In order to perform the duties required in flight attendant positions, you do need to pass the rigorous training provided by the airlines. The competition for jobs in this sector of the airline industry is fierce because of the lure of being able to travel to distant places. Plus, when you work for an airline, you are entitled to discounts on your travel for personal reasons. Therefore, airlines know that they have many candidates to choose from and will only choose the best. The minimum requirements for these positions is graduation from high school, but most airlines today will only accept applicants who hold a college diploma or university degree.



First you have to look at the requirements set down by the airline for hiring flight attendants. You also have to realize that these requirements are minimums, meaning that they are the minimum that the airline will accept and that they will naturally choose applicants who have more qualifications than these. A diploma or degree is a favorable item to have on your resume because it shows the airline that you have tried to better yourself in receiving higher qualifications than they expect. According to surveys of flight attendants, a small number have at least one year of college education, but the majority hold a Bachelor's degrees and some even have a Master's degree.

Customer service skills are essential for working as a flight attendant. You do not need to have experience to apply, but if you do, you will have a better chance of having your resume noticed. As an attendant on an aircraft, you will be working with the public every shift. This includes coping with frightened passengers, crying babies and passengers who become very rude and disruptive. You have to be able to handle all these problems with grace and display a pleasant demeanor without getting upset.

Fluency in more than one language is a definite asset. You do need to have strong speaking skills in the language of the country in which the airline is based. You should also be a fluent English and if you have an additional language, you may be a shoe-in for the position. French and Spanish are excellent choices for an additional language. Although it is not a requirement of the airline that you be bilingual or trilingual, the fact that you are will give you an edge over the competition.

In order to be hired by an airline, you must demonstrate willingness to relocate if necessary. There will be times when you are away from home for several days at a time when you have overnight flights and this should not present a problem between your home and work schedule. Airlines are also very particular about the appearance of those they hire as flight attendants. New candidates must meet an age requirement of being between 18 and 21 years of age and must not be overweight. A man must have his hair cut above the collar and a woman with long hair has to have it swept back from her face. In addition, the airline will do a background check to make sure you don't have a criminal record.