Have you ever dreamed of flying high in the sky and exploring different places around the world? Do you enjoy meeting new people and providing excellent customer service? If yes, then becoming an air hostess might be the perfect career choice for you. An air hostess is a professional who works as part of the cabin crew on an airplane and ensures the safety and comfort of the passengers during a flight. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about how to become an air hostess, including the educational requirements, skills, physical and medical standards, salary, perks, career growth, and future prospects.

Introduction to the Air Hostess Profession

Definition and Role

An air hostess is also known as a flight attendant, cabin crew member, or stewardess. The main role of an air hostess is to assist the passengers on board and ensure their safety and comfort during a flight. Some of the typical duties of an air hostess are:

• Welcoming passengers on board and directing them to their seats
• Checking tickets and verifying identities
• Demonstrating safety procedures and equipment
• Serving food, drinks, and other items
• Responding to passengers’ requests and queries
• Handling emergencies and providing first aid
• Making announcements on behalf of the pilot
• Coordinating with other cabin crew members and ground staff

Importance in the Aviation Industry

An air hostess is an important part of the aviation industry as they represent the airline and create a positive impression on the passengers. An air hostess is responsible for enhancing the customer satisfaction and loyalty of the airline by providing friendly, courteous, and professional service. An air hostess also plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the passengers and the aircraft by following the rules and regulations of the airline and the aviation authorities. An air hostess can make a difference in the quality of the flight experience for the passengers by being attentive, helpful, and empathetic.

Opportunities and Challenges

Becoming an air hostess can be a rewarding career as it offers many opportunities and benefits such as:

• Travelling to different destinations around the world
• Meeting new people from different cultures and backgrounds
• Learning new languages and skills
• Enjoying discounts and perks from the airline and other partners
• Having a flexible work schedule
• Earning a good salary and incentives

However, becoming an air hostess also comes with some challenges such as:

• Working long hours and irregular shifts
• Dealing with jet lag and fatigue
• Facing stressful situations and emergencies
• Handling difficult passengers and complaints
• Maintaining physical fitness and appearance standards
• Balancing work and personal life

Educational Pathway

To become an air hostess, you need to have certain educational qualifications, entrance exams, training institutes, and types of roles.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualification required to become an air hostess is 10+2 or equivalent from any recognized board or university. You need to have good marks in English, Hindi, and one additional foreign language. You also need to have a valid Indian passport with no visa restrictions. Some airlines may prefer candidates who have a diploma or degree in aviation, hospitality management, tourism, or related fields.

Entrance Exams

To get admission into some of the reputed training institutes for air hostesses, you may need to clear some entrance exams that test your aptitude, personality, communication skills, general knowledge, etc. Some of the common entrance exams for air hostesses are:

• Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training Entrance Exam (FIAHT)
• Universal Aviation Academy Entrance Exam (UAAEE)
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics Entrance Exam (IGIAEE)
• Air Hostess Academy Entrance Exam (AHAEE)

Top Training Institutes in India and Abroad

There are many training institutes in India and abroad that offer courses for air hostesses. These courses vary in duration, fees, curriculum, etc. Some of the top training institutes in India are:

Some of the top training institutes abroad are:

Types of Air Hostess Roles

There are different types of roles for air hostesses depending on the airline, the flight, and the level of experience. Some of the common types of roles are:

• Flight Attendants: These are the most common and basic roles for air hostesses. They are responsible for providing safety and comfort to the passengers on board. They work on both domestic and international flights and may have different ranks such as junior, senior, or lead flight attendant.
• Ground Staff: These are the air hostesses who work at the airport and assist the passengers with check-in, boarding, baggage, etc. They also coordinate with the flight crew and other airport staff. They may have different titles such as customer service agent, ticketing agent, or ground hostess.
• Specialized Roles: These are the air hostesses who have some special skills or qualifications that enable them to perform specific tasks or duties on board. They may work on special flights or for special passengers. Some examples of specialized roles are sky marshal, VIP hostess, medical attendant, etc.

