Flight Attendant Schools and Programs

Much of flight attendants’ time is spent making airline passengers feel comfortable, but at the same time, their main responsibility is ensuring the safety of every person aboard the aircraft. Because of that, these specialists must review special issues and safety procedures with the passengers and crew, stow and check equipment and prepare first-aid kits.

It’s sometimes thought that the potential career of a flight attendant is just glamours enough to pass up. Surely, this job comes with free travel with all the luxury hotel accommodations an individual may want, and even though there is a strong competition in this field, the opportunities are present. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics this sector of employment is on the rise and expected to increase 9 to 17 percent between 2004 and 2014.

Since a large amount of the airline carriers look for the same candidate qualifications, each carrier also has a set of strict qualifications which they are searching for.

There is a list of possible requirements:

• Appearance requirements.
• Education is still a very important consideration for some airlines. In the past, a college degree was not the norm, but nowadays even though it still is not mandatory, more than fifty percent of the candidates who apply for a flight attendant position, have at least one year of college. Because of that, the more education an individual has the greater is their competitive advantage
• Any previous experience and flexibility with relocating an individual has in customer safety or service also makes them a favored candidate.

Flight Attendant Degree Possibilities

What a flight attendant does is listed below:

• Ensures passengers are comfortable by issuing head-sets, blankets, beverages, food, etc
• Demonstrates evacuation and safety procedures
• Helps young children, physically impaired, and any passengers requiring assistance get settled in and locate their seat
• Answers questions
• Keeps passengers calm during emergencies
• Ensures that all passengers act in accordance with FAA safety regulations and rules
• Administers first aid

Education Requirements For a Flight Attendant Degree

• College degree are a huge plus, but not required.
• Courses in oral communications, education, psychology, and other people-related disciplines are highly suggested.
• Prior experience in customer service (restaurant, retail, or hospitality —all applicable) is strongly preferred.

Even though a formal college education is not required to get a job as a flight attendant, a large amount of airlines prefers to hire flight attendants with some college education, particularly those individuals, who have backgrounds in customer-service concentrations like hospitality, sociology or communication. Once the attendant is hired more specific training occurs.

Flight attendant training programs generally last between three and eight weeks and are covering the fundamentals of:

• First-aid
• Aviation
• Emergency procedures
• Food service safety
• Customer service
• Dealing with disruptive passengers
• Leadership skills.

For international flights, students are learning customs and passport regulations. Additionally, flight attendants are instructed on handling extreme situations such as terrorist threats and hijacking and operating equipments and emergency systemduring unplanned landings. Individual who completes the training program is certified to become a flight attendant and receives the FAA’s Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.

Other Considerations for a Flight Attendant Degree

• Usually is required to work ten to  forteen hour days.
• New recruits usually spend their first year in “on call status” and fill in for senior attendants are when there are extra staffing needs.

Flight Attendant Job Description

Flight attendants are making sure safety protocols are followed during flight and reassuring passengers by assisting with in-flight safety procedures; it includes checking that luggage is properly stored, seats are upright and all seatbelts are fastened. In the occurence of an emergency, a flight attendant may monitor or lead the evacuation and may be called upon to perform first aid help.

The flight attendant during routine flights may prepare the cabin for landing and take-off, help passengers board the aircraft, answer questions about the flight, provides food and beverage service, pass out pillows and blankets and attend to requests of passengers to help make their flight more enjoyable.

Flight attendants have to be in moderate physical shape, since they should be able to operate and reach emergency exits and equipment. They also spend prolonged periods of time standing, walking, twisting, kneeling, working and bending in cramped spaces. Because airlines operate twenty four hours a day all year long, flight attendants often work holidays, weekends and nights.

Schools Offering Flight Attendant Degree

• Glendale Community College

Associate degree, Airline Flight Attendant

• Liberty University

Associate degree, Airline Flight Attendant

• San Bernardino Valley College

Associate degree, Airline Flight Attendant