Becoming A Flight Attendant

Name: Sherri Blaise
Job Title: Flight Attendant
Where: Detroit, MI
Employer: Mesaba Airlines
Years of Experience: 5+
Education: B.S. in Journalism, Florida A&M University
Salary: See the PayScale Research Center for the median flight attendant salary.

Becoming A Flight Attendant

For readers interested in becoming a flight attendant, or who want to know more about a flight attendant career, this Salary Story will be a smooth ride. We recently spoke to flight attendant Sherri Blaise about her her steps toward becoming a flight attendant, what to expect from a flight attendant career and the average flight attendant salary.

With many airlines currently hiring flight attendants, this is a great time to learn about factors that affect a flight attendant salary and the future outlook for flight attendant careers. Working as a flight attendant means traveling to numerous destinations. That may sound fun, but Sherri gave us the inside scoop on what it takes to be a flight attendant. As Sherri explains, if you are flexible and have a winning attitude, you might be the perfect candidate for a flight attendant career.

So fasten your seat belts as we prepare for takeoff, and learn more about flight attendant salaries and becoming a flight attendant.

Flight Attendant Job Description:

We are there for passenger safety. We are in the business of customer satisfaction, making sure passengers feel comfortable. We interact for long periods of time in a positive way with passengers ensuring their safety in a courteous, professional and polite manner.

We also make sure passengers and crew are in compliance with Company and Federal Aviation Regulations. We maintain the cabin and galley for inventory and cleanliness. Flight attendants have the most important PR role in the company as passengers see us the most during their flying experience.

Can you recall the steps of your flight attendant career?

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Becoming a flight attendant was a passing thought for me when I was in my sophomore year of college. Upon graduation, I was diagnosed with Lupus and I had one of those "if tomorrow was never promised, what would you do today" moments. That was on a Wednesday. My airline was having an Open House the very next day and I went and was offered the job that following Wednesday. Either I'm just that good or they were just that desperate. I like to believe it's the former.

What info can you give us about becoming a flight attendant?

Once you graduate high school, you are eligible to become a flight attendant. You don't need any formal training. After you have interviewed with your dream airline, they will train you. Training usually lasts anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.

A lot of folks think that flight attending is all about service, service, service, but it's not. We watched a lot of films that documented plane crashes and spoke about safety. There was also a lot of information about hazardous wastes and chemicals. Our instructors were very adamant about us not blowing the aircraft up from the inside.

Since I applied for my job not even a year after 9/11, it was all about safety and survival and of course, how to thwart the bad guys. They did everything short of teaching us kung-fu. There were tests about every 3 days or so and you could only score below an 80% once. I do remember there was a lot of crying because a lot of folks just get stressed out and lose focus when the word "test" is mentioned.

A lot of people also decided the lifestyle wasn't for them and dropped out voluntarily. The turnover, at least at my airline, is pretty high. My graduating class from 5 years ago was about 35. There may be 10 of us left. A lot pf people can't handle being on-call and being gone from their families all the time. That is totally understandable.

Do you recall any humorous moments from your flight attendant career?

There was an unaccompanied minor on one of my flights. He disappeared into the restroom with a thick mane of brown hair. When he came out, he had an orange mohawk! Good Grief. And to top it off, when he came out of the restroom he yelled, "Miss Sherri, you like my hair?" in front of all the passengers. I almost died.

What advice would you give to those interested in a flight attendant career?

Go for it! Patience is essential. And so is a winning attitude. Be prepared to be on reserve which is the equivalent of being on-call. Being on-call can be quite the challenge. Flexibility is key.

Being on call means that whatever you are doing, you have to stop, find a phone booth and change a la Superman and get yourself to the airport. If you are on a picnic with your honey, too bad. You had better bag those Spam sandwiches up and get to the airport.

The best way to deal with being on call is to always be optimistic and flexible. Flexibility is the most important word in flight attendant land because there will be times when scheduling tells you to be at the airport at 6:30 am and then call and say, "never mind, the original flight attendant has shown up. Thanks and remain contactable."

