Flight Attendant: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Flight Attendant do?

A Flight Attendant is responsible for ensuring the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of passengers aboard flights. This role involves conducting pre-flight safety checks, demonstrating safety procedures, assisting passengers with boarding, and serving food and beverages. Flight Attendants also manage in-flight emergencies, provide first aid when needed, and ensure compliance with all aviation rules and regulations. The job requires excellent interpersonal skills, as Flight Attendants interact directly with passengers, address their concerns, and manage a variety of in-flight situations.

Flight Attendants are crucial for maintaining order and safety on flights, and they play a key role in enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Flight Attendants in the Hospitality field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Greet passengers, check their tickets, and assist with onboarding and finding seats.
• Conduct pre-flight safety checks and ensure the aircraft is clean and ready for passengers.
• Demonstrate emergency procedures and ensure all passengers understand safety protocols.
• Serve meals and beverages and sell onboard duty-free goods.
• Attend to passengers' needs, answer questions, and resolve any on-board issues.
• Administer first aid in case of health emergencies.
• Prepare reports on flight incidents, including security and safety issues.
• Ensure all cabin activities comply with regulatory requirements.

How to Become a Flight Attendant

Launching a career as a Flight Attendant requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• High school diploma or equivalent; further certification from a flight training school is preferred.
• Certification in CPR and first aid is highly desirable.
• Must meet the height and physical requirements necessary to perform all duties safely.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
• Customer service experience or training.
• Must be able to attend and successfully complete a training program provided by the airline.

Requirements & Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of professionalism and a polished appearance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle emergencies and stressful situations.
• Flexibility and willingness to work a varied schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Fluency in multiple languages is a plus, enhancing communication with a diverse array of passengers.

Flight Attendant Salary Guide

Wondering what Flight Attendants earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Flight Attendant in the U.S. is approximately $56,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Flight Attendants may receive a wide range of benefits.

Flight Attendant Salary Career Steps