How can I become a flight attendant?
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Almost all airlines have a set standard of selection criteria for flight attendants. Eligibility for an Indian is Indian passport, unmarried status, age, perfect eyesight and health are some of the important factors that are considered.
The candidate must have cleared the Class-12 examinations or its equivalent education — although a graduate degree is preferred - and should be at least 18 years of age. Proficiency in English and Hindi are a must for a domestic airline, and knowledge of a common foreign language such a German, French or Spanish is an added advantage for an international airline.
Physical attributes play an important role in the selection process and hence a clear complexion and pleasing personality are indispensable. Although some airlines allow a slight variation in eyesight, most prefer clear eyesight. Anyone suffering from night blindness or colour blindness will not be eligible. The candidate also needs to be at least 157 cm tall (in case of women) 165 cm tall (in case of men), and their body weight must be in proportion to their height — no airlines are very strict about this rule. They also must know how to swim.
If selected, the candidate will undergo training for two months, in which time they will learn about service, grooming, safety and first aid. After the training, they have to take a written exam at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Once the candidate clears the exam, he or she is eligible to join as a flight attendant, and are initially put on ten trainee flights. The working hours depend on the sector one is allotted, which means that one may have to work night shifts at times. The maximum number of work hours per week generally does not extend to more than thirty hours.
