September 11, 2018, 9:52 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Flight attendants travel the world. At first glance, it’s a dream job. But it also demands a lot and is more challenging than many think. TRAVELBOOK shows what you need to become a flight attendant, how the training works, and what salary you can expect.
What marks the start of a vacation for many is just a regular workday for flight attendants. Whether flying from Frankfurt to New York or Munich, the time before takeoff and in the air is routine for them. Greeting passengers, stowing luggage, distributing sandwiches and drinks–these are just a small part of their duties. The onboard staff ensures a smooth flight.
“As flight attendants, our primary concern is that passengers feel comfortable and safe on board,” says Susanne Gier. The 46-year-old has been a flight attendant with Condor for 24 years and has been on well over 1,000 flights around the globe. The shift on board begins long before takeoff, while passengers are still bustling at check-in. Depending on the departure time, this can sometimes be in the middle of the night.
In a briefing, the 46-year-old and her colleagues first discuss all the flight’s specifics and assign responsibilities. This includes tasks not directly visible to guests, such as checking emergency equipment. Once guests are on board, the uniformed flight attendants take on roles as contacts, caterers, and even first aid providers.
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What Are the Requirements?
What you mainly need for the job is a lot of stress tolerance and empathy. “You have to be able to put your own feelings aside,” says Daniel Flohr from the Independent Flight Attendant Organization UFO. On their travels around the world, flight attendants encounter different cultures daily, often requiring a great deal of tact.
Flexibility is not only needed in interactions with passengers. Whether it’s the Rio de Janeiro flight over New Year’s or a business flight on a Monday morning, flight attendants are needed seven days a week, 365 days a year. “Holidays or the typical weekend are not part of the job,” says Flohr. Although employees can sometimes express preferences for destinations or days, they must be prepared for flights worldwide at any time. Typically, they work about 20 days a month.
To become part of a flight crew, you must be at least 1.6 meters tall and 18 years old. A specific school diploma is not required. However, good English skills are essential for dealing with international passengers. “Experience in the hospitality or service industry is also helpful,” says Frank Petro, a training manager at Air Crew Service, a training facility for cabin staff in Munich. Physical fitness is also important: “You constantly move between time and climate zones,” says Petro. “This can be taxing over time.”
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How Does Flight Attendant Training Work?
The traditional path to becoming a flight attendant involves a six- to eight-week training program with an airline, as they can train specifically for their aircraft and fleets. For the job above the clouds, trainees learn theoretical aviation basics and cabin crew communication rules. “In the air, all procedures must run smoothly,” says Petro. “Especially in critical situations.” Practical exercises like firefighting, first aid, and survival training are also part of the curriculum.
After training, flight attendants become a permanent part of the multi-member crew on board. After a few years of experience, they can advance to cabin chief, known as “Purser,” who also handles leadership tasks and communication with the cockpit. In airlines like Condor, flight attendants often work at headquarters, such as in marketing or as cabin staff supervisors.
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How Much Do Flight Attendants Earn?
The starting salary for a flight attendant can be around 1,700 euros gross, but it can also be significantly lower. Besides the salary, flight attendants gain a lot of travel experience throughout their careers. Maldives, Phuket, New York–those who love traveling will find the job rewarding. On long-haul flights, the crew usually stays one to two days at the destination to recover from the flight. There’s enough time to enjoy a bit of vacation feeling. “Sometimes you start in the cold and end up with your feet in the white sand after the flight,” says Susanne Gier. “You often forget that you’re actually on duty.”