Flight Attendant applicants need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport and be eligible to work in the U.S. They may need to conform to height and vision requirements set by the airline. Flight Attendants may also have to pass a medical evaluation as well as complete a background and drug test. Flight Attendants typically need at least one to two years of experience working in the service industry before obtaining employment as a Flight Attendant. This experience may include consumer-facing positions in restaurants, hotels, resorts and sales.
Airlines provide initial training to new Flight Attendants, and this training period can range from three to six weeks. Flight Attendant training, which is required for FAA certification, typically occurs at the airline’s flight training center. Once a new Flight Attendant successfully completes the initial training, they receive the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. Additional training may be required by the employer.
