovers.

Miscellaneous: Must successfully complete a 10 year security background check as required by the FAA. Other employment must be scheduled around reserve or flying assignments. Applicants are sometime asked to show and maintain a valid passport and have the right to travel freely in and out of the US without restriction. Employment with another airline is prohibited. Must be able to work in confined spaces of the aircraft and galley. Must be able to stand for long periods of time in order to cater to the needs of passengers.

Background Check: Airlines conduct a thorough background check required by the FAA which goes back as many as ten years. Virtually everything about you is investigated including your date of birth, place of birth, criminal records, school records, previous employment and gaps in employment. Employment is absolutely contingent upon a successful background check. You will not be offered a position or, you will be immediately dismissed if your background check shows any discrepancies.

General Height / Weight Requirements: Figures may vary depending on individual airline & company requirements.

Female Male 5'0'’ 107 lbs 5'0'’ 121 lbs 5'1'’ 111 lbs 5'1'’ 126 lbs 5'2'’ 115 lbs 5'2'’ 131 lbs 5'3'’ 119 lbs 5'3'’ 136 lbs 5'4'’ 123 lbs 5'4'’ 141 lbs 5'5'’ 127 lbs 5'5'’ 146 lbs 5'6'’ 131 lbs 5'6'’ 151 lbs 5'7'’ 135 lbs 5'7'’ 156 lbs 5'8'’ 140 lbs 5'8'’ 161 lbs 5'9'’ 145 lbs 5'9'’ 166 lbs 5'10'’ 149 lbs 5'10'’ 171 lbs 5'11'’ 153 lbs 5'11'’ 176 lbs 6'0'’ 157 lbs 6'0'’ 181 lbs 6'1'’ 161 lbs 6'1'’ 186 lbs 6'2'’ 165 lbs 6'2'’ 191 lbs

Education

Education: Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Today, many airlines prefer a college degree. Advanced degrees are often helpful when pursuing a management or supervisory position. Some schools and colleges offer flight attendant training that may give a candidate some advantage over other applicants. However, these graduates are usually required to complete an airlines own training program. Therefore, it is advisable for the candidate to check with the airlines for their policies regarding prior training.

Most aviation companies are committed to assuring that:

All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law;

Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action;

For every hour flown above the minimum guarantee, extra incentive compensation is provided for overtime, and international flights. Attendants generally work 80 hours of scheduled flying time and an additional 35-50 hours duty time on the ground each month.

The majority of flight attendants are represented by one of the following unions: Association of Flight Attendants, Teamsters (IBT), or Air Transport Division of the Transport Workers Union of America. Several airlines have company unions such as the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. Most, if not all of the major airlines are members of the Air Transport Association.

Opportunities for Advancement

Upon successful completion of the training course, new flight attendants begin work on a probation basis for approximately six months. During this time, flight attendants are on call to work extra flights or as replacements for flight attendants who are ill or on vacation. During probation, work is periodically observed by the airlines management staff. If the probation period review is favorable, the new flight attendant can advance in time to become a senior flight attendant, supervising flight attendant, or an instructor.

Deregulation of the airline industry, which began in the mid-1970's, resulted in the expansion of many carriers, particularly the regional airlines. A side effect, however, has been a certain amount of instability. Some airlines have prospered while others have failed or merged with other carriers. This has caused some dislocation of airline flight attendants.

Training

Just because you have been selected for training does not guarantee you a position with the airline. Training must be completed successfully before a position is offered to you. Training is intense and conducted in a way to "weed out" candidates that are not cut out for the position. Airlines operate flight attendant training programs on a continuing basis or as needed. Training classes are usually made up of 25-100 trainees. Airlines often invite more candidates to training to compensate for typical failure rates.

Large airlines have schools with campus-like facilities for training flight attendants. Training periods typically range from three to eight weeks and training hours vary. Methods of instruction differ from airline to airline, however, much of the training is provided in a classroom with some homework.

After finishing initial training, flight attendants are assigned to a base chosen by the airline. New attendants are placed in reserve status and are called on either to staff extra flights or fill in for attendants who are sick or on vacation. Reserve attendants on duty must be available on short notice. Attendants usually remain on reserve for at least one year; at some cities it may take five years or longer to advance from reserve to permanent status.

Miscellaneous

Everything in the aviation industry is based on seniority including bidding for schedules, vacations, length of reserve, and transfers. Depending upon seniority, the flight attendant may be directed by a senior flight attendant or may direct the work of a junior flight attendant. Flight attendants frequently work nights, weekends and holidays. They may bid for flights, but the final assignment is determined by seniority. The longer the flight attendant has been employed, the more likely he or she is to work on chosen flights.