Flight Attendant Job Description Template

Flight attendant addressing passengers on the plane's intercom system.

Maintaining the safety and security of the passengers and the flight deck is a flight attendant’s top priority. Airline companies are required by law to employ attendants for this purpose, and attendants must be trained and certified in emergency and first aid procedures. A solid flight attendant job description and salary range information will help you attract top candidates.

The flight attendant job title has been referred to as “stewardess” in the past, but it is unnecessarily gendered and has fallen out of favor. Regardless, candidates must successfully complete a 10-year background and credit check, FBI fingerprint check, as well as pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

Working as a flight attendant requires a broad range of skills and abilities, ranging from physical stamina to critical thinking and other soft skills that don’t necessarily accompany a formal education. Commercial airlines employ the majority of flight attendants, but corporations or companies that charter flights may continue to drive an increased demand for skilled flight attendants.

Use this flight attendant job description framework to craft a customized tool for finding the best candidates for your airline.

Flight attendant addressing passengers on the plane's intercom system.

Flight Attendant

[Intro Paragraph] In the introduction of the flight attendant job description, provide an overview of the company. This can include company values, culture, customer service philosophy, and what makes your company stand out. The intro also serves as a place to market your company to candidates, so make the most of these three or four sentences by highlighting any industry awards, safety performance accolades, industry leadership positions, and customer recognition your company has received. Finally, you can list two or three personality traits the are desirable for flight attendants to be successful (such as “energetic,” “enthusiastic,” or “service oriented”).

Flight Attendant Job Requirements and Responsibilities:

  • Prepares and delivers food and beverages.
  • Before take-off, ensures the security of all travelers.
  • Enthusiastically engages and assists patrons during boarding.
  • Supports passengers and crew members during an emergency.
  • Complies with all aviation governance, guidelines, and requirements.
  • Writes and presents incident reports to the appropriate administrator.
  • Engages in preflight analysis with pilots and crew to talk about flight specifics.
  • Administers special assistance to disabled people, unaccompanied minors, and the elderly.
  • Carefully directs customers to assigned seating and checks carry-on items to ensure luggage meets requirements.
  • Communicates emergency safety procedures and shows passengers where to find and how to use the equipment.
  • Oversees and inspects the cabin, passengers, and facilities for safekeeping before, during, and after departure.

[Work Hours & Benefits]

Schedules and work hours tend to be the least favorite part of the job, especially for new flight attendants. That’s because seniority rankings generally determine the flight attendant’s home base and route assignments. Hours and schedules vary (for example, 12 – 14 hours or longer for international flights, while nights, weekends, and holidays are common). New attendants must be flexible, as more senior attendants receive the most desirable schedules and routes.

Flight attendant salaries range quite a bit, depending on experience. Most employers that hire flight attendants offer traditional benefits like participation in group health insurance and 401(k) plans. Other benefits may include:

  • Free domestic and international flights.
  • Discounted flights for family and friends.
  • Allowance for meals and hotel stays while working away from home.

Flight Attendant Skills and Qualifications:

In this section of your flight attendant job description, share the necessary and preferred requirements so qualified flight attendant candidates apply. For example, you may want to state that candidates must be able to:

  • Actively listen to guests, crew, and other staff in busy environments.
  • Think critically and de-escalate high-pressure situations.
  • Demonstrate superb interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Provide excellent customer service and remain attentive to client needs.
  • Capacity to resolve conflicts and passenger grievances.
  • Relocate to meet operational demands.
  • Pass a background and credit check.
  • Demonstrate physical stamina, specifically the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, as well as the ability to lift luggage.

[Education & Experience Requirements]

  • High school diploma required (degree in communication, hospitality, tourism, or public relations preferred).
  • Prior work as a flight attendant or in customer service.
  • Valid passport.
  • Fluency in a second language highly desirable.

[Call to Action] An effective flight attendant job description invites interested candidates to apply. Be clear when describing the application process and set expectations for the interview process and timeframe for hiring if that information is available.

Post Your Flight Attendant Job Description

Once you’ve customized your flight attendant job description, the next step is getting it in front of the right candidates, and we can help. Take advantage of Monster’s global reach and search tools to find qualified flight attendants. Kick off your search by posting your next job for free.