Each airline is unique and may, consequently, be looking for different traits in the flight attendant, airport service agent, and lounge hostess candidate; this could be a physical appearance or a personality type. Nonetheless, the universal role of the flight attendant (cabin crew) is the same regardless of the airline. Therefore, there will be fundamental qualities required that should be present in each candidate.

Do you want to know what are these qualities?

“Six essential qualities required to win a flight attendant or steward position.”

The aviation industry is experiencing significant growth, and with it, a strong demand for skilled cabin crew. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of flight attendants to grow 10% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 19,500 openings for flight attendants projected each year, on average, over the decade. This growth is driven by increased air travel and the need to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations.

The cabin crew profession is also notably diverse. In 2022, approximately 76.3% of all employed flight attendants in the U.S. were women. While the majority of flight attendants are White (around 66.4% in 2022), the profession also includes significant representation from other racial and ethnic groups, with Black or African American individuals making up about 14.2% and Asian individuals around 7.0% of the workforce in 2022. Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted approximately 19.4% of flight attendants, reflecting a global and varied workforce that mirrors the passengers they serve.

⊗ Empathy

Empathy extends not only to passengers but also to colleagues. Crucially, on the day of your interview, demonstrate this by being kind to other candidates. Smile, speak, and show a positive attitude. Give others a chance; never try to denigrate them just so you can shine. Remember, wanting to travel the world isn’t enough – you must be an empathic and caring person who genuinely wants to help people.

“Be a human Be authentic”

⊗ The Customer Service Orientation:

As flight attendant you will have to handle a lot of difficult cases as well to solve it, while managing one of these situations, always keep the customer as your top priority.  Here are some level 3 questions about customer service:

  • Describe a situation when you have provided excellent service. How do you manage an angry customer?
  • Give me an example of how you have resolved a customer complaint. Do you think the passenger is always right?

These questions highlight your ability to solve passengers’ problems, and leave them satisfied, appreciated. In your responses, show that you are working for the best interest of the client. Propose alternatives but do not impose a solution. Let the customer choose what he wants.

A classic question that shows your level of customer service orientation is the question of the hotel guests. We will discuss it in more detail and the best way to answer it in a later post.

⊗ Adaptability:

Your plans for a weekend with loved ones might often be disrupted due to schedule changes. As a cabin crew member, you’ll need to maintain high availability, potentially being ready for work within just twenty minutes of a call. You’ll definitely encounter flight delays and cancellations, and in some situations, you might have only 30 minutes to complete your ground duties before a flight. You may not always have all the resources you need to do the job perfectly, but you’ll have to find a way to make it work anyway.

Your company’s policies can change overnight – not necessarily in your favor. All of these sudden changes occur very often, and recruiters want to see how much you can cope with the disruptions. Can you still “do” and make things work even under the stress and pressure of changes? Typical questions to assess your level of adaptability are:

  • Tell me about a significant transition you had to make..
  • Give me a moment where you have to improvise to reach your goal.

In your answer, tell a story where you welcomed the change. Mention the positive results of it. Finish by talking about what you have learned from the experience.

“Show that you think change is a growth opportunity, not a test to endure.”- James Reed

⊗ Teamwork and communication

As cabin crew, you’ll consistently work in teams with individuals you may have just met. It’s crucial to demonstrate to recruiters your strong capability for collaborating with strangers to achieve a common goal. Here are some typical questions designed to assess your communication skills and appreciation for teamwork:

  • Tell me about one time you worked in a team.
  • Give a concrete example where everyone in the group managed to get a positive result.

Do not try to pretend to be the hero of your story. A good advice is to replace all the “I” with “we”.

For example:

  • Do not say: I suggested that we start arranging the chairs.
  • Say: We have agreed to start arranging the chairs.

⊗ Cultural awareness

As mentioned, you’ll be working with a different group of colleagues on virtually every flight. This is particularly true if you’re with a multinational airline, such as those in the Middle East, where you’ll share your workplace with colleagues from diverse nationalities. While different cultures and ideals might initially seem unfamiliar, you will be expected to put any differences aside and work cohesively as a single unit. To assess this adaptability, one common interview question is:

  • Name the nationalities you would like to work amidst.

It’s a very delicate question. Never try to answer by naming the nationalities you prefer to work with or not.

It’s essential to show your ability to collaborate with anyone, irrespective of their nationality, race, or religion. More than that, express your genuine excitement about working in a diverse setting, viewing it as a prime opportunity to deepen your understanding of humanity and various world cultures.

⊗ Appearance and grooming

Flight attendants are the image of an airline. You must pay attention to your grooming which should be flawless by keeping your posture gracious. You will work long hours and must be as fresh at the end of the flight as at departure.

Throughout the interview, keep a confident and balanced behavior. Remember to maintain your grooming starting with your hair up your nails. Standards are very high in the airline industry. Keep these qualities glued to the back of your head throughout your hiring process. Beginning with completing the application form, get ready for the day of the assessment and the final interview. Whatever you say or do, always adapt your words and actions to these qualities.

While the focus is often on the initial hiring, it’s also worth noting the career path and compensation. The median annual wage for flight attendants in the United States was approximately $67,130 per year in May 2024. Salaries can vary based on the airline, seniority, and additional factors like per diem and language premiums. For instance, in the U.S., Delta Air Lines flight attendants have hourly pay rates ranging from $35.50 to $79.80, depending on seniority, while entry-level pay at other airlines like United Airlines is around $28.88 per flight hour.