Dreaming of becoming an American Airlines Flight Attendant but wondering what the requirements are and what to expect at the American Airlines interview?
Landing a job as Cabin Crew at American Airlines – one of the best US airlines is extremely competitive so this article discusses what it takes to become a Flight Attendant, as well as all you need to know to help you go for your dream job!
Firstly, congratulations on deciding to follow your dreams to become a Flight Attendant!
I worked as an Air Hostess for almost 4 years and I remember vividly being where you are now, searching for help on the internet about the Assessment process and what to expect in the interview.
Here I’ll walk you through everything to help you feel more confident and more prepared to go get your dreams!
As with any Flight Attendant application process, there are several stages that you will need to pass in order to make it through to the final stage.
You successfully need to make it through each stage to continue onto the next. Failure to do so will unfortunately mean you cannot progress to the next stage.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements
American Airlines Application Process:
- Apply online
- Attend Virtual Group Interview
- Attend In-Person Interview
- Flight Attendant Training
- Apply for the American Airlines Flight Attendant position online
Apply online directly here on the American Airlines website. Alternatively go to aa.com, then click on Careers, then Flight Attendant and you’ll see the list of available positions.
It’s important to read the page as it will provide you with lots of useful information for your application and what to expect in the process.
You will need to upload your resume and fill out an online Assessment Form that is based on your personality to see if it will be suited to the job, particularly a customer service-based role.
It should take less than half an hour to fill out. Be honest in your answers.
2. Attend the Virtual Group Interview
If you make it through the first stage (it usually takes a couple of weeks to hear back), you will receive an email link which will invite you to attend a virtual group interview online – which is usually in a few weeks time so you have plenty of time to prepare.
This is your first formal interview. Even though it is online, still treat it like a proper interview – including how you dress and present yourself!
Make sure you do it on a computer as opposed to a phone (it’s more stable and you don’t have to worry about it falling down or having to hold it).
Also ensure your background is professional and you have good signal and put some lippy on girls!
It is a pre-recorded interview so you won’t be speaking to anyone – questions will appear on the screen and then you will answer them speaking into the camera. Doing it this way gives the assessors a chance to rewatch your video.
Whilst you will be nervous, it is really important to try and smile and make sure you look in the camera.
You will get one practice question at the beginning, so make sure to do this as it will prepare you and hopefully calm your nerves a little!
You are only given one chance to say your answer to each question, and you are only given around 30 seconds to answer each question. There are roughly 10 questions in the virtual interview.
A small percentage of candidates will make it though to the next round.
3. In Person Interview
It may take several weeks or months until you hear anything back from the interview.
If you make it through to the next round you will be invited to attend an in person interview in Dallas Texas, which could be a few weeks or even a few months away. American Airlines will fly you to Dallas for your interview.
If you are successful in all three stages in the day (there is a large group activity, a small group interview, and one on one interview), submit all relevant documents and meet all the requirements (there may be a drug test you have to do at the interview too), you will be invited to join the American Airlines Flight Attendant team on a conditional job offer.
This means you will only get the job if you complete the airline training process.
Before you start your training they will send out some information you will need to study before your training. Make sure you take the time to look at it as most likely you will be tested on it when you arrive for your training!
4. Flight Attendant Training
The American Airlines Flight Attendant training lasts 6.5 weeks and is an intensive course to prepare you for the many different types of scenarios you can encounter as Cabin Crew.
Similar to many airlines – whilst the training is unpaid, living expenses are covered during your training (food and accommodation), which is usually done in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
You must complete the Flight Attendant training and all the associated background checks, as well as demonstrate your proficiency in order to get your flying licence.
Some people have been known to get fired even during their training, so nothing is guaranteed until you have successfully completed the training.
After successful completion of the Flight Attendant Training Course you will get your wings and become one of the American Airlines Cabin Crew team! Probation for American Airlines Flight Attendants is 6 months.
How Long Will The Whole Application Process With American Airlines Take?
As you can see from the above timeline, getting a job as a Flight Attendant is not a quick process.
It’s also important to bear in mind that the application process length can really vary amongst applicants. For some it may take just a few months, for others it may even take years.
It often depends on how many Cabin Crew they need to hire at that particular time, and if you have a specific requirement that they are really looking for at that time (eg: language speakers for a foreign destination will often get hired much quicker as the demand for them is greater when the airline is about to launch flights to that destination).
