Flight attendants welcome passengers while boarding, check the tickets, direct them to the seats, and assist them with their coats and luggage. Flight Attendants during the course of their job on line course briefs the passengers safety procedures before takeoff. While at cruise level, the attendants ensure that passenger seat safety belts are fastened whenever required; serve drinks, light refreshments, or precooked meals; distribute materials for reading; and answer general queries of passengers’.

Very important but often forgotten part in the job of flight attendants is to assist passengers during emergencies, which includes reassuring passengers to opening doors and inflating emergency slides for evacuation. They are also trained to provide first aid.

Airlines generally operate a flight with one to ten flight attendants which also depends on the fleet of planes operated by the airline. A typical Boeing 747 can have as many as twelve to sixteen flight attendants.

The turnover of flight attendant job which used to be traditionally very high has shown a decline in the last few years as more and more individuals are getting career conscious. Year 2007 should show an increase in flight attendant job openings due to the higher replacement needs of airlines.

Replacement need arises due to flight attendants leaving career or just leaving the labor force for better airlines. Employment of Flight Attendants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2007. Growth in population and income is expected to on line course the number of airline passengers. Airlines enlarge their capacity by increasing the number and size of planes in operation. More flight attendant job vacancies are bound to arise with acquisition of new aircrafts and also since Federal Aviation Administration safety rules require one attendant for every 50 seats flown.

Competition for jobs as Flight Attendants is expected to remain very keen because the number of applicants is expected to greatly exceed the number of job openings. The glamour of the airline industry and the opportunity to travel and meet people attract many applicants.

One of the best job satisfaction with a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially when you help an unaccompanied minor or handicapped passenger safely travel and reach their destination.

What are the maximum and minimum height guidelines for airline flight attendants? Not all, but many airline carriers set minimum and maximum height limits for their flight attendants. accredited online courses primary consideration is firstly the personal safety for that of the flight attendant and the safety of the passenger.

Secondly, the delivery of customer service. Safety is identified in the ability to conduct or participate in an evacuation and be able to operate emergency exits. Service is identified in many ways and the ability to reach overhead lockers to provide customer service in luggage stowage and in-flight accessibility of passengers’ belongings is just one.And it only takes accredited online courses reasoning to realize that a flight attendants reach which is normally a function of height for meal delivery, is also very important. Especially when participating in serving 200 or more people many times during a tour of duty in a two seat span aircraft.

Similarly height on the maximum scale requires you to be able to move about the cabin safely without fear of hitting your head or body on any aircraft structure. This might be on an over wing aircraft where the wing online drivers education courses encroaches head space in the cabin for example or perhaps head space that is encroached by drop down TV screens presents an important consideration for some airlines.

Obviously it becomes a huge consideration for airlines if they were to employ a person of such a stature that was at odds to the work place in which they were required to work. Especially if that work place could potentially hurt that person in the normal course of their duties.Further, online history course a person that could not carry out the functions of the flight attendant job role which includes both safety and service due to their height or physical capabilities would be silly, dangerous and possibly fatal.

A minimum used by many airlines starts at 1.58m and the maximum for many is stated as 183 cms.WeightWhile the airline flight attendants of yesteryear were perhaps online drivers education courses with a set of scales, the modern day weight requirements for flight attendants are weight in proportion to your height. Translated, this means you can look like real people! In most cases your weight has little to with your competency to fulfill the job role as flight attendant.

An airline flight attendant must be able to perform the duties required irrespective of weight. Weight from an applicant’s perspective will only play its part if it prohibits the flight attendant applicant from performing the duties of a flight attendant.

There is absolutely no substitute for what airline travel as a Flight Attendant can give you. The good, the bad and the ugly of traveling life from a work and passenger perspective will be encountered over time and it will very likely be experiences that are extremely regular but totally unique in their own way.

A career as a Flight Attendant with a well traveled airline will certainly open your eyes to the world. The opportunities of course are certainly what you make of them and there are many of them to experience.

If you love people, varied work hours including weekends and public holidays such as Christmas and Easter and you’re at ease with living out of a suitcase, plus you possess a strange penchant to the smell of Av-tur, then flying as an airline Flight Attendant is for you.

Being a Flight Attendant is like being part of a large family. It allows you to travel half way round the world, pull up a seat in a bar, restaurant, gym or other meeting place and talk to another Flight Attendant or airline employee as if they were your best friend. Yes, the camaraderie of flying for an airline is fantastic and possibly one of the best things about a career as a Flight Attendant. And if you are genuine, hard working and a positive person it will stand you in good stead to get along with many people and you will achieve much in your flying career.

The world really is at your feet as an airline Flight Attendant. Certainly you can find jobs that pay you a lot more money but very few that can give you the airline lifestyle. So if you are a people person and have a sense of free spirit, you will have to go a long way before you find a career that comes anywhere close to what you will experience as a flight attendant. And this is particularly so if you fly with an international airline.

Having flown for many years both domestically and internationally myself, I considered that it was the job I had that really wasn’t a job because I looked forward to actually going to work for every flying tour of duty. It always presented variety and challenges in every day and never for one moment was it boring.

While much more could be written about the fantastic life and career that is enjoyed by a airline Flight Attendants, I hope I have whet your appetite with new goals and dreams and that you now do all within your capabilities to chase your dream to become an airline Flight Attendant. Flying, there’s nothing like it and from my perspective, it is certainly worth the chase.

I guess the two ever burning constant questions that I get from potential flight attendants the world over concern height and weight. It is something that I can associate with because I was no different when I wanted to become an airline flight attendant. Here I have given the answers and some reasoning behind them.

