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Flight Attendants

(D.O.T.  352.367-010)

Nature of the Work

It is the job of the flight attendant to see that all passengers
have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flight.

   At least 1 hour before each flight, attendants are briefed by the
captain on such things as expected weather conditions and special
passenger problems.  The attendants see that the passenger cabin is
in order, that supplies of food, beverages, blankets, and reading
material are adequate, and that first aid kits and other emergency
equipment are aboard and in working order.  As passengers board the
plane, attendants greet them, check their tickets, and assist them
in storing coats and carry-on luggage.

   Before the plane takes off, attendants instruct passengers in the
use of emergency equipment and check to see that all passengers have
their seat belts fastened and seat backs forward.  In the air, they
answer questions about the flight; distribute reading material,
pillows, and blankets; and help care for small children, elderly,
and disabled persons.  They may administer first aid to passengers
who become ill.  Attendants also serve cocktails and other
refreshments and, on many flights, heat and distribute precooked
meals.  After the plane has landed, flight attendants assist
passengers as they leave the plane.  They then prepare reports on
medications given to passengers, lost and found articles, and cabin
equipment conditions.  Some flight attendants straighten up the
plane's cabin.

   Helping passengers in the event of an emergency is the most
important responsibility of the flight attendant.  This may range
from reassuring passengers during occasional encounters with strong
turbulence to directing passengers in evacuating a plane following
an emergency landing.

   Lead or first flight attendants aboard planes oversee the work of
the other attendants while performing most of the same duties.

   Flight attendants are briefed on weather conditions by the pilot.

Working Conditions

Since airlines operate around the clock year round, attendants may
work at night and on holidays and weekends.  They usually fly 75 to
85 hours a month.  In addition, they generally spend about 75 to 85
hours a month on the ground preparing planes for flight, writing
reports following completed flights, and waiting for planes that
arrive late.  Because of variations in scheduling and limitations on
flying time, many attendants have 11 or more days off each month.
Attendants may be away from their home base at least one-third of
the time.  During this period, the airlines provide hotel
accommodations and an allowance for meal expenses.

   The combination of free time and discount air fares provides flight
attendants the opportunity to travel and see new places.  However,
the work can be strenuous and trying.  Short flights require speedy
service if meals are served.  A rough flight can make serving drinks
and meals difficult.  Attendants stand during much of the flight and
must remain pleasant and efficient regardless of how tired they are
or how demanding passengers may be.  Flight attendants are
susceptible to injury because of the job demands in a moving
aircraft.

Employment

Flight attendants held about 93,000 jobs in 1992.  Commercial
airlines employed the vast majority of all flight attendants, most
of whom were stationed in major cities at the airlines' home bases.
A small number of flight attendants worked for large companies that
operate their own aircraft for business purposes.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

The airlines prefer to hire poised, tactful, and resourceful people
who can deal comfortably with strangers.  Applicants usually must be
at least 19 to 21 years old, but some airlines have higher minimum
age requirements.  Flight attendants must fall into a specific
weight range depending on their height and must have excellent
health, good vision, and the ability to speak clearly.

   Applicants must be high school graduates.  Those having several
years of college or experience in dealing with the public are
preferred.  More and more attendants being hired are college
graduates.  Flight attendants for international airlines generally
must speak an appropriate foreign language fluently.

   Most large airlines require that newly hired flight attendants
complete 4 to 6 weeks of intensive training in their own schools.
The airlines that do not operate schools generally send new
employees to the school of another airline.  Transportation to the
training centers and an allowance for board, room, and school
supplies may be provided.  Trainees learn emergency procedures such
as evacuating an airplane, operating an oxygen system, and giving
first aid.  Attendants also are taught flight regulations and
duties, and company operations and policies.  Trainees receive
instruction on personal grooming and weight control.  Trainees for
the international routes get additional instruction in passport and
customs regulations and dealing with terrorism.  Towards the end of
their training, students go on practice flights.  Attendants must
receive 12 to 14 hours of training in emergency procedures and
passenger relations annually.

   After completing initial training, flight attendants are assigned to
one of their airline's bases.  New attendants are placed in reserve
status and are called on either to staff extra flights or fill in
for attendants who are sick or on vacation.  Reserve attendants on
duty must be available on short notice.  Attendants usually remain
on reserve for at least 1 year; at some cities, it may take 5 years
or longer to advance from reserve status.  Advancement takes longer
today than in the past because experienced attendants are remaining
in this career for more years than they used to.  Attendants who no
longer are on reserve bid for regular assignments.  Because these
assignments are based on seniority, usually only the most
experienced attendants get their choice of base and flights.

   Some attendants transfer to flight service instructor, customer
service director, recruiting representative, or various other
administrative positions.

Job Outlook

As more career minded people have entered this occupation, turnover
which traditionally has been very high has declined.  Still, most
job openings through the year 2005 should flow from replacement
needs.  Thousands of job openings will arise each year to replace
flight attendants who transfer to another occupation or who leave
the labor force.

   Employment of flight attendants is expected to grow much faster than
the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  Growth in
population and income is expected to increase the number of airline
passengers.  Airlines enlarge their capacity by increasing the
number and size of planes in operation.  Since Federal Aviation
Administration safety rules require one attendant for every 50
seats, more flight attendants will be needed.

   Competition for jobs as flight attendants is expected to remain very
keen because the number of applicants is expected to greatly exceed
the number of job openings.  The glamour of the airline industry and
the opportunity to travel and meet people attract many applicants.
Those with at least 2 years of college and experience in dealing
with the public have the best chance of being hired.

   Employment of flight attendants is sensitive to cyclical swings in
the economy.  During recessions, when the demand for air travel
declines, many flight attendants are put on part-time status or laid
off.  Until demand increases, few new attendants are hired.

Earnings

Beginning flight attendants had median earnings of about $13,000 a
year in 1992, according to data from the Association of Flight
Attendants.  Flight attendants with 6 years of flying experience had
median annual earnings of about $20,000, while some senior flight
attendants earned as much as $40,000 a year.  Flight attendants
receive extra compensation for overtime and for night and
international flights.  In addition, flight attendants and their
immediate families are entitled to reduced fares on their own and
most other airlines.

   Many flight attendants belong to the Association of Flight
Attendants.  Others are members of the Transport Workers Union of
America, The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, or other
unions.

   Flight attendants are required to buy uniforms and wear them while
on duty.  Uniform replacement items are usually paid for by the
company.  The airlines generally provide a small allowance to cover
cleaning and upkeep of the uniforms.

Related Occupations

Other jobs that involve helping people as a safety professional and
require the ability to be pleasant even under trying circumstances
include emergency medical technician, firefighter, maritime crew or
camp counselor.

Sources of Additional Information

   Information about job opportunities in a particular airline and the
qualifications required may be obtained by writing to the personnel
manager of the company.  For addresses of airline companies and
information about job opportunities and salaries, contact:

   Future Aviation Professionals of America, 4959 Massachusetts Blvd.,
Atlanta, GA 30337.  (This organization may be called toll free at
1-800-Jet-Jobs.)