Questions for a flight attendent!?

Question

I am 17 years old, and believe it or not my dream is to become a flight attendent! Its what i REALLY want to do...i have been planning on becoming one since my freshman year. I am working in customer service jobs, i am going study German for a year, and i have been saving up money to get myself started.

I really dont have another plan to fall back on. College is out of the question and i cant think of anything i would want to be that doesnt require college...so my question is, will i have a good chance to becoming a flight attendent?

I watched a special on the training they go through, and it said that only 2% actually make it. That worried me ALOT. i mean i know i will try my hardest and try to be as qualified as possible, but i am still nervous that maybe i wont even get past the interviews.

Can someone tell me what i should be expecting for the interview and how hard it is to become an attendent.

i think i will apply to united, delta, or another international airline

Answer 1

Flight attendant here!!!

First off don't be scared of the interview process. For interviews airlines usually use the "cattle call" process example a huge open house in which they pluck who is deem for the position. For example out of 90 individuals that were in my first enterview they only chose 15 even though that same day they stated they will not hire anyone or tell anyone they are hired but they did.  Not trying to scare you but it is a competitve once you get into the interview; but you also need to be calm and collective.  Your statement above of having previous customer service positions and also being bilingual is vital for your resume: MAKE SURE YOU PUT THAT INFO ON THERE! Dressing up for the interview it self; all i have to say is dress conservatively.  Think business like lady suit/ mostly black and just a vibrant blouse under the suit to show your personality-think classy not trashy- some people say wear a skirt example black or dark blue pencil skirt with hose-AGAIN THINK CONSERVATIVELY! Makeup wise: again classy not trashy- minimal makeup. Belive me i've been in some interviews in which you're just like "wow"  and that all you can describe it as.  Yes I am going extinsively on how to look for an enterview but it's also a guide because most flight attendant uniforms or at least U.S. airlines standard uniforms are dark blue dresses except Delta.  It's a way for an interviewer to picture you as a flight attendant. One last thing to add for the "look" is about the hair-Make sure its up; think a french do and if you do decide to have it down-Think very neat; no hair blocking the eyes or face itself.  

Now for the attitude: SMILE the whole time before  and during the interview. Have the attitude of being approchable. Show interest to of the interview. Ask questions-they do like it when an interviewee asks vital questions to of the position.  

Resume wise: Make sure to have stated customer service jobs extensively.  Also make sure resume format is correct. Cover sheets may or may not be needed.  

As for applying now if you haven't yet; I would say it's not really a good time.  Especially how airlines are doing right now.  To be honest with you U.S. airlines right now are not hiring for inflight positions.  To apply for a  U.S. airline or for an international airline you would need to go to their company website: example unitedairlines.com and click on their careers page at the bottom or top of the page. Through their site you can apply and upload your resume.  Now of course I've stated that U.S. airlines are probably not hiring but international airlines may.  Example Emirates Airline is a world renowed airline base out of Dubai and is a well known international airline. I for one would say you would have a better chance with an international airline.  Again the impact of high jet fuel has not really impacted international airlines.  And also international airlines such as Emirates has better pay and benefit packages for their inflight employees.  You will also notice that international airlines are prone to a 3-5 yr contract with their inflight staffing. It's either they can renew your contract or may not.  Again it depends on the airlines. Like domestic airlines here at home international airlines also do open houses or also better know as international assessment days- in which basically in a nutshell an open  house in a major city near or around in which you can go to.  Of course you have to be invited to open houses and this is for  all airlines- Again apply online first in the airline you're interested in and then you may or may not get invited-But as always try and try again.  

Now of course I'm rambling on and on...But there is sooooo much to say!  I have been a flight attendant for five year and i've seen a lot and i still remember how it was getting hired and the training---OMG the training.-Dont be scared- It was lots of fun; training that is.

Again back to the interview process-  There are a lot of questions in which an interviewer can ask you.  Again an interview can be between a group interview or a one on one interview.  Questions interviewer's may ask are: "Why do you want to be a flight attendant?" -  A big no no is don't say  "I love to fly"- They have heard that many times before even though it is true that flight attendants LOVES to fly and it is literally in the blood- But a better way to answer the question is - "I want to be a flight attendant because I work well with people, i'm a good problem solver, and i love a daily challenge." This ecentuates what a flight attendant is.  It's good to dress the part but to answer the part as well it's a good sign for an interviewer.  Other questions they may ask as well are basically customer service questions; for example i had an interviewer (and i have been to a lot of interviews in which they ask this a lot among other things)  ; Finish this sentence "I hate it when people/customers....."  i said "leave such items like cell phones and always wondering, omg whose cell phone is this-i hope they come back for it."  Always turn a negative question into something positive.  Again other than interviewers wanting to know how stress affects you and let alone the questions they ask you they want to see how you can answer "gracefully".  (example question above). A question that  will always be ask by an interviewer and even on the online applications is: "Are you willing to relocate?" If you can't answer this question or can't say yes to this question - then you will not be considered for the position. Example, flight attendants can be base where there company has a base/hub in- Commuting is not great; most flight attendants live near or in their base.  That means having to move constantly because of also being displace or other scenarios. For 5 years being a flight attendant i have move 4 times. Meaning moving to 4 different bases my company has.  Each move was of a different reason(s) behind it-Personal preferences for me and also one base displacing me since it was shutting down due to my company didnt need/want it for a base any longer.  Another thing in the interview that interviewers are looking for is your flexibility now of course i think i've covered the relocation part of it, but flexibility of being on call or even being in reserve. Being in reserve means you are on call and you don't have a line. A line is already a built up schedule for you that you have bid for. Flight attendants can bid for certain trips or cities in which they want to fly to.  Reserve employees are employees who are new hire and don't have much seniority.  Seniority is how long you have been with the company. Your time being in reserve and how your schedule forms is base on seniority. That's something that most new hire individuals don't get to understand until they get used to of their schedule/or being in reserve.  