What are the maximum and minimum height guidelines for airline flight attendants?

Not all, but many airline carriers set minimum and maximum height limits for their flight attendants. The primary consideration is firstly the personal safety for that of the flight attendant and the safety of the passenger. Secondly, the delivery of customer service. Safety is identified in the ability to conduct or participate in an evacuation and be able to operate emergency exits. Service is identified in many ways and the ability to reach overhead lockers to provide customer service in luggage stowage and in-flight accessibility of passengers’ belongings is just one.

And it only takes minor reasoning to realize that a flight attendants reach which is normally a function of height for meal delivery, is also very important. Especially when participating in serving 200 or more people many times during a tour of duty in a two seat span aircraft.

Similarly height on the maximum scale requires you to be able to move about the cabin safely without fear of hitting your head or body on any aircraft structure.

This might be on an over wing aircraft where the wing structure encroaches head space in the cabin for example or perhaps head space that is encroached by drop down TV screens presents an important consideration for some airlines.

Obviously it becomes a huge consideration for airlines if they were to employ a person of such a stature that was at odds to the work place in which they were required to work. Especially if that work place could potentially hurt that person in the normal course of their duties.

Further, to employ a person that could not carry out the functions of the flight attendant job role which includes both safety and service due to their height or physical capabilities would be silly, dangerous and possibly fatal.

A minimum used by many airlines starts at 1.58m and the maximum for many is stated as 183 cms.

Weight

While the airline flight attendants of yesteryear were perhaps confronted with a set of scales, the modern day weight requirements for flight attendants are weight in proportion to your height. Translated, this means you can look like real people! In most cases your weight has little to with your competency to fulfill the job role as flight attendant. An airline flight attendant must be able to perform the duties required irrespective of weight. Weight from an applicant’s perspective will only play its part if it prohibits the flight attendant applicant from performing the duties of a flight attendant.

Did you know that Boeing aircraft state that, “In the United States, it’s 22 times safer flying in a commercial jet than traveling by car, according to a 1993-95 study by the U.S. National Safety Council. The study compares accident fatalities per million passenger-miles traveled. The number of U.S. highway deaths in a typical six-month period of about 21,000 roughly equals all commercial jet fatalities worldwide since the dawn of jet aviation four decades ago. In fact, fewer people have died in commercial airplane accidents in America over the past 60 years than are killed in U.S. auto accidents in a typical three-month period”.

Did you know that aircraft have brakes on their wings?

Aircraft have what they call lift dumpers on their wings that spring up into the air upon landing. This does two things. One, it creates resistance to the oncoming airflow and the disturbance that it creates causes drag. Two, the lift dumpers gradually nullify the lift component of the wing the further they are raised into the air steam. On landing this transfers the aircraft weight from the wings directly to the ground enabling maximum braking effectiveness from the wheel brakes.

These lift dumpers have three protective security safety deployment requirements before they will fully engage to avoid inadvertent full deployment in the air. If of course they did fully deploy in mid air, the aircraft would be in a serious flight situation. The result would defiantly be earth bound!

Did you know that Aircraft are frequently hit by lightning?

In fact, aircraft are designed around the fact that they will be hit by lightning and have special electrical discharge wicks to dissipate the electrical energy from the aircraft when this does happen. These discharge wicks are on the trailing edge of the ailerons, rudder and elevator control surfaces. They are approximately 12 to 20cms long. Without the discharge wicks to disperse the electrical current there would be a substantial risk that the control surface linkages could be welded together resulting in nil response to pilot maneuver commands resulting in a possible catastrophic situation.

Did you know that warm air from the engine is used to heat up the wings?

When outside air temperatures fall below zero and there are atmospheric conditions conducive to icing, then heated air from the engines is drawn from them and routed along the leading edges of the wings. This is to keep the wing above zero degrees so as to prevent the build up of ice on the wings.

Ice formulation on a wing severely disrupts the flow of air over it affecting the capacity of the wing to produce lift. If this was allowed to go to the extreme the lift component of the wing would fall below the point required for the aircraft to fly and the aircraft would literally fall out of the sky. The ice also dangerously adds to the weight of the aircraft which could develop to a catastrophic state itself.

Flight Attendant Job demands the airline employee to be responsible for safety and personal comfort of passengers traveling with an airline they work for. Duties in a typical Flight Attendant job is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), however the same may vary slightly from airline to airline depending on the type of aircraft flown by them. Each individual undergoing training for flight attendant job are trained in emergency evacuation procedures, crew coordination activities, security procedures and first aid, they are also briefed on weather and flying time by captain of the flight before the journey. There job demands them to check passenger safety devices and to oversee that the aircraft is well stocked with supplies. Flight attendants welcome passengers while boarding, check the tickets, direct them to the seats, and assist them with their coats and luggage. Flight Attendants during the course of their job also briefs the passengers safety procedures before takeoff. While at cruise level, the attendants ensure that passenger seat safety belts are fastened whenever required; serve drinks, light refreshments, or precooked meals; distribute materials for reading; and answer general queries of passengers’. Very important but often forgotten part in the job of flight attendants is to assist passengers during emergencies, which includes reassuring passengers to opening doors and inflating emergency slides for evacuation. They are also trained to provide first aid. Airlines generally operate a flight with one to ten flight attendants which also depends on the fleet of planes operated by the airline. A typical Boeing 747 can have as many as twelve to sixteen flight attendants. The turnover of flight attendant job which used to be traditionally very high has shown a decline in the last few years as more and more individuals are getting career conscious. Year 2007 should show an increase in flight attendant job openings due to the higher replacement needs of airlines. Replacement need arises due to flight attendants leaving career or just leaving the labor force for better airlines. Employment of Flight Attendants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2007. Growth in population and income is expected to increase the number of airline passengers. Airlines enlarge their capacity by increasing the number and size of planes in operation. More flight attendant job vacancies are bound to arise with acquisition of new aircrafts and also since Federal Aviation Administration safety rules require one attendant for every 50 seats flown. Competition for jobs as Flight Attendants is expected to remain very keen because the number of applicants is expected to greatly exceed the number of job openings. The glamour of the airline industry and the opportunity to travel and meet people attract many applicants.

