Advice on becoming a Flight Attendant...getting started?

Question

I want to be a FA, but I have no idea where to start. I've searched the web, found some schools like: http://www.inflightinstitute.com/#

-I've read that all airlines do their own training, I am wondering if schools like this are a waste of time, money, etc?

I'm a petite female, 115lbs, 5' 2", I've read that height may be an issue as a FA, but I have been a truck driver for the past 7 yrs & am able to perform ALL aspects of the job, so this isn't an issue (for me, hopefully not for an airline *AL's* either). I deal with rude and pushy shippers & receivers all the time, handle things great & when I leave it's over. Prior, I worked customer service jobs, so I'm adept in this area as well.

The thing is, I have no idea where to start, as to get my foot in the door to be a FA.
Where do I start, which Co's are best IYO, what do AL's look for, what can I do to 'up' my chances of getting hired,etc. I live near Dayton, Oh. All info and anything else you can think of is appreciated.
Thanks!

Thanks Kiffin. So, IYO, you think taking classes at a school something like what I listed, would be a plus? I was thinking myself, that it would look better having taken some sort of class, regardless of whether the class 'got me a job'.

I just checked out: http://www.psaairlines.net/employment/Flight_Attendant.asp
they seem like a good AL, what do you think of them (US AirWays)? I will check out Continental & Delta now to see what they're all about, too.

Thanks so much everyone for all the info and everything. I'm going to check out the sites you've listed.
I'm really excited about becoming a flight attendant, and your info is a huge help to me. :)

Cheers!!

Answer 1

Hi - I am a flight attendant. It is my opinion that it is a waste of money to attend any of the 'private' flight attendant schooling. I don't think most airlines take this into consideration. No one who was in my class of 100 had ever attended one of these institutions. Check the websites of airlines you are interested in. They all have a "career" section you can click-on. It will tell you if they are currently hiring and how to complete the application. I know that Skywest is currently hiring, and they had interviews scheduled in Ohio this month. Last I heard, Southwest was still hiring also. Basically, they want well-groomed, well-spoken and confident people, who can present a professional appearance. Good luck to you. (A seconday language is not necessary for most airlines).

Answer 2

There are already several good answers but I'll try to add some adventure. Think, International Airlines. Gulf Air and Emirates are two that will hire native English speakers.

If you have language ability, consider taking an immersion course in an Asian language and apply to Cathy Pacific or Eva.

If you don't find the right airline but still want some adventure, try cruise ships. It would be interesting to know if your background would prepare you for a job on merchant ships. Maersk is the one of the largest in container vessels. Try this website for a complete listing.
http://www.hal-pc.org/~nugent/company.html

If you are more aviation inspired and can't get cabin crew, consider a job up front. There's a flight school near Alton, Illinois which offers very good tuition assistance.

Good Luck

Answer 3

From what I heard - Southwest will take just about anybody. You go to school for two weeks, Height is not an issue - and in some cases, age either. My friend went to Texas and was gone for training for two weeks! Came back with her outfits and reported for duty. Family gets some really great benefits. I'm sure there are reasons and possibly exceptions to every rule - but if you are serious about a career in the sky - hey - more power to you. Me? I couldn't do it. I think I'll take my chances on the ground. I can't fly and I don't think they will allow you to wear parachute while you're serving.....

Answer 4

Proficiency or fluency in a foreign language is an excellent plus. Try Continental or Delta for their specific requirements. Most of the schools that offer FA training are also a plus; if you've graduated from any of them, you've got one foot in the door (shows you're serious about wanting to be a flight attendant).

Good luck.

Answer 5

You can also check out these sites for flight attendant information and jobs:
http://www.flightattendantcareer.com/
http://www.avjobs.com/

Here is a list of private jet operators who sometimes require FA's: http://www.legfind.com/SiteMap.aspx?SiteMap=Operators

Answer 6

learn to deal with bull **** and be nice a majority of the time and mean when its needed