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Who is a Flight Attendant?
For most people sky is the limit, for flight attendants the sky is home ~ Anonymous
A flight attendant is a professional whose primary duty is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during an airline flight. An individual who is pursuing a career as a flight attendant is part of the cabin crew for the plane, a team of personnel who operate a commercial, business, or even military aircraft while travelling domestically or internationally.
An individual pursuing a career as a flight attendant is specially trained for the aircraft in which he or she works since passenger safety is their foremost concern. In this article, we will discuss how to become a flight attendant in India or how to become a flight attendant after graduation.
Quick Facts for Flight Attendant
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Industry
Aviation
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Average Salary in India
₹47000
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Suitable for
Male, Female
A career as a flight attendant is not gender-specific. Men, women, and others can choose a career as flight attendants. Flight attendant requirements are gender independent and it is appropriate for any gender type. However, there are more female flight attendants than male flight attendants.
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Any special needs
Yes
A Career as a flight attendant is not quite appropriate for specially-abled people as manufacturing facilities are filled with potential dangers such as ovens and cutters, few of the traits that a flight attendant requires are physical strength and stamina.
Table of Contents for Flight Attendant
What is the role of Flight Attendant?
A career as a flight attendant participates in preflight briefings with the pilots to discuss cabin conditions and flight details. He or she also conducts preflight inspections of the emergency equipment. It is the flight attendant's duty to demonstrate the use of safety and emergency equipment. A flight attendant also takes care of the passengers' needs, especially those with special needs.
A flight attendant is trained to administer emergency medical care as and when needed.
A flight attendant's job is to make flights comfortable and stress-free for passengers.
A career as a flight attendant ensures that emergency exit seats are occupied by passengers who are willing and able to respond in case of an emergency.
The role of flight attendants is to analyse and resolve any safety concerns that occur during emergencies to ensure passenger safety.
The Flight attendant's jobs are to provide travellers with all information regarding safety guidelines to be followed while onboard and necessary actions during emergencies.
The role of a flight attendant is to administer and provide excellent in-flight services.
Types of a Flight Attendant
There are a variety of roles played by a flight attendant. The different types of flight attendants may include flight operator, management personnel, captain, cargo manager, and others. Here is a list of some major types of flight attendants in India:
Cargo Manager: A cargo manager or a handler supervises and coordinates the activities of the ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. He or she may determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute the aircraft's centre of gravity.
Air Hostess: An air hostess or cabin crew or flight steward is responsible for the passengers or the traveller's welfare, comfort, and safety at the time of boarding and till the last passenger deboards the flight. These types of flight attendant jobs are to check the emergency arrangements before takeoff and landing the flight.
Ground Operator: The individuals working in ground operations have job duties that vary from welcoming passengers to airports to ensuring an aircraft's takeoff. These flight attendants' jobs are to play a crucial role in areas such as commercial activities, airline operations, and the running of airports.
Management Personnel: Airport managers often are employed by the city where the airport is located, and they are responsible for all airport operations. These types of flight attendant jobs are to oversee all other employees and departments and manage the day-to-day operations as well as future airport planning.
Captain: Commercial airlines usually have at least two pilots on board during flights. The captain is the pilot in command and supervises all crew members. The copilot helps the captain communicate with the tower, monitor flight instruments, and operate controls.
First Officer: In aviation, the first officer (FO) is the second pilot (also referred to as the co-pilot) of an aircraft. The first officer is the second-in-command of the aircraft to the captain, who is the legal commander. In the event of the incapacitation of the captain, the first officer will assume command of the aircraft.
What is the workplace/work environment of Flight Attendant like?
Individuals who pursue a career as a flight attendant work at night, on weekends, and on holidays. Attendants usually spend 65-90 hours in the air and 50 hours preparing planes for passengers monthly. Most airlines usually guarantee attendants at least 65-85 flight hours every month, usually with opportunities to work overtime.
Does Flight Attendant require travelling?
Likely
Since flight attendants work in the travel industry, a part of their job profile is to travel. There is a lot of travelling involved in this profession.
Employment Shifts
Hourly Basis
Since most attendants are union members, they usually work set hours. Most attendants are generally limited to working 12 hours shifts but some are allowed to work 14-hour shifts.
Employment Nature
Contractual
Companies provide contracts of three–five years to employees which vary from company to company.
Work Place
A typical on-duty shift is usually about 12 to 14 hours per day. However, duty time can be increased for international flights. Attendants usually fly 75 to 90 hours a month and generally spend another 50 hours a month on the ground, preparing flights, writing reports, and waiting for aircraft to arrive.
