Flight Attendant
Aviation & Flight Operations
Apply technical knowledge and skills to the performance of a variety of personal services conducive to the safety and comfort of airline passengers during flight, including verifying tickets, explaining the use of safety equipment, providing passenger services, and responding to in-flight emergencies.
What Flight Attendants Do
Apply technical knowledge and skills to the performance of a variety of personal services conducive to the safety and comfort of airline passengers during flight, including verifying tickets, explaining the use of safety equipment, providing passenger services, and responding to in-flight emergencies.
Common Tasks
- 1Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.
- 2Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets.
- 3Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.
- 4Walk aisles of planes to verify that passengers have complied with federal regulations prior to takeoffs and landings.
- 5Direct and assist passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing.
Types of Flight Attendants
Work Environment
Locations
- • Commercial aircraft cabins
- • Airline hubs and terminals
- • Airport gates and jet bridges
- • Airline crew bases and briefing rooms
- • International airports
Schedule
Schedules vary widely and often include nights, weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and last-minute changes due to weather or operational needs.
Physical Demands
The job involves long periods on your feet, frequent walking in narrow aisles, and bending/twisting while assisting passengers and handling service items. You must be able to respond quickly in emergencies and manage fatigue from long duty days and time-zone changes.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 130,800 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand may rise as air travel increases and airlines add routes and flights. Ongoing turnover and retirements can also create steady openings.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong median pay for a service role
- • Travel opportunities and working in different locations
- • Clear safety-focused procedures and teamwork
- • High number of annual job openings
- • Customer-facing work with variety day to day
Cons
- • Irregular schedule, holidays, and time away from home
- • High time pressure and responsibility during emergencies
- • Physically demanding with lots of standing and walking
- • Dealing with difficult passengers and conflict situations
- • Work can be disrupted by weather and delays
Common Questions About the Flight Attendant Trade
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