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To get hired as a flight attendant, you must be at least 18 years old, have a current passport, have at least 20/40 vision and pass a drug test and background check. You might also need to pass a medical examination and meet an airline’s height requirements. Flight attendants should have a professional appearance and excellent customer service.

Because all airlines must employ flight attendants, there is always a demand for qualified candidates. Flight attendants with college degrees and years of experience on airlines might be able to earn a higher hourly wage than less-experienced or -qualified individuals. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link. Common salary in the U.S.: $25.61 per hour Some salaries range from $7.25 to $42.80 per hour.

Flight attendants work for private and commercial airlines to keep passengers safe and comfortable. They help passengers get seated, demonstrate how to use the plane’s safety equipment and provide food, drink and other services. Legally, all airlines must have flight attendants on staff to ensure passengers’ safety. Additional flight attendant responsibilities include: Attending preflight briefings with the pilots to get flight information for each trip Inspecting emergency equipment before each flight Making sure the plane’s cabin is clean and well-stocked with food and drinks Making sure all passengers are prepared for takeoff and landing Helping passengers with special needs, small children or needing medical assistance Responding to disruptive passengers and monitoring the plane for suspicious behavior In case of an emergency, helping passengers locate and use safety equipment, putting out fires and directing evacuations Reporting any safety or medical issues that happened on a fli...