Skills and Qualities Required

To become a successful air hostess, you need to have certain skills and qualities that will help you perform your duties effectively and efficiently. Some of the essential skills and qualities for an air hostess are:

• Communication Skills: You need to have excellent communication skills in both verbal and written forms. You need to be able to communicate clearly and politely with the passengers, the pilot, the co-workers, and other airport staff. You also need to be fluent in English, Hindi, and one additional foreign language.
• Professionalism: You need to have a high level of professionalism and work ethics. You need to follow the rules and regulations of the airline and the aviation authorities. You also need to maintain a neat and tidy appearance and wear the uniform properly.
• Physical Fitness: You need to have a good level of physical fitness and stamina. You need to be able to stand for long hours and lift heavy luggage. You also need to be able to cope with jet lag and altitude changes.
• Emotional Intelligence: You need to have a high level of emotional intelligence and empathy. You need to be able to understand and respond to the emotions and needs of the passengers. You also need to be able to handle stress and pressure calmly and positively.
• Teamwork Skills: You need to have good teamwork skills and be able to work well with others. You need to be able to coordinate and cooperate with your co-workers and other airport staff. You also need to be able to resolve conflicts and disputes amicably.

Physical and Medical Requirements

To become an air hostess, you also need to meet certain physical and medical requirements that are set by the airline and the aviation authorities. These requirements are meant to ensure your safety and health as well as the safety and health of the passengers. Some of the common physical and medical requirements for an air hostess are:

Age, Height, and Weight Criteria

The age limit for becoming an air hostess is usually between 18 to 27 years. However, some airlines may have different age criteria depending on their policies. The minimum height requirement for an air hostess is usually between 155 cm to 170 cm depending on the airline. However, some airlines may have different height criteria depending on their policies. The weight requirement for an air hostess is usually proportionate to the height as per the body mass index (BMI). However, some airlines may have different weight criteria depending on their policies.

Vision and Hearing Tests

Another important requirement for becoming an air hostess is to have a good vision and hearing ability. You need to be able to see clearly and hear well without any aids such as glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids. You may need to undergo some vision and hearing tests to prove your eligibility for the job. Some of the common vision and hearing tests for an air hostess are:

• Visual Acuity Test: This test measures your ability to see objects and details at different distances. You need to have a visual acuity of 6/6 or 20/20 in both eyes without any correction. You may also need to have a normal color vision and depth perception.
• Audiometry Test: This test measures your ability to hear sounds and frequencies at different levels. You need to have a normal hearing range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz in both ears without any impairment. You may also need to have a normal speech recognition and discrimination.

Other Health Considerations

Apart from the physical and medical requirements mentioned above, you also need to consider some other health factors that may affect your suitability for becoming an air hostess. Some of these factors are:

• Medical History: You need to have a clean medical history with no history of any chronic or contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis, diabetes, epilepsy, etc. You also need to have no history of any mental or psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, etc.
• Dental Health: You need to have a good dental health with no visible cavities, decay, or missing teeth. You also need to have a pleasant smile and a fresh breath.
• Skin Health: You need to have a clear and healthy skin with no visible scars, marks, or tattoos. You also need to have a fair complexion and a smooth texture.
• Hair Health: You need to have a well-groomed and stylish hair with no visible dandruff, lice, or split ends. You also need to have a natural color and a suitable length.

Selection Process and Training

Once you meet the educational, physical, and medical requirements for becoming an air hostess, you need to go through the selection process and training program of the airline that you want to work for. The selection process and training program may vary from airline to airline, but they generally involve the following steps:

Application Process

The first step is to apply for the job of an air hostess through the official website or portal of the airline that you are interested in. You need to fill up an online application form with your personal details, educational qualifications, skills, achievements, etc. You also need to upload your resume, passport size photo, scanned copies of your documents, etc. You may also need to pay an application fee depending on the airline.

