Air hostess is a profession which involves serving passengers aboard an aircraft, during both a regular flight and a crisis situation while onboard. Various criteria need to be fulfilled to become an air hostess. This article will take you through the different steps to know how to become an air hostess.
To begin with, one needs to have a high school diploma before they apply for this career. The applicant needs to be physically fit and should be able to speak two or more languages fluently, including English and their native language. Apart from this qualification, people who have undergone courses in foreign languages can also apply for a job as an air hostess. This article will help you know the air hostess qualifications and how to apply for air hostess jobs.
Air hostesses have great career prospects in the airline industry. Apart from working as an air hostesses, they can also become airport managers or cabin managers. They can also work as cabin crew supervisors or cabin crew managers at premium airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways.
Types Of Air Hostess
There are various types of air hostesses. These include:
Air Hostess Reservation Clerk (AHC)
AHCs work in the reservations office.
Air Hostess Stewardess (AHS)
AHAs work on passenger flights and transport passengers from their seats to the aircraft's galleys and lavatories. They also assist in the preparation of food for the passengers.
Flight Attendant (FA)
FAs have a variety of roles to perform such as serving meals, and beverages, and preparing cold food and warm meals for passengers based on the requirements of passengers, reservations personnel and the airline company itself. They also assist with other duties regarding flight operation and safety.
Flight Stewardess (FS)
FSs can be classified into F1 and F2. FS-F1 works as a supervisor for FA and her assistants. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers using all onboard facilities of the aircraft such as the galley, lavatory and toilet.
Flight Attendant Supervisor (FAS)
FASs work as supervisors to FA in their cabin on a particular flight. They also help with other tasks such as attending conference calls, addressing passenger concerns and performing other duties according to the requirement of the company.
Duties and Responsibilities Of an Air Hostess
Air hostesses are responsible for transporting passengers from one place to another without causing any kind of inconvenience. For this, they need to undergo extensive training before they get through the cutthroat competition related to the job. The duties and responsibilities of an air hostess include:
Entertaining Passengers:
Air hostesses are required to interact with passengers and take their orders. They also need to keep the passengers informed about their flight schedule and general announcements before, during and after the flight.
Assisting Passengers:
They can carry bags, and suitcases belonging to the passengers as well as assist them in finding seats while they are travelling in an aircraft.
Preparing Food:
The air hostess needs to be familiar with all food types which will be served on board and make sure everything is packed properly for the journey.
Serving Beverages:
Air hostesses are responsible for serving beverages like coffee, tea or juice to passengers on board, especially during the landing phase of flights.
Monitoring Safety And Convenience of Passengers During Flight:
Air hostesses are required to monitor the safety of passengers in an aircraft. They also keep a check on the various facilities used by passengers like medicines and toilets during flight.
Restocking Cabin:
During the flight, air hostesses are required to take inventory of items used for passengers and restock them if necessary. This includes food items and beverages to ensure the smooth operation of flights with minimal hassle for passengers.
Air Hostess Qualifications
This is one of the hardest and most coveted jobs in today's world. To be qualified to become an air hostess, you need good work experience and impeccable service skills. Take a look at the following list of air hostess qualifications and skills that you need to have to become a qualified air hostess.
Training For Air Hostess Job:
To become a certified air hostess, one must undergo flight training. The duration of this training can vary from a month to six months depending upon the company. Various courses are being offered by various institutions for people who want to become know how to become an air hostess.
Each company regulates the education and training required for their air hostesses before they are allowed to be hired on board an aircraft. You can check this information before you apply for this job.
Language Skills:
You need to have excellent fluency in your native language apart from a good knowledge of English, French and other foreign languages required for them to work as an air hostess onboard a flight.
Necessary Skills:
You need to have the following skills to become an air hostess:
● Excellent interpersonal skills and communication abilities with fellow passengers.
● Good knowledge about different types of aircraft.
● Competency in demonstrating basic knowledge about safety precautions, flight regulations and cabin safety especially when the cabin door is opened during flight.
Educational Qualifications:
To become an air hostess, you need to have at least a bachelor's degree related field like aviation or hospitality before applying for a job as an air hostess. Some employers may also consider a degree in a field related to aviation such as human resources or information technology.
Additional Qualification for Air Hostess
Although these qualifications are enough to apply for a job, certain additional qualifications can help an individual get through the competition and give them an edge over others.
Since most of the people who apply for jobs as air hostesses have attained a high school diploma, the demand for additional qualifications is very much. However, those who have completed their graduation or are pursuing their post-graduate can also use the additional qualification to get through the cutthroat competition.
Some of the additional qualifications that help in getting a job in this field are flight simulation training and cabin crew course. The most successful applicants are sure to have gone through the gruelling process of learning how to become an air hostess and to become selected for the coveted jobs that they applied for.
Conclusion
Becoming an air hostess is a dream job for many. It is considered the most glamorous job in the world by many. To know how to become an air hostess and be a part of this elite group, you need to work hard and keep upgrading your skills and qualifications to get through the cutthroat competition associated with this job.
Apart from being qualified, you also need to take some training courses so that you can be prepared for all kinds of emergency situations as well as other unexpected events that may arise during flights. However, once you become a part of this prestigious group and start earning money, you will not have any regrets about your choice.
FAQs
What is the average salary of an air hostess?
The average salary of air hostesses depends on the location where they work and the experience they have in this field. Usually, a qualified air hostess can earn around $20000 to $60000 per year. Some of them may also be given special compensation for working on holidays, during special occasions or on flights to high-paying destinations.
Where can I find information about how to become an Air Hostess?
There are many websites where you will find all the required information regarding how to become an air hostess or other related courses and qualifications that you need to apply for this highly coveted job.