BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasFlight Attendants

O*NET · 53-2031.00

Flight Attendants

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

Also called Aircraft Cabin Agent · Airline Attendant · Airline Flight Attendant · Airline Hostess · Airline Stewardess · Airplane Flight Attendant · Cabin Attendant · Door and Arrival Attendant
12 more

Flight Attendant · Flight Crew · Flight Crew Member · Flight Hostess · Flight Steward · In-Flight Crew Member · Inflight Services Flight Attendant · International Flight Attendant · Meal Attendant · Purser · Ramp Flight Attendant · Steward

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CSR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Psychiatric Aides

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CSRConventional · Social · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional4.41
  • S Social4.19
  • R Realistic4.04
  • E Enterprising3.63
  • I Investigative2.04
  • A Artistic1.27

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma4%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent70%
  • Some College Courses10%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
  • Bachelor's Degree12%
Related work experience
None (49%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (60%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (47%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Speakingbasic4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Monitoringbasic3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Service Orientation3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Social Perceptiveness3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Coordination3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Time Management3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Persuasion3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
Show the other 23
  • Writingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Negotiation2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operations Monitoring2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Troubleshooting2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operation and Control2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.80.8
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Sciencebasic1.40.5
  • Programming1.40.4
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Equipment Selection1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

23 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.4.9
  2. Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets.4.8
  3. Direct and assist passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing.4.7
  4. Walk aisles of planes to verify that passengers have complied with federal regulations prior to takeoffs and landings.4.7
  5. Prepare passengers and aircraft for landing, following procedures.4.7
  6. Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.4.7
  7. Administer first aid to passengers in distress.4.6
  8. Attend preflight briefings concerning weather, altitudes, routes, emergency procedures, crew coordination, lengths of flights, food and beverage services offered, and numbers of passengers.4.3
  9. Determine special assistance needs of passengers, such as small children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.4.3
  10. Check to ensure that food, beverages, blankets, reading material, emergency equipment, and other supplies are aboard and are in adequate supply.4.2
  11. Reassure passengers when situations, such as turbulence, are encountered.4.2
  12. Announce flight delays and descent preparations.4.0
Show the other 13
  1. Greet passengers boarding aircraft and direct them to assigned seats.4.0
  2. Prepare reports showing places of departure and destination, passenger ticket numbers, meal and beverage inventories, the conditions of cabin equipment, and any problems encountered by passengers.4.0
  3. Assist passengers entering or disembarking the aircraft.3.9
  4. Inspect and clean cabins, checking for any problems and making sure that cabins are in order.3.8
  5. Conduct periodic trips through the cabin to ensure passenger comfort and to distribute reading material, headphones, pillows, playing cards, and blankets.3.8
  6. Operate audio and video systems.3.7
  7. Answer passengers' questions about flights, aircraft, weather, travel routes and services, arrival times, or schedules.3.6
  8. Collect money for meals and beverages.3.6
  9. Inspect passenger tickets to verify information and to obtain destination information.3.4
  10. Heat and serve prepared foods.3.4
  11. Assist passengers in placing carry-on luggage in overhead, garment, or under-seat storage.3.3
  12. Take inventory of headsets, alcoholic beverages, and money collected.3.1
  13. Sell alcoholic beverages to passengers.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.53.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Public Safety and Security4.54.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Transportation3.52.6
  • Geography3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Psychology3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Computers and Electronics3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Foreign Language3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Ask directions in a foreign city
Show all 33
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Administration and Management2.92.6
  • Communications and Media2.92.8
  • Education and Training2.92.9
  • Law and Government2.92.9
  • Therapy and Counseling2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sales and Marketing2.82.9
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.72.6
  • Administrative2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Food Production2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Telecommunications2.21.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Engineering and Technology2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Mathematics2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Philosophy and Theology2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Design1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Physics1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Production and Processing1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Mechanical1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • History and Archeology1.6—
  • Chemistry1.51.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Fine Arts1.4—
  • Biology1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Clarity4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech Recognition3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Near Vision3.83.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive Reasoning3.63.6
  • Auditory Attention3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Extent Flexibility3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Far Vision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body Equilibrium3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Walk on ice across a pond
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Gross Body Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity2.92.8
  • Originality2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Static Strength2.92.9
  • Time Sharing2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Written Expression2.92.9
  • Finger Dexterity2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Multilimb Coordination2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Speed of Closure2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.82.6
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.6
  • Response Orientation2.31.5Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Memorization2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Reaction Time2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Visualization2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.60.9
  • Rate Control1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Glare Sensitivity1.50.6
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.5
  • Night Vision1.3—
  • Spatial Orientation1.3—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Sound Localization1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.85.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Getting Information4.34.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.33.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Assisting and Caring for Others4.15.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.05.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Processing Information3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.42.7
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.92.8
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Thinking Creatively2.92.9
  • Working with Computers2.82.7
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.72.7
  • Training and Teaching Others2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.62.7
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.62.8
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Developing and Building Teams2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.21.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.6—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.2—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Health and Safety of Other Workers5.0
  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.9
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Public Speaking4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Physical Proximity4.7
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People4.6
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.6

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (2; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Windows
Other tools (6)
  • AD OPT Altitude
  • Arkitektia Flight Itinerary
  • Bid Assistant
  • IBM Lotus LearningSpace
  • SBS International Maestro Suite
  • ValtamTech Flight Crew Log

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Passenger Attendants
  2. Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
  3. First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
  4. Airfield Operations Specialists
  5. Baggage Porters and Bellhops
  6. Transportation Security Screeners
  7. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
  8. Air Traffic Controllers
  9. Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
  10. Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.