Do you want to travel the world? That’s a question many people say yes to, but when asked why, the answer is usually attributed to the amount of money involved. The fact of the matter is traveling does cost a pretty penny, time, and dedication, and people say they can’t compromise on their jobs. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a way around it, what if you can make going to different destinations your career?
If it’s your job to travel to various locations it addresses the financial problem as well as that of your time and job. That brings us to one of the most popular jobs and that is becoming part of a cabin crew; it is a lucrative and sought-after career. And in this article, we’ll be taking a look at the requirements, responsibilities, perks, drawbacks, and prospects of this highly coveted job. So, keep on reading to get valuable insight into why becoming a cabin crew member is a good career.
Prerequisites to becoming a Cabin Crew member
Getting a job as a Cabin Crew member requires you to meet several prerequisites. These include physical requirements, education, and experience. Also, you might be required to be a resident of the country where you are applying for the position. As far as age goes, some airlines require you to be at least 21, while others hire cabin crew as young as 18. It is important to have excellent customer service skills, be a team player, and be prepared to work long hours.
To become Cabin Crew, you mostly need a high school diploma or GED. However, a bachelor's degree in aviation, hospitality management, travel, and tourism or communication can increase your chances of employment. As a note, not all airlines require college degrees, but you should consider taking courses that will benefit your career. Some courses to consider include foreign languages and classes that promote verbal communication.
You can become Cabin Crew by completing a certification process usually offered by the airlines. The certification process usually takes six weeks and involves a fast-paced training environment. As part of this training process, you will learn about first aid, the safety rules of the airline, and the basics of flight. You will also learn how to operate safety equipment, as well as how to operate the audio and visual equipment on board. You will need to complete several hours of training, and you may also need to pass a pre-employment test; the requirements vary from airline to airline.
Responsibilities of Cabin Crew
During a flight, cabin crew members are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers, which also includes providing beverages and meals to passengers. Cabin Crew are required to ensure that the cabin is clean, and they also need to be able to keep track of money earned and spent. They ensure that all safety procedures are followed, and they respond to emergencies; they are trained to deal with a variety of scenarios, including fires and accidents. Cabin Crew are also responsible for the care of passengers with special needs. They are trained to respond to medical emergencies and to administer first aid.
During a flight, Cabin Crew must maintain their communication with other crew members. They must ensure that the aircraft is well-stocked with supplies, and they must maintain an inventory of emergency equipment. They must also respond to passengers' questions and concerns, and they must be able to handle and de-escalate heated situations.
Dealing with difficult customers and scenarios is a reality and like all jobs, being a cabin crew member has its challenges. We’ll take a look at both the benefits and drawbacks of being a flight attendant next.
Cabin Crew job benefits and drawbacks
Having a job as Cabin Crew can be a lot of fun. Not only do you get to travel to new destinations every day, but you can also make some amazing friends along the way. Some airlines also offer great perks for their employees. For example, you might be able to take free trips, and you can also get discounts on international hotel chains and even medical services, depending on the circumstances, you may even get free food. You can also earn some pretty good money. The average salary of an airline cabin crew member is quite high, take on international flights.
However, even the best jobs have drawbacks, as with most things, there are pros and cons. Having a job as a cabin crew member you will need to deal with difficult people and situations. It also means you won't be home much with your family as you’ll be traveling more often than not. You will also need to be prepared to deal with jet lag and other challenges that come with traveling long distances and working long hours. You will be required to live near the airport and might also be required to be on call. You will also be required to work on holidays and weekends as well.
Cabin Crew career progression:
Whether you're a newbie or an experienced Cabin Crew member, there are many different paths to follow in the airline industry. Whether you're interested in moving into a management role, or you're simply interested in a low-stress, high-paying job, there are plenty of ways to make your mark. The first step in your Cabin Crew career is to get training. This can vary from airline to airline, but some offer continuing education to train you to become a corporate pilot or take on another role within the organisation such as a desk job in passenger services, sales, and marketing or cabin crew trainer. Many cabin crew members move into these fields, although they are not required to.
Cabin Crew future job prospects
It’s not a secret that the global aviation industry took a massive hit during the Pandemic; however, as the world recovers from that catastrophe the air transport industry is also getting quickly back on its feet. That means jobs associated with it are also rising in demand, with some forecasting a massive growth of 30% for the cabin crew occupation till 2030. These take into account people who will be retiring and the projected growth.
In conclusion
So, is being a cabin crew member a good career option? We believe “yes!”. True it has its drawbacks but that is the case with most jobs, and it has to do with personal choice as well. For someone who loves to travel a Cabin Crew job is a great option, as it allows the freedom to opt for a desk job at a later time.
It’s not over yet, we have listed some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding cabin crew jobs for your perusal.
Cabin Crew Jobs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most important responsibility of a flight attendant?
Having a great relationship with passengers is one of the most important responsibilities of a flight attendant. Flight attendants must be able to provide timely solutions to passengers' needs. They must also be able to de-escalate high-pressure situations.
What skills are important for a Flight Attendant?
Getting a flight attendant job requires a lot of skills. These include being able to communicate effectively, having a good knowledge of different cultures, and being able to lead others. You must also be able to handle emergencies. Often, flight attendants are called on to respond to passengers who need medical attention.
What are your career goals as a Cabin Crew?
Choosing a career as a flight attendant requires a lot of thinking and research. Flight attendants are responsible for the comfort of passengers, which means they must be willing to work with people, deal with emergencies, and remain professional even when things get heated. This job is also more demanding than the average. However, it can provide a good living if you can manage your time effectively.
Is cabin crew a lifetime job?
Unlike other careers, airline cabin crew does not have the opportunity to work for one airline for the rest of their lives. Although many airlines are now offering permanent contracts, cabin crew employment still tends to be contractual.
At what age do cabin crew retire?
Currently, the age of retirement for flight attendants varies from country to country. For example, Hong Kong-based airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Express have a minimum age of 45. Other airlines, such as Korea Air and All Nippon Airways, have age limits of 60.