Remember that this is a very competitive field, and hundreds of thousands of people apply for only a few spots.
Whilst it can be really frustrating whilst you are waiting to hear back in between each stage, do understand it may sometimes take a while for the recruiters to get back to you so try and be patient.
As I like to say, no news is good news. You will always be sent an email if your application has been unsuccessful!
If when you go to apply there are no positions available, I strongly advise you to click on the button that enables you to “receive emails by subscribing to jobs matching Flight Attendants when they are posted.”
That way, you’ll be the first to know when a position opens and you can apply. It’s always best to apply as soon as possible, because so many applicants apply.
Sometimes airlines can close the job vacancy earlier than anticipated as they have had so many applicants.
Check out the Cabin Crew Shop HERE or CLICK ON ANY OF THE BELOW IMAGES to shop the product directly!
What do you include in your American Airlines Cabin Crew Resume CV?
Your Cabin Crew CV needs to stand out from the crowd! There is a LOT of competition for Flight Attendant jobs and your CV is a really important part of your application.
This is the first stage the recruiters use to screen and select candidates, so you need to get it right to ensure you make it through the first stage of the process!
Many people don’t even make it past this stage so it is important to focus on it and get it right!
Important things to bear in mind when creating your Flight Attendant CV:
- Your CV should contain details of your previous education, jobs and experiences that you have that are relevant and beneficial to the job you are applying for.
- Always tailor your resume to the qualities the airline looks for. Make sure to read the American Airlines website to see what they expect from their applicants.
Recruiters will NOT read your whole CV – they spend on average 20 seconds skimming it and making a quick yes or no decision. Therefore presentation is key!
– Your CV needs to look professional. If it doesn’t look professional, the recruiters won’t want to read it. Canva has many great free CV templates you can use, which will help give you CV a good structure.
They are all eye-catching and look really professional.
– Your CV must fit on one page only! Even if there is lots you want to write, you need to show that you can be concise. Any longer than one page and it will lower your chances of getting selected.
– Use an easy to read for such as Arial or Times New Roman.
– Use clear and formal language. Write short summaries or bullet points as opposed to lengthy explanations.
– Make sure you spell check and proof read, and get someone else to do it too! You want to ensure you have no grammar or spelling mistakes!
– Print your CV on white paper. DO NOT fold the paper. Keep it in a folder so it stays unmarked and crease-free.
Cabin Crew CV Layout:
1. Personal Details
At the top of the CV include your name, personal email address, phone number, Nationality and date of birth, as well as a professional head shot of you on the CV.
2. Work experience/professional experience
Put your current job first so the recruiters can immediately see your current work status. Then work backwards and sit your previous jobs in reverse chronological order.
Include the start and end date, as well as the company name, your job role held there and where you were based.
Write a brief description of your position held and the job responsibilities you had (in bullet points). Aim for around 4 short sentences for each job role.
It is really important that you include the transferrable skills that you gained that can be applied as a Flight Attendant.
3. Education
Only include your highest qualification. Include the dates you attended, what qualification you received, and the name and location of your school/University/College.
4. Transferable Skills
Think of 3 or 4 of your best qualities that are relevant for Flight Attendants to have.
There are no right or wrong answers, but qualities such as communication, teamwork, customer services, adaptability, responsible, problem solving are examples of good transferrable skills.
Write the skill in bold and then a sentence demonstrating how you possess this quality – it is important to give an example of how you have demonstrated this quality in your past roles!
Regarding the transferable skills, it’s always worth looking online on the Airline’s website to see what skills they are particularly looking for, so you can sure to highlight those not only in your CV, but in your interview as well.
Here are some of the skills and expectations American Airlines states specifically on their website regarding Flight Attendants:
- Set a high standard and provide remarkable in-flight service
- Able to turn challenges into solutions or alternatives
- Think independently while still being part of a collaborative team
- Handle a wide variety of situations while in continuous contact with the public, both on and off the aircraft
- Work independently and as part of a team without supervision
- Ensure the safety and comfort of our customers
- Respond to a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations
- Follow applicable regulations and work rules
So as we can see, some of the most important transferable skills for them include good problem-solving, great customer service, using your initiative, teamwork and being responsible, so make sure this comes across in your CV.
Use specific examples to show times when you have demonstrated these specific skills.
Applying Online For A Flight Attendant Job With American Airlines
A CV/resume is mandatory to be uploaded on your American Airlines Flight Attendant application.
