Introduction
Being a flight attendant is a very popular job, and many people dream of becoming one. They always smile and give us the best time and service while we are on the airplane. They are indispensable when traveling. However, it is a very responsible job that requires a lot of skills and knowledge to perform. What do you need to become a flight attendant?
Jobs that cabin attendants do
Flight attendants are responsible for service and security. They keep passengers safe at all times, provide drinks and snacks, and make them comfortable.
McKay (2019) listed the following examples of flight attendants’ main responsibilities:
- Provide the best hospitality and service to passengers.
- Check passenger baggage and guide them to their seats.
- Assist passengers with baggage storage (50 pounds or less).
- Accompany people (minors, disabled, elderly, and so on) in need of assistance during the flight.
- Constantly monitor airplane safety and equipment.
- Inform passengers about safety devices and confirm that passengers are obeying those signs and procedures.
Jobs cabin attendants don’t do
According to Crow (2021), the following are things passengers shouldn’t ask flight attendants:
- They are not allowed to use some medical emergency equipment.
Flight attendants are trained in emergencies and can generally use on-board defibrillators, but some planes have medical equipment that can only be used by doctors and nurses.
- They do not overserve.
If flight attendants determine that a passenger has drunk too much and is intoxicated, no more alcohol will be served.
- They cannot give free seats for infants.
Children under the age of two can fly for free, but don’t give them seats. If they want to ride, they have to sit on an adult’s lap.
- They don’t accept tips from passengers.
Save your extra cash for when you arrive at your destination; your flight attendant is unlikely to accept it. “They don’t want you to accept tips because everything is included in the airfare; they don’t want people to feel obligated to tip because it’s our job,” Susan McCord explains.
- They cannot drink alcohol with customers.
Drinking alcohol while working is prohibited.
- They cannot just change the passengers’ seats.
Flight attendants cannot help when passengers ask them to change seats.
- They cannot always rest while on the plane.
Flight attendants cannot sleep, even on night flights when passengers need something or to respond quickly in an emergency.
- They cannot just get in the cockpit any time they want.
Flight attendants must call the pilot when entering the cockpit.
- They cannot disclose passengers’ personal information.
Flight attendants check passports for information when passengers board but do not use them for any other purpose. It is most important for flight attendants to protect passenger confidentiality.
- They do not allow passengers to bring anything onboard.
Flight attendants do not specifically authorize items that cannot pass through security.
- They must refrain from having a bad rap while they are in their uniforms.
Flight attendants are not allowed to do anything other than their job while wearing their uniforms. When they are wearing the uniform, they do not sit in the hotel lobby while drinking or go to restaurants or bars.
Skills and conditions required for a cabin attendant
Required skills
According to Bhadury (2021), people with the following skills are suitable for flight attendants:
- Communication
It is the most important skill. Flight attendants must not only give directions to passengers but also understand their feelings and meet their needs. Moreover, communication skills are also important when interacting with crew members. By ensuring cooperation with them, takeoffs and landings can be carried out quickly.
- Time management
In order to operate on time, each task is quickly completed while thinking about the next task to be done.
- Leadership
Flight attendants must guide passengers in an emergency, so they need the ability to guide people.
- Physical strength
Flight attendants have a tough time dealing with irregular shifts and confusing customers. They spend most of their time on their feet, so they need physical strength.
- Teamwork
Flight attendants basically work in cooperation with four or more crew members. It is important that everyone works as a team and communicates well.
- Friendliness
Passengers are more likely to make requests when flight attendants are friendly. Basic gestures such as greetings and smiles leave a good impression on passengers.
- Cross-cultural understanding
Bhadury (2021) wrote that people from different countries board the plane. Each of them has a different culture, so what is generally considered normal behavior may not be done in another country.
- Self-control
Passengers may break rules or be demanding of flight attendants. Even in such cases, flight attendants must control themselves and communicate the situation calmly.
- Flexibility
Passengers have different cultures, and flight attendants may travel to countries at different times. Therefore, it is important to be flexible with our schedule.
- Adaptability
Flight attendants travel to many different countries and must be able to adapt to the lifestyle of each country at any time. In addition, the crew is not always the same, so it is important to get used to the environment each time.
Conditions required
According to Catrina (2021), there are many requirements to become a flight attendant:
- Age
Many airlines basically allow people over the age of 18 to apply to be flight attendants. However, some airlines require a minimum age of 21 by national law to serve alcohol.
- Height
Flight attendants need to reach overhead storage compartments to access safety equipment. Although it varies depending on the airline, in many cases the height regulation is around 160cm. Also, some companies require us to reach 212 cm when we stretch our arms.
- Body weight
There is no weight limit, but we must be in good shape and look good in a uniform. In addition, flight attendants have to carry heavy objects and respond quickly to emergencies so healthy people are desirable.
- Exterior
Flight attendants are expected to look clean and professional. A neat hairstyle and makeup are especially important. In addition, they have to be careful about their posture, behavior, and manner of speaking.
- English skills
Especially on international flights, there are passengers from various countries, so we need to be able to speak English frequently.
- Swimming ability
The ability to swim without a life jacket is very important as we may have to swim in the sea in an emergency.
- Eyesight
Flight attendants must meet certain standards by wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Conclusion
Flight attendants must have a wide range of skills in order to make passengers feel at ease. It may be difficult to obtain them, but it is critical that they work responsibly as flight attendants. To ensure that passengers have a safe and comfortable journey, they must maintain a high level of awareness and responsibility at all times.
References
McKay, D.R. (2019). Flight Attendant Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More. [online] LiveAbout. Available at: <https://www.liveabout.com/flight-attendant-526020> [Accessed 9 January 2023].
Crow, S. (2021). 20 Things Flight Attendants Are Never Allowed to Do. [online] Best Life. Available at: <https://bestlifeonline.com/flight-attendant-rules/> [Accessed 9 January 2023].
Catrina (2021). Flight Attendant Requirements – Age, Height, Weight & More! [online] 24 Hours Layover. Available at: <https://24hourslayover.com/flight-attendant-requirements-age-height-weight/> [Accessed 11 January 2023].
Bhadury, A. (2021). 20 Essential Skills Needed to Become a Cabin Crew Member. [online] Careeraddict.com. Available at: <https://www.careeraddict.com/cabin-crew-skills> [Accessed 11 January 2023].