One of the best job satisfaction with a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially when you help an unaccompanied minor or handicapped passenger safely travel and reach their destination.

The most popular method of recruiting flight attendants in the United Kingdom is at job fairs, open houses, and other events sponsored by airlines. The reason why these methods are so effective is that they offer an opportunity for recruiters to meet with flight attendant applicants directly. These preliminary interviews and conversations allow recruiters to assess the communications skills, poise, and enthusiasm of applicants without resorting to speculation from impersonal applications. However, the advantages of flight attendant recruitment are not one sided. Attendant aspirants can build an understanding of the job market and put their name out there as a candidate with multiple airlines.

Another method that airlines use to recruit flight attendants is through the various recruiting firms in the UK. Recruiting firms are a great resource for airlines and applicants alike, as they act as a clearinghouse of information and opportunities for both. Airlines can work with recruiters to establish qualifications and application guidelines which can then be used to narrow the list of talented applicants to a few. From there, airlines interview the remaining candidates and work in consultation with recruiters to find the best placements for everyone involved. Flight attendant candidates can find great jobs through recruiting firms because they have exclusive job opportunities unavailable elsewhere.

Finally, graduates and young professionals interested in working as a flight attendant in the United Kingdom can find recruiting efforts on the Internet. Airlines are increasingly turning toward innovative online recruiting methods to grab the attention of media savvy professionals. Some airlines are advertising their job opportunities and open house events on highly trafficked sites for young professionals, including job sites. As well, there are some airlines that are beginning to hold virtual job fairs on their website, utilizing instant messaging and chat options in order to connect recruiters with candidates. These methods are still in the infant stage but attendants need to utilize them as part of a multi-faceted job search.

However, the airline stewardess profession can be a difficult one. Depending on the airline and its scope of travel, stewardesses can be away from home for days and weeks at a time. The rigourous schedule, between the long flights and the nightly stays in strange cities, can be exhausting for some professionals. Other professionals, however, thrive on this pressure and it is one of the main reasons why they choose this field of work.

For these professionals, the airline stewardess is not a temporary job but a career option that fulfils their need for travel and daily challenges. In this case, airline stewardess professionals need to choose their positions wisely. Not every airline is equal and not every stewardess position offers the same benefits. Smaller airlines, corporate charter companies, and regional or speciality carriers offer stewardesses an interesting opportunity. More compact aeroplanes and smaller quarters mean that stewardesses have to be more diligent in their tasks and become better acquainted with travellers and flight crew members alike. As well, the regular routine of charter flights and smaller airlines means that a stewardess can sleep at home or in a familiar place every night of the week.

However, stewardess aspirants ultimately look to major airlines as their final career goal. These airlines can be tough to enter, though a few steps can be taken to expedite the process. A stewardess can gain experience with the aforementioned smaller airlines or in a graduate training program before applying for a job with a major carrier. As well, a stewardess can network with fellow flight professionals in order to find jobs. Finally, major airlines often contract out recruiting for stewardesses to speciality recruiting agencies. For stewardesses who want to have a long and successful career, no one step will ensure advancement in the field.

However, if you think that their job is simple and glamorous, you had better think again. Not everyone who applies for aviation training can actually meet the eligibility for cabin crew job descriptions. (When we say, aviation training, we actually mean for the cabin crews and not the pilots themselves.) And even for those who do pass cabin crew training, there is a stringent hierarchy for trained professionals. Many successful trainees do not really rise above the level of cabin crews for domestic puddle hops.

Depending on the hiring airline companies, many potential flight attendants have to go through very rigorous trainings for airplane safety measures, medical emergencies, and of course, passenger care – among many things. Flight attendant training does not end there. There are also additional trainings and certifications needed for those who wish to cater to a more select group of passengers like for those who patronize business jet flights or private planes.

There are a number of flight attendant training centers in the country. There are some that are privately owned, which means that potential cabin crews have generalized education. Flight attendant training centers that are commercially owned are those run by airline companies themselves. Often, non-city people train in private centers first before can meet the application eligibility for cabin crew job descriptions in commercial training centers. Training sessions usually go from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on what kind of training is actually being given, the airline company giving it, and the collective skills of the group of trainees at that moment.

What are the qualifications for potential cabin crews?

The number one qualification for potential cabin crew is of course, completion for basic cabin training. These may include, but not limited to: CPR and other medical tools and procedures; crew resource management and security; desert, ice, jungle, sea survival skills; decompression emergencies; emergency passenger evacuation (using evacuations slides, lifesavers, life rafts, etc.); and passenger assistance. More specialized training involves food preparation like a certification in alcoholic beverage preparations and coffee preparations. In light of fairly recent happenings, some flight attendants are now trained in bomb-detection and other potentially hazardous looking objects that may be used to high-jack a plane.

