How to Become a Flight Attendant

The flight attendant benefits are compelling. You’ll enjoy traveling around the country — or even, the world! — while earning a competitive salary and building a career in customer service.

So if you’re contemplating becoming a flight attendant, keep reading. We’ll share everything you need to know about how to become a flight attendant, from achieving your FAA Certificate to the typical cabin crew salary, training, and building a winning flight attendant resume.

The Altitude of Opportunity: A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Flight Attendant

Introduction

Becoming a flight attendant is a highly sought-after career that combines the excitement of travel with the serious responsibility of ensuring passenger safety and comfort. This comprehensive guide synthesizes the core requirements, duties, and career outlook for this occupation, detailing the essential "Why," "How," and "Example" for each major theme of the profession, based on data from leading career resources and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Theme 1: Safety and Customer Service: The Core Duty

Flight attendants are not merely service providers; they are trained safety and security professionals whose primary responsibility is protecting the aircraft and its passengers.

| Section | Explanation | | :---- | :---- | | Why? | Safety is Paramount: By law, flight attendants must be aboard aircraft to ensure everyone follows security regulations and to be the first responders in an emergency. The secondary mission is delivering excellent customer service to ensure passenger comfort. | | How? | Performing Preflight Checks and Emergency Management: Attendants conduct preflight inspections of emergency equipment, demonstrate the proper use of safety gear, monitor the cabin for compliance with regulations (e.g., fastened seatbelts), and are trained to administer first aid, extinguish fires, and direct evacuations. | | Example | During severe turbulence, an attendant must secure the galley and aisle items, reassure anxious passengers, and be prepared to coordinate and administer emergency medical care should a passenger become ill. |

Key Takeaway

The job centers on proactive safety management and the ability to remain calm and decisive while handling complex, high-pressure emergency situations.

Theme 2: Meeting Minimum Requirements: The Prerequisites

Entry into this profession requires meeting specific educational, experiential, and physical criteria set by airlines and federal regulators.

| Section | Explanation | | :---- | :---- | | Why? | Establishing Reliability and Competence: Minimum standards (like age, education, and experience) ensure applicants are mature, professional, and possess the foundational customer interaction skills necessary to handle the traveling public. | | How? | Gaining Experience and Meeting Standards: Prospective attendants must typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, possess 1 to 2 years of work experience in a customer service occupation, and meet minimum age (often 18 or 21) and physical standards (like vision correctable to 20/40 and specific height requirements). | | Example | An applicant gains relevant work experience by spending two years as a retail supervisor or hotel front desk agent, demonstrating a strong history of handling customer complaints and managing service expectations before applying. Applicants must also pass a thorough background check, drug test, and medical evaluation. |

Key Takeaway

A customer service background is essential, but equally important is meeting the strict eligibility criteria related to health, legal status (valid passport), and background integrity.

Theme 3: Training and FAA Certification: The Process

Once hired, flight attendants must undergo rigorous training to become officially certified to work on commercial flights.

| Section | Explanation | | :---- | :---- | | Why? | Federal Mandate and Skill Acquisition: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all flight attendants to be certified. This training ensures the attendant is proficient in all safety, security, and emergency procedures specific to the aircraft they will be working on. | | How? | Employer-Provided, Moderate-Term Training: New flight attendants receive intensive, on-the-job training (OJT) directly from the airline, often at a specialized academy. This training covers aircraft-specific safety features, security protocols, first aid, and company policy. | | Example | During the training period, trainees participate in high-fidelity simulations, such as donning life vests and launching evacuation slides for a simulated water landing, or practicing fire suppression techniques inside a mock aircraft cabin. |

Key Takeaway

Successful employment hinges on completing the airline’s comprehensive training academy and obtaining the required FAA certification to practice emergency procedures.

Theme 4: Career Outlook and Compensation: The Rewards

The flight attendant profession offers a strong career trajectory with projected growth and competitive earnings.

| Section | Explanation | | :---- | :---- | | Why? | Industry Growth and Stability: The demand for air travel continues to drive job creation. The career provides a competitive median salary and stability in the transportation sector. | | How? | Projected Growth and Earnings: Employment of flight attendants is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS reported the median annual wage for flight attendants was $67,130 in May 2024. | | Example | New flight attendants typically start on reserve status, meaning they are on-call and must be flexible with schedules and location. Over time, as attendants gain seniority, they earn the right to choose more desirable routes, schedules, and home bases, significantly improving their quality of life. |

Key Takeaway

The profession offers a promising long-term outlook with above-average growth and a solid median wage, especially as career longevity provides greater control over work schedules and assignments through seniority.

A Day in the Life of a Flight Attendant

A day in the life of a flight attendant can be unpredictable, as you jet off to diverse locations with different shift times and patterns. But once you’re on board, you’ll find the core duties of a flight attendant remain the same.

Flight attendants start their shifts by conducting pre-flight checks and ensuring emergency equipment is in place and functional. They welcome passengers aboard, assist with stowing luggage, and provide safety demonstrations. During the flight, they serve meals and beverages, address passenger concerns, and offer assistance as needed.

When they finally land, a flight attendant’s immediate focus is helping customers safely disembark and preparing the plane for its next set of passengers. Only after that’s been completed can they go to their accommodation and unpack for the night.

