Do you want a career full of excitement that takes you to various parts of the globe and allows you to meet new people daily? If yes, becoming a flight attendant (air hostess) is the right choice.
However, it is crucial to remember that working as a flight attendant or air hostess is about more than glamour and trips to different places worldwide. Becoming a flight attendant requires a lot of hard work and training, and it is much more than simply serving tea or coffee to passengers.
Today, a flight attendant (air hostess) is required to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers by providing efficient services. They also act as the airline's de facto logistics officer, who checks before take-off whether all supplies and critical equipment are on board.
Furthermore, a flight attendant is responsible for guiding passengers through safety procedures during emergencies and providing first aid to an injured or ill passenger when necessary.
If you want to learn how to become a flight attendant (air hostess) in Australia, read the post below and get all the information required to become a successful flight attendant, including flight attendant requirements, salary, courses, and much more.
1. What Do Flight Attendants (Air Hostess) Do?
Flight attendants go through intense training programs to learn their responsibilities. They welcome guests aboard and ensure their safety and that everyone follows airline safety and security regulations.
Also, flight attendants try to make the flights stress-free and comfortable for passengers. Sometimes, they may also have to deal with aircraft passengers who show disruptive behaviour.
2. Major Duties and Tasks of a Flight Attendant (Air Hostess)
Make sure that they have adequate supplies of refreshments and emergency equipment on board.
Participate in pre-flight briefings with the pilot to discuss flight details and cabin conditions.
Stowing equipment, food, cabin baggage, and also tidying up aircraft cabins.
Check the passengers' tickets and direct them towards their cabins and seats.
Conduct safety checks and demonstrate the use of safety procedures and equipment, like when and how to wear seat belts, life vests, and oxygen masks.
Coordinate and administer emergency medical care as needed.
Handle security issues when required.
Prepare and serve meals, beverages, and snacks to passengers.
Distribute pillows, reading material, blankets and other conveniences for the comfort of passengers.
Take care of the needs of passengers, especially those with special needs.
Assist and direct passengers to carry out emergency procedures during emergencies.
Assist passengers with immigration and customs documentation.
Note: Working as a flight attendant can be physically exhausting because you might have to spend a great deal of time assisting travellers with their baggage and running beverage and food carts on your feet.
3. What Are The Educational And Training Requirements For A Flight Attendant in Australia?
Entry requirements may vary from one airline to the other. However, the major Airlines usually ask for a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with a good score in mathematics and English. They may also require you to undertake practical and written examinations and behavioural assessments.
If you have relevant experience or qualifications in customer service or the hospitality industry, your chances to enter this profession may improve to a great extent. Additionally, you can consider a traineeship to become a flight attendant.
Entry-level requirements may differ, but most employers ask for a Year 10 qualification. When appointed, flight attendants undergo in-house training before starting with flight duties.
4. What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Flight Attendant (Air Hostess)?
You do not require formal qualifications to work as an Australian flight attendant. However, there are some necessary conditions that you need to fulfil. Here are some of them:
Additional Information:
Some major airlines prefer applicants who have awareness and respect for other cultures and can speak a second language. Additionally, all individuals working for the airline industry must meet every security clearance requirement.
Also, before beginning your journey as a flight attendant, you should know that the performance of a flight attendant is regularly monitored, and they receive training throughout their entire career to maintain high standards.
5. Behavioural Skills Required To Become A Flight Attendant (Air Hostess)
Similar to having specific physical attributes, behavioural skills are just as relevant in your career as a flight attendant or air hostess. Here are some behavioural skills that a flight attendant must possess:
Pleasing Personality: You must be pleasant to become a flight attendant because you will deal with passengers most of the time. Be conscientious and caring so that passengers feel comfortable approaching you. Always having a positive attitude will make your work life more manageable.
Communications Skills: Having only a pleasing personality will not help; you must also have excellent communication skills to interact with passengers. You must possess both literacies as well as verbal skills. Literacy skills incorporate reading and writing, whereas verbal skills constitute listening and comprehending.
