Air Hostess Guide: Duties, Requirements and Top-Paying Jobs

Dreaming of a career in the sky? An air hostess keeps passengers safe, comfortable and well looked after from boarding to landing. The role is busy, social and far from a standard nine to five. Here is what the job involves, what airlines look for and how to get started.

What does an air hostess actually do?

Officially called a flight attendant, an air hostess is responsible for passenger safety and comfort. Your day-to-day duties usually include:

• Making sure the cabin is clean and ready before boarding
• Checking that emergency equipment works properly
• Greeting passengers and guiding them to their seats
• Delivering the pre-flight safety briefing
• Serving food and drinks during the flight
• Attending to passenger requests and helping in emergencies
• Writing reports on any flight incidents

Typical requirements for air hostess roles

Requirements vary between airlines, but most ask for similar things. Expect to need:

• Completed high school
• Customer service or hospitality experience
• A height usually between 163cm and 183cm, depending on the airline
• A minimum age of 18, with no upper age limit
• Good physical fitness for lifting, pushing and pulling, including heavy aircraft exit windows
• A first aid certificate
• The ability to serve alcohol responsibly
• Strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• A willingness to relocate
• A background check

You do not need a university degree. A second language is a useful bonus. Tattoos must be covered by your uniform or makeup.

A day in the life of cabin crew

Expect early starts. A typical day might begin at 3am, with you at the airport by 4am. From there, you will run pre-flight briefings, safety checks and boarding. After takeoff, you serve food and drinks. Then comes a quick turnaround before the next flight. Domestic work can mean several flights a day. International flights are longer, with longer breaks in between.

Rosters, pay and perks

Most flight attendants work between nine and twenty days a month. This depends on the airline and your seniority. Schedules are set by a crew scheduling team and can be full time or part time.

Pay varies widely by airline, base, seniority and whether the employer is commercial or military. Published ranges are only a rough guide, so always check current award rates and job ads. Many airlines also offer discounted or free travel for you, your family and your friends.

The good and the tough parts

The job suits people who love variety and people. It is not for everyone, though. Here is an honest look:

• Pros: cheap or free travel, meeting new people, a changing environment and great views from the cabin
• Cons: weekends and public holidays, missed family events, being on call until you gain seniority, jet lag and long days

How to become an air hostess

Customer service or hospitality experience is the fastest route in. Flight attendant schools and colleges also offer training and certificates. Costs vary, so contact providers near you. Military air hostess roles usually require academy training. Competition is high, so a clear resume and a strong cover letter help you stand out.

Your practical takeaway

Start building customer service experience now. Get a first aid certificate, tidy up your resume and be upfront about your availability and willingness to relocate. Then create a profile on Connectzapp. Connectzapp matches you with employers hiring cabin crew, and when you and an employer both express interest, a connection is made.

Find out more at https://www.connectzapp.com