Career roadmap
How to Become a Flight Attendant
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a flight attendant, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a flight attendant: (1) meet requirements, (2) gain customer service experience, (3) apply and interview, (4) complete airline training, (5) build seniority. Most people need about 3–8 weeks of airline training. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a flight attendant
Meet requirements
Airlines set minimum ages, height reach and background checks.
Gain customer service experience
Hospitality, retail or healthcare experience helps.
Apply and interview
Expect video and in-person interviews.
Complete airline training
Pass safety, service and emergency training.
Build seniority
Hold better trips, become a purser or move into training.
Education and training requirements
A high school diploma is typical; some airlines prefer college or customer service experience. Airlines provide three to eight weeks of training, and new flight attendants earn an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 3–8 weeks of airline training |
Certifications and licenses
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency: Required for flight attendants on most commercial flights.
- CPR and AED certification: Part of airline training.
- First aid training: Covered in initial and recurrent training.
- Recurrent training: Annual training to stay qualified.
Skills to build now
Start with emergency procedures, first aid and cpr, and aircraft safety equipment, and practice customer service and calm under pressure. Learning the flight attendant vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Flight Attendant (Reserve): Fly open trips on call.
- Line Holder: Hold a regular schedule.
- Purser or Lead Flight Attendant: Lead cabin crews.
- Inflight Trainer or Supervisor: Train or manage flight attendants.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Flight Attendant training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do flight attendants need a degree?
No. A high school diploma is typical, plus airline training.
How long is flight attendant training?
Usually three to eight weeks.
How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
Most people need about 3–8 weeks of airline training of training. A high school diploma is typical; some airlines prefer college or customer service experience. Airlines provide three to eight weeks of training, and new flight attendants earn an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.
Do you need a degree to be a flight attendant?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-2031 (Flight attendants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Flight attendants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.