It is not always necessary to enroll in a flight attendant school to become a flight attendant. However, attending a flight attendant school can offer several benefits that can help one stand out and succeed in the competitive aviation industry.
Flight attendant schools provide students with comprehensive training in safety procedures, customer service, and emergency protocol, among other topics. This training can give students an edge over other candidates who do not have formal training. Flight attendant schools also typically offer job placement assistance and have strong connections within the aviation industry, which can make it easier for graduates to find employment.
Enrolling in a flight attendant school can also lead to increased earning potential, travel opportunities, and a more fulfilling career. However, it is important to note that completion of a flight attendant school does not guarantee employment, as competition for flight attendant positions can be fierce.
Also Read: How to Overcome Fear of Flying as a Flight Attendant
Contents
Pros of Attending Flight Attendant School
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Flight attendant schools offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics related to the aviation industry. Students will receive training on safety procedures, customer service, emergency protocol, aircraft familiarization, navigation, cultural sensitivity, diversity training, and first aid and CPR. Students will learn everything they need to know to become a successful flight attendant.
- Hands-on Training: Flight attendant schools provide hands-on training that gives students the opportunity to put theory into practice. This includes practicing safety procedures, providing in-flight food and beverage service, and handling emergency situations. Students will be able to develop their skills in a simulated environment before they start working in the aviation industry.
- Professional Development: Flight attendant schools provide students with professional development opportunities. Students will learn communication skills, leadership, and teamwork that are valuable for their personal and professional development. These skills can help them succeed not only as flight attendants but also in other areas of their lives.
- Job Placement Assistance: The majority of flight attendant schools offer job placement assistance to their graduates. This is a great benefit for students who want to start their career as soon as possible after completing their training. Flight attendant schools usually have partnerships with airlines and other aviation companies, which makes it easier for graduates to find employment.
- Industry Connections: Flight attendant schools have strong connections within the aviation industry. These connections often lead to guest speakers from the industry who give lectures and share their experiences with students. This gives students a better understanding of the industry and what is required to succeed.
- Increased Earning Potential: Flight attendant schools provide students with the necessary training and certification needed to work in the aviation industry. This leads to increased earning potential and career growth. As graduates gain experience, they can progress to higher positions with better pay and benefits.
- Travel Opportunities: Flight attendants get to travel to different parts of the world as part of their job. Flight attendant schools prepare students for this aspect of the job by teaching them about different cultures and customs. They also learn how to interact with passengers from different backgrounds and provide excellent service.
- Fulfilling Career: Flight attendant schools provide students with the necessary training to have a fulfilling career that is both challenging and rewarding. Graduates get to work in a dynamic environment, meet new people, and travel the world while doing what they love.
Cons of Attending Flight Attendant School
- Cost: One of the biggest cons of attending flight attendant school is the cost. It can be expensive to attend flight attendant school, and many students need to take out loans to cover the cost of tuition.
- Time Commitment: Attending flight attendant school requires a significant time commitment. Students will need to invest several months in their education and training before they can start working in the aviation industry.
- Limited Availability: Flight attendant schools are not available in all areas, which can make it difficult for some students to attend. Students may need to relocate to attend flight attendant school, which can add to the cost and time commitment.
- Not a Guarantee for Employment: Completion of a flight attendant school does not guarantee employment. Competition for flight attendant positions can be fierce, and airlines may have their own training programs.
- May Not Be Necessary for Some Airlines: Some airlines do not require flight attendants to have formal training or certification. In these cases, attending flight attendant school may not provide any advantage over other candidates.
- Limited Flexibility in Course Content: Flight attendant schools provide a set curriculum that covers specific topics related to the aviation industry. This can limit the flexibility of the program and may not provide students with the opportunity to explore other areas of interest.
5 Reasons Why Attending a Flight Attendant School is Not Mandatory
1. Airlines don’t require a certification from these schools
Even without prior training concerning flight attending, there is still a high chance for you to be accepted in their company. Provided that you will pass their physical requirements, personality test, and required skill sets, a certification from a flight attendant school does not matter.
The only exceptions for this are countries like Italy and Spain in Southern Europe which requires you to have a cabin crew license before being able to apply for a job. The majority of the countries does not have this requirement, though.
2. The airline will train you once you are hired
All airlines have specific needs and skills required from their cabin crew. This varies for all of them. This is why they provide their training for newly-hired personnel. This means that any training you have received prior may or may not be used at all once hired.
3. They are quite expensive
Attending flight attendant schools may cost a fortune for its students. Some of them can cost up to a thousand dollars. Aside from this, some of them also requires you to attend their classes for years. The investment you will entrust within these institutions is better of being put into developing your interpersonal and communication skills.
4. The hiring process for the cabin crew mostly depends on natural factors
For starters, airlines already have standard requirements for those applying to be part of their cabin crew. This includes minimum height, proportion, and skill in swimming. The only factors you can change is the number of languages you know, educational background, and a good health report. Attending a flight attendant school does not change these factors at all.
5. Difference in lessons
Attending flight attendant schools may even hurt your chances of entering an airline somehow. This is because most of them may teach specific skills for attendants that may be contrasting from those learned in the mentioned schools. They may ignore a candidate that has taken prior flight attendant schooling in fear of having a lengthier training period once they are accepted.
Becoming a flight attendant might be a dream for most teenagers; however, some people don’t have the privilege to study on a proper flight attendant training school. We hope this article brought hope for some individuals who wish to work as a flight attendant in the future without attending proper training.
Conclusion: Is Attending Flight Attendant School Worth It?
Attending flight attendant school can provide students with comprehensive education, hands-on training, professional development opportunities, job placement assistance, industry connections, increased earning potential, travel opportunities, and a fulfilling career. However, there are also several cons to attending flight attendant school, including the cost, time commitment, limited availability, lack of guarantee for employment, the unnecessary requirement for some airlines, and limited flexibility in course content.
Whether or not to attend flight attendant school is a personal decision that depends on individual goals, circumstances, and preferences. Students should consider their financial situation, time availability, location, industry demand, and personal interest before making a decision.
Attending flight attendant school can be a valuable investment for those who want to increase their chances of success in the aviation industry. However, it is not necessary for everyone, and students should weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.