Time Pressure
Likely
There is a lot of time pressure on flight attendants. Flight attendant working conditions are very stressful. Flight attendants spend 25 per cent of their time flying while the rest of their time preparing for flights, writing reports, and waiting for planes to arrive.
Overtime Details
The working hours for flight attendants are generally 75 hours to 100 hours per month. Flight attendants are required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and may spend a lot of time away from their home base. However, even the odd working hours are already scheduled before therefore they are only required to work as per their allotted time and not overtime.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 14 Hours
Yes, the career as flight attendant comes with a certain day shift which is usually between 12 -14 hours on a daily basis.
How to become a Flight Attendant?
Steps to become a Flight Attendant
If you have dreamt of working at an airline and wanted to serve the passengers by attending to them by providing tickets, ensuring their safety, and providing them with security for their luggage, then you can opt for a flight attendant as a lucrative career option. In this article, we have mentioned the detailed procedure steps for how to become a flight attendant in India.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Flight Attendant?
A flight attendant must possess a variety of skills and qualities to succeed in the career path. He or she should have skills like organising skills, communication skills, flexibility, a pleasing personality, and physical strength. Here is a list of some major skills and qualities important for a flight attendant:
Communication Skills: Every step of your journey as a flight attendant will be wrapped up in your ability to communicate well. Part of these people skills includes an ability to “size up” your passengers. Public speaking will be unavoidable as a flight attendant. When you are on a flight, you are going to be operating in a small team of flight attendants.
Flexibility: The average flight attendant sees about three days of flight time and three or four days off time. During those “on” days, you could find yourself in any corner of the world. The thrill of that is worth its weight in gold. Like many other professions, it will be quite some time until seniority allows you to dictate your work schedule. You may even be required to be on-call at times. Many of your holidays will also be spent high in the sky.
Physical Strength: A career as a flight attendant needs to spend a good portion of every flight on their feet. You will be wearing the carpet down on that centre aisle as you offer food and beverages, and answer call signals. Likewise, those good, strong feet will need to be firmly planted on the ground as you test your balancing skills. Good feet will also help you heft those heavy carry-ons into the overhead compartment for those who are unable.
Pleasing Personality: Every airline has strict grooming standards. Many airlines will dictate how you style your hair, makeup, pantyhose, and shoes. You will also abide by strict regulations pertaining to your uniform, keeping it neatly pressed, even amidst all your travels. Your lip and nail colour must be muted.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Flight Attendant?
Certification courses help the candidates to get an edge over other potential individuals. Certification courses are beneficial to increase the candidate’s existing knowledge and skills. We have mentioned below certifications that individuals may opt for who want to establish a career as Flight Attendant.
Internship Availability
Once cabin crew members are hired, airlines provide initial training, ranging from three to six weeks. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training centre and is required for FAA certification. Trainees learn emergency procedures such as evacuating aircraft, operating emergency equipment, and administering first aid.
Also read: Career as flight engineer
Flight Attendant Jobs and Salaries
Junior Flight Attendant
- Average Salary 36000
Job Description
The Junior Flight Attendant job description includes making and serving beverages and food to passengers and responding to the queries of the passengers. A Junior Flight Attendant provides support to passengers with special needs and administers first aid and medical care in the case of emergencies.
Salary Description
The estimated Junior Flight Attendant salary in India ranges from Rs 0.2 Lakhs to Rs 22.1 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 4.5 Lakhs per annum. The Junior Flight Attendant salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Senior Flight Attendant
- Average Salary 58000
Job Description
The Senior Flight Attendant job description includes presenting the emergency equipment and giving instructions on how to use them and adhering to all aviation rules and regulations. A Senior Flight Attendant prepares and submits reports on flight incidents.
Salary Description
The estimated Senior Flight Attendant salary in India ranges from Rs 3.5 Lakhs to Rs 24.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 7.2 Lakhs per annum. Senior Flight Attendant salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Flight Attendant?
Flight attendant jobs will be in high demand in the Airline Industry such as Air hostess, flight steward, traffic assistant, ticketing or reservation staff, customer service agent, sales or marketing staff, and airline call centers. Revenue passenger kilometer (RPK) in domestic airline demand growth of 18.6 per cent in 2018 was three times the global RPK growth of 6.5 per cent.
Indian carriers are projected to increase their fleet size to 1,100 aircraft by 2027. Freight traffic in Indian airports is expected to cross 11.4 MT by 2032. India has 91 international carriers comprising five Indian carriers and 86 foreign carriers, which ensures that India is well connected with most major countries.
