Although physical fitness is an important component of the job. Airlines may use different criteria when hiring flight attendants, but they typically look for candidates who appear healthy and are able to stand, lift, and move during the duration of a flight.
Candidates should also have good coordination to assist passengers in time of emergency and wear the airline’s uniform.
In addition to these physical criteria, most airlines need flight attendants to meet the requirements for medical certification, be comfortable speaking English and other foreign languages, possess a valid U.S. passport, and hold valid driver’s license.
Flight attendants need to be aware that physical requirements can be more stringent than other jobs because they need to be able to tolerate the cramped conditions of an airplane while able to move freely.
Every airline has strict criteria to pass the selection process to become a flight attendant, so it’s important to be aware of the specifics when applying. If you’re interested in becoming a flight attendant, check with different airlines to find out their requirements.
What disqualifies you from being a flight attendant?
The qualifications for becoming a flight attendant can vary depending on the airline. Generally speaking, flight attendants must be at least 18 years old and must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
Additionally, they must have a valid passport with full travel eligibility and flexibility to be away from home for days, or even weeks, at a time.
Other minimum qualifications include foreign language fluency (often anywhere from two to four languages), the ability to work well with a diverse range of people, and excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
Though the qualifications and requirements can vary, there are some disqualifying factors that are standards among all airlines. The following can all disqualify an applicant from becoming a flight attendant:
– A history of felonies or convictions of a violent crime
– An inability to swim
– A fear of heights
– Poor vision (interferes with the performance of job duties)
– Inability to pass a background check
– Inability to pass a drug test
– Past problems with alcohol or substance abuse
– Prior bad job reviews from past employers
– Appearance that is unprofessional or not in line with company policy, such as visible tattoos, facial piercings, or hairstyle guidelines
– Inability to reach overhead or lift a certain amount of weight (which varies by airline)
– Poor physical, mental, or medical health that would hinder the performance of job duties
What do airlines look for in a background check?
Airlines take the safety and security of their passengers, crew and aircraft very seriously. As such, they want to make absolutely sure that any potential employees passing through the hiring process are safe and reliable people who can be trusted to efficiently and conscientiously do their job.
When it comes to background checks and what an airline looks for, there is no simple answer or one size fits all approach. Factors may vary depending on the particular airline, the country in which they operate, the position being filled, and much more.
However, most airlines are likely to look into an applicant’s past employment, criminal history, credit history and educational background. Depending on the position, they might also scrutinize a person’s medical history, certifications and qualifications, and drug testing records.
The process typically involves a review of public records and other reliable sources, a verification of the information supplied by the candidate, and interviews of references. Some companies may even go further, requesting that the candidate submit fingerprints, license details, and other material.
In summary, airlines will usually carry out a thorough background check on applicants in order to verify their qualifications, security, and reliability. This ensures that they are best served in selecting people who are fit and suitable for the post they’re applying for.
Is it hard to be accepted as a flight attendant?
Yes, it can be difficult to be accepted as a flight attendant. Airlines are looking for applicants who have excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills, a professional and friendly attitude, and good teamwork abilities.
The job also includes fulfilling stringent physical requirements, such as passing a pre-employment medical examination and a variety of security checks. Many airlines also require candidates to have a high school diploma and a minimum number of hours of flight experience or a college degree.
Candidates often must also pass an extensive background check, pass various airline-specific tests, and pass an in-person oral interview. The job is highly competitive, and job seekers often face stiff competition for available positions.
Is there a weight limit for flight attendants?
Yes, airlines do have a weight limit for their flight attendants, although it may vary depending on the specific airline. In most cases, a flight attendant’s weight must not than 2.5 kg/meter of height, or a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.
Airlines may also have height restrictions as well, typically asking that flight attendants be between 5″1′ to 6″1′. In addition, airlines may require flight attendants to keep their weight within a certain range over the course of their employment.
If a flight attendant exceeds the maximum weight restrictions, they will likely not be allowed to remain employed as a flight attendant with that airline.
Do flight attendants have to wear heels?
No, flight attendants are not required to wear heels. Flight attendants are required by their airlines to wear certain uniforms that are both professional and comfortable. The attire varies from airline to airline, but generally includes some type of pleated or flared trousers, a shirt or blouse, a tailored jacket, and a belt.
In addition, some airlines may require flight attendants to wear a skirt, dress, or apron depending on the type of flight service they are providing. In some cases, flight attendants may be given the option to wear either heels or flat shoes as part of their uniform.
However, for safety reasons, flat shoes are generally recommended for flight attendants. Some airlines, such as Southwest and Delta airlines, even offer flat shoes as part of their flight attendant uniform.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual airline to decide which type of uniform their employees will wear.
Why do flight attendants sit on their hands?
Flight attendants do not actually sit on their hands; the phrase is used to describe the period of inactivity they experience while they wait for their next flight to depart. Flight attendants typically experience many gaps in between flights, and this downtime can be quite lengthy.
During this period, they are not busy with the typical duties that come along with the job, such as taking care of passengers or preparing the cabin for the next flight. To avoid boredom and frustration, flight attendants often find ways to use their free time productively, which might include reading a book, going for a walk, or finishing up paperwork or other chores.
At the same time, they must remain “on call,” ready to take on their duties as soon as the next flight is ready for boarding. Thus, the phrase “sitting on their hands,” has been used as a humorous way to refer to this state of productive inactivity, since they must wait with the necessary level of preparedness without the ability to actively engage in their duties.
Do airlines have seats for overweight passengers?
