Flight Attendant; Air host(ess); Flight assistant

These professionals are responsible for assisting passengers during the flight. They are responsible for their safety, well-being and comfort. They represent the friendly face of the company. They have to deal with critical eventualities such as passengers' having panic attacks or rude behaviour, and all sorts of other incidents. They must do so as efficiently and tactfully as possible. The concept of air safety is a key part of their training, they are active members of the crew and have an essential role in guaranteeing safety in the air.

• Ensure passenger safety. This is the main responsibility of these professionals.
  Provide all the necessary information of safety procedures, indicating all emergency exits.
  Ensure that all procedures are correctly followed, for example that passengers fasten belts where necessary, and that seats are in an upright position, etc.
  Check that luggage is placed in a suitable manner, so as to avoid provoking an accident.
  If necessary, use fire extinguishing material.
  Provide first aid in the event of an accident, if there is no medical practitioner on board.
• Hold a meeting with the rest of the crew prior to the flight, to finalise flight details: route, time, services offered, passengers with special medical problems or requirements.
• Attend to the passengers at the entrance, welcoming them and helping them to their seats.
• Provide services offered by the airlines:
  Serve catering of foodstuffs and drinks.
  Distribute daily newspapers, blankets, headphones and similar articles.
  Manage the 'duty free' service.
  Provide alternative services for children (with presents, videos, etc.)
  In the event of international flights give out the necessary immigration documentation.
• Carry out public relations with passengers, one of the key elements in maintaining client fidelity.
• Manage any incidences that can arise between passengers: panic attacks, indispositions, etc.
• Carry out pre- and post-flight services:
  Check emergency equipment to ensure that it is in perfect condition: life jacket, flashlights, oxygen masks, first aid medicine cabinet, ramps, doors, etc.
  Check the catering stocks to ensure that there is enough food and drink for the flight.
• Pursers supervise and coordinate all of the tasks carried out by the rest of the cabin crew.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Transport i manteniment de vehicles: Tripulació de cabina de passatgers (Nivell 3)

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Self-control: Level 2

Initiative: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Empathy: Level 3

Customer orientation: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Customer service

Direct and personal interaction with people and relating to the public are highly-motivating activities for individuals who have an interest in the field of customer service. A focus on people and on satisfying customers' needs is key in the occupations included in this field. These jobs entail the need to know suitable techniques for attending to the public and being able to give appropriate service that is tailored to their needs and expectations. Good examples are activities which offer assistance and guidance during functions, trips or at facilities, and those which provide advice in relation to products and services.

Passenger handling agent

Collective establishments receptionist

Conference assistant

Flight dispatcher

Flight coordinator.

• Work hours

  Working hours are subject to a great deal of variance, as airlines operate 24 hours a day, all year round. Staff work in shifts and regulation are established for a maximum number of working hours (the legislation varies depending on whether domestic or international flights are worked). There is generally more work available at the weekends and in peak season (holidays, etc.) In some companies, attribution of work timetables depends on the longevity of the professional in the company, although not all airline companies follow this standard.

• Salary

  Salaries fluctuate between 1600 and 3000 euros a month. The salary is made up of a fixed part, the basic wage, plus extras, which vary, and increase the overall salary significantly: three year periods, shifts, residence, etc. Over the last few years, the residence no longer has extras, as they are awarded in accordance with the place of exit, in addition to being able to offer temporary contracts. There are also other forms of compensation (allowances, destinations, discounts on company trips, etc.). Salaries largely depend upon the company and level of experience of the individual (the length of time in the company determines their level).

• Professional category

  Specialist staff