There is also the option to add a Cover Letter and any other supporting documents such as references, certificates and work experience.
I would definitely include a cover letter to highlight your experiences and expertise. Keep it concise and impactful.
It’s also wise to include references – as they will require them at some point throughout the application process anyway, so why not get it out of the way and look organised and productive straight away.
Plus, any certificates and work experience that you believe to be beneficial should also be included – for example any medical background or any Flight Attendant School certificates.
There are also sections in the application form for you to upload your Educational Certificates, as well as previous work history, any foreign languages spoken, what base you would be willing to locate to, as well as general questions such as your background, COVID vaccination status and willingness to work.
What happens once you have applied online?
If your application is successful you will be notified by email a few days/weeks later and be invited to the next stage, which is the virtual group interview.
How to stand out on the American Airlines Interview?
Competition for flight attendant jobs is pretty tough. Out of all the applicants, how are you going to create a lasting impression?
Be confident, but not arrogant. Be sure in your ability, but don’t feel like to are superior to anyone else there.
You need to convince the assessors you are right for this job, so try to already act like a Flight Attendant would. Posture is important so carry yourself well.
Be yourself and SMILE always – until your cheeks hurt from smiling so much! Talk to other applicants and make friends – I found everyone was so friendly and they all just wanted to talk to someone so they wouldn’t be alone!
Even if you think they aren’t looking, the assessors will be looking at you all in a social situation (during the breaks and before the Assessment Day starts) to observe how you are in group situations.
If you are always on your own, it won’t look good.
You’re going to be nervous, of course. And there are going to be girls there who are so stunning and glamorous that it will probably intimidate you and make you compare yourself to them, but just try not to.
There are plenty of people to talk to so just excuse yourself, make some excuse and find other people to chat with if you’re not enjoying someone’s vibe.
What are you required to bring to the Interview?
It’s advisable to bring a copy of your CV.
You’ll also be required to bring your passport and a photocopy of your passport, as well as a copy of your highest education certificate (Degree or college/high school certificate).
Most people kept their papers in a smart plastic wallet to keep them clean and prevent them from getting damaged at the Assessment Day.
Girls should bring a black handbag large enough to fit your CV in without it getting crumpled.
Also bring some makeup (especially lipstick) with you to replenish throughout the day, plus a hairbrush and spare clips/hairbands if necessary. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water too!
What outfit should I wear for the American Airlines Flight Attendant Interview?
At the interview (both face to face and online) you are required to dress in business attire. For males this means wearing a smart suit.
For females it is recommended to dress in a black blazer, white shirt, a knee length black skirt (or smart trousers) and black heels. If you wear a skirt then wear skin colour tights – don’t have bare legs!
Also make sure your blouse is buttoned up quite high, regardless if you like how it looks or not. It does not give a good impression and can be quite distracting if your cleavage is exposed.
How should I do my make-up for the American Airlines Interview?
Style & Image is a very important aspect of being a Flight Attendant. You need to look neat and presentable.
Wear a full face of make-up: foundation, concealer, blusher, eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick. Even if you don’t wear make-up every day, you need to make an effort for your Interview.
I would advise against doing extravagant eye makeup and wearing eyelash extensions, but if you must wear them make sure they are very discrete.
Remember for the Interview you have to already look the part of a Flight Attendant! If you show the recruiters you already fit the image of a Flight Attendant you are much likely to progress further!
How should I do my hair for the American Airlines Flight Attendant Interview?
At your Flight Attendant Interview you want your hairstyle to look like a Cabin Crew hairstyle as much as possible. So see how Flight Attendants style their hair and try to do the same Flight Attendant hairstyles on your hair.
Buns and French twists are common hair styles for female Flight Attendants with long hair, but there is an art in learning how to do a French Twist neatly, so unless you can do a French twist just stick with a bun.
Always make sure you have enough hair spray on to tame any flyaway hairs and keep all your hair in place.
If you need to use some Kirby hair grips try to keep them to a minimum and use Kirby grips that are similar colour to your hair.
How early should I get to the American Airlines Interview?
On time performance is very important as cabin crew. Often Flight Attendant Assessment Days are early on in the morning so you can demonstrate that you can be on time.
If you arrive late to the assessment day it is a very bad impression and I very much doubt you would make it through the whole assessment day.