Interview and Selection

The next step is to appear for an interview and selection round conducted by the airline. The interview and selection round may consist of one or more stages such as:

• Written Test: This is a test that assesses your aptitude, personality, communication skills, general knowledge, etc. The test may be conducted online or offline depending on the airline.
• Group Discussion: This is a discussion that involves a group of candidates who are given a topic or a situation related to the job of an air hostess. The discussion aims to evaluate your teamwork skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, etc.
• Personal Interview: This is an interview that involves one or more interviewers who ask you questions about yourself, your education, your skills, your interests, etc. The interview aims to evaluate your suitability for the job of an air hostess.
• Medical Test: This is a test that verifies your physical and medical fitness for the job of an air hostess. The test may include some of the tests mentioned above such as visual acuity test, audiometry test, etc.

Based on your performance in the interview and selection round, you will be shortlisted or rejected by the airline.

Training Programs and Certifications

The final step is to undergo a training program and obtain some certifications required for the job of an air hostess. The training program may last from six months to one year depending on the airline. The training program may cover topics such as:

• Aviation Terminology and Operations
• Safety Procedures and Equipment
• Emergency Management and First Aid
• Customer Service and Hospitality
• Food and Beverage Service
• Communication Skills and Etiquette
• Personality Development and Grooming
• Foreign Language Skills

The training program may also include some practical sessions such as:

• Simulator Training: This is a training that involves using a simulator that mimics the real-life scenarios of flying an airplane. The training aims to familiarize you with the cockpit controls, instruments, navigation systems, etc.
• In-flight Training: This is a training that involves flying on actual flights with experienced cabin crew members. The training aims to give you hands-on experience of performing your duties as an air hostess.

Some of the certifications that you may need to obtain after completing the training program are:

• Cabin Crew License: This is a license that is issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India or the equivalent authority in other countries. The license certifies that you are qualified and authorized to work as an air hostess on any commercial flight.
• First Aid Certificate: This is a certificate that is issued by a recognized organization such as the Red Cross or St. John Ambulance. The certificate certifies that you are trained and competent to provide first aid in case of any medical emergency on board.
• Passport and Visa: These are documents that are issued by the government of your country or the country that you want to work in. The passport and visa enable you to travel across different countries legally and work as an air hostess.

Salary and Perks

One of the main attractions of becoming an air hostess is the salary and perks that come with the job. The salary and perks may vary from airline to airline, but they generally depend on factors such as:

• Experience: The more experience you have as an air hostess, the higher salary and perks you can expect. You may also get promoted to higher ranks such as senior or lead flight attendant, which may increase your salary and perks.
• Flight Type: The type of flight that you work on may also affect your salary and perks. You may get paid more if you work on international flights than domestic flights. You may also get paid more if you work on long-haul flights than short-haul flights.
• Airline Type: The type of airline that you work for may also affect your salary and perks. You may get paid more if you work for a full-service airline than a low-cost airline. You may also get paid more if you work for a reputed or premium airline than a new or budget airline.

Average Salary Range

The average salary range for an air hostess in India is between INR 25,000 to INR 75,000 per month depending on the factors mentioned above. However, some airlines may pay more or less than this range depending on their policies. The average salary range for an air hostess abroad is between USD 2,000 to USD 6,000 per month depending on the factors mentioned above. However, some airlines may pay more or less than this range depending on their policies.

Benefits and Incentives

Apart from the salary, an air hostess also enjoys some benefits and incentives such as:

• Free or Discounted Travel: An air hostess can travel for free or at discounted rates on the flights of the airline that they work for. They can also avail discounts on other airlines through interline agreements. They can also travel with their family or friends at reduced rates.
• Free or Subsidized Accommodation: An air hostess can stay for free or at subsidized rates at hotels or guest houses provided by the airline at different destinations. They can also enjoy the facilities and amenities of these places.
• Free or Subsidized Food: An air hostess can eat for free or at subsidized rates at the airport lounges or restaurants provided by the airline at different destinations. They can also enjoy the variety and quality of these food items.
• Insurance and Medical Coverage: An air hostess can get insurance and medical coverage from the airline that covers them for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, etc. that may occur during their work. They can also get access to medical facilities and services provided by the airline or its partners.
• Retirement Benefits: An air hostess can get retirement benefits from the airline that include pension, gratuity, provident fund, etc. They can also get some post-retirement benefits such as travel discounts, health insurance, etc.

