Flight Attendant

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Work Tasks

FLIGHT ATTENDANTS make sure that safety regulations are abided by, and try to make flights as comfortable as possible for passengers. They make sure that first aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working order. They make sure they have food, beverages, pillows, and blankets. They instruct passengers in the use of emergency equipment. They check to see that seat belts are fastened, seat backs are in the upright position, and all carry-on items are properly stowed. They serve food and drinks. They may answer questions about the flight; give out reading material, headsets, pillows, and blankets; and help small children, elderly, and others needing help.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $61,000 average per year ($29.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (88,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.8% per year)

Entry Requirements

Employers prefer to hire FLIGHT ATTENDANTS who have several years of college or experience in dealing with the public. Increasingly, new flight attendant hires are college graduates. Flight attendants for international airlines must generally speak an appropriate foreign language fluently. Some of the major airlines prefer candidates who can speak two major foreign languages for their international flights. Airlines are required to train flight attendants and have recurrent training to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations.