Being a flight attendant involves more than serving food and drinks to passengers. Airlines meticulously evaluate specific attributes when hiring flight attendants.
We delved into a Quora thread that posed the question, “What do airlines look for in flight attendants?”
Marisa Garcia, an aviation industry writer with over two decades of experience, underscores that the foremost priority is ensuring cabin crew can effectively fulfill their primary role as safety personnel.
Safety Professionals: Keeping Passengers Safe
Garcia aptly labels flight attendants as “safety professionals.” Their training encompasses life-saving techniques, handling in-flight medical emergencies, managing cabin fires, and executing proper aircraft evacuations. Regular safety drills are essential for job retention.
The Role of Physical Appearance
An anonymous Quora user, who claims two years of flight attendant experience, acknowledges that “appearance” subtly influences the recruitment process. While American carriers downplay this aspect compared to non-American counterparts, it remains significant. The user, despite holding multiple college degrees and relevant experience, encountered challenges during interviews due to appearance.
“When visual analysis enters the equation, my interview process often concludes,” the user reveals. When skills are comparable, airlines tend to favor conventionally attractive candidates.
Carry Yourself with Impact
Nuralia Mazlan, a seasoned flight attendant with experience at two major airlines, once inquired about the reasons behind her hiring. The recruiter’s response revealed a subtle yet crucial evaluation process.
“Unbeknownst to me,” Mazlan recounts, “recruiters meticulously observe our demeanor from the moment we step into the interview room until the session concludes. They even gauge our interactions with the personnel measuring our height and weight.”
Flight attendants, as Mazlan emphasizes, encounter diverse individuals, necessitating finesse and exceptional people skills. The scrutiny extends to physical attributes, as evidenced by the height and weight measurements.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Attributes Airlines Seek
In addition to the aforementioned specifics, Garcia highlights several other essential qualities that airlines seek in their flight attendants:
- Intelligence: A sharp mind is invaluable.
- Gracious Assertiveness: Balancing kindness with assertiveness.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from adversity.
- Patience: The ability to remain composed under pressure.
- Resourcefulness: Finding solutions in challenging situations.
