Fresh Profile: Flight Attendant

Published on 2008-03-07

While not as glamorous as they once seemed, airline jobs are still a popular career choice for many men and women. Flight attendants enjoy a varied work experience that is active, social and unique. The core of a flight attendant's work is public service; an ideal candidate is someone with an outgoing, nurturing personality who keeps a cool head through all situations.

A flight attendant's primary responsibility is to maintain safety regulations during a flight. This means monitoring passengers to make sure they are following instructions, as well as making sure all cabin equipment is working properly. Other duties include taking inventory and stocking supplies, distributing materials (food, bedding, etc.) to passengers and communicating with the flight captain before, during and after a flight. Of course, a flight attendant will greet, instruct and reassure passengers throughout the course of a flight. He or she will also be responsible for helping in emergency situations and administering first aid.

The minimum education required for airline cabin crew jobs is a high school diploma, although many airlines prefer candidates with college degrees. Once hired, formal training lasts between 3 and 8 weeks. There are vision and height requirements (one must be able to reach overhead compartments, etc.), and some international flights may require attendants with foreign language skills.

Originally, the career span of a flight attendant was relatively short. That is no longer the case, and seniority plays a major part in flight assignments. All flight attendants begin by being on reserve, meaning they will probably not have a regular schedule or any options regarding the flights they work. After this stage, flight attendants "bid" on the flights they want based on time and destination. Flight attendant jobs offer a median salary of approximately $43,000, although the starting wage is much lower. Other perks and benefits of airport jobs vary by city, economy and airline.

To perform a job search for flight attendant jobs in Chicago, New York, Atlanta or elsewhere, please visit the Fresho Airlines section for your preferred state or city.