What Does a Flight Attendant Do?
A flight attendant is responsible for ensuring the safety, comfort, and overall experience of passengers during air travel. They conduct safety checks before takeoff, brief passengers on emergency procedures, and monitor compliance with FAA regulations throughout the flight. In addition to managing onboard safety, flight attendants provide customer service, serve meals and beverages, and assist with any special passenger needs or medical situations.
The role requires adaptability and professionalism under pressure, as flight attendants often work irregular hours and travel across different time zones. They interact with a wide range of passengers and must be able to handle both routine service and unexpected emergencies with equal poise. Whether delivering a calm safety briefing or responding quickly to an in-flight issue, flight attendants play a vital role in creating a safe and positive travel experience.
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Flight Attendant Core Responsibilities
- Perform pre-flight safety inspections and ensure emergency equipment is operational
- Greet passengers, assist with seating, and verify compliance with carry-on policies
- Provide clear safety briefings and enforce FAA regulations during flight
- Deliver food and beverage service and respond to customer requests
- Remain alert to potential safety issues and assist in emergency situations
- Manage in-flight medical events and coordinate with pilots or EMTs when needed
- Complete cabin checks before landing and prepare the aircraft for arrival
- Document incidents and complete post-flight reports as required
- Maintain knowledge of aircraft-specific protocols and airline procedures
- Represent the airline with professionalism and courtesy at all times
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of FAA safety regulations and in-flight protocols
- Proficiency in emergency procedures and aircraft equipment use
- Ability to complete safety reports and maintain passenger records
- Competence in basic medical response, such as CPR and first aid
Soft skills
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure
- Team-oriented with a flexible and positive attitude
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in customer-facing or service roles
- Multilingual communication skills
- Prior experience in hospitality or emergency response
National Average Salary
Flight attendant salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Flight Attendant is:
$65,855
Sample Job Description Templates for Flight Attendants
Junior Cabin Crew Member
Position Overview
We are hiring a Junior Cabin Crew Member to assist senior flight attendants in providing a safe and welcoming experience for airline passengers. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals who have recently obtained their FAA certification and are eager to gain hands-on experience while learning airline procedures and customer service best practices.
Responsibilities
- Support flight attendants during boarding, in-flight service, and deplaning
- Help demonstrate safety procedures and ensure passengers comply with safety protocols
- Restock cabin supplies and prepare galley for service
- Respond to passenger requests under the supervision of senior crew
- Monitor cabin cleanliness and restrooms throughout the flight
- Attend mandatory safety and customer service training sessions
- Assist in post-flight cleanup and equipment checks
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of FAA safety requirements
- Ability to follow detailed procedures and respond to crew instructions
- Familiarity with in-flight service protocols
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and work as part of a team
- Friendly, calm, and professional demeanor
- Willingness to work irregular hours and travel frequently
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
- 0–1 year of experience in customer-facing roles
- CPR or First Aid certification
Flight Attendant
Position Overview
We are seeking a certified Flight Attendant to ensure passenger safety and deliver excellent service throughout each flight. This role is responsible for pre-flight safety checks, in-flight protocols, and responding to both routine and emergency situations in a calm and professional manner.
Responsibilities
- Conduct safety briefings and ensure all FAA regulations are followed
- Serve food and beverages during flight and respond to passenger needs
- Monitor cabin conditions and address any issues or disruptions
- Handle onboard medical or emergency incidents
- Complete flight reports and log passenger-related incidents
- Communicate clearly with the flight crew and cockpit team
- Represent the airline brand with professionalism and courtesy
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong understanding of FAA and airline safety protocols
- Proficiency in emergency procedures and onboard equipment usage
- Accurate documentation and reporting
Soft skills
- Effective communicator and multitasker
- Calm under pressure and quick-thinking in emergencies
- High level of professionalism and customer service
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of flight attendant experience
- Multilingual communication skills
Senior Flight Attendant
Position Overview
We are hiring a Senior Flight Attendant to take the lead in managing a section of the cabin and supporting junior crew during flights. This role combines in-flight safety and service with leadership responsibilities, ensuring all passengers have a secure and seamless experience.
Responsibilities
- Supervise junior flight attendants within designated cabin zones
- Conduct pre-flight briefings and assign in-flight responsibilities
- Lead emergency procedures in assigned cabin section
- Assist with resolving escalated passenger concerns
- Ensure FAA compliance throughout flight operations
- Submit incident and safety reports post-flight
- Coach junior crew members and provide feedback on service delivery
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of emergency and safety procedures
- Experience with crew coordination and reporting tools
- Ability to lead passenger evacuations or medical responses
Soft skills
- Leadership presence and peer mentorship
- Confident decision-making and crew communication
- High standards for service and operational consistency
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of flight experience
- Prior leadership or mentoring experience within a cabin crew
Lead Flight Attendant
Position Overview
We are seeking a Lead Flight Attendant to oversee all cabin crew operations during flights. In this role, you will coordinate with the captain and flight crew to manage cabin safety, team performance, and passenger experience from boarding to arrival.
Responsibilities
- Conduct pre-flight briefings with the entire cabin crew
- Serve as primary liaison between the flight crew and cockpit
- Manage crew performance and address in-flight incidents or irregularities
- Approve service procedures and emergency plans before takeoff
- Document post-flight logs and ensure regulatory reports are completed
- Lead inflight announcements and ensure brand-standard service delivery
- Train and mentor new or junior cabin crew members
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level safety protocol and compliance knowledge
- Strong crew scheduling and documentation experience
- Skilled in conflict resolution and emergency leadership
Soft skills
- Executive communication and confidence in high-stress situations
- Team leadership and accountability
- Organized, with attention to detail and protocol
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of in-flight experience
- Prior experience in crew leadership or supervisory roles
Cabin Service Supervisor
Position Overview
We are hiring a Cabin Service Supervisor to oversee cabin crew scheduling, training, and service consistency across flights. This ground-based leadership role ensures that all flight attendants are prepared, compliant, and meeting company performance standards before they step on board.
Responsibilities
- Supervise crew schedules and assign flight rotations
- Conduct onboarding, annual training, and performance evaluations
- Ensure crew compliance with FAA regulations and internal policies
- Oversee uniform standards and service readiness protocols
- Serve as point of contact for escalated crew issues or investigations
- Monitor and report on crew performance metrics and passenger feedback
- Coordinate with flight operations, HR, and safety departments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with crew scheduling systems and aviation compliance reporting
- Familiarity with training protocols and FAA documentation
- Strong grasp of airline service standards and policies
Soft skills
- Leadership and coaching ability
- Organizational skills and operational discipline
- Clear communicator across departments
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of flight experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or training role
- Experience managing cabin crew logistics or operations