An air hostess, also known as a flight attendant or cabin crew member, is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on flights. They perform various duties before, during, and after flights, working closely with pilots and ground staff. Their role goes beyond hospitality, as they are crucial for maintaining safety and handling emergencies. A career as an air hostess is ideal for those who enjoy helping people and traveling. Key skills include flexibility, strong communication, and a dedication to passenger comfort.
Role and Responsibility of Air Hostess?
Being an air hostess involves a dynamic and crucial role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and overall experience of airline passengers. This profession requires excellent communication skills, attentiveness to passenger needs, and meticulous adherence to safety protocols. From explaining flight regulations and emergency procedures to providing amenities and assisting with boarding, air hostesses are essential to a smooth flight. They also manage onboard inventory and address passenger inquiries, making the journey pleasant and secure for everyone on board.
Communication of Safety Procedures
- Explain Flight Regulations: Clearly communicate flight rules to passengers.
- Demonstrate Emergency Procedures: Show how to use emergency equipment and procedures.
- Cover Essential Information: Include details on weather conditions, aircraft features, and safety gear.
- Check Safety Tools: Ensure life vests, fire extinguishers, and other safety tools are in working condition.
Ensuring Passengers’ Comfort
- Provide Amenities: Offer eye masks, pillows, and blankets to passengers.
- Adjust Cabin Lighting: Dim lights while passengers rest and turn them on during meal times.
- Conduct Periodic Checks: Regularly check the cabin to maintain order.
- Serve Meals and Snacks: Ensure timely service of meals and snacks.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the airplane clean before, during, and after the flight.
Passenger Assistance
- Welcome Passengers: Greet passengers as they board.
- Check Tickets: Verify passenger tickets.
- Seat Directions: Guide passengers to their seats.
- Handle Luggage: Safely store luggage in the overhead compartments.
- Ensure Seatbelt Safety: Check that all passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
- Assist Disabled Passengers: Help disabled passengers as needed.
- Make Announcements: Provide information during, before, and after the flight.
- Respond to Requests: Attend to passenger concerns and needs promptly.
Keeping Track of Inventory
- Inventory Management: Maintain a list of onboard items for sale.
- Assist with Transactions: Help passengers with purchases and manage transactions.
Types of Air Hostesses and Their Specialized Roles
Air hostesses play vital roles in ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and their responsibilities can vary depending on their specific positions within the airline. Here are some common types of air hostesses and their specialized roles:
Purser or Chief Flight Attendant:
- Oversees the entire cabin crew team.
- Ensures smooth coordination and communication among the crew.
- Handles any major issues or emergencies that arise during the flight.
- Acts as the main point of contact between the cabin crew and the cockpit.
Senior Cabin Crew:
- Assists the purser in managing the cabin crew.
- Ensures that all safety procedures are followed correctly.
- Monitors the performance of junior air hostesses.
- Provides additional training and support to new staff members.
Head Air Hostess:
- Similar to the purser, but specific to certain airlines.
- Manages cabin operations and ensures high service standards.
- Responsible for pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings.
Bilingual Air Hostess:
- Required to communicate with passengers in multiple languages.
- Essential for international flights with diverse passenger demographics.
- Assists non-English speaking passengers with their needs and inquiries.
- Helps translate safety instructions and announcements.
First Aid or Emergency Procedures Specialist:
- Receives specialized training in medical emergencies.
- Handles medical situations on board, providing first aid and support.
- Coordinates with medical personnel on the ground when necessary.
- Ensures that medical supplies are well-stocked and functional.
Junior Air Hostess:
- Entry-level position responsible for general passenger service duties.
- Assists senior cabin crew in various tasks.
- Ensures passenger comfort by providing amenities like blankets and pillows.
- Conducts safety demonstrations and checks.
General Duties of All Air Hostesses:
- Welcoming passengers on board and directing them to their seats.
- Checking tickets and ensuring all passengers are seated properly.
- Demonstrating the use of safety equipment and emergency procedures.
- Serving meals and beverages, and ensuring the cabin is clean.
- Addressing passenger queries and concerns during the flight.
- Managing the inventory of onboard items for sale and assisting with transactions.
how to become air hostess in india after 10th ?
- To pursue a career as an Air Hostess, it’s essential to enroll in relevant courses at the senior secondary level.
