You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate in Air Cabin Crew or study a cabin crew module as part of a broader travel and tourism course.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
Cabin crew
Alternative titles for this job include Flight attendant, air steward, air stewardess
Air cabin crew help make sure that airline passengers have a comfortable, safe and pleasant flight.
Average salary (a year)
£12,000 Starter
to£30,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
30 to 40 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home
How to become cabin crew
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a cabin crew advanced apprenticeship.
This will usually take one year to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More information
Direct application
You could apply directly to airlines for a cabin crew job. Entry requirements vary but good customer service skills will be expected.
More information
Career tips
Some airlines and private providers run 2-day cabin crew courses, which may help your chances of getting a job.
Further information
You'll find details about working as air cabin crew from Careers That Move.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills for working with passengers
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to enjoy working with other people
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- sensitivity and understanding for dealing with customers’ needs
- a desire to help people and a friendly manner
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 years of age
- have a good level of fitness
- pass a medical check
- pass enhanced background checks
Usually you'll also be expected to:
- have a smart appearance
- have a valid passport with no restrictions for the countries the airline travels to
- live within 90 minutes of your base
Many airlines also ask that you're able to swim up to 25 metres.
There are rules about height and weight - these vary between airlines. As a general guide, most look for people between 5ft 2in (157cm) and 6ft 2in (188cm) with weight in proportion to height.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Before a flight you could be:
- taking part in a meeting about the flight and its schedule
- checking that there are enough supplies on the plane and that emergency equipment is working properly
- greeting passengers
- demonstrating emergency equipment and procedures
During a flight you might be:
- making sure passengers are comfortable
- serving food and drinks, and selling duty-free items
- making announcements
- reassuring passengers in the event of an emergency, and making sure they follow safety procedures
At the end of a flight you'll often be:
- making sure passengers leave the plane safely
- writing a flight report, including details about any unusual incidents
- adding up and recording food and drink orders, and duty-free sales
Working environment
You could work on an aircraft.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and cramped.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to cabin crew supervisor or a senior air cabin crew role.
You could also work in a ground-based role like cabin crew training, recruitment, passenger services, marketing or sales.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Cabin Crew Apprentice
- Wage : £10,258.00 Annually
- Location: Gatwick RH6 0JW
Courses In England
Air Cabin Crew
- Provider: CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH
- Start date: 09 September 2019
- Location: PLYMOUTH
CG Level 2 Diploma in Air Cabin Crew
- Provider: WALSALL COLLEGE
- Start date: 09 September 2019
- Location: WALSALL
JobsIn the United Kingdom
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