Now keep in mind you have been woken up out of your good sleep, showered with your eyes closed, got dressed in the dark and drove a half hour to the airport in the rain only to be told to remain contactable.

Then you get in your car and make it back home and settle in your bed and your cell phone rings. "It's Crew Scheduling... good morning (again), we need you to be at the airport at 10:00. We have a flight for you to Toledo." Toledo is only a 45 minute car ride from Detroit. You mean to tell me Greyhound isn't available?

Are airlines currently hiring flight attendants? What is the job outlook?

Oh goodness, everyone is hiring. Apply, apply, apply. You really have to stand out though. When you go to the open-house - the initial introduction to the airline - dress the part. Dress in blues and blacks and shiny shoes. Always smile and look confident and approachable. Eye contact is essential. You never know who you are sitting next to at the open house so always keep side conversations positive.

What factors can affect a flight attendant salary?

Every time flight attendants are disgruntled with the contract, we go to the union and they work on our behalf for better wages, working conditions, etc. All flight attendants make the same thing at a particular airline. One airline may start at $14.40 an hour and the other airline may start at $17.00 with yearly increases thereafter.

Also, at least at my airline, there are quarterly bonuses where a flight attendant may get an additional $100. There is no additional pay if you are college degreed. All flight attendants are not in the union but even if you are not in the union, union dues are still deducted from your paycheck. Go figure. I am sure that flying on smaller planes doesn't pay like Northwest Airlines.

There just may be a dollar or a dollar and half difference. Keep in mind that a full time flight attendant works 75 hours PER MONTH whereas a person with a 9-5 will work 75 hours in a little under 2 weeks. Many flight attendants are either married, have roommates or have picked up second jobs to maintain whatever lifestyle they have.

How does your salary compare to a flight attendant salary? The PayScale Salary Calculator is a quick and easy way to compare positions. But when you want powerful salary data and comparisons customized for your exact position, be sure to build a complete profile by taking PayScale's full salary survey.

• More Flight Attendant Career Info
• Becoming a Flight Attendant - The Savvy Traveler
• Median Flight Attendant Salary by Years Experience
• Sherri's Web Site - SherriBlaise.blogstream.com
• Diary of a Flight Attendant - QueenofSky.journalspace.com

Comments

[Shaniece]

Hi, Everyone.... I'm starting The International Air & Hospitality Academy. To pursue my career, as an flight attendant. I'm super anxious. The school is and 5 month course, and throughout the academy 10 diffrent airlines around the U.s. interview. So i can have a defenite job when i graduate!!!!!!
G00d luck eveyone& wish me luck!!!
Muah
Shaniece

[Mardiolene]

hello everyone!

this is really helpful and im glad that i found this site :D
so i speak english, tagalog (filipino language) and im on my 2nd year of spanish. i just turned 16 and on my senior year in high school. i just wanted to ask this; can you be a flight attendant here in US eventhough you're not a citizen? thanks yall :D

[Lori]

I love being in the air and meeting different people. I am a swinger and this is a good way to meet people. I have had sex with over 50 people that I have met on flights.

[jessica]

I after reading your article I would definitely like to become a flight attendant. I would like to know more about how to approach it, how to get started, you know all the good info. Thanks.

[Sharon]

Hello Everyone:

I am an ex-flight attendant. I was employed by a caribbean airline. It is a fun and exciting job. The salary was great, actually much better than I see from most of the US airlines. My advice to anyone who would like to become a flight attendant is be as flexible as possible. It can be a challenge. You practically live out of a suitcase. I actually quit because I got married and wanted to start school. The job became a conflict. I would say if you are single and have no kids and do not mind being away from home alot.....go for it!!!

[jeaneal]

hey my name is jeaneal; from grenada i speak english and french ill really love to be a flight attendant its really interisting. god bless!

[cindy]

becoming a flight attendant is like a dream to me. but the height requirement is between 5 2" +, im like 5 1" only. more milk?

