How to Become a Flight Attendant

Interest in the perceived glamour, excitement, and fast-paced lifestyle surrounding flight attendants (whether true or not!) has captured the imaginations of scores of hopefuls through the years, and never seems to wane. Then -- September 11, 2001. This understandably changed the airline industry forever. Since then, it has become nearly impossible to become a flight attendant. Or has it? In a nearly impossible job market, would-be flight attendants have been forced to shelve their ambitions for becoming one, but this needn't be so. Read on for how to make it happen!

Tip #1: Know where to look.

Specifically, the regional airlines. Usually regional airlines are separate from the major airline for which they fly, and hire their own employees. Many flight attendant jobs are overlooked, simply because job seekers don't know where to look. Sure, the majors (Delta, American, US Airways to name a few), aren't hiring new flight attendants, and haven't been for some time. But their regional counterparts may be! Some regional airlines hiring as of press time are: Compass (Delta/Northwest); Mesa (US Airways, United, Delta); and Air Wisconsin (US Airways). Typically, a flight attendant landing a job with a smaller airline could be the lone flight attendant on a 32-seat "prop job" (propeller aircraft), or working with another flight attendant on a jet seating up to 100 passengers.

Tip #2: Be dedicated.

This is not just a job, but a way of life. Training sessions last 4-6 weeks, paid or unpaid, varying by airline. You must relocate on your own dime, to a base assigned to you, with little/no say on the location. If you're not willing to relocate, this job probably isn't for you. Even if you live in a large city such as New York or Los Angeles, base assignments are determined by operational need--just because you live in a city does not mean you'll be based there, whether there's a crew base or not ! Also, you will be on "reserve"; that is, on call 20+ days per month. Those seeking a job allowing them to have a more traditional social life, should also look elsewhere. And--let's be honest. The pay isn't all that great either. A first-year flight attendant makes between $12,000 and $20,000 per year. If you're in this line of work, it's because you like it, not because you're looking to get rich!

Tip #3: Have a sense of adventure.

Look further afield for a truly global work experience. A famous example of a diverse airline today is Emirates, the national airline of the UAE. They will deal with any immigrations issues with you if you are hired. According to their website, there are about 120 nationalities represented on airline staff in this Middle Eastern country. Nervous at the prospect of a potentially hostile environment like the Middle East? Don't be. A wealthy nation, though experiencing a bit of a financial crisis recently not so different from the rest of the world, the United Arab Emirates does practice Islam, but are much more liberal than other Muslim countries. Also it's considered a developed nation, like western Europe, North America, and Japan.

There are other possibilities, too. You could take a look at working for Qantas, the major Australian airline; however in order to do so, you would have to already possess at least permanent resident status in Australia. You will likely run into the same problem with any airline based in the European Union, the US, Canada, and other such areas. Each region will most likely require permanent residency status at minimum in the country of their base operations.

These tips will help you get started. Whether you're seeking a job in the airlines for the traveling, or just for the sake of flying and adventure, good luck and happy flying!

Sources:
Emirates: http://www.emirates.com
Qantas: http://www.qantas.com