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Flight Attendants

O*NET files this work under Flight Attendants: people who monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. The skills rated most useful are speaking, monitoring, and active listening. You may also need to verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order. With a code of CSR, this is mostly a job for people drawn to orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Social interests also help, rated 4.2 out of 7. Getting in usually takes a few months to a year of learning on the job, a level O*NET calls some preparation. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

Main tasks

  • Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.
  • Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets.
  • Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.
  • Walk aisles of planes to verify that passengers have complied with federal regulations prior to takeoffs and landings.
  • Direct and assist passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing.
  • Prepare passengers and aircraft for landing, following procedures.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation
  • Coordination

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.3 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CSR takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Flight Attendant
  • In-Flight Crew Member
  • Inflight Services Flight Attendant
  • International Flight Attendant
  • Purser

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.