The job of an airline stewardess may appear glamorous but entails a tremendous amount of work, including continual flight attendant training. Stewardesses are responsible for the security of passengers aboard a flight as well as their comfort and enjoyment throughout the trip. These seemingly effortless endeavors do not come naturally. Every year, thousands of dollars are spent on education for flight attendants to ensure that they maintain the required poise and reliability of this highly-sought after position.

Pricing and costs of flight attendant education and training can vary. An initial flight attendant course averages about $800 for 14 days of classroom instruction. This cost does not usually include housing, transportation or school material. A complete education at a certified flight attendant school can cost upwards of $5000. It is easy to see how this necessary training can strain the company budget. Aviation professionals looking to cut costs of flight attendant education and training could consider the following:

1. Utilize seminars to meet flight attendant training requirements.

2. Working out an employer/employee benefit training package. Some corporate flight attendants do opt to pay for their own training.

3. Complete training online or in-house to decrease stewardess training costs.

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Locate and price airline attendant schools

Flight attendant schools can run anywhere from $1500 to $5000. Gather information on several schools, comparing costs and course descriptions. Determine if you really need to invest in a full-fledged airline stewardess training school. If your training needs are in-depth you just may have to go this route.

I recommend: Susan C. Friedenberg's Corporate Flight Attendant Training Program is held throughout the year. This course costs about $3000 for 40 hours of training. Take a look at their training programs and register for an appropriate course. Jet-Set Aviation Professionals offers a complete, hands-on, 5-day airline attendant training course for just over $3000.

Get information on stewardess training seminars and low-budget flight attendant education programs

Flight attendant seminars can be useful if you do not need to invest in a full-fledged flight attendant school. Seminars can cost anywhere from $50 to $4000, depending on the location and the material covered.

I recommend: You can take an online flight attendant course for under $200 through In Flight Institute. Beyond and Above offers corporate flight attendant training upon an actual corporate aircraft. While the initial training seminar exceeds $4000, recurrent training is set at around $1500.

Locate online flight attendant training

Consider online training for stewardesses if you want the thoroughness of a full-fledged flight attendant education at a lower cost.

I recommend: Flight Attendant Express offers a complete online training program for just under $800. Aviation Study offers a preparatory flight attendant/cabin crew course for under $50.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pricing and costs of flight attendant education and training can become quite expensive. Seek financial assistance for necessary training through scholarships, grants and loans.

Airline stewardess training, now more commonly known as flight attendant training, plays an essential role in becoming a flight attendant. Although your main role as a flight attendant is to keep passengers safe and comfortable, it is also important that you know and possess the educational requirements before you make your initial flight.

While possessing a high school diploma or equivalent is required for every airline, more established airlines prefer two or four years of college. At most major airlines, many flight attendants have finished at least four years of college, and some have post-graduate degrees. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) require flight attendants pass FAA-approved security and safety training programs. The training areas consist of medical emergency, fire fighting, evacuation and security procedures. Once you pass this training, you are FAA-certified. Keep the following in mind when seeking flight attendant training:

1. Locate a respected, FAA accredited school which offers flight attendant education and training.

2. Find a flight attendant school that gives a real-life approach by providing equipment and tools used in an actual airplane cabin.

3. Even after you've become a flight attendant, receive continuous refresher and developmental flight attendant education.

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Locate and attend an accredited flight attendant school

Since the FAA has stringent requirements for becoming a flight attendant, it's very important you receive training and certification from accredited airline attendant schools.

I recommend: Cypress College, located in North Orange County, California, offers first-rate, fully accredited programs for students interested in becoming flight attendants. Certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA, The Airline Academy provides an excellent flight attendant training program.

Find flight attendant schools that offer a hands-on learning approach

The hands-on educational approach is very beneficial because it allows you to physically apply what you learn.

I recommend: Under the Air Care International umbrella, FACTS Training offers training in a cabin emergency procedures simulator giving you a real-life experience. Flight Safety Academy, a Florida flight attendant school, also offers hands-on training. Cabin simulators provide a realistic approach to the training curriculum.

Find services from companies that offer continuing education for flight attendants

Once you've gained some experience, you may want to receive additional flight attendant training to enhance your current skills or become a corporate flight attendant for business aviation.

I recommend: Corporate Flight Attendant Training provides in-depth training for those desiring to become corporate flight attendants. They hold training each year in various cities across the United States. Delta Air Lines provides a variety of in-flight training classes and consulting to corporations and airlines designed to help develop your current needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Arrange an interview with an experienced flight attendant who can give you a first-hand view of the flight attendant experience. Ask in-depth questions that weren't discussed during your formal stewardess training.