The need for multi-lingual and articulate cabin crews is largely dependent on the airline company as well. For many, English and the local dialect are standard requirements. However, some airline companies do train their cabin crews to speak the language of whatever country their planes land in. Some of the more prominent languages being taught are: Cantonese, Filipino, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Height and weight requirements are mostly for aesthetic value. And still, this is dependent on what image the airline company is trying to promote.

There are several types of employers in the field of corporate flights. Fractional Operators services several corporations. When you work with one of these employers the starting salary is usually on the low end of the scale, but the good news is that they usually don’t require you to have a lot of experience. They will provide the training you need to work for them. You will adapt to their regulations and many of these operators do not require you to relocate, often allowing you to meet the plane in a specific airport.

Charter Flights pay a slightly higher salary for corporate flight attendants. These companies rent their planes and personnel to individuals rather than have them on standby for specific corporations to use. Working for this type of airline business, you have the opportunity to log more hours because you will have more flying time with a wide variety of passengers. Your salary will depend on your experience and the location of the employer because this affects the type of charter flights it offers.

Owner operators own their own planes and only fly their employees or executives of the company from place to place. The salary and the duties involved in these corporate flight attendant jobs can vary widely. You may have to do everything onboard or you may be in charge of other flight attendants, supervising their activities.

You can be a full time employee of one of these flying services and available to fly when needed or you can work on contract through an agency. Working through an agency lets you work on contracts for flights and be paid per day. The salary for this is usually quite high and gives you the opportunity to work on all types of corporate and charter flights.

When you have the training you need to work as a corporate flight attendant, you will find many jobs in this line of work by searching online. Search through the ads and apply for the jobs that appeal to you. Cold calling airlines and corporations is also an effective way of obtaining a job because it lets you know if the company is hiring. You can also gain much information and meet prospective employers by attending airport events as well as meetings and conferences.

Some airlines will require you to be 19, 20 or 21. The maximum age is 54, however there are a few airlines that have a younger maximum age limit than this.

What is the minimum education I need?

Most airlines require you to have at least 4 GCSE’s grade c or above (or equivalent) with two of them in English and Math’s. We would point out that if you have do not have theses grades. but have a higher education then this will help your application. Some airlines also accept that not everyone excels in school and therefore will overlook qualifications if they have gained excellent customer service experience.

Health

Good health is essential and if you are successful in the selection process, you may be required to undergo a medical examination.

Height

Most airlines require you to be no shorter than 5ft 2in and no taller than 6ft 3in. This applies to both men and women. This is for safety, as you will be required to reach equipment that is carried on board the aircraft. Airlines that operate smaller aircrafts are able to recruit people from 4ft 9”

Weight

Your weight must be in proportion to your height. First Aid This is not a requirement, however if you have the relevant experience it would help with your application.

You must be able to swim

Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability to swim at least 25 metres, with some airlines its 30 metres.

Second Language

A second language is an advantage, however not essential to most airlines. We do however recommend having a second language, as this will help your application.

Customer service Experience

Customers are the highest priority, therefore airlines seek to recruit cabin crew who have enjoyed working and have excelled in customer contact positions. Also working with special needs, such as the elderly, children and infants and people with physical disabilities would be an advantage.

Service industry Experience

As the position is one of service to the public, it is important for all applicants to have had part-time or fulltime experience in the service industry. This could be working in a restaurant, a hotel, in catering or other positions that involve a strong customer service focus.

Passport

When successful with your application you must be entitled to live and work indefinitely in the UK and hold a valid EU or UK passport, which permits worldwide travel without restrictions.

Good Eyesight

Once successful you will undergo a eye test. If you do not have perfect eyesight then glasses or contact lenses can be worn with most airlines.

See the world and stay in some beautiful hotels whilst being paid.

Have a fantastic social life and meet new friends.

Enjoy unmatched variety – Forget the predictability of 9 to 5 cube life!

Enjoy maximum scheduling flexibility – You’re not limited to weekends off like the rest of the world!

Meet new people with different cultures.

Get free or reduced-cost travel benefits for yourself, immediate family and friends.

Feel more independent.

Feel more responsible.

Feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when helping passengers reach their destinations.

No two flights are same as you meet different people everyday. These range from baby’s and right up to the elderly and passengers can be fun.

You can get cheaper flights for friends and family depending on the airline, you will be amazed how quickly your friends come out of the woodwork! Imagine going to Tenerife for a couple of days, just to top up your tan.

If you fly to a non EEC country then as crew you can purchase your duty free including cigarettes, booze and perfume, a great money saver.

You find you get more time off than any other job you have done before as you may work for 4 or 5 days and then have 3 days off, sometimes even 5 if you have been put on standby and have not been called in to work!

When working as cabin crew you become more confident and have a great sense of achievement.

Now for the major perk to being cabin crew. For the lucky few that get long haul flights then you will normally stop over in the country you are going too. You stay in 4 or 5 star hotels and get the time off when you are there. As well as all this you also get paid for it. Imagine going to Florida and having 3 or 4 days off to go round Disney World!

Well with any job there are a few lows but as you can see not too many:

Well you are expected to work any day of the year and at any time. So your weekends are will now be banished forever. You may have to work on your birthday or even Christmas day and sometimes new years eve.

It can be tiring work as you can be delayed and the days can be long. If you are use to the nine to five then this may not be the job for you as you will work on night flights and weekends.

Making the decision to apply for a cabin crew job can be a hard one. I have come across dozens of crew who spent 10 years in a job they hated before plucking up the courage to apply for the job they dreamed of. Your friends or family may disapprove, you might be worried about all the early mornings, night flights, the upheaval of your 9-5 routine etc etc…

All these things, and your own preconceptions, are issues which you must weigh up alongside the many many positive aspects of this career, before you make the decision to apply.