Personally I got there about 20 minutes early as I don’t like to get to these kind of things too early as it makes me more nervous.
I was one of the last to arrive, and so I would advise getting there absolutely no later than 15 minutes early.
You’ll often hear the phrase in aviation “if you’re on time, you’re late” so definitely don’t think a 9am start means you should aim to get there at 9am.
Some people got there over an hour early due to transportation/personal preference though. It’s up to you.
Whilst you are waiting to be called in, chat to the other candidates! It will calm your nerves, you’ll make some friends, and you might even fly with them one day (I did!).
I think they called us into the big conference room about 5 minutes before the assessment day was due to start, hence why it is important to get there early.
Also just double check your appearance before they call you in – it’s handy to carry a small mirror in your bag, or just nip to the bathroom before you head in.
What Questions To Expect At The American Airlines Interview?
Whilst you will never know which exact questions they will ask you in the interview, you can ALWAYS prepare yourself.
Airlines will always ask you questions along the lines of:
- tell me a bit about yourself
- why do you want to be Cabin Crew
- why you want to work specifically for American Airlines?
- why should the airline pick you?
- how do you feel about having to relocate?
Therefore prepare these answers before! Write bullet points down and then memorise them and expand on them so your answers don’t seem scripted.
But equally, you need to get your point across that you possess all the qualities they are looking for. It’s a great idea to practice in front of your computer or in front of a friend. Practicing will help you tremendously, trust me.
Always look at how your past experiences will help you in your current job. For example if you have a background in healthcare make sure you mention this as the assessors will really like this!
Or if you were a Flight Attendant with a previous airline, or have worked extensively in retail and hospitality. All these experiences will really help you so make sure you mention it and sell yourself!
Don’t assume because you have included something on your CV that the assessors will read it – you need to mention everything important in the Interview!
You will also be asked a few scenario questions to see how you work under pressure. Think of scenarios they could ask you and how you can answer them. You need to give SPECIFIC EXAMPLES!
For example they might ask you to tell them about a difficult person you had to deal with. Give an ACTUAL EXAMPLE of when you have dealt with someone difficult!
Don’t just say how you would deal with that person. Perhaps you were working in a shop and had an angry customer? You can totally use this example.
Also know some of the destinations American Airlines flies to and if they are opening up any new routes. All of this can be found on their website.
The final interview will only last about 20 minutes, so use this time to shine! The recruiters will probably be writing things down – don’t let this put you off.
It’s always a good idea to have a couple of questions ready to ask the assessors at the end. We all know at the end of interviews they love to ask us if we have any questions.
Think of one or two questions you may want to ask. Don’t make them salary related, or don’t make them really obvious as it will look like you haven’t researched American Airlines already!
American Airline In-Person Interview
At the in-person interview, in addition to your one-on-one interview you will need to take part in a group activity and small group interview/task.
Group Activity:
Participation in the group activity enables the recruiters to see how you interact in a social setting, how you can work with others as part of a team, and how professional you can be.
The recruiters may ask for a leader or for someone to write group notes. If so, make sure to volunteer! The recruiters like people who are willing to take initiative and have leadership skills.
It is important that whatever you want to say, you never interrupt someone who is talking during the task. You really need to remember this.
You are being watched and if you interrupt someone or sound too aggressive you may probably get kicked out straight away. Be on your absolute best behaviour here! Also pay attention to your posture and mannerisms.
It’s also really important that don’t come across too loud and bossy, but equally you don’t want to be too quiet or say nothing as airlines want someone who can assert their authority in a calm, professional manner.
You’ll want to strike a balance. Be kind and compassionate with the others in your group.
Also – remember to smile! Nobody wants to hire a Flight Attendant who doesn’t smile! This goes for the whole day.
Usually the assessors will give you some kind of scenario and ask you to all solve it together and then share your results at the end with the other groups.
Small Group Interview:
For the small group interview, you’ll be put in a group of about 6 candidates, and all of you will be asked the same interview questions.
Always remember that safety is the most important thing, and ensure your assessors can see you would go above and beyond to look after your customers and team members.
Those who make it through will do the final one-on-one interview.
One-On-One Interview
Of course in addition to the interview questions, you will be asked to do a few things in your Final Interview such as doing an arm reach test, demonstrating you can sit in a jump seat easily and strap yourself in, doing a drug test, taking your fingerprints and filling out some paperwork.
The assessors may also tell you when they expect your training might start, which is exciting!
