Many young people dream of becoming a flight attendant. It is a great way to see the world ... but what does a flight attendant do?
A flight attendant's main responsibility is safety. That means safety of the plane and the passengers. Flight attendants check the safety equipment on the plane. They make sure passengers get on and off the plane safely. They also demonstrate the safety procedures to passengers. Flight attendants should be able to deal with a wide variety of emergency situations. They must know what to do in case a passenger is seriously sick, or is hurt in an accident. In case of an emergency landing, they must remain calm and help passengers get out of the plane quickly.
Another important role of a flight attendant is to look after the passengers during the flight. They must make sure passengers are comfortable. They prepare and serve food and drinks. They give out blankets, headsets, newspapers and other items.
Training can last many months. It might take place at the airline's headquarters, or at an independent flight training center. The focus of the training is on safety. Trainees learn how to operate safety equipment. They are also trained to deal with any emergencies, and difficult situations.
A flight attendant typically flies up to 90 hours a month. The airline provides accommodation and living expenses while you are away. You can also enjoy cheap airfares, and see lots of new places in your free time. The job sounds fantastic, but it can also be stressful. You need to be pleasant in difficult situations. You might need to work nights, holidays and weekends, too. You will probably be away from home at least one third of the time. Many people like travel, but not everyone likes to be away from home so long!