It is worth mentioning some things about the job you should be aware of. This is not to put you off, but just to make you aware that the job isn’t as glamorous as a lot of people think, and it is good to get an idea of what to expect before you go giving up a well established career in another field completely.

There are many early starts, I get up at 3.30am a couple of times a month and I know others who have had to get up just as early or earlier for up to 6 days running. This is tough on your body, and you must make sure you get enough sleep so you are well rested for your flight, when you walk into your crew room you have to sign to say, amongst other things, that you are sufficiently rested. Inevitably this means some early nights, and when it’s Saturday night and your friends are all going out, you are ironing your uniform and turning in for the night just as they are calling a taxi, and your alarm clock is bleeping just as your friends are all leaving the club… It is tough, but there are other times when your friends are all going to work on a cold Monday morning and you’re lying on a beach somewhere exotic. Are the early nights on Saturday nights a small sacrifice? Or do you love your weekends too much?

Another issue if you work for a large airline is that believe it or not, the job can be a very lonely one. It is likely that you may not fly with the same person twice, or at least for a long time, and essentially you have to get to know people in a matter of a few hours. You could spend a few days in an amazing city and it takes a pretty strong person to get out and about on your own in a strange place if you don’t get to know any of the crew on your flight. The question here is are you a people person, do you like the idea of meeting brand new people and having to tell people from scratch your name, where you live, if you’re married, single, what you did before this, when you started with the company etc on every flight you do? I personally love it, meeting all sorts of interesting people, and if you don’t like someone on a flight, it’s water under the bridge as you may never see them again!

The tiredness is not on a par with most other jobs, it is completely different. In some cases you may be awake for 24 hours straight and have passed through different time zones during this time. Short haul is demanding work, busy flights, no breaks, you are on your feet for a full day and still expected to be smiling! Long haul is a different ball game, the flights can be just as busy, but you have legal rest periods during the longer flights and on the largest aircraft there are places to sleep.

So if after reading this, you decide to apply, here is what will happen. Airlines differ in their approach to recruitment, for example charter airlines tend to have yearly drives with applications being accepted from October onwards to match their busiest seasons, i.e. the summer ahead. Whereas other airlines do not do recruitment drives but rather accept applications all year round and recruit as and when. You may find that you get to interview stage and are accepted but are put in a holding pool to await a start date.

Most airlines use an online application process now, with some of the larger carriers actually enabling you to book interview dates online, and track your application. Gone are the days of sending CVs and covering letters!

A point to bear in mind here from my own personal experience of online applications is to keep a written record of what you have entered on the online form as you may be asked about specific experiences and be asked to expand on this at the interview stage, which is not easy if you cannot remember what you said on the application!

With regard to the application, take care if completing an online one as it is easy to make typing errors, it is important to make sure everything is gramatically correct. Equally important is to answer all the questions as honestly as possible. There will inevitably be one or 2 questions thrown in which are difficult to answer, ones that draw on previous customer service experience. It might be the easy option to invent a story which paints you in a good light but remember the recruitment team see many applications and may see through your far fetched efforts! It is a wiser option to think back to any times where you feel you have done a little bit more than was asked of you and try and apply it to your potential new role.

The Interview

So, you’ve followed all my advice on the application and you’ve got an interview! Well done!

From this moment on until the interview is over, you will no doubt be a nervous wreck… We’ve all been there, an interview is a terrifying experience, but a cabin crew interview can be potentially even worse in that it tends to be a full day interview, or if you’re really unlucky, split over 2 days which can be weeks apart.

I hope you haven’t been disheartened so far! So, you have the letter with the interview date and time, please do all that you can to make sure you can make it to the interview venue on time and with minimal stress. If this means you have to stay overnight close to the place, then so be it. You will learn that punctuality is of utmost importance in the aviation industry. Don’t be late!!

Some airlines hold their interview days at a hotel near the airport, others have dedicated training centres where they hold interviews. Wear smart business attire, i.e. a skirt or trouser suit for the ladies, and suit for men. Pay attention to detail, because so will the interview team. Grooming is very important to airlines, in the job you must look polished and smart at all times so this naturally applies to the interview as well. For ladies, hair must be tied up, no wispy bits or bands showing, and makeup tastefully applied, no thick eyeliner or glittery eyeshadow. Oh, and make sure you wear lipstick! Nails must be well manicured, and beware if you wear false nails that none of them have pinged off, take some glue just in case! For the men, just make sure your hair is neat and tidy, no facial hair, no makeup

Formats of the interview can differ slightly but are usually group interviews, ranging from 10 to 40 people attending the day, with generally 3 or 4 of the recruitment team. The first part of the interview is usually of group format, my experiences were group tasks involving being given a list of 10 items and us having to discuss and decide in which order we would have to get rid of them on a life raft. This type of exercise is all about getting you talking, and the recruitment team are looking for the people who voice their opinions without coming across as bossy. They certainly don’t want to see anyone sitting back and not saying anything, this will make you look disinterested. Even if this is the case, please make sure you forget it and get involved, it doesn’t matter if your group get it right or wrong, as long as you talk about it and try and involve everyone you will be fine! You may get a short exam, this sometimes includes some arithmetic questions, the aim of this is to eliminate anyone who can’t work out how much change to give people on board an aircraft etc. Very basic stuff, stuff which you do every day without thinking about it. The reason I’m stressing this so much is that for every single person on my interview, including me, the maths test was the one thing that reduced us to quivering wrecks! Please please please don’t worry about it!!

