Position Overview
As one of the most important people in the aviation industry, cabin attendants are hired following much scrutiny and training. Cabin assistants are also known as stewards or flight attendants and are basically required to look after passengers during the course of a flight.
If you want to work in this position, you have to make sure that you are aware of federal aviation regulations and have had formal training in handling your work on an aircraft.
Most companies will train you on the job, however, some may ask for trained individuals. If you can speak one or more foreign languages, your candidature for a cabin attendant position will become strong.
Cabin Attendant Duties and Responsibilities
• Greet passengers and verify their tickets and boarding pass to determine seating arrangements.
• Assist and guide passengers to their designated seats, paying special attention to children, the elderly, and people with special needs.
• Ascertain that all passengers are properly strapped in before the flight goes up in the air.
• Headcount passengers to determine the number of show-ups and provide pilots with passenger information.
• Demonstrate safety instructions to passengers to ensure that they understand what to do during the flight, on landing, and at takeoff.
• Serve food and beverages to passengers and handle refills when specifically asked for by them.
• Clear up soiled dishes and ensure that they are carried back to the kitchen area.
• Handle emergency situations on-board by providing First Aid and CPR support.
• Respond politely to passengers’ questions and complaints to ensure a smooth transit.
• Restrain or calm down unruly passengers to ensure that they do not hurt fellow passengers or crew members.
• Check emergency equipment to make sure that they are all in order and in a ready-to-use state.
• Thank passengers for their business as they disembark from the aircraft.
• Assist cleaning staff in clearing away trash left behind and ensure that any lost items are handed over to the airport lost and found department.
Position Requirements
There are certain standard requirements to work as cabin attendants such as height and weight, which is particular to the company in question.
Other requirements include the ability to handle irate passengers by exercising tact and patience and handling conflicts midair.
While a high school diploma or a GED is sufficient to work at this position, some aviation companies require college degrees as well.
While traveling the world as a cabin attendant can be great fun, there are some things that you might not like.
Traveling for long hours, staying on your feet for many hours at a time, and having disturbed sleep cycles are definite negatives of this job. However, the perks make it all worthwhile.