Keep in touch with the other candidates who made it through to the final interview!
All of us who went for the final interview exchanged WhatsApp numbers and we started a WhatsApp group after the final interviews were over. It was such a huge support as I felt like I already had friends before I even started my training!
We would message whenever we got any emails, we would ask each other for advice, and we are still friends to this day, even though half of us don’t fly any more!
These guys were there for me since day 1, and you’ll always have a special relationship with these people as you all went through it together.
I really advise at the Assessment Day to swap numbers with people like we did.
If you are successful and make it through, it will make the process even more exciting as these people will understand exactly how you feel and you can really support and lean on each other.
Looking for some amazing Flight Attendant memorabilia to buy?
CLICK ON THE BELOW IMAGES TO SHOP THE CABIN CREW GIFTS
Looking for more Flight Attendant articles? Check out these related articles:
Attending A Flight Attendant Assessment Day
Pros and Cons of being a Flight Attendant
Male Flight Attendants
How Is Life As A Gay Flight Attendant?
American Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements:
As stated on the American Airlines website, here are their requirements to become a Flight Attendant:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required
- College education or two years’ customer service experience preferred
- Must be at least 20 years of age
- Must be in possession of a valid U.S. or Foreign Passport with applicable VISAs
- Must have the legal right to work in the United States
- Must possess the legal right to travel unrestricted to/from all states and countries that are served by American Airlines
- Travel documents must remain valid throughout all phases of training and employment
- Must be able to make announcements, give emergency orders, and communicate in the English language
- Able to be on call and available to report for duty in your assigned base (reserve duty). Reserve duty may continue for an undetermined amount of years.
- Able to attend up to 6 1/2 weeks of unpaid training in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, and, if employed, move immediately to the city to which you are assigned as a base
Working as a Flight Attendant can be very challenging, not just on your body, but on your personal life. You’ll have to make sacrifices to be away from your family, to operate night flights.
It can also test your patience a lot. On the American Airlines website they also state these expectations and conditions you’ll be expected to adhere by:
Physical Demands, Expectations and Working Conditions:
- Position requires some physical exertion, such as pulling, pushing, reaching, bending, walking and lifting
- Long periods of standing and speaking
- Airport ramp operations are noisy and can be hazardous without due caution
- Extensive travel, must be able to spend consecutive nights away from home and endure all climates
- Varying work schedules that include evenings and weekends
- Skilled in handling difficult situations, problem solving, complaint resolution and conflict de-escalation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; provide friendly reception to all customers
- Must be able to professionally represent the American Airlines brand while in the Flight Attendant uniform
All American Airlines Flight Attendants should be willing to be based at any of the following base locations:
- BOS (Boston, MA)
- ORD (Chicago, IL)
- DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX)
- LAX (Los Angeles, CA)
- MIA (Miami, FL)
- CLT (Charlotte, NC)
- SFO (San Francisco, CA)
- JFK/LGA (New York City, NY)
- DCA (Washington, DC)
- PHL (Philadelphia, PA)
- PHX (Phoenix, AZ)
If it won’t be possible to have one of these locations as your base, you should seriously question whether you should apply to American Airlines or if another airline based elsewhere will be more suitable for you.
Being based at one of these destinations doesn’t specifically mean you have to live at one of these locations though.
There are some Cabin Crew who will fly to work at their base from their home city as a passenger, so this can be an option, although bear in mind it’s not always ideal, especially if you will be on reserve.
It is an option though and some crew do do it, they just need to be very organised to make it work.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements:
There are several requirements to become a Flight Attendant, as well as several questions that surround them.
The requirements to become a Flight Attendant have changed over the years and vary from airline to airline so it can easily cause confusion amongst aspiring Cabin Crew.
It’s important to know current requirements for Flight Attendants for the specific airline you want to apply for, as some people have actually applied to an airline and made it all the way to the interview before they found out that they didn’t meet the requirements and that they actually just wasted their time.
On the other hand, some people don’t apply for Flight Attendant jobs as they think they don’t meet one of the requirements, so don’t bother to apply. Therefore always double check, as requirements do vary between airlines.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Height Requirements:
Height requirements are set for Flight Attendants not to be discriminatory, but because it is a safety requirement for them to be able to reach the overhead stowage compartments unaided as lots of the safety equipment is kept in there.
