Air cabin crew, also known as flight attendants, are responsible for making sure air passengers have a comfortable, safe and pleasant flight.

Before a flight they will normally:

• attend a briefing on the flight and schedule
• find out if any passengers have special requirements
• check the aircraft to make sure it is clean and tidy
• make sure that there are enough supplies and that emergency equipment is in place and in working order
•  greet passengers and direct them to their seats
• make sure luggage is safely stowed away
• demonstrate emergency equipment and procedures, making sure passengers listen to the safety demonstration.

During a flight they will:

• help passengers, including giving first aid when necessary
• make announcements for the pilot
• serve food and drinks sell duty-free goods
• reassure passengers if there is an emergency, such as a cabin fire, and make sure that they follow safety procedures.

At the end of the flight their main duties are to:

• circulate and collect customs and immigration documents
• make sure passengers leave the plane safely
• fill in a written flight report recording any unusual incidents
• take records of food and drink orders and duty-free sales.

Air cabin crew work as part of a larger onboard team. Crew members will often work with a different team on each flight.

Hours and Environment

Hours of work can vary, and include weekends, nights and public holidays. The amount of time spent away from home may change from job to job. Delays and cancellations could mean hours are disrupted.

The work can be demanding and strenuous - cabin crew spend a lot of time on their feet and work in confined spaces. Bad weather can make flying conditions uncomfortable or even dangerous.

Air cabin crew wear uniform, and are expected to be smart and well-groomed.

Skills and Interests

As a member of an air cabin crew, you should:

• be tactful but assertive, with the ability to deal with difficult situations politely but firmly
• have a clear speaking voice
• enjoy team work
• be calm under pressure and in emergencies
• be confident, friendly and good with people
• be sensitive and reassuring towards people who are anxious or upset
• be able to work quickly and efficiently
• be confident with money, including foreign currency.

Entry

• be physically fit, with normal colour vision and good eyesight
• be able to swim at least 25 metres
• be smart and well-groomed
• not have tattoos or body piercings that can be seen
• hold a valid passport which allows you to travel anywhere in the world.

• EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Aviation Operations in the Air - Cabin Crew
• City and Guilds NVQ Level 2 in Aviation Operations in the Air - Cabin Crew 
• Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Preparation for Air Cabin Crew Service
• EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) Intermediate Level 2 Certificate in Air Cabin Crewing
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Airline Cabin Crew.

Training

Airlines provide their own training programme for new entrants. This usually lasts for four to six weeks and covers:

• security
• safety and emergency procedures
• first aid
• customs and immigration regulations
• customer relations and passenger care
• currency exchange
• galley management
• food preparation and service
• personal grooming. 

After basic training most airlines have a probationary period of three to six months, during which performance is monitored by trainers or senior crew. You will have to pass regular examinations to test your knowledge of safety and emergency procedures, and to make sure you meet official first aid requirements.

Opportunities

There is a lot of competition for places with airlines. You will usually have to live near the airport where you are based. You could be based overseas as international cabin crew with a British airline.

Once you have some experience, you can gain promotion to senior cabin crew. You may also be able to transfer to ground-based employment with an airline.

Annual Income

These figures are intended as a guideline only.

As a new recruit you will earn about £12,000 a year.
When you have more experience you could earn £14,000 to £18,000 a year.
Salaries for senior crew can be up to £22,000 a year.

You may also get a flying allowance which can be up to £4,500 a year when you first start work.  

Further information