6 answers
Dorra
Student
Tunis, Tunisia
1
Question
Updated
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How can I prepare myself to become a flight attendant in the future?
I am an 18-year-old high school student. I dream of becoming a flight attendant. I am improving my English and taking online courses. What skills and experiences should I focus on now to prepare for this career?
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6 answers
Dr Fisch
Flight Attendant
86
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dr’s Answer
I actually am a flight attendant and can confirm the others who already commented are pretty much correct. The only thing I would add is that if you can get a job doing ANYTHING at ANY airline, that would also help. It can be much easier to switch from one position to another within the same company, and if not at least you have a broader perspective on what someone else who works for an airline does. This helps conceptualize the big picture of how an airline is run with everyone doing their part. If you cannot find any job at an airline, try to find a job at an airport.
And, yes, the most important things that the other's have mentioned is having a positive attitude and the ability to communicate confidently (yes, in English, if possible) and to try to make a personal connection with everyone you interact with. They'll look for that in the interview. The ONLY training you should do ahead of time is getting a First Aid/CPR certification. That's all. Each airline has their own training facility to teach you what they want...their service, their aircraft layout, announcements, etc. Do NOT pay for a class or certification in flight attending because that's useless and airlines don't care or even recognize such nonsense. Airlines have their own program and would prefer to teach you their way, and it doesn't cost anything either.
And, yes, the most important things that the other's have mentioned is having a positive attitude and the ability to communicate confidently (yes, in English, if possible) and to try to make a personal connection with everyone you interact with. They'll look for that in the interview. The ONLY training you should do ahead of time is getting a First Aid/CPR certification. That's all. Each airline has their own training facility to teach you what they want...their service, their aircraft layout, announcements, etc. Do NOT pay for a class or certification in flight attending because that's useless and airlines don't care or even recognize such nonsense. Airlines have their own program and would prefer to teach you their way, and it doesn't cost anything either.
Meriem Zine El Abidine
Sales trainer
1
Answer
Casablanca, Grand Casablanca, Morocco
Updated
Meriem’s Answer
Improve languages first — English is essential, French is a big advantage, and Arabic helps. The stronger your communication, the better your chances.
Focus on presentation and professionalism — airlines look for people who are calm, polite, well-groomed, and confident with customers.
Build customer service experience — even work in retail, hospitality, reception, or tourism can help a lot.
Learn about airline requirements — each airline has rules on age, education, height/reach, swimming ability, medical fitness, and visible tattoos.
Be ready to move/travel — many airlines recruit internationally, especially in the Gulf and Europe.
Stay physically and mentally fit — the job is demanding long hours, jet lag, difficult passengers, safety responsibility.
Don’t pay random agencies too quickly — some training centers and recruiters overpromise. Apply through official airline career websites whenever possible.
Practice interviews — airlines hire for attitude: safety mindset, teamwork, empathy, and composure under pressure.
Have a backup plan — tourism, hospitality, languages, or business studies can support the same career path.
Focus on presentation and professionalism — airlines look for people who are calm, polite, well-groomed, and confident with customers.
Build customer service experience — even work in retail, hospitality, reception, or tourism can help a lot.
Learn about airline requirements — each airline has rules on age, education, height/reach, swimming ability, medical fitness, and visible tattoos.
Be ready to move/travel — many airlines recruit internationally, especially in the Gulf and Europe.
Stay physically and mentally fit — the job is demanding long hours, jet lag, difficult passengers, safety responsibility.
Don’t pay random agencies too quickly — some training centers and recruiters overpromise. Apply through official airline career websites whenever possible.
Practice interviews — airlines hire for attitude: safety mindset, teamwork, empathy, and composure under pressure.
Have a backup plan — tourism, hospitality, languages, or business studies can support the same career path.
Brandy Baker
Scrum Master
19
Answers
Winter Haven, Florida
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
It's great that you're already preparing for your dream career! At 18, you're in a perfect position to start building the skills that airlines look for in flight attendants.
Focus on these key skills:
Communication – Continue improving your English and practice speaking confidently with different people. Flight attendants communicate with passengers and crew members all day.
Customer service – Airlines want people who are friendly, patient, and helpful. Any experience working with customers is valuable.
Teamwork – Flight attendants work closely with other crew members, so being a good team player is essential.
Problem-solving and adaptability – Every day is different in aviation. Being able to stay calm and handle unexpected situations is important.
Experiences that can help you now:
Volunteer in your community.
Work in retail, hospitality, restaurants, or other customer-facing jobs.
Learn another language if possible.
Participate in clubs or activities that help develop leadership and communication skills.
My biggest piece of advice: Focus on becoming someone who enjoys helping people. The best flight attendants are excellent communicators, stay calm under pressure, and make passengers feel welcome and safe.