Remember the role of the Flight Attendant is firstly to look after your safety, so it is crucial they can reach emergency equipment such as oxygen bottles, fire gloves, fire extinguishers, Emergency Medical Kits, Defibrilators and PPE in an emergency.
Due to these safety reasons, airlines are usually quite strict about minimum height requirements for Flight Attendants.
The height requirements For Flight Attendants at American Airlines are from 5’2″-6’0″ feet tall.
American Airlines Age Requirements:
Flight Attendants who work at American Airlines need to be at least 20 years old.
In contrast to people asking about the minimum age requirements to be an Air Hostess, you will also see more mature people asking if there is a maximum age limit for Flight Attendants.
They may ask themselves am I too old to be a Flight Attendant, especially because they see many Flight Attendants are young.
The short answer is no they are not too old. Many people choose to become a Flight Attendant later in life. I have known people in their 40’s and 50’s who transitioned into a career as a Flight Attendant with no prior experience.
Providing you meet the other requirements, your age should not prevent you from becoming a Flight Attendant.
In the USA there is no upper age limit to become a Flight Attendant as age discrimination in employment is actually against the law and they have legislation and Equality Acts to ensure it doesn’t occur.
You can’t not hire someone just because of their age and because you want to employ someone younger instead.
Everyone should be given an equal opportunity, and non-discrimination is a priority for companies across all sectors in these countries, not just for airlines.
Hence if you’ve ever flown with British or American carriers, you’ll notice the crew aren’t all young model looking females.
In fact, the average age of Flight Attendants working in America is in the mid 40s! As long as a Flight Attendant is able to carry out their duties safely, they can carry on working to retirement.
American Airlines is actually the airline that has the world’s oldest Flight Attendant Bette Nash at 84 years old!
American Airlines Flight Attendant Weight Requirements
There aren’t specific weight requirements for Flight Attendants at American Airlines. Like most airlines, they want prospective Cabin Crew to be a healthy weight and that they will be able to fit in the Cabin Crew Uniform.
However, Flight Attendants still need to have a relative level of fitness to be able to open the heavy cabin doors and assist in emergency situations, to sit in the jumpseat and be able to fasten their harness, and to be able to spend a long time on their feet.
Being a Flight Attendant is quite a physical job – it involves a lot of lifting and the Cabin Crew Roster requires a lot of energy, so generally people who apply to become Cabin Crew are relatively healthy.
If you are a little overweight definitely do not let this put you off applying at all. They don’t test your physical fitness at the Assessment Day.
As long as your are able to perform the duties required of you safely and efficiently, airlines in the USA will not fire you because of your weight.
Flight Attendant Appearance Requirements
Flight Attendant appearance is important as Flight Attendants are seen as the face of the airline and who the passengers will have most contact with.
Flight Attendants can often leave a lasting impression on people, and they need to represent the airline well, so it is important that they have a professional appearance. This isn’t to say all Flight Attendants need to look like supermodels.
This definitely isn’t the case at all. However, there are certain style and image look standards and requirements that Flight Attendants should adhere to in terms of their appearance.
Some of the most important appearance requirements you will find for Flight Attendants includes having a clean and professional look. Flight Attendant hairstyles should be neat and well-kept, and females should wear neat makeup.
At the Flight Attendant Assessment Day make sure you try and make yourself as smart as possible and have your hair (and makeup) as you would if you were a proper Flight Attendant.
Pay attention not only to your physical appearance, but also your posture and how you sit, behave and speak.
Can You Be A Flight Attendant With Tattoos?
Another popular question many prospective Cabin Crew ask is can Flight Attendants have tattoos?
Pretty much all airlines do not allow for Flight Attendants to have any tattoos visible whilst they are wearing the Cabin Crew uniform.
They can however have tattoos that will definitely not be visible whilst they are wearing their Flight Attendant uniform – for example on their torso, back, upper thigh etc.
Flight Attendants are not allowed to use bandages or cosmetics to cover up tattoos that would otherwise be visible whilst wearing the Cabin Crew uniform.
The question can Flight Attendants have piercings is another question that also gets asked a lot. Most airlines will allow for one piercing per ear lobe for female Flight Attendants.
Any other visible body parts (eg: nose, eyebrows, lips etc) can not have piercings.
Other Flight Attendant Requirements
Some other requirements for Flight Attendants include:
– English Fluency: If you want to be a Flight Attendant in the USA you will need to be fluent in English.
