Ask a Flight Attendant anything

161 Questions

Last Answer on August 26, 2013

I have a telephone interview pretty soon with an American airline. What types of questions should I be expected to answer?

Asked by Crossingfinger over 12 years ago

Well I was a little late in getting back to you so it could be that you've already had the interview (sorry!) but if not, I can pass along what I was asked during my interview. Apart from the general job-interview questions (Why do you want to work here? What would make you an asset to the company? What are your strengths, and areas that need improvement?), the focus was primarily on my customer service skills. I remember being asked to describe a situation where a customer was unhappy and how I redeemed their experience, and what I like about being in customer service.

My interview stages were a bit different from yours, since I had a group interview with about 30 other hopefuls, and then a one-on-one interview. The only phone interview I had was a language test (which I bombed). During the group interview they observed how we interacted with one another while working together on a simple assignment, (tip: always follow the rules they give you even if they seem pointless!) and then took turns speaking in front of each other (I had 60 seconds to talk about my favourite food. Piece of cake. Or should I say, piece of chocolate! mmm), to see how comfortable we were being in the spotlight.

I think as long as you have some good customer service stories in your back pocket, and showcase how welcoming and confident you are (good attributes for an FA!) you'll knock their socks off. Good luck!

907 Votes

Do the pilots and flight members get free drinks and snacks on the plane?

Asked by sarah over 12 years ago

Yes and no. If it's free for the passengers, it's free for us too, so coffee, juice, pop, cookies, etc.

If it's not free for the passengers, we have to pay too - the only exception is if the flight is almost done and there are leftover items that will be thrown out anyway. Then we can rummage through and see if there's something we want, but honestly, serving the same snacks all the time renders them pretty unappetizing, to me at least.

Once in awhile I'll work a catered flight which includes meals and the caterer will set aside some for the crew. That's kind of fun, but it's like any classic "airplane food" tray - some stuff will be scrumptious and others will be unrecognizable.

Generally I just grab a crew water (1.5 litre bottles, you really gotta stay hydrated!) and only dip into the plane snacks and drinks in moments of desperation where I don't have time to sit down and open my much healthier, home-packed lunch bag!

907 Votes

Given Scene: You were the flight attendant, after the instruction of turning all cell phones off, you have seen a man using his phone, how would you tell him to turn off his phone.

Asked by jana over 12 years ago

Haha, oh man I have to do this alllll the time and I hate it! I used to get annoyed that people refuse to put their phones down because we're all so addicted to them but it happens too often to lose my cool over it.

So I say, "Sir, just make sure you have your phone off and stowed for take-off". I emphasize "stowed" because I'm so tired of arguing with people about Airplane Mode and whether or not it's ok (it is during the flight but for take-off and landing your electronics do need to be OFF), and that way the guest will usually just tuck it in the seat pocket or in their jacket so I don't have to see it. If people keep jabbering into their phone or texting I have no problem saying, "you're now holding up a hundred other people because we can't close the door until you put that away", and then smile and say "thank you!" as sweet as pie because sometimes it's fun to be nice when people are crabby!

906 Votes

Do you recommend working as a flight attendant temporarily? Say, a year or less, while trying to find another job?

Asked by nate about 12 years ago

Well, the airlines won't thank me for saying so, but sure! It's a great experience to try and say that you've done it. But don't blame me if you say you'll stay for a year and end up staying ten. I see it All the time. It's just an addictive lifestyle!

Just be prepared that it can be quite a drawn out ordeal to get hired (sometimes 3 interviews and, in my case, a 7 month wait until a training slot became available) and the training is no joke. It's about a month long with a huge amount of information being thrown at you, and roughly 1/3 of that month will start with a pop quiz first thing in the morning. It might be hard to be motivated to get through training if you only plan to stay for a year and you're not that passionate about it. But like I said, you may end up liking it more than you expected, in which case it's a great investment of your time!

905 Votes

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Can black men opt for the job of FLIGHT ATTENDANT? And what are the requirements needed to become one?

Asked by A.V.M over 12 years ago

Of course! I've worked with plenty. The requirements vary a little bit from airline to airline but the basics are the same:

a high school education or equivalent

a valid passport

the ability to work and live in the country in which you're applying

a criminal background check of the previous 5 years for airport security clearance

a height or "reach" requirement

some customer service experience

This web page http://www.flightattendantcareer.com/faq.htm goes into a lot more detail, specifically about applying for jobs in the US, but you can also find out the requirements by checking out the Careers page on any airline's website. Just remember that you don't need a special course from a school or anything to become a flight attendant, the airline will give you all the training you need once you get hired. Happy hunting!

904 Votes

Are there any major international US airlines that hire foreign crew? If so, can they work if they have crew visas, providing they catch another flight out of the US and return to your home country and possible commute? Also do international charters

Asked by Donny over 12 years ago

Yes! To work for an American airline or charter, you will need a valid passport from whatever country you hail from, and you will have to apply for a work permit or visa. You can get lots of information about obtaining a visa at the US government website:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Under some visas, you are permitted to live in the US for as long as you work for the company who has applied on your behalf. Otherwise, you can commute from an outside country. I recently worked with a woman who commuted to work in Canada from Indonesia. Definitely not a commute I would want to do but where there's a will there's a way!

903 Votes

Hi;
My question today is " What happens when you don't pass your IOD exam after graduating? Do you get another opportunity to make up for it or is that it you get the boot?"

Asked by Yuli over 12 years ago

Well I hate to say this but... I have no idea what an IOD exam is! I asked some co-workers and they were as perplexed as I am. Give me a hint and I'll see if I can dig up any answers for you :)

902 Votes

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Flight Attendant

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I have a telephone interview pretty soon with an American airline. What types of questions should I be expected to answer?

Do the pilots and flight members get free drinks and snacks on the plane?

Given Scene: You were the flight attendant, after the instruction of turning all cell phones off, you have seen a man using his phone, how would you tell him to turn off his phone.

Do you recommend working as a flight attendant temporarily? Say, a year or less, while trying to find another job?

Also on Jobstr...

Can black men opt for the job of FLIGHT ATTENDANT? And what are the requirements needed to become one?

Are there any major international US airlines that hire foreign crew? If so, can they work if they have crew visas, providing they catch another flight out of the US and return to your home country and possible commute? Also do international charters

Hi;
My question today is " What happens when you don't pass your IOD exam after graduating? Do you get another opportunity to make up for it or is that it you get the boot?"

Flight Attendant

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I have a telephone interview pretty soon with an American airline. What types of questions should I be expected to answer?

Do the pilots and flight members get free drinks and snacks on the plane?

Given Scene: You were the flight attendant, after the instruction of turning all cell phones off, you have seen a man using his phone, how would you tell him to turn off his phone.

Do you recommend working as a flight attendant temporarily? Say, a year or less, while trying to find another job?

Also on Jobstr...

Can black men opt for the job of FLIGHT ATTENDANT? And what are the requirements needed to become one?

Are there any major international US airlines that hire foreign crew? If so, can they work if they have crew visas, providing they catch another flight out of the US and return to your home country and possible commute? Also do international charters

Hi;My question today is " What happens when you don't pass your IOD exam after graduating? Do you get another opportunity to make up for it or is that it you get the boot?"

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Hi;
My question today is " What happens when you don't pass your IOD exam after graduating? Do you get another opportunity to make up for it or is that it you get the boot?"