Again no pressure; even though it seems like it. When you do get invited to an interview- Just have fun and be calm. The interview will always be the hardest thing-not the training.The training believe it or not is the best and fun  time you'll have; from knowing this and that  to of meeting interesting individuals just like you; who you may be working with and may also be your best friend in and outside of work.  If you don't make it the first time, try again- this is something to always think positive about and also if you do want the position to be a flight attendant you would keep trying. (Take it from someone who's been there... ) I love to fly and I really love to fly because I have recently receive my private pilot's certificate.  

Just do your best and smile and you'll be fine!

Answer 2

1st :   you need too be fluent in another language

besides english,

2nd : you need to take nurses training

3rd : you need better than high school degree

4th : you need to have good balance

and be friendly and outgoing

5th : you have to be young and attractive

6th :you must be over 5:5

7:th you need good hygene

8:th you need to be under 150 lbs

9:  you need to be cool tempered and curtious

10: you need to be able to function making thousands

of free dollars every week.

I think you can do it !

Answer 3

I suggest you go to all the airlines and apply, take the interviews and that alone will give you valuable experience.  My daughter in law is a flight attendant for Southwest and she loves it.  It is hard to go through the training as they and all airlines are very strict but once past that it is yahooo.  You will never know until you try.

Answer 4

I'm not a flight attendant, but I have worked for an airline for 19 yrs. I wanted to be one, but due to the height restrictions at the time I was deemed "too short"  lol.  Which is fine...because now that I have worked for an airline and have traveled I find that while I like to go to different places I really don't like flying that much.  Do some research on what Airlines are doing ok,  A lot of them, my airline included are laying off flight attendant right now.  I love being able to travel but the airline industry right now is not the best place to work.  You say you are going to study German, you might want to check out Lufthansa Airlines, I've flown them a few times and spoke to some of their employees and they seem to like it and people think they have a great airline.  Personally I think US carriers have a lot to be desired when it comes to customer service both in the air and on the ground.  Your young so you have a lot of choices if you want a job that lets you travel, flight attendants, cruise ships, tour agents etc.  

I added a link that may give you some of the info you are looking for.

Best of luck!!

Answer 5

Being a F/A (flight attendent) sounds like fun. That is what I thought once  too. I have a few suggestions for you.

- I think it is really good that you are taking German, I urge you to take an additional course or two. Being bi-lingual is a big bonus. Plus, you will have the opportunity to work on international airlines. Which with the way things are going for US airline right now, sounds like a good idea.

- Customer service exprience is a must, or it should be. It is essential that you know how to deal with unhappy people.

- Don't discount college just yet. While F/A's are not required to have a degree, one will definetly help. Who know's, soon you may be required to have a degree. At least try for an Assosiates degree. A two year degree in anything will be great. If you don't get a degree, at least take the following courses; 1 or 2 semesters or Foreign Language, physical and/or cultural geography, and a first aid class. A meteorology class would be great too.

Yes, training is brutal. My best advice is to steer clear of all gossip, partying and drinking during training. Take the interview and class seriously.

If you have tattoo's they might have to be removed, even if they are under your clothes. The tattoo will be seen by the Dr. who performs your physical. If you lie on your application, even about health issues, you may loose your job. That being said, the tounge ring and eyebrow piercing will have to go too.

All airlines require you to be at least 18, some its 20 and some its 21. Put in an application now, it may be up to 6 months before you even get a letter to be invited to be interviewed.

You don't have to be 5'5" or taller. Although those of extreme height will have difficulty working. All F/A's must past a Reach test, where they must be able to reach the emergency equipment in the overhead bin, w/o struggle.

You Don't need to be an RN (Nurse) or need that training. You will need to know how to preform CPR, rescue breathing, heimlic and you need to know how to use an AED.

Also, F/A's can't be grossly overweight or obese. You need to be in good health. If you have a severe condition that is not very well controlled, you might be disqualified for safety reasons.

Know this, once you get the job, you will be on reserve. This means you are on Call, you are not really scheduled for flights. You stay at home, by the phone, and if they need you to replace a shift, they can call you up at 6 am and say, be here at 9am for flight 83 to Denver.

I have some reading I suggest you do. Not to discourage you, but if you can read these books and laugh, then I think you would be a great candidate.

1 ) Air travel Tales From the flight crew. The Plane Truth at 35,000 feet.      - By " A. Frank Steward"

ISBN - 1570232423

2) Around the world in a bad mmod confessions of a flight attendant   - By Rene Foss

ISBN - 9780786890118

Answer 6

im no flight  attendant but i know Delta and jet Blue are the bessst!