Presence of Mind: Flight attendants must always use their presence of mind, especially in emergency landing when they need to give necessary instructions to the passengers aboard.
Handing Additional Workload: Working extra hours while being a flight attendant is common. For instance, if your flight gets delayed, you might have to extend your shift by three to four hours. So be prepared to handle the extra workload.
Teamwork and Multitasking: A flight attendant usually works with a crew of around 10 to 12 members. So you are always required to support each other and work as a team. Also, multitasking is one of the essential skills needed, as you might have to deal with several passenger requests simultaneously.
6. Steps To Become A Flight Attendant (Air Hostess) In Australia
If you want to become a successful flight attendant, follow the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: Begin Your Research
Start your online research by visiting major regional airlines and looking for flight attendant jobs. You can also look for recruiters specialising in airline careers or attend job fairs.
Make sure to regularly check the website page of your favourite airline and make it a point to scan for upcoming career fairs and job openings.
Step 2: Create an Impressive Resume
Your resume should demonstrate expertise in customer service, including experience in leisure, travel, high-end dining or luxury retail fields. A one-page resume is more than sufficient.
Remember, if you have more than a two-page resume, the human resource department may put that resume directly into the circular file — a concise resume is vital!
The main aim is to describe yourself as the travel ambassador and a fantastic flight attendant for the airline in around 500 words or less.
Attaching at least two photographs with your job application or resume may also be a great benefit — preferably a full-body photo and a headshot. Make sure to take a professional picture and wear appropriate business attire.
Step 3: Fill Out The Application Form
Visit the website of the airline that is most appropriate to your career requirements and fill out the job application form.
You can even fill out the forms for other airlines because no rule prohibits it. Also, ensure you fulfil all the requirements to become an air hostess.
You at least need to be 18 years of age, speak English, and satisfy minimum weight, height, and reach specifications. You must be reasonably tall to open, shut, and reach overhead cabins and slender enough to navigate narrow aisles.
All in all, you do not need a formal qualification to become an air hostess. However, with some airlines, it does help if you have a Year 10 qualification.
Step 4: The Interview
Once you submit the application and get selected, they will call you for the first interview. The first interview is done online via a webcam.
Dress appropriately for the interview and be prepared to speak about your qualifications, background, and why you are best suited for the position.
During the interview, make sure to look into the eyes of the interviewer and speak slowly and confidently. You will be asked to come to the on-site interview if you get through this interview.
Once you pass the interview, you will obtain a conditional job offer that incorporates training with the airline as a flight attendant.
Step 5: Training Camp With The Airline
Airline training sessions are usually intense. The main focus is polishing customer service skills and learning proper operating and safety procedures. Training typically takes around six weeks to complete.
Pay attention and ask as many questions as you want during this time, mainly when a training session seems challenging.
Step 6: Receiving A Job Offer
Once the airline offers you the position, you have every right to carefully go through the offer and ensure that everything works for you. Regarding the flight attendant salary, you may only be able to negotiate a little as it is already fixed.
However, you might want to look into the fine print to check the nature of your work, particularly regarding your time requirements and job responsibilities.
7. What Are The Working Hours of a Flight Attendant (Air Hostess)?
Being a flight attendant is not always about the glamour you see on television. Sometimes, flight attendants are expected to work long hours and go to work at extremely short notice.
Furthermore, some journeys may involve staying in a hotel overnight. You may also be required to work on public holidays and weekends.
Once you have enough flying experience, you can advance and either go into teaching as a cabin crew training instructor or lead the cabin crew team as a senior member.
8. How Much Do Flight Attendants (Air Hostess) Earn in Australia?
Flight attendant (Air Hostess) salaries in Australia vary from airline to airline.
Some airlines may have higher wages than others because they have experienced flight attendants who have worked for them for an extended time. Some offer better perks like flexible hours, more free meals and lodgings, and much more.
According to Pay Scale, the average Flight Attendant's salary in Australia is AU$53,471. It varies based on several factors, such as:
Education
Type of Assignment and Seniority of the Role
Airline size (major or regional carrier), business model, and route network. Major airlines usually pay more than regional ones.
