Pilots are responsible for safely transporting passengers to their destinations. Flight attendants, on the other hand, are in charge of the passenger compartment. They are responsible for the passengers’ safety and meeting their needs. A high school diploma is required to become a flight attendant. This does not, however, imply that you can enter the industry right out of high school. To become a flight attendant, you must go through a lengthy process (at least 7 years). Let’s consider how long the entire process will take.
Flight Attendant School
Flight attendant schools, as you might expect, help train and prepare their students for a career as flight attendants. This includes instructing on airline and aviation-specific topics such as airport codes, airline safety, FAA certification information, and other job-related skills.
Furthermore, they frequently cover more general skills required of a flight attendant, such as customer service, geography, and interacting with passengers.
Flight attendant schools provide a variety of programs that can last as little as a few days or as long as 16 weeks. The depth of the topics covered can vary, and as with most things, putting in more time means learning more.
Although flight attendant school is not required, it can be extremely beneficial to someone entering the industry for the first time who does not already possess many of these skills.
What Is the Cost of Flight Attendant Training?
In 2019, the average cost of flight attendant training programs ranges from $3,500 to $5,000.Flight attendant schools can range in price from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on how long they last and what is covered. Some will even require you to pay for room and board because you will be living nearby while training.
If you are serious about attending flight attendant school, you should contact at least two different schools to ask questions. You should request important information such as:
- Tuition and other charges
- Topics and curriculum covered by the program
- How long will the training take?
- If job placement assistance is available,
- If they provide financing
Is Flight Attendant School/Training Required?
No, attending flight attendant school is not required to work as a flight attendant. However, for some people, flight attendant school may still be worthwhile in terms of time, money, and effort. It not only prepares you for the job of a flight attendant, but it will also assist you in finding a job.
Knowing where to apply, what to include on your resume, and what questions to expect during the interview are all critical. Working with professionals who have spent years assisting others with these topics can be extremely beneficial if you are just getting started.
Other Flight Attendant Requirements
There are a few other requirements to consider when becoming a flight attendant, in addition to educational and training requirements. Here’s a quick list with more information on each.
- Height requirements: Some airlines have height requirements. This is to ensure that all flight attendants are tall enough to assist passengers with overhead compartments and do not have difficulty staying in the aircraft for extended periods of time.
- Background Check: Just like any other job in the aviation industry, becoming a flight attendant requires a background check.
- Medical Screening: In order to avoid flight attendants experiencing medical issues during flights, airlines will conduct a medical screening as part of the hiring process.
- Flight attendants, as mentioned earlier in this article, must also be certified by the FAA. This is something that the airline you work for will help you with and coordinate.
How Long Is Flight Attendant School: Education (4 Years)
The minimum age requirement for any flight attendant varies depending on the country and the airline. This means that you have enough time to complete your bachelor’s degree before applying to be a flight attendant. An airline is only concerned with degrees in hospitality, tourism, travel, and communication. If possible, get a bachelor’s degree while you’re waiting to turn 18. This degree will also be useful in the future.
It is critical that you pursue courses in tourism and travel. It is also critical to learn as many languages as possible. A flight attendant who speaks multiple languages is an asset because they understand the needs of the passengers better than others. You can also take courses in mass communication or courses that encourage public interaction.
Working Experience (2 Years)
Aside from flight attendants, the only job experiences that an airline values are those involving customer interaction. After earning your bachelor’s degree, look for a job that requires direct interaction with customers. This can be done in hotels, restaurants, call centers, or even as a personal assistant. Though an airliner may not care about the aspirant’s degree, the people who may hire you here will. As a result, it is critical to obtain an undergraduate degree and a job that requires it. Before applying, most airlines require aspiring FAs to have at least two years of work experience.
Waiting Period (A Few Months)
Waiting for the airline to contact you for an interview is the most agonizing part of the process. This could take several weeks. However, in some cases, it has taken years and numerous callbacks to the same airline. As a result, we recommend that you continue working and wait for the airline to call you back. You may also need to call back on a regular basis to improve your chances of getting an interview.
Flight Attendant Training (6 months maximum)
If you pass the interview and are chosen for flight attendant training, congratulations! You’re nearly there. Flight attendant training can last as little as two weeks or as long as six months, depending on the country and airline. The amount of time it rains also depends on how many different types of planes the airline has, as safety procedures differ depending on the plane. There are numerous safety rules and regulations that you must learn during this training. Most airlines prioritize safety training over service training. You can fail for a variety of reasons, including improper grooming, test failure, or even smiling incorrectly. You will be taught how to operate electronic equipment, fill out necessary reports, and carry out your duties on the ground.
Probation Period (6 Months)
After completing flight attendant training, you will begin working as a flight attendant on a very short leash. This means that you must be extremely cautious not to make any mistakes during this time. Your seniors will keep an eye on you and report any violations of the smallest regulations. You are ‘on call’ while on probation, which means you should respond to the airport as soon as possible when called. During this probation period, they will not tolerate any mistakes on your part. After about 6 months, the perks of the jobs increase as you advance to a senior flight attendant. Your salary has also been increased, and you are now eligible to teach new recruits.
Is the flight attendant training paid?
Flight attendant trainees receive their training pay in two equal installments totaling $1,500 (less any taxes that are applicable). Depending on when training began, the first portion of the fee is deposited into your account during either the first or second pay period of the month.
Can I be a flight attendant for 2 years?
If you are able to complete all of the responsibilities and the annual training successfully, then you are qualified for another year. Because of the steadily increasing pay, flight attendants typically remain in their positions for as long as they are physically able to do so.
How much does flight attendant Academy cost?
The cost of flight attendant school typically ranges between $1,500 and $3,000 on an annual basis. The cost of the most expensive programs can reach up to ten thousand dollars. The majority of airlines demand that their flight attendants have at least a high school diploma, though some may require additional training or certification on top of that.
Do flight attendants travel for free?
As part of their job, flight attendants get the opportunity to travel to a variety of destinations for free, and there may be downtime in between flights during which they are able to explore new areas. Flight attendants frequently have time between shifts to explore their destinations and take in the sights of their surroundings.
Do flight attendants have to wear heels?
There is no requirement for flight attendants across the industry to wear high heels, despite the fact that some airlines continue to mandate that female flight attendants do so as part of their uniform. In recent years, a number of airlines have liberalized their dress codes, allowing passengers to travel in shoes that are more comfortable, such as sneakers and flats.
Conclusion
To summarize, becoming a flight attendant takes approximately 8 years after high school. This includes a year’s worth of waiting. So, if you’re lucky, it might only take you 7 years. A flight attendant’s job is extremely stressful. However, it is one of the best jobs available. You not only get to travel to different destinations for free, but you also get a lot of hotel discounts. In this case, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
Related Articles
- Requirements to Be a Flight Attendant (Detailed Guide)
- How to Be a Flight Attendant: Best Easy Guide 2023
- HOW MUCH DO FLIGHT ATTENDANTS MAKE IN 2023
- 6-MONTH CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS THAT PAY WELL (Updated List)
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