[shennel]

my dream is to become a flight attendant but right now i have no idea where i should start n what qualifications i should have please help me out

[stephanie]

Thanks for the information. It was so helpful!!

[Elvir Smajlovic]

can you take a vacation off of your job.

[Flight Attendants]

Flight attendants take care of safety and comfort of passengers during the flight. Flight attendant training institutes give good training of hospitality and emergency procedures. But there are certain requirements that should be fulfilled to take admission in these schools.

http://www.commercialpilottraining.net/

[Margaret]

I just want to thank you for all you insight into this career. Your information give was priceless. Thanks again for sharing.

[Margaret]

I just want to thank you for all you insight into this career. Your information give was priceless. Thanks again for sharing.

[salisha]

I really want to become a flight attendant but I need more information on how to make my first step.

[Christina]

I want to be a flight attendant. The current problem is, i'm in the National Guard and I'm afraid I will not get hired since I have mandatory trainings one weekend out of the month. Is there anyone who experienced this before?

[Holli]

I have always wanted to be a flight attendant but know my height has always been a concern. Do you know the height requirement for most airlines specifically speaking would be nwa/delta.

[Ryan Paet]

I'm really interested in becoming a flight attendant I was wondering if you need a college degree to join flight attendant? How can I be a flight attendant? I'm really inttreted in traveling and working with the other crew mates. Thakyou very much
ALOHA,

[Devon]

I am trying to become a flight attendant and have a few questions. I meet the qualifications in all ways. I speak some spanish and am about to pick up a college course to speak the language fluently. What exactly to I have to do to become a flight attendant? Where can I find a open house for different airlines? How do I go about applying for a flight attendant position? How could I possibly accomplish scheduling an interview? Please email at devonsoronen@yahoo.com. Thank you and if you can help me then please contact me soon.

[Chrissy]

I would love this to be my job, but i don't understand how you can live off 75 hours PER MONTH @ about 20 bucks an hour. Right? or am i missing something? Because being on call all the time thers no way you could even have a 2nd job.

[Kevin]

I am just wondering with the way how the economy and airline industry is it wise to go into the airline industry?

[kwaku frimpong]

i`m a ghanaian,tall,handsome and slim and really want to become a flight attendant.i have being interested in this job for so many years.my question is what should i do to become a flight attendant?do i have to send application to airines?or what do i do?

[peter bonsu]

i`m a ghanaian with all the qualities needed to be a flight attendant and really want to become a flight attendant.how can i achieve this aim?

[Teresa]

I really want to become a flight attendant, but it seem as though most flight attendants are single with no kids. We have kids, and I really would like to do this. Is it possible to work part-time as a flight attendant while trying to raise a family? Be honest.

[Star]

Erynell I also speak filipino & English fluently...you can visit my site for info about how to apply. http://starvillanueva.multiply.com

[andrea]

i really wanna to be a flight attendant but im just a high school.and i speak english and tagalog fluently. what else do i need to know

[ERYNELL]

I AM A CERTIFIED LIFEGUARD CURRENTLY IN COLLEGE STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY AND NURSING..I SPEAK BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH FLUENTLY AND AM A U.S CITIZEN.. I AM VERY INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FLIGHT ATTENDANT. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

[Kate]

To be a Flight Attendant is my very dream.soon to be.I am still studying now and as I have read about the overview regarding Flight Attendant.it makes me discourage a in a li'l way.But.I'll just still hoping that someday I could be..If God's permit

[Jessica]

what if you get call for a second interview with an airline. How sure is it that you will get in...that you will be hire

[D Jenkins]

I am currently enlisted in the United States Army, and have signed up for four years. Unfortunatley, I just found out that I have flat feet. My parents both has it, so of course I couldn't help but have it to. I don't think they will keep me no longer for the rest of my enlistment. I came in the military to travel and see the world, and establish other customs, and values of others and there countires. Will this be a major set back for me? I truly beleive that a flight attendant is my next calling.

[Xitlaly A. Peña]

Are there any flight attendant HIGH schools? If so, pleaase name them.

