Introduction
Becoming an air hostess is an exciting career choice for those who love traveling and helping people. Air hostesses, also called flight attendants, ensure passengers have a safe and comfortable journey. They serve food, give safety instructions, and handle emergencies.
If you dream of working in the aviation industry, you need proper training and guidance. This guide will explain how to be an air hostess, including eligibility, courses, and job opportunities.
Brief Overview of the Air Hostess Career
An air hostess works for airlines, taking care of passengers during flights. The job includes:
- Greeting passengers and assisting with luggage.
- Serving meals and drinks.
- Explaining safety rules.
- Helping in emergencies.
It’s a glamorous job but also requires hard work and responsibility.
Importance of Training and Right Steps
Training is important because airlines look for well-prepared candidates. A good air hostess course teaches:
- Communication skills.
- Emergency procedures.
- Grooming and etiquette.
Following the right steps—like completing education, joining a training program, and applying to airlines—will help you succeed.
Who Can Become an Air Hostess?
Not everyone can become an air hostess. Airlines have specific requirements for age, height, and personality.
Basic Eligibility (Age, Education, Height, Weight)
- Age: 18 to 26 years (some airlines accept up to 30).
- Height: At least 157 cm (5’2”) for females, 170 cm (5’7”) for males.
- Weight: Should be proportionate to height.
- Education: 10+2 (Class 12 pass) from any stream.
Physical and Medical Requirements
- Good eyesight (glasses allowed, but with limited power).
- No visible tattoos in uniform.
- Normal blood pressure and overall fitness.
Personality Traits Needed (Friendly, Confident, Presentable)
- Friendly & Polite: Must handle passengers with patience.
- Confident: Should speak clearly and handle emergencies calmly.
- Well-Groomed: Neat hair, clean nails, and professional appearance.
Educational Qualifications Needed
Minimum 10+2 or Equivalent
- You must pass Class 12 (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
- Some airlines prefer graduates, but 12th pass is the minimum.
Recommended Graduation (Optional but Beneficial)
- A degree in Hospitality, Travel, or Tourism helps in promotions.
- Airlines like Air India and IndiGo prefer graduates.
Language Skills (English, Hindi, and Foreign Languages Helpful)
- Must know English and Hindi fluently.
- Extra languages (French, Arabic, German) increase job chances in international airlines.
Air Hostess Courses and Training Programs
Types of Courses (Certificate, Diploma, Degree)
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| Certificate (Air Hostess Training) | 6 months |
| Diploma (Aviation & Hospitality) | 1 year |
| Degree (B.Sc. in Aviation) | 3 years |
Popular Institutes in India
- Frankfinn Institute (Best for short-term courses).
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Government-recognized).
- Air Hostess Academy (Good placement support).
What You Learn: Grooming, Safety Training, Communication
- Grooming: Skin care, makeup, uniform standards.
- Safety Training: Fire fighting, emergency exits, first aid.
- Communication: How to talk to passengers professionally.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Be an Air Hostess
Step 1: Finish School (10+2)
Complete Class 12 from any board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board).
Step 2: Enroll in a Reputed Air Hostess Training Institute
Join a course from Frankfinn, PTC, or Air Hostess Academy.
Step 3: Prepare Your Resume and Apply to Airlines
Apply to IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Emirates, etc.
Step 4: Clear Interview Rounds and Medical Tests
- Group Discussion: Speak confidently.
- Personal Interview: Answer questions about customer service.
- Medical Check-up: Ensure you meet health standards.
Step 5: Complete Airline Training and Get Started
After selection, airlines provide 4-6 weeks of training before you start flying.
Skills Needed to Become a Successful Air Hostess
Communication and Customer Service
- Must speak clearly and handle passenger requests politely.
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
- Stay calm during emergencies like turbulence or medical issues.
Teamwork and Time Management
- Work with pilots and crew to ensure smooth flights.
Grooming and Personal Hygiene
- Always look neat and professional in uniform.
Air Hostess Interview Process & Tips
How Airline Interviews Work
- First Round: Walk-in (check height, weight, and documents).
- Second Round: Group discussion (topics like travel or customer service).
- Final Round: Personal interview (why do you want this job?).
What to Wear and How to Behave
- Wear: Formal suit with minimal makeup.
- Behave: Smile, be confident, and answer politely.
Common Interview Questions and Answers
- Q: Why do you want to be an air hostess?
- A: “I love traveling and helping people. This job lets me do both.”
Do’s and Don’ts During Interviews
✅ Do: Maintain eye contact, speak clearly.
❌ Don’t: Chew gum, argue with interviewers.
Salary and Career Growth
Starting Salary in Indian Airlines
| Airline | Starting Salary (₹ per month) |
|---|---|
| IndiGo | 35,000 – 50,000 |
| Air India | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Vistara | 45,000 – 65,000 |
Perks Like Free Travel, Allowances
- Free flight tickets for family.
- Housing & food allowances in some airlines.
Promotions: Senior Air Hostess, Trainer, Ground Staff
- After 5 years: Can become Senior Cabin Crew.
- Later: Move to Training or Ground Staff Management.
International Opportunities
Airlines like Emirates, Qatar, and Singapore Airlines hire Indian crew with good pay (₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000/month).
Challenges of the Job
Long Working Hours
- Shifts can be 12-15 hours long, including night flights.
Health Issues from Flying Often
- Jet lag, dry skin, and back pain are common.
Dealing with Difficult Passengers
- Some passengers may be rude; patience is key.
Time Away from Family
- You may miss festivals and family events due to flight schedules.
What Is the Minimum Age to Become an Air Hostess?
The minimum age to become an air hostess is 18 years. Most airlines prefer candidates between 18 to 26 years old. Some airlines may accept candidates up to 30 years, especially if they have experience in customer service or hospitality.
Younger candidates often find it easier to adjust to the job’s demands, like irregular hours and travel. However, age limits can vary between airlines. Always check the specific requirements of the airline you want to join.
Do I Need Perfect English to Become an Air Hostess?
You don’t need perfect English, but you must speak clearly and confidently. Airlines require:
Good English (for announcements and passenger communication).
Hindi (for domestic flights in India).
Extra languages (like French or Arabic) help in international airlines.
If English is not your strongest language, you can improve by:
✔ Practicing speaking daily.
✔ Taking English-speaking courses.
✔ Watching English movies with subtitles.
Can I Become an Air Hostess After 30?
Yes, but it depends on the airline. Some airlines (like Emirates and Qatar) hire candidates up to 35 years if they have:
Experience in hospitality or customer service.
Excellent communication skills.
A fit and healthy body.
However, most Indian airlines (like IndiGo and Air India) prefer younger candidates (18-26 years). If you’re above 30, check airline requirements before applying.
Is Air Hostess Training Expensive?
Training costs vary based on the institute. Here’s an estimate:
Institute Type
Course Fee (₹)
Government Institutes
20,000 – 50,000
Private Institutes (Frankfinn, PTC)
80,000 – 1,50,000
Degree Courses (B.Sc. Aviation)
1,00,000 – 3,00,000 per year
Some institutes offer installment payments or scholarships. Always compare fees before joining.
Do Airlines Provide Free Training?
Yes! Once an airline selects you, they provide free training for 4-6 weeks. This includes:
Safety procedures (emergency exits, first aid).
Customer service training.
Grooming and uniform guidelines.
However, you must first complete a basic air hostess course from an institute before applying. Airlines don’t train freshers from scratch.