Who is cabin attendant

Remember me. Home Occupations Cabin Attendant. Cabin Attendant Cabin attendants' male or female first responsibility is the safety of airline passengers from the time they board the aircraft until they disembark at their destination.

Employment South African Airways South African Air Force other domestic and international airlines private aviation companies safari and tour operators self-employment - there is a small demand for free-lance cabin attendants from charter and corporate aviation companies Where to Study Jamaica Colbourne College.

Customer Services Agent. Tour Guide. Public Relations Practitioner. Wine Steward. Adventure - No two days are alike - the people, places, culture and food that flight attendants experience are sometimes life changing.

Discounts - Flight attendants get discounts at airport shops, restaurants, hotels, rental cars, city tours and cruises. Some airlines also offer additional discounts to shows, amusement parks, etc. This is on top of free or discounted standby flights. Time Off - Depending on the schedule, flight attendants could have a couple of weeks off per month. This amounts to six months of work spread out over a calendar year. Alone Time - On layovers, flight attendants can use their down time as mini-vacations by relaxing, reading a book, getting a massage, or getting some much needed sleep.

This gives flight attendants an opportunity to get caught up and enjoy time with loved ones. Shopping - Flight attendants may be able to shop in New York, L. Restaurants - Every city or country has its food specialty. The chance to eat authentic, local food is a big plus whether you are a foodie or just hungry after your flight.

Uniforms - Flight attendants save a lot of money on clothing and accessories, which is especially great when one is just starting out and on a tight budget. Being Away From Home - This lifestyle is not everybody's cup of tea. Flight attendants may be on the road for two, three or four days or even an entire week.

They live out of a suitcase so it's good to ask yourself if you are more of a homebody. Restaurants - Eating in restaurants can be expensive. In order to save money, flight attendants have been known to survive for days on juice boxes, ramen noodles, and granola bars.

Jet Lag - Flight attendants eventually learn how to live with the sleep deprivation and dehydration that comes with flying in a pressurized cabin and through several time zones. If this is not something you think you can get used to, it might be better to work in the airport rather than on an airplane.

Socializing - Flight attendants are automatic spokespersons for their airline, answering people's questions and directing them to the nearest gate, restaurant, or bathroom. There are also airlines companies that prefer experienced cabin attendants. This type of work is often exhausting because of the constant traveling and increasing demands of the passengers. An experienced cabin attendant can easily handle these challenges.

Airline companies are the sole employer of cabin attendants. This usually causes limited demand for work and intense competition for limited position. There are also cabin attendants that could work with smaller airline companies that specialize in providing transportation for limited passengers. You sometimes have to work or be flexible on your days off if your return journey is cancelled or delayed, but you'll be compensated in these cases.

Instead, most airlines expect you to have a good secondary education, with some requiring grade C or above in English and maths. Studying a degree, HND or foundation degree in one of the following subjects may be useful in showing the airline that you have an interest in the area:. Being able to speak other languages is particularly useful and this could put you at an advantage against other candidates.

They are awarded by bodies such as:. One and two-day taster courses, which give an indication of what cabin crew work is like, and other introductory courses are also available.

For details, see course providers such as Cabin Crew Wings. Completion of these courses and qualifications demonstrates your enthusiasm and interest in the career, but won't guarantee you a job.

They may give you an edge over other candidates, but most airlines do not require them before considering you for a vacancy.

The majority of airlines do have a list of requirements, however, which candidates must meet. This includes some or all of the following:. Airlines may wish to see evidence of relevant work experience rather than qualifications, as they're keen to see that candidates have the required skills. Part-time or temporary work in customer service roles will be particularly useful, as will any work that demonstrates teamwork and communication.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available. Airlines operate on a chartered or scheduled basis, with some operating a mixture of both. Typical employers include large and medium-sized British airlines and international carriers. For a list of member, passenger and cargo airlines, consisting of around airlines in over countries, see International Air Transportation Association IATA.

Individual airports usually have a list of the airlines and tour operators operating from their airport on their website. Temporary seasonal opportunities are available through airlines and tour operators to cover the peak summer period May to October.

Permanent contracts are rare and competition for them is fierce; it may take several years of seasonal work before you can apply for a permanent contract. Business and corporate jet companies also hire cabin crew, sometimes for VVIP flight attendant positions for their prestigious clients. This role may also be advertised under the title of corporate or executive cabin attendant or VIP cabin crew.

Recruitment firms such as The Launch Group handle vacancies and provide support and advice. You can also check individual airline websites. This is a highly competitive profession. You'll be applying against a variety of candidates, from school leavers to those with a significant amount of experience.

Airlines recruit throughout the year so keep checking websites regularly and make speculative applications.