- Begin preparing for entrance tests like AIAEE, NCHMCT JEE, AEEE, etc., after completing high school, while still enrolled in senior secondary studies (10+2), to secure admission to prestigious aviation institutions.
- Upon successfully passing the Class 12th Board examinations, students have the option to continue their education with Diploma in Aviation Courses.
- It’s noteworthy that airline companies tend to prefer candidates with a diploma or undergraduate degree in hospitality or aviation for various positions as air hostesses.
how to become air hostess in india after 12th ?
After clearing the 10th standard, students have the flexibility to choose any stream for their further studies, with English being one of the key subjects. Additionally, they can start preparing for entrance exams for top universities. Regardless of their chosen stream, students remain eligible to pursue a course in Aviation and Hospitality Management.
Here are some top Aviation courses available:
BBA in Aviation:
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: Candidates must clear higher secondary exams with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.
- Entrance Exams: LPUNEST, JUEE, etc.
- Course Fees: Range from Rs. 70,000 to 4 lakhs.
- Expected Salary: Approximately Rs. 4-9 lakhs per annum.
BBA in Airport Management:
- Eligibility: Candidates should pass the 12th exams with an aggregate score of 60% and above.
- Entrance Exams: DU JAT, SET, NPAT, IPU CAT, etc.
- Course Fees: Average between Rs. 26,000 to 6 lakhs.
- Expected Salary: Ranges from Rs. 3.31 to 12.1 lakhs per year.
Skills Required to Become an Air Hostess
To excel as an air hostess, certain skills and qualities are essential. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Good Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Clear communication is key when interacting with passengers from diverse backgrounds. Fluency in English is a must, and knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.
- A friendly and approachable demeanor ensures positive interactions with passengers.
- Problem-solving and Decision-making Abilities:
- In emergencies, air hostesses must take charge and maintain calm while guiding passengers on safety procedures.
- Effective problem-solving skills are crucial for handling difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
- Multi-tasking and Time Management Skills:
- Air hostesses must efficiently manage multiple tasks within tight schedules, ensuring all duties are completed promptly.
- Prioritizing tasks and adhering to flight schedules are essential for smooth operations.
- Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability:
- Emotional intelligence enables air hostesses to navigate various challenges effectively.
- Adaptability is crucial, as the job entails frequent changes in flight schedules and extended periods away from home.
Salary of an Air Hostess
In the role of an air hostess, your salary is primarily determined by the airline you’re employed with. Typically, air hostesses earn an average monthly salary ranging from 25,000 INR to 40,000 INR [indicative]. However, for senior positions within domestic airlines, salaries can soar higher, reaching between 50,000 INR to 75,000 INR. Private airlines often offer even more lucrative packages, with salaries reaching up to 2 Lakhs to 3 Lakhs per month
Conclusion
Becoming an air hostess requires a dynamic blend of skills and qualities to ensure passenger safety and satisfaction throughout the flight experience. From clear communication and problem-solving abilities to multitasking and adaptability, air hostesses play a pivotal role in maintaining a smooth and enjoyable journey for passengers. Specialized roles within the cabin crew further enhance the quality of service provided, catering to diverse needs and emergencies on board. Whether pursuing this career path after 10th or 12th grade, aspiring air hostesses can embark on a rewarding journey filled with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
Can a 10th pass become an air hostess?
Yes, a 10th pass individual can become an air hostess by pursuing relevant courses and obtaining necessary qualifications, such as completing a diploma or degree in aviation or hospitality management and acquiring required skills and certifications through training programs.
Is there any exam for air hostess?
Yes, there are entrance exams for aspiring air hostesses, which vary depending on the airline and aviation institution. Examples include AIAEE (All India Entrance Examination for Admission), NCHMCT JEE (National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination), and AEEE (Amrita Engineering Entrance Examination), among others.
What qualifications do you need for air hostess?
The qualifications needed to become an air hostess typically include completing a senior secondary education (12th grade) and obtaining a diploma or degree in aviation, hospitality management, or related fields. Additionally, candidates need to possess strong communication skills, be physically fit, and meet the specific requirements set by airlines or aviation authorities.
Is air hostess job hard to get?
Securing a job as an air hostess can be competitive, but with the right qualifications, skills, and determination, it is attainable for candidates who meet the requirements and stand out during the recruitment process.
What is the age limit for air hostess?
The age limit for air hostesses varies depending on the airline and country, but generally ranges from 18 to 27 years old.