Work location (Adelaide has one of the highest average base salaries and the highest average cash compensation, while Melbourne has the lowest flight attendant salary of $45,864.
Gender (female flight attendants usually earn 5% more than their female counterparts.)
Areas you serve - National/ International (International flight attendants earn around $47,000 annually, less than Australia's average flight attendant salary. However, they make relatively more compensation of $5,539 on average.
Experience (Flight attendants who stay longer with an airline generally sees up to 5% increments in their annual salary).
Salary Based on Experience
Entry-level (<1-year experience): AU$48,380 per year
Early career (1-4 years of experience): AU$50,244 per year
Mid-career (5-9 years of experience): AU$55,414 per year
Experienced (10-19 years of experience): AU$62,772 per year
In their late career (20 years and above): AU$69,634 per year
Highest Paying Locations For Flight Attendants in Australia
Canberra - $110,981 per year
Perth - $57,945 per year
Sydney - $50,167 per year
Brisbane - $50,013 per year
Melbourne - $49,625 per year
The profession is lucrative and in demand because, in addition to the annual salary, flight attendants also receive various perks and benefits, including:
Yearly Bonuses
Travel allowance for the expenses incurred when away from the base. The total payable rate depends on the flight duration and the layover location.
Commission (from 5 to 10%) from sales onboard
14 to 30 days annual leave
Tickets for free or at a discounted rate for you or your family members
Free hotel points
Discounted or free gym membership, hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and other establishments
Free travel worldwide while earning a salary
Personal or health insurance and pension scheme
401(k) and Retirement Plans
Paid time off
Paid-for housing
9. Specialisations For Flight Attendants
After working as a flight attendant for a couple of years, you can progress to the following roles:
Cabin Supervisor (Aircraft)
Crew Attendant (Air Force)
10. Where Do Flight Attendants Work?
Although Flight Attendants can work almost anywhere in the world, New South Wales and Queensland are the two states with the highest demand for this profession.
11. Career Progression for Flight Attendants
Flight attendants mostly begin working on short local flights and progress to working in more prominent airlines and travelling interstate and even overseas.
12. Job Outlook Of Flight Attendants In Australia
ANZSCO ID 451711 (Flight Attendants)
Working Arrangements
Around 51% of employed Flight Attendants work full-time for an average of 41 hours per week.
Main Areas Of Employment
Around 95.3% of flight attendants work in Transport, Postal, And Warehousing. Some opportunities are also present in:
Administrative and support services
Public administration and safety
Accommodation and food services
Percentage of Employment across Australia
Queensland and New South Wales have a large share of employment compared to their population size.
New South Wales: 35.9%
Victoria: 23.1%
Queensland: 23.0%
South Australia: 4.7%
Western Australia: 11.4%
Tasmania: 0.4%
Northern Territory: 0.6%
Australian Capital Territory: 0.8%
Worker's Age and Gender Profile
The average n age of Flight Attendants is 38 years, with most between 25 to 34 years. Females constitute 74% of the workforce which is 26 percentage points above the average of all jobs, i.e., 48%.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does It Take To Be a Flight Attendant in Australia?
It takes little time to become a flight attendant in Australia. There is no formal education or experience required to work in this role. Training programs usually take one or two days to complete.
However, completing the recruitment process could take a few weeks to months. If a carrier has job openings, you could begin working as a flight attendant just a few months after high school graduation.
How Much Do You Start off Making as Flight Attendant?
Flight attendants in an entry-level role (less than one year of experience) usually make around AU$ 48,380 annually.
How To Become a Flight Attendant with no Experience in Australia?
You don't need the experience to work in this role.
However, your previous experience in any hospitality, customer service roles, and foreign language experience can be beneficial while applying for positions that require strong communication skills.
The transferrable skills you gain by working in these roles can give you a competitive edge and improve your entry into the position.
How Much Do Qantas Flight Attendants Make?