– Citizenship/Ability to legally work in that country: You will need to be a US Citizen or a legal resident alien (Permanent Resident) or have work rights to work as a Flight Attendant in the USA.
– Passport: As obvious as it sounds, you will need a valid passport to become a Flight Attendant.
– Criminal background test: At some point in the Flight Attendant hiring process you will be required to provide a criminal Background Check.
– Drug Test: Airlines expect you to pass a pre-employment drug screen as well as be subject to random drug and alcohol testing in the future prior to your operational duties.
Bear in mind certain drugs such as marijuana can stay in your system for a lot longer than alcohol can.
Flight Attendants are encouraged not to smoke, and if they are smokers they shouldn’t be seen smoking in their uniform before or after a flight when at the airport.
– Ability to swim: You need to be comfortable swimming as you never know if you will have to swim in the sea for survival.
Your ability to swim without a lifejacket will be tested during your training, so at least you have time to practice and gain confidence if you don’t have it already.
– Eyesight: Eyesight doesn’t need to be 100% and Cabin Crew are permitted to wear contact lenses or glasses.
They must carry a spare pair of glasses with them onboard, so make sure you have them if you require glasses or contact lenses
Should I Attend A Flight Attendant School Beforehand?
it is not mandatory to attend a Flight Attendant School prior to applying to become a Cabin Crew.
Flight Attendant School can be very useful to some people, however you will often find most of the things that you need to know to prepare for your Assessment Day online on Flight Attendant Blogs or YouTube for example.
Therefore if you don’t have the money or time to attend a Flight Attendant School, don’t worry – it definitely won’t look bad on you as it is not a requirement.
Make sure you write a really good CV and do your preparation for the American Airlines Assessment Day, and you’ll stand a good chance.
Remember it’s not so much how you are on paper, but how you perform on the day and how your personality comes through as to whether you will make it through to the Final Interview to become a Cabin Crew.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Salary
The Flight Attendant salary at American Airlines is pre-determined and agreed by American Airlines and the Union: Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) in a formal contract agreement.
Pay increments are based on joining date anniversaries, which are specified in the contract.
American Airlines Flight Attendants are given a layover payment – which is in effect reimbursed money for expenses when the Flight Attendant is away from home.
In addition to their flying hours, they are paid an additional hourly amount for every hour away from their home base.
The cost of the hotel (selected by American Airlines), as well as the transport to and from the airport is paid for by American Airlines.
If you are a language speaker any apply when they are requesting specific speakers of that language, you can also get a higher salary.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Benefits
Amongst other benefits, American Airlines offers their Flight Attendants heath insurance and travel privileges.
After How Long Can You Reapply To Become An American Airlines Flight Attendant If You Got Rejected?
If you didn’t make it through to the final stages, don’t beat yourself up. This is a highly competitive field and only a small number of applicants get hired! If you really want this dream, don’t give up and try again.
I know some absolutely fantastic Cabin Crew who are incredible at their job and it took them 3 or 4 times to get the job! Don’t let setbacks hold you back.
If you weren’t selected but still want to reapply, you will be eligible to reapply after one year and one day from the date of the last email communication you received from American Airlines about your previous application, provided there is a new Flight Attendant training opening up.
There’s nothing to stop you applying through a different email sooner than this though, so I have heard.
Summary of American Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements:
Hopefully this article gave you plenty of useful information for your American Airlines Flight Attendant application. Try not to get frustrated by the long process. Know that the wait is definitely worth it!
Plenty Flight Attendants had to apply multiple times before they landed the job, so keep trying if you really want it! As long as you do your research and prepare for the interview beforehand, you’ll stand yourself in a good position to get accepted.
Honestly the best advice I can give you is to prepare: find out as much information as you can and prepare answers for possible questions they could ask you at the Final Interview.
I really wish you all the best of luck!
More Flight Attendant Inspiration:
How to survive long haul flights
Best gifts for Flight Attendants
My Flight Attendant Contract Is Over – What Next?
What It’s Like Dating An Airline Pilot
Most Annoying Things Passengers Do According To Flight Attendants
Melinda Rupnow
Tuesday 28th of June 2022
Thank you, I appreciate your help,very informative information. I am encouraged and excited to work towards having my career back as a professional Flight Attendant for American Airlines.
Catrina
Tuesday 5th of July 2022
Hi Melinda! That's so great to hear - glad you found it useful! All the best!