Cabin Attendant (Airline)

Job overview
The first responsibility of airline cabin attendants or cabin crew members is the safety of airline passengers from the time they board the aircraft until they disembark on arrival at their destination.

They are the airline's hosts to the passengers.

What do people do in this job?
Before each flight the attendants are briefed on emergency procedures, special passenger requirements and expected weather conditions en route as well as at destination.

They check that the passenger cabin is in order that supplies of food, beverages, blankets and reading material are adequate and that first aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working condition.

As passengers board, attendants greet them, check their tickets and assist them in finding their seats and storing coats and hand luggage.

Before takeoff, they instruct passengers in the use of emergency equipment.

Assisting passengers in the rare event of an emergency is one of the most important functions of attendants.

In the air, they answer questions about the flight, distribute magazines and help care for small children and elderly or disabled persons.

Attendants also serve drinks and other refreshments and, on many flights, heat and serve pre-cooked meals. On landing, they assist the disembarking passengers.

The working hours of cabin attendants are very irregular and the work can be strenuous and trying. Cabin attendants work an average of 110 hours a month on domestic flights and 90 hours a month on international flights.

Cabin attendants are entitled to an annual free pass as well as reduced tariffs for overseas flights.

Attendants also receive allowances for meals and are supplied with free uniforms.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Airlines aim to hire poised, tactful, charming, calm and resourceful men and women that can deal comfortably with people and also be firm with them if necessary.

Cabin attendants should be a minimum of 18 years old, at least 1.58 metres tall, and have good vision and excellent health generally. 

They should be able to speak clearly and fluently in English, Shona and Ndebele. Additional languages are a further asset.

What qualifications are needed?
Entry requirements may differ from airline to airline, but good school-leaving certificates are normally looked for.

Competition for the position of cabin attendant is very keen and the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of vacancies.

Cabin attendants normally sign a contract of service. They can progress to supervisory and managerial positions.