Yes, airlines do provide seating accommodations for overweight passengers. Depending on the airline, this may include things like an extra-wide seat or two adjacent seats or two adjacent rows of seating for larger passengers.
Some airlines also have “special needs” seating for people of size that may be wider, more padded, and more comfortable. Additionally, seatbelts on airplanes are typically longer than those in cars to accommodate a variety of body sizes.
It’s important to note that, in the interest of safety, most airlines do establish a maximum weight limit for each seat. That said, most airlines are often accommodating and will work with larger passengers to find a safe and comfortable seat that meets their needs.
How old is the oldest flight attendant?
The exact age of the oldest flight attendant is unknown, but estimates suggest that the oldest actively working flight attendant is over 80 years old. The oldest recorded flight attendant was a 98-year-old retired stewardess who died in 1986 after flying for 45 years.
The oldest actively working flight attendant is probably a woman, as the majority of flight attendants are still female. The job of a flight attendant can be physically demanding and requires stamina, good health, and alertness, so an employer would be unlikely to allow a flight attendant aged over 80 to work on their planes.
Flight attendants must also pass an annual physical exam and are only allowed to fly if they meet a minimum medical standard. As a result, it can be difficult for an elderly flight attendant to maintain their medical certification and keep their job.
Despite the challenges, there are still some remarkably elderly flight attendants out there. By staying healthy and fit, they prove that age is no barrier to succeeding in a profession that requires excellent customer service skills and a very special attitude.
What should be the BMI for cabin crew?
Cabin crew should maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI), which is calculated as body weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of body height (in metres). Generally, a BMI ranging between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal and healthy for adults.
For cabin crew, to meet the job requirements and pass the medical exam, they need to have a BMI within the 18.5 to 24.9 range.
Additionally, they should aim to have a weight that is proportional to their body height, as it is part of the staffing requirements. To determine the targeted body weight, they can calculate the ideal body weight based on their body height by using the World Health Organisation (WHO) Body Mass Index (BMI) Classification system.
It is important for cabin crew to maintain a healthy weight, as it affects their overall performance, directly impacting their job satisfaction, health and well-being. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help them stay fit, maintain a healthy BMI and pass the physical exam.
Do airlines check cabin weight?
Yes, airlines do check cabin weight. This is done to ensure the safety of the plane and its passengers by making sure the plane is balanced correctly and within the necessary weight range. Airline crew members usually check the cabin weight after all passengers and their luggage have boarded the plane.
The weight is taken into account when determining the amount of fuel and other items that can be taken on the plane. It’s important that the weight of the plane is distributed evenly so that it stays in the optimal range while in flight and doesn’t exceed its maximum weight limit.
Crew members may also make adjustments by adding or removing items, such as cargo and drinks, to ensure weight is distributed correctly. Additionally, airlines also take into account weight during the booking process in order to prevent overbooking and maintain the necessary balance.
Are there any physical requirements to be a flight attendant?
Yes, there are physical requirements to becoming a flight attendant. The specifics vary between airlines and agencies, but the basic requirements are typically similar. To become a flight attendant you must be a certain height, usually between 5 foot 2 inches and 6 foot 0 inches tall, as well as being medically fit, holding a full and valid passport, and being over the age of 18.
Other requirements include the ability to swim a certain distance, bend and move in tight spaces, lift and carry up to 15kgs/33lbs, reach/climb into ceiling compartments, and follow all safety protocols.
In addition, most airlines require flight attendants to be able to speak more than one language, such as English, Spanish, and/or French. Finally, some airlines may require a minimum amount of customer service, public relations, or travel experience.
How much do flight attendants get paid?
The average salary for flight attendants depends on a variety of factors, such as the airline they are employed with, their seniority, the number of hours they work, the number of destinations they fly to, and their shifts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for flight attendants in the United States was $56,640 in 2018.
However, some airlines pay flight attendants more than the average. Some U.S. carriers, such as Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines, have compensation packages that exceed $70,000 for experienced flight attendants.
In addition, many airlines offer bonuses and other incentives to flight attendants for their service.
Flight attendants may also receive certain benefits, such as health care coverage, paid vacation, travel privileges, and a retirement plan. Furthermore, many airlines provide an additional meal allowance and bonus schemes based on hours worked, performance, and overall customer satisfaction.
Overall, the job of a flight attendant can be demanding and challenging but it can also be a rewarding and gratifying role that pays well.
How long is flight attendant school?
Flight attendant school typically runs for 8 to 12 weeks. During that time, you will receive training in several areas including customer service, emergency procedures, safety and security, first aid, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, hotel information, cultural sensitivity and aircraft familiarization.
Depending on the school, you may also receive specialized training in working with foreign dignitaries and VIPs, language training, and advanced medical and first-aid training. After completing the program, you will be required to take a final comprehensive exam.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your flight attendant certification.
Can you fail a cabin crew medical?
Yes, it is possible to fail a cabin crew medical. During the cabin crew medical, doctors will assess the overall health and fitness of an individual, looking at issues such as vision, hearing, and cardiac health, to ensure that they’re fit to function as cabin crew.
Individuals may fail a cabin crew medical if they do not meet the medical requirements set by the airline or if they have certain physical or psychological conditions that could prevent them from performing their duties safely.
For example, individuals may fail a cabin crew medical because of high blood pressure, a poor vision test, or recent history of mental health issues. It’s important to remember that different airlines will have different requirements for passing a cabin crew medical, and some may be stricter than others.
Therefore, individuals should do their best to maintain good health before taking a medical test and talk with their doctor, who can provide more information about the process and what to expect.