Aviation professionals that wish to maintain a high professional visage cannot get away from flight attendant training. Flight attendants represent one of the largest job categories in the airline industry. Considering these numbers, it is easy to see that the industry continues to be a highly competitive field in spite of constant changes within the sector.

The responsibility of an airline stewardess is to provide a safe, comfortable, enjoyable ride for airline passengers. The responsibility of the airline is to make certain that its attendants adequately and continually fulfill this important job role. Initial and recurrent airline stewardess training is the best way to ensure that airline attendants continue to measure to company standards. Making the most of airline attendant education and training ensures:

1. Attendants have self-esteem and take pride in the way they carry themselves, including their physical appearance.

2. Attendants maintain a pleasant disposition despite fatigue and pressure.

3. Flight attendant training perfected interpersonal skills, including dealing effectively with difficult passengers

4. Important education for flight attendants as pertaining to emergency situations, such as plane evacuation, fire fighting, medical emergencies and security procedures.

Action Steps
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Screen employees to determine which type of airline stewardess training may be necessary

Recurrent stewardess education is necessary. Screening employees is one way of determining who needs what when. Flight attendant training and education keeps employees at their best even under adverse situations.

I recommend: Employees can complete a Career Screening Profile with International Air and Hospitality Academy. Flight attendant pre-qualification test are available through AirlineCareer.com. Investigate online training with companies like AirlineCareer.com, who provide additional resources like articles and tools that come in handy after you've completed stewardess training.

Investigate jobs after completing flight attendant training schools

To make the most of your flight attendant education, you should compare different employers to see which jobs you prefer and where you want your career to lead.

I recommend: Flight Attendant Career.Com keeps an updated list of companies hiring those with flight attendant education. Become familiar with career advancement opportunities at sristysaviation.com. Larger airlines usually pay more, according to Flight Attendant Facts.com.

Learn the benefits of flight attendant training

Get familiar with the good and bad situations that you will be in after receiving training from a flight attendant school. Find resources that will show you how to best use your education in a practical manner.

I recommend: Free and reduced-fare plane tickets is one of the many perks of being a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines and other air lines. Get helpful information on how to use your training from experienced flight attendants. Confessions of a Flight Attendant offers some insight.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Flight attendant education and training is pertinent to maintaining your position in the competitive airline industry. Making the most of flight attendant education and training includes keeping abreast of industry standards in order to channel employees in the right direction. Solid flight attendant education and training can carry you to the skies.

Flight attendant education and training requirements are not strict. Most individuals can enter these careers with a high school diploma or GED. The training is often provided by the airline itself or third party providers. Training must meet FAA industry training standards and some may need to obtain flight attendant certification. Safety training, including water ditching training, is essential for every aviation professional. Individuals should learn other key terms commonly found in flight attendant training.

Action Steps
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FAA Industry Training Standards, FITS

The FAA Industry training standards are set by the Federal Aviation Administration. They are designed to provide higher safety standards. Those who want to become flight attendants will need to take this type of training program.

I recommend: The Federal Aviation Administration provides more information on FITS, including answers to important questions regarding the program.

Flight attendant certification

Flight attendant certification is obtained when an individual has obtained all necessary training as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. This includes first aid, emergency procedures, aircraft evacuation and fire control training.

I recommend: The AFA Air Safety, Health and Security Department provides more information about flight attendant certification.

Airline customer service flight attendant program

Many potential flight attendants will need to take an airline customer service flight attendant program through an independent airline or a third-party education provider. These programs provide job training and customer service skills needed in the industry.

I recommend: The Airline Academy provides airline customer service flight attendant programs and gives more information about them.

Water ditching training

Water ditching training is often required of flight attendants. It gives them the knowledge and hands-on practice of ditching in water. Ditching happens when a plane needs to go down into water. This experience teaches students how to use equipment and how to interact with passengers.

I recommend: Ariane Information provides more details on water ditching training.

Sabre Reservation

Some flight attendants work at the gate and need to have training in Sabre Reservation, one of the most popular reservation services used by airlines. Some airlines provide this training while others obtain the training from the software provider.

I recommend: ZENON National Distribution Centre provides more information on the Sabre Reservation training options.

Corporate aviation flight attendant

A corporate aviation flight attendant is required to have additional training specific to the operational procedures required on corporate flights and private jets.

I recommend: Corporate Flight Attendant Training provides more information.