SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Flight Attendants

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Flight Attendant
  • In-Flight Crew Member
  • Inflight Services Flight Attendant
  • International Flight Attendant
  • Purser
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What do Flight Attendants do?

Flight attendants are essential members of the airline crew responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during flights. They serve as the primary point of contact for travelers, providing assistance throughout the journey, from boarding to disembarking. Flight attendants manage in-flight services, which include distributing meals and beverages, conducting safety demonstrations, and addressing any passenger concerns. Their role entails a strong emphasis on customer service, as they work to create a positive travel experience while adhering to aviation regulations and protocols. Additionally, flight attendants are trained to handle various in-flight emergencies, demonstrating the ability to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure situations.

What the work actually is

  • Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.
  • Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets.
  • Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.
  • Walk aisles of planes to verify that passengers have complied with federal regulations prior to takeoffs and landings.
  • Direct and assist passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Abilities

  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Public Safety and Security Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Transportation Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  • Psychology Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Bachelor's degree
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  • Getting Information
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Assisting and Caring for Others
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Calendar and scheduling software AD OPT Altitude · Arkitektia Flight Itinerary · SBS International Maestro Suite · ValtamTech Flight Crew Log
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
  • Computer based training software IBM Lotus LearningSpace

Tools

  • Aircraft escape or ejection systems Emergency exit doors and windows · Evacuation slides · Slideraft packs
  • Aircraft oxygen equipment Chemical oxygen generators · Portable oxygen equipment · Protective breathing equipment
  • Mobile resuscitator or aspirator kits Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR equipment · Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR masks · Self-inflating manual resuscitation devices
  • Cool containers Refreshment carts · Refrigeration units · Storage compartments
  • Lifeboats or liferafts Emergency rafts · Sliderafts

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

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Questions people ask

How much do Flight Attendants earn in South Africa?

Flight Attendants salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Flight Attendants do?

Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order, Announce and demonstrate safety and emergency procedures, such as the use of oxygen masks, seat belts, and life jackets and Monitor passenger behavior to identify threats to the safety of the crew and other passengers.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.