Keep working on your English, continue taking courses, and look for opportunities to gain customer service experience. You're already taking great steps toward your goal. Best of luck on your journey to the skies! ✈️😊You'll be great!
Focus on these key skills:
Communication – Continue improving your English and practice speaking confidently with different people. Flight attendants communicate with passengers and crew members all day.
Customer service – Airlines want people who are friendly, patient, and helpful. Any experience working with customers is valuable.
Teamwork – Flight attendants work closely with other crew members, so being a good team player is essential.
Problem-solving and adaptability – Every day is different in aviation. Being able to stay calm and handle unexpected situations is important.
Experiences that can help you now:
Volunteer in your community.
Work in retail, hospitality, restaurants, or other customer-facing jobs.
Learn another language if possible.
Participate in clubs or activities that help develop leadership and communication skills.
My biggest piece of advice: Focus on becoming someone who enjoys helping people. The best flight attendants are excellent communicators, stay calm under pressure, and make passengers feel welcome and safe.
Keep working on your English, continue taking courses, and look for opportunities to gain customer service experience. You're already taking great steps toward your goal. Best of luck on your journey to the skies! ✈️😊You'll be great!
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs, FAA Part 121
108
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Dora, Prem answered most of the requirements.
What I would suggest you do is just go online and enter something like the following example: "alaska airlines flight attendant requirements." Just substitute "Alaska Airlines" for the airline you want to apply to.
Some of the airlines require you to be age 21 at a minimum.
You should also be comfortable in the water as most airlines fly overwater.
Experience in customer service is a "big" plus to get you noticed.
For international airlines proficiency in a second language is also a plus.
Also if one airline turns you down, don't get discouraged, there was a friend of mine, who applied to Horizon Air, got turned down, then applied to Alaska Airlines and was hired. At that time Horizon Air was a commuter airline owned by Alaska Airlines.
Good luck on your journey.
Wayne
What I would suggest you do is just go online and enter something like the following example: "alaska airlines flight attendant requirements." Just substitute "Alaska Airlines" for the airline you want to apply to.
Some of the airlines require you to be age 21 at a minimum.
You should also be comfortable in the water as most airlines fly overwater.
Experience in customer service is a "big" plus to get you noticed.
For international airlines proficiency in a second language is also a plus.
Also if one airline turns you down, don't get discouraged, there was a friend of mine, who applied to Horizon Air, got turned down, then applied to Alaska Airlines and was hired. At that time Horizon Air was a commuter airline owned by Alaska Airlines.
Good luck on your journey.
Wayne
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Dorra
Prem Sagar Jacob
IT Professional
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Prem Sagar’s Answer
To become a flight attendant, focus on improving your customer service skills, keep a neat and professional appearance, and practice clear communication. Getting certified in CPR/First Aid and learning a foreign language can give you an edge with major airlines.
Airlines prefer candidates with experience in hospitality and problem-solving.
Customer Service Experience: Gain skills by working in hotel management, tourism, or high-end retail.
Volunteering: Take part in community service or public-facing roles to show your ability to assist and manage people.
Age & Education: You should be between 18 to 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. A bachelor's degree in fields like aviation, hospitality, or languages is a plus.
Physical Standards: You need to meet height requirements, typically between 5'2" and 6'3", to reach emergency equipment and overhead bins, and you should be able to swim.
Appearance: Keep a clean and professional look, avoiding visible tattoos or piercings when in uniform.
Language Skills: Fluency in English is essential. Learning a second language like Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, or French can make you more attractive to international airlines.
Airlines prefer candidates with experience in hospitality and problem-solving.
Customer Service Experience: Gain skills by working in hotel management, tourism, or high-end retail.
Volunteering: Take part in community service or public-facing roles to show your ability to assist and manage people.
Age & Education: You should be between 18 to 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. A bachelor's degree in fields like aviation, hospitality, or languages is a plus.
Physical Standards: You need to meet height requirements, typically between 5'2" and 6'3", to reach emergency equipment and overhead bins, and you should be able to swim.
Appearance: Keep a clean and professional look, avoiding visible tattoos or piercings when in uniform.
Language Skills: Fluency in English is essential. Learning a second language like Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, or French can make you more attractive to international airlines.
Your advice was so helpful!
Dorra
Gissel Yanez
Finance
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Gissel’s Answer
I would recommend you start learning emergency skills and get involved in a volunteer or entry-level role. This will help you practice problem-solving and interacting with people of all ages and personalities. While flight attendants do help make flights comfortable, their main job is to keep passengers safe and secure.
You'll need to be prepared to open heavy emergency doors and help passengers who need assistance in an emergency.
When you're ready to apply, remember that airlines have different requirements, so check that you meet them.
You've got this!
You'll need to be prepared to open heavy emergency doors and help passengers who need assistance in an emergency.
When you're ready to apply, remember that airlines have different requirements, so check that you meet them.
You've got this!