Notions

If you want to become a F/A, please have in mind this few notions :

Of course, it doesn't happen all the time but you have to be aware that you are responsible of what you do. Keep in mind that training is a stressful experience too, but this is to see if you are able to handle the job!

Requirements Depending on the companies that you will apply for, they may ask different requirements such as :

Just to give you an idea, this is a copy of the Air Canada website concerning flight attendant requirement, this is just an example and does not necessarly apply to all others airlines.

The ideal Air Canada Flight Attendant candidate presents a well-groomed appearance which is enhanced by a pleasant and outgoing personality. A sincere desire to be of service to Air Canada customers is essential. Pleasant, patient, well-mannered and have had previous work experience in public positions. Above all, the Flight Attendant role is highly service-oriented and very vital to the airline's success. A Flight Attendant must speak at least two languages: English, French and/or one of Air Canada's route languages.

Responsibilities

A Flight Attendant's day may take him/her on one flight or several flights. And the day's work will vary depending on the type of aircraft and its destination. Before departure, the Flight Attendant will welcome the passengers, check their boarding passes and help them with seating. And, to ensure their safety and comfort, they will check that seat belt and safety regulations are being observed.

Other Flight Attendant duties include in-flight announcements, safety demonstrations, distribution of reading material, serving meals and beverages.

Most of all, the Flight Attendant's role is to anticipate the needs of our passengers, and offer these services in a friendly, courteous and willing manner. That may mean helping a person with a disability to his/her seat, warming a baby's bottle, or not disturbing a passenger who wants to be left alone.

It's hard, strenuous work. But Flight Attendants find that helping people, making them happy, is a satisfying and rewarding career.

Minimum requirements:

A Flight Attendant must speak at least two languages: English, French and/or one of Air Canada's route languages

Minimum age - 18 years

Canadian citizen or landed immigrant status as well as the ability to pass security clearance

Able to meet our medical standards

High school graduate or equivalent (check with your provincial department of education for equivalency requirements)

Previous work experience

Minimum height 1.57 m (5 ft 2 in) without shoes

Well groomed and high energy level

Must be able to accept assignment to any of the six Air Canada In-Flight Service bases, located in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver

Must be able to interact and work effectively with people, sometimes under difficult and stressful circumstances

Training

In order to become a Flight Attendant, a candidate has to undergo an intensive full time paid training period of eight (8) weeks. There are a large number of exams that requires hours of studying on the part of each candidate.

Once applicants have successfully completed an intensive training as a new Flight Attendant , they will be assigned to one of Air Canada's six In-Flight Service Bases, which are located at Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. While new Flight Attendants are assigned to a Base where vacancies exist, they may request a change of location at any time thereafter. Transfers are obtained on the basis of vacancies and Flight Attendant seniority, but may not be available for periods varying from two to three years; therefore, applicants should be prepared to accept assignment to any Base.

Working Schedules

Each month, Flight Attendants bid for flights on any of the routes served by Air Canada. All flights are awarded on a seniority basis, generally Flight Attendants are placed on "reserve standby" duty and can be called upon at any time to work flights within Canada, the United States, Caribbean, Europe or the Far East. During this period, Flight Attendants' lifestyles must have the flexibility to meet the demands of the job. At the same time, they have the opportunity to work on most aircraft types, fly various routes and to enjoy different destinations.

This gives you an overview of what Air Canada asks you to have. On the other hand, training may be less weeks than the one quoted above.Air Transat offers a 6 weeks training in Montreal.