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How do I Choose the Best Flight Attendant School?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are four items to consider when choosing the best flight attendant school: admissions requirements, instructors, simulation equipment, and reputation or ranking. A flight attendant has a combination of hosting and safety responsibilities. On the airplane, the flight attendant provides assistance to passengers, serves meals and snacks, and provides leadership during an emergency. People who report the greatest satisfaction as a flight attendant are naturally outgoing, enjoy traveling, have a strong service orientation, and have a great deal of common sense.

Flight attendant training is usually arranged after an offer of employment is accepted from a specific airline. Although there are multiple schools offering airline-training programs, be aware that almost all airlines require all flight attendants to complete their internal training programs. Any prior training from a non-affiliated flight attendant school does not improve your chances to qualify for a position as a flight attendant with the airlines.

Every fight attendant school familiarized students with aircraft boarding and evacuation procedures.
Every fight attendant school familiarized students with aircraft boarding and evacuation procedures.

In order to qualify for admission to flight attendant school, you must meet the employment criteria. The requirements include the ability to handle and resolve conflict, at least two years experience dealing with the public, emotional and mental stability, and a clean criminal record. Each airline has its own physical requirements for flight attendants that indicate their height and weight must be in proportion according to a specific standard.

Flight attendants usually begin training following an offer for employment.
Flight attendants usually begin training following an offer for employment.

Review the qualifications of the course instructors at flight attendant school. They should be skilled, experienced professionals in their fields. Take the time to review the biographies and work experience of the course instructors. The airline industry is quite small, and it is in your best interest to become familiar with the instructors working for the airline. They may be able to provide advice and support that will assist you in your career.

Flight attendants must learn how to respond in an in-flight emergency.
Flight attendants must learn how to respond in an in-flight emergency.

As a flight attendant, there are specific safety procedures that must be completed. Aircraft simulation equipment allows students to practice their emergency responses during a variety of scenarios. This practice is invaluable in speeding up response time and ensuring the flight attendant is able to respond in an emergency. All staff involved in an emergency procedure must be over-trained, so that their responses are almost automatic.

Most airlines require that flight attendants undergo background checks and drug screenings prior to employment.
Most airlines require that flight attendants undergo background checks and drug screenings prior to employment.

The reputation of the school is very important when becoming a flight attendant. Several prominent magazines publish the rankings of the airlines each year. Marks are given based on quality of service, safety training, and support services available to staff. Review these details so that you are familiar with all the strengths and weaknesses of the flight attendant school.

Discussion Comments

anon283777

Where do I find what airlines are hiring?

anon42397

as a 21 year veteran flight attendant with two airlines, my advice is don't waste your money on schools. All airlines send you to their own training schhols after hiring. Any other training is a waste of time and money.

burkster73

this was a great resource for a couple of my friends who're interested in this field. we've had debates on flight attendant salary, but all our research has shown it's a great option.

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    • Every fight attendant school familiarized students with aircraft boarding and evacuation procedures.
      By: Carlson
      Every fight attendant school familiarized students with aircraft boarding and evacuation procedures.
    • Flight attendants usually begin training following an offer for employment.
      By: starush
      Flight attendants usually begin training following an offer for employment.
    • Flight attendants must learn how to respond in an in-flight emergency.
      By: ffly
      Flight attendants must learn how to respond in an in-flight emergency.
    • Most airlines require that flight attendants undergo background checks and drug screenings prior to employment.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Most airlines require that flight attendants undergo background checks and drug screenings prior to employment.
    • Airline rankings published in magazines can provide a guide as to which airlines offer the best flight attendant instruction.
      By: Elenathewise
      Airline rankings published in magazines can provide a guide as to which airlines offer the best flight attendant instruction.