During my maiden flight journey halfway across the country, I made two observations: one, flight attendants were constantly supervising and aiding passengers at every step, and two, they presented themselves impeccably and confidently. However, as much as they are indispensable to the airline, I also realised that we do not know much about them apart from the basics.
Let’s go on a journey of exploration to learn more about them.
Who is a flight attendant?
A flight attendant (previously referred to as an air hostess) is a member of the flight’s cabin crew. They are responsible for the safety, security and comfort of passengers during their journey, right from entering the aircraft to leaving it. Their job functions include performing pre-flight safety checks, demonstrating emergency procedures and assisting passengers throughout their journey. They are required to be trained in safety protocols, first aid and customer service in order to navigate various situations.
What are their roles and responsibilities?
- They are responsible for the flight area between the cockpit door and the rear kitchen. They close the exit doors on the left and right sides of the flight as per safety protocols.
- They are tasked with opening the emergency exit if an actual emergency situation arises. In some airline companies, they may be expected to handle necessary materials on the aircraft.
- Similarly, in some cases, they are expected to begin meal service for passengers only at certain time slots. Their job description in certain areas varies by company.
- The central task is to explain to passengers the emergency plan of action with both visuals and audio.
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They are also required to share the required information with passengers about the journey.
What are the duties of a flight attendant?
The most common duties of a flight attendant are:
- Greeting passengers when they enter and exit the flight
- Guiding passengers to their respective seats and supporting the elderly and disabled
- Providing meals and refreshments
- Monitoring the condition and supplying emergency equipment and instructions to passengers
- Demonstrating emergency equipment and safety procedures
- Delivering first aid
- Supplying passengers with newspapers, magazines and in-flight entertainment
- Writing flight reports after completing a trip
In general, this role involves a high degree of effort and is physically demanding. Another point that is less discussed is that they have to remain diplomatic while interacting with passengers, despite being on their feet for a long time and experiencing multiple time zones within a span of a few hours. They are also expected to start duty on short notice, and shifts may involve long hours, often ending late. They may also have a need to work on public holidays, but travelling to various global locations and the associated exposure make up for it.
What are the skills required to become a flight attendant?
Key skills necessary for a flight attendant are:
- Amiability
- Assertiveness
- Communication
- Customer service
- Adaptability
- Fitness
- Strong with numbers
- Problem-solving
- People skills
- Sales
- Stress management
- Diplomacy
- Time management
What are the associated entrance exams?
To become a flight attendant, you will need a minimum of 10+2 education, though some airlines prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Entrance for cabin crew training is conducted by institutes such as Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, Aptech Aviation & Hospitality Academy, Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA) and Flytech Aviation Academy, which conduct written tests, group discussions, interviews and medical checks.
Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, GoAir and AirAsia also conduct their own selection drives with aptitude tests, interviews, and medical examinations.
For studying abroad or pursuing cabin crew training internationally, candidates may apply to airline-specific training programs, which typically require English proficiency and a selection process including written tests, interviews, and physical fitness assessments.
What is the growth trajectory in this field?
The growth in this field starts from the junior level and ends at the senior management level. The hierarchy is as follows:
Junior cabin crew/flight attendant
Candidates are expected to be between 18 and 21 years old and are required to have a high school diploma. They also need to have proficiency in English and possess strong communication skills. They typically fly between 600 and 900 hours in a year.
Senior cabin crew/purser
They supervise the cabin team to guarantee seamless operations during the flight. They must coordinate the work of all flight attendants, managing the in-flight service to ensure high standards are sustained. They must also perform final safety checks and address difficult passenger issues.
Cabin/inflight manager
The difference between this role and the senior cabin crew is that the former is required in wide-body flights, such as Boeing 777 or Airbus A330, to supervise larger crews due to the presence of more passengers and the longer duration of flight. They oversee safety protocol adherence, uphold service quality and ensure an excellent customer experience.
What are some alternate roles?
Since this role is physically demanding, it may not be the best fit beyond a particular point. The alternate roles that one can transition to are cabin crew trainer and recruitment specialist. The trainer role involves guiding newly recruited crew members about safety protocols, first aid and customer service skills, while the recruitment role involves evaluating and hiring suitable candidates for the crew. Other corporate roles that they can seek are crew planning, marketing or customer service.
What is the expected salary in this field?
An entry-level flight attendant can expect an annual salary in the range of INR 3-6 lakhs, while it increases to INR 6-10 lakhs as you gain experience, especially in major cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Senior cabin crew members or pursers can earn INR 9-12 lakhs annually. Currently, there are approximately 650+ job vacancies across India in various airlines.
In terms of USD, your starting pay will be approximately in the range of USD 32k-80k annually. You can expect over USD 85k as you progress to senior levels or work with international carriers.
Airlines that commonly hire flight attendants include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, AirAsia, and international carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Who are the top role models in this field?
The most remarkable personalities in this field are Ms Neerja Bhanot (late), Ms Suneeta Sodhi-Kanga, Ms Gopika Govind, and Ms Roxane Khodaiji. Notable flight attendants and cabin crew leaders across the world include Ms Carole Elizabeth Middleton, Mr Steven Slater, Mr Rod Herzog, and Ms Vesna Vulovic. They have collectively contributed to upholding exemplary service standards and have positively shaped cabin safety and training practices.
Being a flight attendant is a challenging yet rewarding career option that brings together safety, service and professionalism. It requires fitness, communication skills, adaptability and a commitment towards providing the best customer experience. With clear growth paths, competitive salaries and opportunities to work globally, this role offers both personal and professional fulfilment. Aspiring flight attendants can aim to deliver excellence in every journey and make a lasting impact in the skies.