Now onto the next part of the interview. There may be a break for lunch or even a break of a few weeks while the recruitment team deliberate and decide who they are selecting to go through to the next stage (I know, you could be forgiven for thinking I’m talking about a reality TV talent contest!). This stage you may hear referred to as the 2 to 1, or 1 to 1 interview. This is to say that you will be interviewed individually by 1 or 2 people (the nervewracking part!). Well done to you if you got this far as it really is one hurdle after another to get there. When you are questioned, really take time to think about what the question is asking you, there are no trick questions here, just think before you speak! It is hard to try and tell you what you might be asked as all interviews are different, but the main thing to remember is to sell yourself, this is your chance to shine, so really go for it. Airlines like confidence, no shrinking violets here, but also no complacency. Some people think they have it in the bag, so make sure you respect your interviewers. Ask questions at the end if you like, but only relevant ones!! And do your homework. It will be expected that you know about the company, when they were established, the routes the airline flies, all the basics. The last piece of advice I have about the interview is to smile, smile, smile. Good luck!

A few words about the job

If you get the job, it is the best feeling! To think you have done better than thousands of others is a great achievment. I hope I have helped you make a decision on whether you want to pursue a career in the aviation industry. Have fun!

Like wait staff at restaurants, flight attendants often have a section of the aircraft that they are asked to cover. You may ask for help, and you should work well with the rest of the team, but you must also be able to handle your responsibilities on your own and without direct supervision. Flight attendants need to be able to handle preparing and serving meals and beverages to the passengers on the flight. They should be physically strong enough to help passengers properly stow their carry-ons; they may need money skills to sell headphones or other on-flight services, and they should be friendly enough to please customers, but still be able to deal with a customer who becomes irate or otherwise unruly. Flight attendants must also often have first aid skills, and the cool head that allows them to use those skills under pressure.

The majority of job opportunities through the year 2016 will arise from the need to replace flight attendants who leave the labor force or transfer to other occupations, often for higher earnings or a more stable lifestyle. With the job now viewed increasingly as a profession, however, fewer flight attendants leave their jobs, and job turnover is not as high as in the past. The average job tenure of attendants is currently more than 14 years and is increasing.

In the long run, opportunities for persons seeking flight attendant jobs should improve as the airline industry expands. Over the next decade, however, demand for flight attendants will fluctuate with the demand for air travel, which is highly sensitive to swings in the economy. During downturns, as air traffic declines, the hiring of flight attendants declines, and some experienced attendants may be laid off until traffic recovers.

At least 1 hour before each flight, attendants are briefed by the captain—the pilot in command—on such things as emergency evacuation procedures, coordination of the crew, the length of the flight, expected weather conditions, and special issues having to do with passengers. Flight attendants make sure that first-aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working order and that the passenger cabin is in order, with adequate supplies of food, beverages, and any other provided amenities. As passengers board the plane, flight attendants greet them, check their tickets, and tell them where to store carry-on items.

Before the plane takes off, flight attendants instruct all passengers in the use of emergency equipment and check to see that seatbelts are fastened, seat backs are in upright positions, and all carry-on items are properly stowed. In the air, helping passengers in the event of an emergency is the most important responsibility of a flight attendant. Safety-related actions may range from reassuring passengers during rough weather to directing passengers who must evacuate a plane following an emergency landing. Flight attendants also answer questions about the flight; distribute reading material, pillows, and blankets; and help small children, elderly or disabled persons, and any others needing assistance. They may administer first aid to passengers who become ill. Flight attendants generally serve beverages and other refreshments and, on many flights, especially international, heat and distribute precooked meals or snacks. Prior to landing, flight attendants take inventory of headsets, alcoholic beverages, and moneys collected. They also report any medical problems passengers may have had, the condition of cabin equipment, and lost and found articles.

Lead, or first, flight attendants, sometimes known as pursers, oversee the work of the other attendants aboard the aircraft, while performing most of the same duties.

Work environment. Because airlines operate around the clock and year round, flight attendants may work nights, holidays, and weekends. In most cases, agreements between the airline and the employees’ union determine the total daily and monthly working time. Scheduled on-duty time usually is limited to 12 hours per day although some contracts provide daily actual maximums of 14 hours, with somewhat greater maximums for international flying.

Attendants usually fly 65 to 90 hours a month and generally spend another 50 hours a month on the ground preparing planes for flights, writing reports following completed flights, and waiting for planes to arrive. Most airlines guarantee a minimum of 65 to 85 flight hours per month, with the option to work additional hours. Flight attendants receive extra compensation for increased hours.

Flight attendants may be away from their home base at least one-third of the time. During this period, the airlines provide hotel accommodations and an allowance for meal expenses.

Flight attendants must be flexible and willing to relocate. However, many flight attendants elect to live in one place and commute to their assigned home base. Home bases and routes worked are bid for on a seniority basis. The longer the flight attendant has been employed, the more likely he or she is to work on chosen flights. Almost all flight attendants start out working on reserve status or on call. On small corporate airlines, flight attendants often work on an as-needed basis and must adapt to varying environments and passengers.

The combination of free time and discount airfares provides flight attendants the opportunity to travel and see new places. However, the work can be strenuous and trying. Flight attendants stand during much of the flight and must remain pleasant and efficient, regardless of how tired they are or how demanding passengers may be. Occasionally, flight attendants must deal with disruptive passengers. Also, turbulent flights can add to possible difficulties regarding service, including potential injuries to passengers.

