So first let me start by saying there is a looooooooot to know about this process and no matter how many blog post I write about this topic I may still leave something out on accident but I want to give you a starting point. This was a job I really did not know a whole lot about other than seeing my flight attendants do work on the flights I have taken. I then had a friend from college reach out to me after graduation and asked my advice on if she should pursue the job she received after graduating or become a flight attendant. She had already completed the process for both and received job offers from both. I remember telling her the degree would always be there and flight attendant jobs can be a tough thing to get so try that out first and over seven years later she’s still flying and we now both work for the same company.
My journey to becoming a flight attendant began four years ago in 2017 and I shared a little bit about the rejection back in this blog post and then the follow-up after getting the job here. There were so many things I did not know about this job until I started to pursue it. I found myself watching endless YouTube videos and doing lots of research which included asking my homegirl a plethora of questions. Even after all that research I still did not know everything and I had no clue some of the things I would be learning in training/responsible for with this job.
So here are some tips on how to get started!
1. Decide what airline is best for you! Sometimes it helps just to get a “foot in the door” so to speak and a lot of people take that route. So they will work for a smaller regional carrier first and then switch to mainline. I personally wanted to work for Mainline if I was going to leave teaching to pursue this life but I also know people who work for regional companies and love it. Regional = smaller airline carriers, meanwhile Mainline = larger airline carriers who actually own some of the regional airlines and they usually fly to more destinations including international. An example of regional airlines would be Envoy and PSA who are both owned by American Airlines and American also has mainline. So sometimes on your ticket if you booked with American Airlines you may be on an Envoy or PSA flight.
I did a quick search and found several articles saying that there are 58 airlines in the US. The “Big Four” airlines are American, Delta, United, and Southwest. Some other airlines include JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Skywest, Envoy, etc. So with that being said, there are endless options out there so it is important to know what you want. Maybe you don’t want to move- if that is the case you would research what airlines have a hub at the airport near you and apply to those carriers but keep in mind that does not mean you will get based there because airlines place you where there is a need. In training they provided us with a list of bases with openings, then we rated them and then they were assigned by age (because no one really has seniority) and it worked out that I got the base I wanted. You can put in for a transfer and when a spot becomes open you can be awarded a new base.
Once you decide on an airline or two or three begin your research. The answers are out there for the most part. Not all airlines hiring processes are the same but there are similarities. Usually you begin with applying on their website and there is usually a questionnaire/ personality test they have you fill out. Then the next step may be a video interview. Then a phone interview (sometimes they skip this step). Then a face-to-face which is an in person interview. At the face-to-face there is usually a small group interview and then one-on-one. When I applied you could either find out the same day if you got the job or not and then sometimes you have to wait and they will email you…eventually. Depending on when you get hired the training process could start shortly after or moooooonths later. You can research when the airlines you are interested in normally do their training classes. As far as interview questions go you can find most of them, if not all, on Glassdoor! Be sure to do the research because it can definitely show if you didn’t. You can usually find both video and in person interview questions on Glassdoor. Prepare but no need to over prepare and sound rehearsed.
I will continue to add some tips but I wanted to get this posted so that you all can ask your questions and I can document the answers in one place because I know it can be helpful to others. Drop your questions below and I will answer them!
In terms of my resume do I stand a chance? I mean I have no work experience and do I need to start on a cover letter as well to go along with my resume and if so what else do I need?
Author
A lot of people start this job right out of college or it is just their first job. On your resume, you want to include any experience you have with working with people- customer service? Anything… even if it was volunteering and not an actual job. I did a cover letter and I would say it wouldn’t hurt to do one.
Hi!!! I just came off of your Tiktok. Question – if you HAD to pick an airline that you would say is the easiest to get hired at – either Regional or Mainline – which would you pick? Asking for myself as a “foot in the door” lol. Thanks!
Author
I would suggest starting with regional caarriers. Just google regional airlines 🙂
I am from the Caribbean st.lucia in terms of getting into this airline is a bit difficult since i do not own a green card. They normally ask do you have a right to live and work in the U.S. i dont unless i get a work permit myself not sure whether this is accepted. However, i normally try to see wether they are hiring in st.lucia and most time they are not, if I have the opportunity to work at the ticket gate in st.lucia i think my chance will be opened.
Author
I am not sure of the process if you are not a US citizen or hold a green card. I think that trying for an airport position in St. Lucia is a wonderful idea. Stay positive!
Ok so currently I am a Jamaica sixth form student, a high school graduate with great qualifications. I wish to pursue a carrier in this field but based on the research I have been doing, I have to wait until I’m at least 21 and have customer service experience. I am currently 18 yo and I am planning to work and save to obtain a degree in tourism and hospitality. So basically from now I am researching as much as I can about this field. But what I am not clear on is the opportunity I would have as a Jamaican and even whether or not certain qualifications are necessary
I would really appreciate your response.
Author
Hi! I am actually not sure what it takes to get into this field in other countries. I would definitely do some research and try to speak to a flight attendant based in JA.
What do you look for when researching airlines to work at? Also thank you for your tiktoks, youtube, and blog! I’m very excited to learn more and be prepared to apply!
Author
Some of the things I cared about was the pay scale, where the hubs were located, what the benefits included. So I would ask yourself what’s important to you? And you’re welcome!
Can I start doing this when I graduate from high school? I love everything about being a flight attendant and is what I want to do. When I graduate and I’m 18 could I start applying? Or is there an age requirement or study requirement. Like do I have to go to college first?
Author
There is an age requirement- usually 21.
I’m still in high school and one of my teacher’s old student became a flight attendant right after high school, is that a possibility? Ive been taking aerospace classes for about three years now and was wondering if that helps.
Author
Most airlines have an age requirement of 21 and some experience with some form or customer service wouldn’t hurt!
Do you need a college degree to become a flight attendant?
Author
All airlines differ. Some just want to see some type of experience – I.e. customer service. Never count yourself out though I would apply to all of them regardless.
Hi! So I’m currently a senior in high school and I’ve been wanting to be a flight attendant for a while. My plan is to work as a waitress for the next year full time after I graduate and then apply at airlines after that. Would that be okay to just have customer experience and no college degree when I start the application process? Also this article really helped me out! Thank you
Author
Most – if not all- airlines have an age requirement of 21– you can then 21 in training like my roommate did.
I’m still in high school, but I’m interested in becoming a flight attendant and just want to know as much as possible before applying in the future. I wanted to know if it’s a requirement to fluently speak Spanish and/or French before applying?
Author
No, but becoming a speaker can help with getting more international trips that require a speaker.
Hi is there weight requirement?
Author
No, must be able to sit in jumpseat.
Hi!
I’m 30 & I’m finally getting my weight under control. I still have a lot of loose skin on my thighs due to massive weight loss but I still have about 40 pounds to go! Would you happen to know if I can still get this job if I have surgery scars on my forearm? And a few on my wrist from where I had stitches.
Thanks in advance!
Author
I don’t see why not. Scars are normal things. I definitely wouldn’t let that stop me from trying!
Hi, I’m from a Jamaica and do have experience in customer service. Also looking to do a course in flight attendant, Do I research regional airlines in Jamaica or I can still try to apply to other airlines even though I am not a holder of a American visa or elsewhere.
Author
You will need to apply for a job in Jamaica.
How should I go dressed the first day on my way to go interview and train ?
Author
Like you dressed for the interview ✨ or business casual. Read the packet for whatever airline you are training with- they usually tell you how to dress for training.