Becoming a flight attendant: A complete guide to success

The main difference lies solely in the gender of the term: “stewardess” refers to a woman and “steward” to a man. In practice, their missions are identical. Both belong to the cabin crew and are responsible for passenger safety, comfort and welcome. They undergo the same training, hold the same certifications (such as the CCA) and enjoy the same career development prospects.

The cost of CCA (Cabin Crew Attestation) training varies according to the private school chosen. On average, you should expect to pay between €3,000 and €5,000 for a complete session, including theory and practice. There are also additional costs, such as an initial medical examination (approx. €400) and an English test. If you also decide to take the CQP PNC, the cost may be slightly higher. Some international airlines, on the other hand, pay for the training once recruitment has been approved.

English is the language of the profession, as it is the international language of aviation. A good level is required, generally attested by a minimum score of 720 on the TOEFL or a recognized equivalent. However, mastery of other foreign languages is a real asset. Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, Mandarin and Russian are particularly sought-after, depending on the destinations served by the airline. The more languages you speak, the greater your chances of recruitment.

In France, there is no official minimum height requirement. However, for purely practical reasons, it is preferable to be at least 1.58 m tall, so as to be able to reach baggage compartments and safety equipment without difficulty. On international flights, some airlines still set criteria: most require a height of between 1m58 and 1m78 for women and between 1m68 and 1m90 for men.

In theory, the French baccalauréat is an essential prerequisite for enrolling in training. However, there are a number of alternatives for those without a diploma. For example, you can take a DAEU (Diplôme d’Accès aux Études Universitaires) to validate a level equivalent to the baccalauréat. What’s more, significant experience in the hotel, catering or business sectors can sometimes compensate for the absence of a bac for some foreign companies. Specialized coaching can also help you prepare an alternative career path.

Airline companies expect candidates to have excellent interpersonal skills and impeccable presentation. Patience, empathy and the ability to handle stressful situations are essential. Flight attendants need to be versatile, able to react quickly to emergencies and keep their cool. Organizational skills, team spirit and great adaptability are also decisive qualities for success in this demanding profession.

Companies do not systematically forbid tattoos, but they do require that they are not visible when the uniform is worn. Tattoos on the arms, neck, face or hands can therefore pose a problem. Some international companies apply a strict tolerance and refuse any visible tattoos, even if make-up or bandages are worn.

After a few years’ flying experience, a flight attendant can progress to the position of chief purser and then senior purser, where she supervises a team and coordinates all commercial and safety operations in the cabin. With more seniority, it’s also possible to become a cabin crew instructor, responsible for training new recruits, or a chief cabin crew member, a position of great responsibility within the airline. Some stewardesses also opt for careers in tourism, hotel management or VIP hospitality.

That’s one of the major difficulties of the job. Working hours are irregular, there are frequent time differences, and extended absences of several days are common. It can be complicated to organize a normal family life. However, with experience and seniority, some airlines offer more choice in assignments and schedules, providing greater stability. Many cabin crew also learn how to manage a work-life balance, thanks to good organization and the support of those around them.

In France, Air France, Transavia, Corsair and Air Corsica recruit regularly. Internationally, prestigious airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are known for their major recruitment campaigns. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz Air also recruit in large numbers, often offering young graduates an accessible first experience.

The job is generally full-time, as flight schedules are highly variable and airlines need to guarantee the availability of their staff. However, some airlines offer seasonal or temporary contracts, particularly to reinforce their teams during the summer or busy periods. This can be a good way to discover the profession before making a long-term commitment.

In addition to regular travel and the chance to discover new cultures, flight attendants often enjoy a wide range of social benefits: discounted airfares for themselves and their families, accommodation and meals provided during stopovers, advantageous social security cover, flight bonuses, as well as opportunities for rapid advancement. The job also offers a unique opportunity to develop an international network and acquire a broad cultural outlook.

Yes, but it very much depends on the airline, the time of year, the network of airlines served, and your skills (languages, customer relations, geographical availability). The CCA is often a necessary condition, but not always sufficient: some airlines also require prior experience, or speak of an “internal training center” after hiring. The market can be competitive, especially with the big, prestigious airlines, but there are also opportunities with regional and low-cost airlines, where requirements can be a little more flexible.

To maximize your chances:

• Find out about the company: its routes, its culture, its service expectations, to show that you’ve done your homework.
• Prepare your personal story: why this job, what motivates you, what you’ll bring to the company.
• Practice classic questions (stress management, difficult situations, teamwork) using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Work on your English (and any other language required). Oral and comprehension skills must be strong.
• Look after your presentation: dress, posture, elocution. Hospitality is part of the job.

During selection days, you may be asked to take :

• Written or psycho-technical tests to assess your logic, organization and ability to make quick decisions.
  
• Group role-play exercises: passenger management, service, simulated emergency situations.
  
• An individual interview with HR or operational recruiters to assess your motivation, personality and behavioral skills.

In addition to the basic medical check-up, here are some of the things you’ll generally have to undergo:

• Criminal record check: the company may require a clean record.
• General physical fitness: correct vision, hearing, cardiovascular tests to DGAC or equivalent standards.
• Ability to swim, as mentioned for safety procedures (in the case of water drains or rescue) in some companies.

Generally speaking, there is no legal age limit for working as a flight attendant, but some airlines do impose constraints linked to medical validity, physical capacity and performance in emergency situations or long flight times. Over the years, fatigue, physically demanding restrictions (stopovers, tours of duty, carrying loads), and the ability to follow safety protocols remain essential criteria. Some companies may have internal policies concerning age or seniority for long or international assignments.

These costs are often overlooked:

• (Sometimes) interview fees or coaching for the recruitment interview.
• Transportation and accommodation costs if the school is far away.
• Uniform, appropriate footwear, possibly language courses or refresher courses.
• Costs of language tests (TOEFL, TOEIC, etc.), if not included in the course.
• Insurance, certificates or administrative documents.

In addition to their basic salary, cabin crew often receive :

• Flight, experience and long-haul service bonuses, depending on internal policy.
• Stopover or per diem allowances (accommodation, meals) when away from home.
• Preferential airfares for themselves and/or their families.
• Health insurance, accident coverage, repatriation insurance, depending on the company.

Not systematically. In general, the CCA (or equivalent) is recognized in European aviation, but some international companies or companies outside Europe may require their own training or adaptations. On the other hand, some companies train their own cabin crew after recruitment, without requiring the CCA initially. It’s important to check the entry requirements of each company (local or international).