Comparison with Other Aviation Roles

An air hostess is one of the most popular and sought-after roles in the aviation industry. However, there are other roles in the aviation industry that may offer similar or different salary and perks. Some of these roles are:

As you can see, the salary and perks of an air hostess are comparable to or higher than some of the other aviation roles. However, the salary and perks are not the only factors that you should consider while choosing a career in the aviation industry. You should also consider your interest, passion, skills, personality, etc.

Career Growth and Future Prospects

Becoming an air hostess can be a fulfilling and exciting career as it offers many opportunities for growth and development. You can advance your career as an air hostess by gaining more experience, skills, knowledge, and certifications. You can also explore different avenues and domains in the aviation industry. Some of the possible career paths for an air hostess are:

Opportunities for Growth

As an air hostess, you can grow within your role by getting promoted to higher ranks or positions such as:

• Senior Flight Attendant: This is a position that involves supervising and mentoring the junior flight attendants on board. A senior flight attendant may also have additional responsibilities such as managing the inventory, handling the paperwork, liaising with the pilot, etc.
• Lead Flight Attendant: This is a position that involves leading and managing the entire cabin crew team on board. A lead flight attendant may also have additional responsibilities such as planning the work schedule, assigning the tasks, conducting the briefing, evaluating the performance, etc.
• Cabin Crew Instructor: This is a position that involves training and coaching the new or existing cabin crew members. A cabin crew instructor may also have additional responsibilities such as designing the curriculum, conducting the assessments, providing feedback, etc.
• Cabin Crew Manager: This is a position that involves overseeing and coordinating the cabin crew operations and activities of an airline or a region. A cabin crew manager may also have additional responsibilities such as recruiting, hiring, firing, appraising, rewarding, disciplining, etc.

Future Trends in the Industry

As an air hostess, you can also adapt to the future trends and changes in the aviation industry by learning new skills and technologies. Some of the future trends and changes that may affect your career as an air hostess are:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation: AI and automation are technologies that are transforming the aviation industry by enhancing efficiency, safety, security, etc. As an air hostess, you may need to learn how to use AI and automation tools such as chatbots, robots, biometrics, etc. to assist or replace some of your tasks or duties.
• Sustainability and Environment: Sustainability and environment are issues that are impacting the aviation industry by increasing awareness, regulation, innovation, etc. As an air hostess, you may need to learn how to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, recycling materials, using renewable energy sources, etc. to contribute to the environmental goals of your airline or organization.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are values that are influencing the aviation industry by promoting equality, respect, acceptance, and diversity in the workforce and the customer base. As an air hostess, you may need to learn how to respect and appreciate the differences and similarities among people of different cultures, backgrounds, genders, orientations, abilities, etc. to create an inclusive and harmonious environment on board.

Top Recruiting Airlines

As an air hostess, you can also explore the opportunities and prospects offered by different airlines in India and abroad. Some of the top recruiting airlines for air hostesses are:

• Air India: This is the flag carrier airline of India and one of the largest and oldest airlines in the country. It operates both domestic and international flights to over 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. It offers a competitive salary and perks to its air hostesses along with a prestigious and rewarding career.
• IndiGo: This is the largest and most popular low-cost airline in India and one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. It operates domestic and international flights to over 80 destinations across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. It offers a lucrative salary and perks to its air hostesses along with a dynamic and challenging career.
• Emirates: This is the flag carrier airline of the United Arab Emirates and one of the largest and most luxurious airlines in the world. It operates international flights to over 150 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania. It offers a generous salary and perks to its air hostesses along with a glamorous and adventurous career.
• Singapore Airlines: This is the flag carrier airline of Singapore and one of the most respected and awarded airlines in the world. It operates international flights to over 130 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania. It offers a high salary and perks to its air hostesses along with a professional and elegant career.