[gina]

how much does cathay pacific pay for their flight attendants based in sfo?

[gina]

how much does cathay pacific pay for their flight attendants based in sfo?

[Cheri]

I had a F2F yesterday with NWA, after thinking about some of my answers after the fact I feel very discouraged. What is the process during a F2F interview. Please email me at blknprpl@hotmail.com Thank you.
Cheri

[elizabeth]

I am very interested in becoming a flight attendant, but after reading some of this it seems just a little discouraging. So if you work only 75 hours a month, then you may not make much money, therefor you would have to have a second job? what job can you have that lets you go if you have too? it seems that at some point you would loose one job or the other becuase of having to be at the airport at any given time. does it take a really long time to get to the point of satisfaction with your salary? i have always wanted to be a flight attendant and now that my boyfriend is deployed, i think i would like to go ahead and do that becuase i can take online classes and now seems like a great time to go for it, but i feel i would need a second job to keep my appartment if its as bad as you make it seem?

[jacob]

hi im going to my second interview with united airlines and i am excited i cant wait and i am coming all the way from hawaii well hope all goes well wish me the best of luck everyone aloha.

[Trav]

Forgot to mention, although and additional language is not needed, it is a plus!!!! At the moment, United Airlines is looking for as many Arabic speakers as they can find. Delta is looking for anyone who can speak the major Asian and European languages. To be a speaker, you must really speak it to a level inwhich would mimic a native speaker. You will normally be tested during the interview

[Trav]

Just remember, the career as a Flight Attendant, you have to remember to save money!!! While the airlines are putting your through their school, you are not paid as you are not an employee until qualified. Depending on your airline, school can last for 4-8 weeks. Meals will be paid for, however, personal needs ( or personal expence back home) need to be considered. When you are released, and return home, you will be expected to report to your new base within a weeks time meaning you will need to arrange housing before you arrive to base. Lets say you are based in New York or LA, first/last month rent and deposit on an apartment can range from 500-600 per person (based on 8 roomates!!!!). Also, be prepared to only be paid in a range of 800 per paycheck for the first few pay cycles. It's a great choice to fly!! But just start getting ready if it's your dream. Another big thing is to start with an airline early!!! As Seniority ( time with the company) is everything, the younger you are, the better off you are as you gain your seniority. At my carrier, it's easy to remain on Reserve for 5-10 years based on your base, and it's not uncommon to fly with flight attendant 70+ years old with 50 years of senority. If this is your dream, do it young. When your 40, and holding whatever schedule you want, you'll thank me... Good luck to all!!!!!!!!!

[Jarren]

i really want to become a flight attendant im in my last semester of the last year of high school:) but where do i start?

[MELISSA]

HEY I AM REALLY INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FLIGHT ATTENDANT. DO U REALLY NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SPEAK ANY OTHER LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH?

[SherriBlaise]

Yipee!! Ryan that is great news! I wish you all the best.

[ryan]

I just got hired with Cathay Pacific Airline. Its an international airlines. I am so excited. I am waiting for my training date. Cant wait to fly.
love

ryan

[SherriBlaise]

Hey Ladies (Gents),
You don't need any specific subjects to master in school to become a flight attendant. The Open House and the interview are what counts. Depending on the airline that you apply to work for, that will determine whether or not you need to learn how to swim. I don't know how to swim so thank goodness my airline didn't have us jumping in pools and such. I probably would have drowned e'rybody!! Good Luck!

[kesi]

I'm really interested in becoming a flight attendant. I think this is one of the most realistic articles I read about becoming or being a flight attendant. Thank you!!

[meisha bailey]

i really want to become aflight attendant

[alicia]

do i have to know how to swim because i really can't swim

[cristina]

i really like to be a flight attendant but i need to go to college, what course in college i have to take to be flight attendant?

[lisa peters]

i am really interested in becoming a flight attendant i have already obtain my subjects and i am going to start my swimming could you help me out

[nickiesha smart]

are there any colleges for taining flight attendant in the caribbeaan especially trinidad and tobago.