Frequently Asked Questions for Flight Attendant
Que. How does IGIA provide job assistance?
Ans.We provide job assistance for one and a half years after the successful completion of the course. We expect our students to get a job in this period only. If they don’t get a job offer within this period, our counsellors will try & help the student in identifying and analysing the reasons and suggest a remedial action to follow and prepare a career path.
Que. What is Flight Attendant Salary?
Ans.The estimated Junior Flight Attendant salary in India ranges from Rs 0.2 Lakhs to Rs 22.1 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 4.5 Lakhs per annum.
Que. What is the difference between a stewardess and a flight attendant?
Ans.The terms "stewardess" and "flight attendant" describe the same basic job of tending to aeroplane passengers' needs and safety. "Stewardess," however, is an outdated term that has been replaced by "flight attendant" on all airlines.
Que. How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
Ans.New flight attendants typically receive paid training after being hired by an airline, but flight attendant schools to train aspiring candidates do exist and some choose to pay for their own training before seeking a job. Training programs can take up to eight weeks to complete.
Que. Is a flight attendant costume different for different airlines?
Ans.Yes, different airlines have different uniforms for their cabin crew members.
Que. How much does a flight attendant make in India?
Ans.Different airlines have different pay packages but Air India pays the highest amount to its flight attendants. The initial salary is Rs. 40,000 per month.
Que. What is the qualification required for flight attendant?
Ans.The qualification required for a flight attendant is you must complete a 10+2 education in any stream or an undergraduate degree in aviation. Most preferably a degree in Hospitality or Cabin Crew Training.
Que. How hard is it to become a flight attendant?
Ans.Becoming a Flight Attendant can take a long time and might be difficult as it will take three to six months of time to get hired by the airlines. There is also a lot of competition for this career.
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Questions related to Flight Attendant
completed my 12th from BOSSE sikkim Board so can I join aviation field as a flight attendant?
Same question sir plz tell me this board vaild in govt.job plz tell me sir
Answer laterhow many hours one have to fly if you are international flight attendant ? do they have back to back flights? how many hours rest they get? can one holiday whenever they want??
hey there,
Normally airline assigns the 12 hours to 14 hours of shifts. Sometimes it could be increased if you are on an international long route flight.
Flight attendants may be away from home for several days in a row including weekends and holidays and therefore must be flexible. The maximum number of flying hours per day is set by union agreement, and on-duty time is usually limited to 12 hours per day, with a daily maximum of 14 hours.
hope this will help you
I want to become a flight attendant..but due to this pandemic..my parents think that..it is not a safe job..what should I do??
Hi there ,
I think if you really want to pursue a career as flight attendant , you can covince your parents. I understand that due to the current pandemic situation , it might not be the best choice according to your parents ,as they're right on their part considering the safety and security of their child. Every job which requires to go out of the house is unsafe today but on the brighter side , we all can hope that within few years we'll be over this pandemic and you can pursue your career without any problem hence studying or preparing for the same wouldn't be any problem. I hope this answer helps you and you get to pursue your dream job. All the best.
I am BA graduate , age 24 , can I become flight attendant in emirat airway ?
Here is the eligibility criteria:
1. Applicants must be at least 21, speak English fluently, and have a high school degree with at least one year of experience in customer service or hospitality.
2. Emirates flight attendants are also required to be at least 5'2'' height tand have no visible tattoos.
3. Applicants must submit an online photo and the airline will also conduct pre-employment medical tests.
4. Applicant who become successful will earn handsome salary and earn various benefits like vocation, housing etc.
Hope this answer is helpful for you.
can i join as a flight attendant after 12th and continue my further study while working
Hello student yes you can join as a flight attendant after completing class 12 as minimum education qualification for flight attendant /cabin crew is class 12 paased. Many students do their graduation from open school with continue working as a flight attendant.
Feel free to comment if you have any doubt
Good luck
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Indian carriers are projected to increase their fleet size to 1,100 aircraft by 2027.
Fact 2
Freight traffic on indian airports is expected to cross 11.4 MT by 2032.
Fact 3
India is the fastest growing aviation market and is expected to cater to 520mn passengers by 2037.
Fact 4
India has been projected to be the second-fastest-growing country in the world for passenger traffic by the Airports Council International (ACI) in its traffic forecasts between 2017-40.
Fact 5
Demand for aircraft in India is expected to be 1,750 by 2037.