Flight Attendant Salary: How Much Does a Flight Attendant Make?

If you’re wondering, “How much does a flight attendant make,” you’ll be pleased to know that — at $63,760 a year — the median flight attendant salary is above average for the US. That’s according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Of course, there are multiple factors that can affect flight attendant pay. The typical flight attendant starting salary is significantly lower, with self-reported data suggesting that the flight attendant starting salary at American Airlines is just $30,000 a year.

Your flight attendant schedule will also affect your flight attendant salary. This is because flight attendant pay rates are based on four distinct factors:

• Your guaranteed base rate
• Your flying hours
• Per-diem layover allowances
• Sales commissions

Being scheduled for longer flights means more per-diem expenses, for example. Alternatively, a flight attendant schedule with a greater number of short flights could add up to more sales — and in turn, more commission.

So, how much does a flight attendant make including commissions, allowances, and bonuses? That’s a surprisingly tricky question to answer. But the good news for candidates is that most airlines are transparent about the flight attendant benefits they offer.

Flight Attendant Salary Ranges

The majority of US flight attendants earn between $37,690 and $97,170, according to US government data.

The average flight attendant salary breaks down to $30.65 an hour.

How to Apply for Flight Attendant Jobs

Applying for roles is the first step in your journey to becoming a flight attendant. Let’s break down the process.

A well-written flight attendant resume is essential if you want to see job-hunting success. It should showcase how you possess the flight attendant qualifications and skills detailed in the flight attendant job description. Our flight attendant resume templates will help you get started.

Alongside your resume, prepare for potential flight attendant interview questions. Research common flight attendant interview questions and practice your answers, focusing on providing real-life examples that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role.

By combining a strong resume with thorough interview preparation, you'll increase your chances of securing your dream flight attendant position.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These questions come up again and again among readers wondering how to become a flight attendant.

How to Become a Flight Attendant With No Experience

You don’t need experience, a degree, or state licensing to become a flight attendant. However, you will need to pass your airline’s training and achieve an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.

What are the Requirements for a Flight Attendant?

Flight attendants need an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency, in addition to being eligible to work in the US and meeting the requirements of the airline’s flight attendant job description. Foreign language skills can be beneficial but are typically not required in the US.

How to Become a Flight Attendant for Delta

Delta only considers flight attendant applicants who are aged 21+, fully vaccinated, and have a high school degree or GED, the right to work in the US, a valid passport, and spoken English fluency. Foreign language skills are also beneficial. You’ll have to do a talent assessment, virtual job tryout, on-demand interview, and in-person event day before receiving a job offer.

How to Become a Flight Attendant: California

The path to becoming a flight attendant in California is relatively simple: achieve your high school diploma or GED, gain your proof of eligibility to work in the US and a valid passport, and apply directly via airlines’ websites. Once accepted, you’ll undergo the airline’s training and apply for your FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.

How to Become a Flight Attendant: Texas

If you want to become a flight attendant in Texas, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, a valid passport, and proof of eligibility to work in the US. Plus, you’ll have to pass the airline’s training program and achieve your FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.

How to Become a Flight Attendant: Florida

Aspiring flight attendants in Florida will need a high school diploma or GED in addition to a valid passport and proof of eligibility to work in the US. Your employer will train you and support you in achieving your FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.

How to Become a Flight Attendant: New York

New York-based flight attendants will apply for their FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency after sitting their company’s training program. This will qualify them to work as a flight attendant all over the US.

How to Become a Flight Attendant: Southwest

If you want to work as a flight attendant with Southwest, you’ll need to be aged 20+, have proof of eligibility to work in the US and a valid passport, and have a “well-groomed” appearance. College-level education is an asset, while a high school diploma or GED is required.

How to Become a International Flight Attendant

If you’ve set your sights on becoming an international flight attendant, you’ll need to play the long game. After receiving a flight attendant job offer and passing your training, you’ll have to build seniority to be considered for more attractive routes. Speaking the destination language could give you a headstart, however.

How to Become a Private Jet Flight Attendant

Becoming a flight attendant in private jets requires first-class customer service skills. You’ll find it easier to achieve job offers from private charter companies if you have a proven track record as a flight attendant.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Flight Attendant?

You don’t have to pay to become a flight attendant, but you should bear in mind that you may not be paid much during your training period. You should budget for several months with a reduced income.

How to Become a Corporate Flight Attendant

To become a corporate flight attendant working non-commercial flights, you’ll have to meet the rigorous requirements of charter airlines. They’ll expect exceptional customer service skills and discretion, as well as standard cabin crew skills such as knowledge of airplane safety protocols.

How Difficult is It to Become a Flight Attendant?

While you don’t need a degree or specialist training to apply for flight attendant roles, it is a competitive industry. The job application process can be long and rigorous. You’ll need to stand out from other applicants to land your first flight attendant role.

Conclusion

Becoming a flight attendant is a journey that requires professionalism, dedication to service, and a commitment to safety. From fulfilling the primary duty of passenger safety to meeting rigorous educational standards, undergoing specialized training, and navigating the seniority-based scheduling system, this career offers a compelling mix of responsibility and travel. With a favorable job outlook and competitive pay, it remains a rewarding path for those who thrive in dynamic, people-centric environments.

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