Becoming an Air Hostess in Different Countries

If you want to become an air hostess in a different country than your own, you need to be aware of the requirements and procedures that may vary from country to country. Some of the common factors that you need to consider are:

Requirements in India

To become an air hostess in India, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You need to be a citizen of India or have a valid work permit or visa
• You need to have a minimum qualification of 10+2 or equivalent from any recognized board or university
• You need to have a good command of English, Hindi, and one additional foreign language
• You need to have a valid Indian passport with no visa restrictions
• You need to have a minimum height of 155 cm for females and 163 cm for males
• You need to have a proportionate weight as per your height and BMI
• You need to have a clear vision of 6/6 or 20/20 in both eyes without any correction
• You need to have a normal hearing range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz in both ears without any impairment
• You need to have no history of any chronic or contagious diseases or mental or psychological disorders
• You need to have no visible scars, marks, or tattoos on your face or body
• You need to clear the entrance exam, interview, selection, and training process of the airline that you want to work for

Requirements Abroad

To become an air hostess abroad, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You need to be a citizen of the country that you want to work in or have a valid work permit or visa
• You need to have a minimum qualification of 10+2 or equivalent from any recognized board or university
• You need to have a good command of English and one or more foreign languages depending on the country or region that you want to work in
• You need to have a valid passport with no visa restrictions
• You need to have a minimum height that may vary from 150 cm to 180 cm depending on the country or airline that you want to work for
• You need to have a proportionate weight as per your height and BMI
• You need to have a clear vision that may vary from 6/6 or 20/20 to 6/9 or 20/30 in both eyes without any correction depending on the country or airline that you want to work for
• You need to have a normal hearing range that may vary from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz depending on the country or airline that you want to work for
• You need to have no history of any chronic or contagious diseases or mental or psychological disorders
• You need to have no visible scars, marks, or tattoos on your face or body depending on the country or airline that you want to work for
• You need to clear the entrance exam, interview, selection, and training process of the airline that you want to work for

Language Proficiency Tests

To become an air hostess abroad, you may also need to clear some language proficiency tests that prove your ability to communicate effectively in English and other foreign languages. Some of the common language proficiency tests for air hostesses are:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): This is a test that measures your ability to use English in four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You need to have a minimum score of 6.0 or above in each skill and an overall score of 6.5 or above to qualify for the job of an air hostess.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): This is a test that measures your ability to use English in four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You need to have a minimum score of 80 or above in the internet-based test or 550 or above in the paper-based test to qualify for the job of an air hostess.
• Test of English for Aviation (TEA): This is a test that measures your ability to use English in aviation-specific situations such as making announcements, handling emergencies, etc. You need to have a minimum score of 4 or above in each skill and an overall score of 4 or above to qualify for the job of an air hostess.

Final Words!

We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative overview of how to become an air hostess. Becoming an air hostess can be a rewarding and exciting career if you have the passion, skills, qualifications, and personality for it. You can enjoy the benefits and opportunities that come with the job as well as face the challenges and changes that come with it. You can also grow and develop your career as an air hostess by exploring different avenues and domains in the aviation industry.

If you are interested in becoming an air hostess, we encourage you to start preparing yourself for it by following the steps and guidelines mentioned in this article. You can also seek guidance and advice from experts and professionals in this field. You can also learn from the personal stories and interviews of current air hostesses who have shared their experiences and insights with you.

We wish you all the best for your future endeavors as an air hostess 😊

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about the profession of an air hostess:

Q: What is the difference between an air hostess and a flight attendant?

A: An air hostess and a flight attendant are essentially the same terms that refer to a professional who works as part of the cabin crew on an airplane and ensures the safety and comfort of the passengers during a flight. However, some people may prefer to use the term flight attendant as it is more gender-neutral and inclusive than the term air hostess.

Q: How long does it take to become an air hostess?

A: It may take anywhere from six months to one year to become an air hostess depending on the airline, the training program, etc. However, it may take longer or shorter depending on your qualifications, skills, experience, etc.