Working in a moving aircraft leaves flight attendants susceptible to injuries. For example, back injuries and mishaps can occur when opening overhead compartments or while pushing heavy service carts. In addition, medical problems can arise from irregular sleeping and eating patterns, dealing with stressful passengers, working in a pressurized environment, and breathing recycled air.

Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the Federal Aviation Administration are proud of their contributions to aviation’s impressive safety record. You, the air traveler, play a very important role in aviation safety. You can take responsibility for your own safety.

Listen To The Safety Briefing

Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened

Obey Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

Wear Sensible Clothing Fly Smart.

Fly Smart. Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even safer.

LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING

Fly Smart travelers always listen to the safety briefing because they know that every aircraft is different. The following are some tips to ensure that you are familiar with the aircraft you are on:

Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and follow along while you listen to the safety briefing. Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent takeoffs and landings.

One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an emergency. As part of this plan, count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

If you have any questions about the safety procedures, ask the flight attendant. Flight attendants are professionals; they know about the safety procedures of the aircraft.

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT

Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips – Your Seat Belt. In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10- year period. None of the injured had their seat belts fastened. To prevent turbulence-related injuries, Fly Smart travelers should always:

Keep their seat belt fastened at all times. Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips.

OBEY CARRY-ON BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

Fly Smart travelers should be aware of what they bring on board.

Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger.

Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. It’s a good idea to put the heavier items under the seat.

Carry-on items could become flying projectiles during turbulence. Heavy items and baggage with sharp corners can be hazardous.

Some hazardous materials are restricted. They can be dangerous if carried (or checked) on an aircraft. Following is a partial list of common articles from the home, workplace, or garage which, because of their physical or chemical properties, can pose a danger when transported.

Mace, tear gas, and other irritants

Aerosols containing flammable material (hair spray, deodorant, repellents), loaded firearms, loose ammunition, gasoline and other flammable materials propane, butane cylinders or refills, and lighter refills, wet-type batteries, e.g., as used in cars, fireworks and flares, safety or “strike-anywhere” matches (in checked baggage), paint and paint-related materials (thinners and cleaners), corrosive (acids), poisonous, infectious, and radioactive materials.

The above list is not all inclusive. There are certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, and equipment to support physically challenged passengers. There are also provisions for sporting equipment. When in doubt, check with your airline.

In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, leave everything behind.

WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING

For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of an evacuation, Fly Smart travelers should follow these guidelines:

Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather. They offer the best protection. Synthetics may melt when they are heated.

Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid restrictive clothing.

Wear low heeled shoes or boots. (Shoes with laces or straps are recommended. Avoid sandals.)

Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible. (Long sleeves/pants are recommended.)

PASSENGER CHECKLIST

SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER

Sensible Clothing

Shirt – Long sleeved, natural fabrics.

Slacks/pants – Long, natural fabrics.

Shoes – Leather or canvas and low-heeled.

Child Safety Seat

Check with airline for policy on use before arrival at airport.

On Board the Aircraft

Safely stow carry-on baggage.

Wear seat belt snug and low across the hips.

Keep your seat belt fastened at all times.

If you take your shoes off, put them on before landing.

Review the passenger safety card before each takeoff and each landing.

Listen carefully to the safety briefing.

Ask questions if safety information is not clear.

Make a mental plan of the actions you would take in an emergency.

Be familiar with all exits.

Count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

Exit Row Seating

Listen to the safety briefing and/or read the written instructions for aircraft specifics.

You must be physically capable and willing to perform emergency actions. If not, request another seat.

You must know your responsibilities in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Ask questions if instructions are not clear.

Consider the effects of alcoholic beverages.

In the unlikely event of an emergency, you should be aware of the following.

Evacuation Slides

Jump feet first into center of slide.

Do not sit down to slide.

Place arms across chest, elbows in, and legs and feet together.

High-heeled shoes can damage slides.

Decompression

Pull oxygen mask toward you to start oxygen flow.

Put your oxygen mask on as quickly as possible.

Help children and others with their masks.

Flotation Devices

Know where they are and how to use them.

Life vests (under seat, if available), life rafts, and some seat cushions and evacuation slides can be used as flotation devices.

Evacuating the Aircraft

Follow instructions of crew member (if possible).

Stay calm and proceed quickly to exit.

Leave all your possessions behind.

Fire or Smoke

Inflight

- Use wet paper towel or handkerchief over nose and mouth.

- Move away from the source of fire and smoke.

On Ground

- Stay low.

- Proceed by your predetermined count of seat rows to exit(s) and/or

- Follow floor proximity lighting to an exit.

- Exit the aircraft.

- Leave all your possessions behind.

Outside the Aircraft

Move away from aircraft, fire, and smoke.

If possible, help those requiring assistance.

Remain alert for emergency vehicles.

Never go back into a burning aircraft.

Jobs within travel agents can be seen as the starting point for anyone’s holiday; here a variety of skills are required by employers to ensure levels of service are maintained. Fundamentally the job role consists of putting clients travel packages together.

This vital first step is where a client’s holiday will be made or broken; ineffectual service at this time will ruin a holiday and as the process of travel is a stressful experience anyway, organisation at this stage is crucial. Those wishing to find jobs in this sector of the travel industry should be able to listen intently and put into action instructions in a logical and forthright manner

For a lucky few some travel jobs include extended stays abroad; this sounds ideal if you like holidaying but being a representative in tourist resorts could not be further removed from a holiday. In what could be described as one of the most stressful jobs possible; responding to the whims of guests can be extremely frustrating.

Travel reps are put under a great deal of pressure to ensure their guests have the best stay possible, this can mean organising boat trips, or nights out. The diversity in these types of jobs is a source of their popularity, and while they are stressful they are satisfying as well.

