Have you been dreaming of becoming a flight attendant since you were old enough to spot a plane in the sky? Or maybe you just love to travel and want to see the world without paying a penny for the plane tickets or the hotels. Do you want to meet and talk to people from many exotic places? Or do you just desire all eyes on you while strolling through the airport wearing red lipstick and high heels? But how do you get there? Where should you start?
Whether this is the first time you consider applying for this job, or you have been trying but failing to get into the glamorous airline world, you are in the right place! Here at The Sky Central, you will learn exactly how to start the process of becoming a flight attendant for some of the most significant, competitive airlines in the world.
The selection process the airlines have for recruiting new crew is not the simplest.
Typically, out of 1000 applications, only 100 are called for an interview. Through a series of complex assessments to establish the ideal candidates, only ten people are offered the job.
We talked to many people who have tried their luck without researching what the specific companies were looking for and failed. We also listened to the ones who went in there just to ‘give it a try’ and were sent home after the first round of interviews. They were surprised.
Let us start with the specific steps for turning your dream into reality.
There are some prerequisites for doing this job, and to qualify for an interview, you will need to meet every single one of them.
You must be minimum 18 years old to start working as a cabin crew. This is the legal age in many states to be able to become a cabin crew. You will be required to handle the onboard consumption bars, as well as take decisions regarding your bank account, insurance policy, and other paperwork.
When working as a cabin crew, you will need to close the overhead compartments in the larger planes and be able to access the emergency equipment that is sometimes located in there.
All three airlines, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways require their candidates to be able to reach 212 cm (6’11.4’’).
This minimum educational requirement is in place to ensure the candidates have some general knowledge and ability to learn to be able to pass the safety and emergency training that needs to be completed once an offer of employment is made. The training is intense. For this job having a minimum education is extremely important.
No tattoo should be visible while wearing the uniform. Putting a bandage or concealer on it is not acceptable.
Stay clear of ink on your hands and arms, as well as your legs and your neck area. The female uniform is usually a short sleeve blouse and a skirt, while the male one is a long sleeve shirt and long pants.
If you have tattoos and are considering laser removal, don’t participate in an interview while it is still visible. You will be automatically disqualified regardless of your potential. Be patient and work on skills that can be polished until the tattoo removal procedure is done.
*** Qatar Airways has a strict no-tattoo policy regardless of location.
This job is associated with glamour, and for many people being a flight attendant means looking fabulous all the time and offering tea or coffee on the plane.
You will be able to pass this stage if you keep a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and attend your medical check-ups. Medical clearance must be provided after your successful interview. Once you join the airline, you will have to pass the aviation specific medical test that will be done at the airline clinic.
English is the most extensively used official language of aviation and the one used for all emergency related commands and training. It is also the language to communicate with colleagues and passengers.
If English is not your first language, you will need to make sure that you can read, understand, speak and write correctly in English.