According to Pay Scale, the average Flight Attendant's salary in Australia is AU$ 45,497 per year.
The airline pays around AU$45,009 annually to flight attendants with 1 to 4 years of experience and approx. AU$ 70,000 per year to those with 20 and more years of experience.
On top of the base pay, flight attendants receive the perks mentioned above.
What Airline Pays The Most for Flight Attendants in Australia?
The airline that employs you also determines your salary. Usually, major airlines pay more than low-cost carriers. Here is the average annual wage that the three top airlines offer to flight attendants in Australia:
Qantas - $51,673 (source: Indeed)
Virgin Australia -$46,000 (source: Indeed)
Rex Australia - A$48,000 (source: Glassdoor)
It shows that Qantas pays the highest salary to flight attendants compared to its counterparts.
Do Flight Attendants Get Free Hotels?
Yes. Flight attendants get free hotel points and significant discounts on their stay in hotels and similar establishments.
Do Flight Attendants Get a Lot of Free Time?
The schedule of a flight attendant depends on their preference, seniority, location, and airline. Usually, it is 9 to 20 days a month, but it varies with the airline.
Attendants who live near their home-base airport work for more flights, while those who must fly or drive to their home airport choose shorter journeys with more days off.
Flight attendants might work on a reserve or on-call basis. New attendants work a reserve schedule where they either wait at the airport for a call to duty or live close to the airport to report to the airline quickly after receiving a 2-hours2-hour' notice.
Sometimes, new flight attendants may require to work holidays and weekends. They can expect to work at least 18 reserve days and remain on a standby schedule for a couple of months based on the airline or their home city.
What Are The Disadvantages of Being a Flight Attendant?
If you are planning to become a flight attendant, you must know the challenges involved in this role:
On-call scheduling
Staying away from home
Weekend and holiday work
Frequent changes in the time zone
Passenger conflicts
Limited opportunities for career advancement
In-person work
Travel delays
What is The Ideal Age For a Flight Attendant?
You must be 18 or more to serve as a flight attendant. Most of the major airlines seek applicants who are at least 19 or 20 years old. As you turn 21, you can apply for a flight attendant position with any airline.
As there is no maximum age limit, you can become a flight attendant at any age. You can enter the profession as long as you are physically fit, pass the cabin crew exam, and meet the work requirements as required by the airline.
Is 32 Too Old To be a Flight Attendant?
There is no upper age limit defined for flight attendants in Australia. It implies that you can even become a flight attendant in your 40s or 50s, provided that you meet the work and training requirements of the role.
Older candidates have the experience and maturity that are highly valued qualities that airlines look for.
Can You Fail The Cabin Crew Training?
Passing the Cabin crew training is a big challenge for any new flight attendant.
During this three to six week of training, you learn about the airline's customer service and emergency response protocols, including food and beverage handling, passenger interaction, aircraft evacuation, etc.
During the training, flight attendants are assessed on specific grounds (vary between airlines) to ensure they can perform their duties safely. You must meet the criteria to ensure you are eligible for the training.
What Disqualifies You From Being A Cabin Crew Member?
Minimum age
Height
Inability to swim: Generally, the ability to swim 25-50 meters and tread water for 1-3 minutes.
History of mental illness and antidepressant use
Existing mental illness or physical ailments such as anemia, diabetes, epilepsy, speech defects, skin conditions or scars, severe sensory impairments, pregnant women, etc.
Whether you are farsighted or nearsighted, your vision must be correctable with contacts of glasses or corrective lenses.
Scoliosis of >30
Tattoos, ear piercing, nail art, etc.
Is Cabin Crew a High-Risk Job?
Yes. The job of a flight attendant is usually risky for the following reasons:
Inferior cabin air quality
High levels of ozone
Cosmic ionising radiation
Pesticides from cabin disinfection
Disturbance in the circadian rhythm
High levels of occupational noise
Heavy physical job demands
Is Cabin Crew a Lonely Job?
Most people know only the glamorous side of the profession, but only a few know the dark side of being a cabin crew.
