Flight Attendant Training Class: Flight Attendant Job Description Information

A flight attendant earned a median annual salary of $35,930 in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The flight attendant is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of airline passengers before, during and after airplane flights. To work as a flight attendant, an individual must be Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified and have customer service experience. Employers also prefer an applicant with a college degree and flight attendant training.

A flight attendant is responsible for greeting passengers and showing them to their seats. Also, he answers any questions passengers have about the flight schedule, travel routes and arrival times. Before takeoff, he must explain and demonstrate how to use emergency and safety procedures, such as wearing life jackets or oxygen masks.
In addition, an attendant announces plane procedures, departures, delays and descent preparations. Another part of the job description is reassuring passengers that everything will be fine during stressful situations.

Besides communicating with passengers, a flight attendant has to assist passengers. For example, she places their property, like luggage, in the overhead storage compartments. Or, she is responsible for assisting the elderly, disabled or young passengers.
During emergencies, a flight attendant needs to direct and help passengers leave the plane. If a passenger has a medical emergency, a flight attendant is responsible for providing first aid.

Besides flight duties, a flight attendant is responsible for paperwork. For instance, he must prepare reports, which include information about completed flights.
An attendant must attend meetings too. The meetings, called preflight briefings, are conducted by the captain. The flight attendant receives information about the weather, routes and numbers of passengers.
A flight attendant needs to check all emergency equipment, like fire extinguishers, to ensure they are in proper working order. Moreover, she must check that supplies, such as blankets, food and beverages, are stocked.

Food service is also a part of the job description. An attendant is expected to heat and serve prepared foods, according to BLS. Also, he has to sell alcoholic beverages.

Typically, a flight attendant must work 12 hours a day but be available to work approximately 14 hours. An attendant receives 9 hours to rest following each shift. Thus, a monthly schedule consists of over 65 hours of flying time and 50 hours doing administrative work.

Flight Attendant Training Class

Flight Attendant Job Description Information

Communication Tasks

Helping Duties

Administrative Tasks

Food Service Duties

Hours