Jobs in the travel industry often forgotten are those of the cabin crew. With evermore people flying abroad to holiday the need for cabin crew is at an all time high. With long hours and also highly stressful, the job requires extended lengths of time standing up and serving passengers.

The glamorous image of the trolley dolly is defunct as turnaround times at airports have been reduced so cabin crew see little of the countries they visit regularly. That said there are still discounted tickets available for purchase making these jobs somewhat worthwhile.

Travel jobs do not all require jetting off around the world. Jobs within the UK travel industry are increasingly available as the hotel and hospitality industry expands. Jobs in hotels consist of front and back of house work. Back of house workers include chefs and cleaners whilst those in the front of house are bar staff, waiting staff and receptionists.

Here, good interpersonal skills are required to ensure guests have the best stay and providing that extra service is a quality that hotel managers often look for. Providing that little extra can be a lucrative course if working in hotel jobs, as tips and bonuses top up the rather mediocre pay.

If you possess skills in such sports as waterskiing, snowboarding or scuba diving there are also travel jobs open to you. Resorts are always crying out for skilled employees who can provide tuition in all manner of disciplines. Being multi-lingual here can help as it allows teaching of a variety of nationalities. This can be seen as one of the best travel jobs as it allows you to do something you love and get paid for it.

There is no doubt travel jobs can give added bonuses in terms of reduced holiday rates and extended periods abroad. The jobs however are not all glamour; there is a large amount of work involved in providing unparalleled service.

To be successful in the travel industry it is vital to put the needs of others above your own. If this selflessness is something you feel you could manage jobs within in the travel industry may well be the right career choice for you.

The world of Cabin Crew is without doubt, unique. Very few careers offer such a diverse and erratic lifestyle.

How many jobs can you think of where you, as an employee, can go to work at 5am and not know literally where in the world you might be by midday? This is a regular occurrence for hundreds of thousands of crew around the globe.

Although you will always be rostered each month for a set amount of flights with predetermined destinations, you will however find yourself with many Standby shifts. These can either be home standbys or airport standbys.

By standby I mean that you have to be prepared to depart for any corner of the globe at a moment’s notice. On an airport standby you will probably have less than 15 minutes to get to the briefing room and a maximum of 90 minutes on a home standby.

Of course you will need to have bags packed to cater for all climates and for a stay of up to 4 or 5 days down route. This is something that can be tricky to master and indeed takes time to refine.

Crew life can be very taxing, not only physically and emotionally but also on personal relationships. Your partner could be saying goodbye, as he or she leaves for work at 8am on a Thursday morning, and be coming home that evening to discover that they won’t see you again until the following Monday.

Your social life outside of the airline can be almost non existent and the partners of Crew often find themselves going to parties and other functions alone. You really have to have a solid based relationship if you want to keep this career and a love interest going side by side.

Fifteen years or so ago, the lifestyle, salary and perks that came with a career of flying made up for much of the disruption to normal life. It afforded Crew the possibility of purchasing a nice apartment or house, free travel virtually anywhere in the world and week long rests in exotic or interesting locations.

Today sees a very different lifestyle. Yes, you still can get good discounted travel and some free flights depending on which carrier you work for, but the salaries now being offered are pitiful in comparison and flight allowances can be shockingly low. Also, you can expect only a 2 or 3 day turn around on many long haul routes. For example: A 12 hour flight from the U.K. to Dallas. You arrive 3pm local time, get to your hotel at 4pm and have to leave for your return at 4pm the following day. When you arrive home you may only get 2 days rest and then have to check-in at 7am for the same flight 3 days later. Believe me when I say that this can be exhausting.

This is where a person’s love of flying and waiting-on demanding passengers with diverse personalities and character traits at 35K feet up comes into play.

This life isn’t for everyone. You may believe that you want this glamorous career but the reality can be very different. Yes, of course it has its great aspects, but like all jobs it also has a downside.

The downside being; fatigue, sickness, long hours, low pay, trying to keep warm and staying awake at 3 am somewhere over the Atlantic while most of the passengers are sleeping and most of your colleagues are on rest.

Another aspect, which is uniquely peculiar to this job, is that you very rarely get to work with the same people twice. This can be viewed either as a good thing or bad thing.

On the one hand you may work with Crew who are vile, but then you have the consolation of knowing that you won’t have to work with them again, or at least not for sometime.

On the other hand this type of work environment doesn’t make it easy to build relationships with those that you have worked well with and who you would like to get to know more.

Whichever way you look at it, it can be quite a lonely job.

Before flying I had always, like most people, worked closely with others in a team; people who I got to know over a period of time and who I came to trust and befriend. So when I started to fly long haul I found it quite difficult to adjust to the fact that on arrival back to base, the group of people who I had just spent 3 days working with, just splintered off without really saying goodbye or see you around.

This is the nature of the work. People weren’t being unfriendly, only realistic. When you are one of many hundreds of Crew, then you can not expect to take everyone’s phone number and arrange to meet up for drinks. It does take a little getting used to.

Of course you do make friends, good friends, but it can take longer and requires a lot more effort. You will also experience great camaraderie and support. There will be great room parties when you are down route, fantastic shopping sprees, hilarious moments with your colleagues, the chance to see fabulous places and experience wonderful diversity of cultures. These are the rewards, and many more there can be too.

A career of flying means different things to different people. All crew will have their reasons for doing the job and will only continue to do it for as long as it serves their needs.

If after reading this you still want to become Cabin Crew then I am very happy, because it means that you aren’t easily put off and the industry needs many more fantastic people.