We have seen flight attendants constantly surrounded by others in planes or airports. Still, they have to spend much time in hotel rooms alone when on a layover. It makes them feel bored, lonely, and socially disconnected from their near and dear ones, who are probably far away in a different time zone.
You cannot be part of your close one's significant days and life events like weddings, birthdays, etc., and miss a lot of family holidays and get-togethers. This period of isolation becomes hard to pass, especially when the layover is long.
Furthermore, job-related stress becomes the cause for the below physical and mental concerns and low productivity levels.
Fertility issues
Radiation exposure
Cancer rates
Jet lag
Repetitive motion injuries
Unhealthy eating and alcohol habits
Digestive troubles
Can You Be Shy And Be A Flight Attendant?
Being introverted or shy is not being anti-social.
It is important to note that the job of a flight attendant is much more than that of an air hostess. You are responsible for passenger safety during emergencies, taking control and issuing commands to passengers that they must obey.
You can be shy and still be assertive and friendly. So, you can still be a flight attendant if you can do your job well.
Is it Hard To Be a Flight Attendant?
Yes. Being a flight attendant is a physical job. They have to remain on their feet for most of the time of the day. They need physical stamina to lift heavy luggage into overhead cubicles, stoop to pick up fallen items and reach passengers in awkward or tight spaces.
As the flight attendant's daily duties would be arduous for people with an obstructive physical condition or out-of-shape physique, airlines only recruit fit, healthy, and in shape.
Irregular sleep, poor eating habits, exposure to radiation, dealing with conflicts with passengers, etc., all these stresses can harm their mental and physical health in the long run.
Besides the work duties, new flight attendants must mostly work on weekends and holidays. Moreover, staying away from home and close ones is difficult, especially when the layover is long.
Is it Hard To Pass Flight Attendant Training?
Yes. The flight attendant training is challenging and intense. Still, the lifelong skills you learn during this stressful phase will benefit you throughout your lifetime.
Flight attendants undergo extensive emergency training where they have to perform specific tasks to deal with crises in a calm and focused manner. These include lifting and operating emergency exit doors and other mechanisms, take-down of rowdy passengers, etc.
However, if you make it to the end, you will find it the best and most unforgettable learning experience.
How Do You Pass a Flight Attendant Interview?
If you are wondering how you can increase your chances of becoming a flight attendant, we have some tips to help you improve your chances of passing a flight attendant interview:
Begin your preparation immediately, as it takes a few months for the airline to assess your application. So, the sooner you apply, the quicker you can start in the role.
Considering the dynamic nature of the job that involves constant bending, balancing, and stretching in enclosed and cramped spaces, consider enrolling in a gym to build good physical stamina.
Given the international nature of the aviation industry, candidates fluent in a foreign language are preferred and highly renumerated in this role.
Taking a foreign language class can help improve your employability for the role.
An experience in hospitality and customer service roles is highly desirable to work in this role. Try working in a job in any of these areas to further boost your entry into this role.
Research and review sample interview questions based on the airline you are applying for. Make a list of questions that they could ask you during the interview. Write out the answers and practice answering the questions with a partner. It will make you comfortable and exude confidence in an interview setting.
Compile all essential documents, including your resume and cover letter, into one folder.
Flight attendants represent the airline. It requires being personable, having a good appearance, and staying calm in stressful situations.
Be well-groomed, and wear smart and business-appropriate attire in neutral colours when appearing for an interview.
Reach the interview venue ten to fifteen minutes before the scheduled time.
Be personable, maintain open body language, and project warmth, confidence, and positivity during the interview.
How Do I Prepare Myself to Be a Flight Attendant?
You don't need a formal qualification to work as a Flight Attendant, as airlines provide on-the-job training to new joiners. However, there are specific requirements that you must fulfil to qualify for the role.
Be 18 years or more.
Complete your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
Have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate.
Although formal qualification isn't needed, having a Certificate III in Aviation (cabin crew) can give you a competitive edge.
A tourism diploma and experience in the customer service or hospitality industry are beneficial.
Have an Australian or New Zealand permanent residency.
Have a passport with unrestricted access to all international ports of call with a validity of 12 months or more if you aspire to become an International Flight Attendant.
Fulfil the necessary physical fitness standards, like being able to swim 50 meters and tread water for three minutes.
Have a valid senior First Aid Certificate.
Is There a Weight Requirement For Flight Attendants?
Airlines usually don't specify weight requirements for flight attendants. However, it is essential to look proportional and in good shape.
You should be fit and healthy to perform physical duties while being on your feet for much of the day and have adequate energy to make it through a long workday.
Do You Have To Be Good-Looking To Be a Flight Attendant?
You don't necessarily have to be very pretty to be a flight attendant.
Most airlines expect flight attendants to be presentable, healthy and have a neat and professional appearance (that meets conventional standards) to seem approachable to passengers.
What Are The Rules For Air For Flight Attendants?
The airline's "appearance" requirements vary; most major airlines encourage conservative hairdos and natural hair colours.
Reviewing the grooming policies of your desired airline will help you prepare accordingly and improve your chances of selection for this role.
Do Female Flight Attendants Have To Wear Makeup?
Whether female flight attendants should wear makeup depends on the airline you plan to work for.
Not every airline requires the attendants to wear makeup. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic announced in 2019 that its cabin crew no longer need to wear makeup, which includes the signature red lipstick.
Do Flight Attendants Have To Wear Their Hair Up?
Yes. Flight attendants must wear their hair up for safety and appearance purposes. When faced with an emergency, a flight attendant has to wear a safety device called a smoke hood around the neck with a tight seal.
What Hairstyles Do Flight Attendants Wear?
There is a restriction on hairstyles that a flight attendant can have. If a flight attendant's hair is longer than shoulder-length, it should be worn up.
Hair falling onto the face can pose difficulties while performing duties.
Some of the permitted hairstyles include:
Bun
Ponytail
French Twist
Short Bob
Bangs (must be short on the short side and not longer than the top of the eyebrows)
Braids
What is The Nail Length For Flight Attendants?
Flight attendants need to keep their nails and hands well-groomed at all times. Their nail length must not exceed an eighth of an inch beyond the fingertip.
Can Flight Attendants Have Acrylic Nails?
Yes. Female Flight attendants can have acrylic nails, but they should be small, well-manicured, trimmed, and clean.
Can Flight Attendants Have Painted Nails?
Female flight attendants can paint their nails only in neutral and pastel shades. Flashy and bright nail colours are not allowed.
The nail shape must be conservative and not square or pointy. Long nails or nails with jagged edges are not permitted as they can pose safety risks during emergencies.
Do Flight Attendants Still Wear Heels?
No. Flight attendants only wear heels sometimes at the workplace. They only have to wear heels at the airport or during layovers and the boarding process.
Once the flight takes off, they can switch to more comfortable shoes, such as flat shoes, lower heels, or trainers.
Do All Female Flight Attendants Have To Wear Skirts?
Not it is not necessary. Many major airlines have allowed flight attendants to wear pants or trousers while on duty.
List of airlines that have introduced trousers to their uniform for female cabin crew:
Virgin Atlantic
British Airways
Air India
Ethiopian Airlines
Bangkok Airways
KLM
Alitalia
What Is The Most Difficult Part of The Cabin Crew Job?
Here are some of the hardest things about working in a cabin crew job:
Recruitment Process
The general recruitment process for a flight attendant in each airline involves several procedures such as online tests, medical and background checks, video interviews, and assessment days.
Thousands of candidates apply for this position, but only a small percentage (below 5% of all candidates) make it through.
Lifestyle
Another tricky aspect of a flight attendant's job is their unpredictable lifestyle. You must work long hours day and night and stay far from home for some period. Feeling lonely and missing family occasions are part of the job.
Health
Working irregular and conflicting hours and at aircraft altitude can be hard on your body after a few years of flying.
Now that you know how to become a flight attendant, remember to check out the career web pages of different airlines and contact their human resource department.
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