Soaring High: A Comprehensive Guide to Flight Attendant Internship Requirements

The role of a flight attendant is more than just a job; it's a lifestyle filled with adventure, responsibility, and the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. For those aspiring to enter this dynamic profession, internships offer a valuable stepping stone. This article will explore the requirements and qualifications necessary to secure a flight attendant internship, providing insights for aspiring aviation professionals.

The Allure of Flight Attendant Internships

Flight attendant internships offer invaluable real-world experience and a chance to propel you toward career success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your studies or gain real-world experience, these internships equip you with valuable skills that apply to any future profession. Interning at an airline means more than just gaining experience; it’s about becoming part of a team that values growth, diversity, and the future of aviation.

Piedmont Airlines: A Case Study

Piedmont Airlines, for example, offers an internship experience designed to propel individuals toward career success. Their internship roles are based in Charlotte, NC (CLT); Harrisburg, PA (MDT); Washington, D.C. Interns at Piedmont have lauded the supportive environment and the opportunity to tailor the internship to their backgrounds. They emphasize the value of the connections made and the hands-on experiences gained. Interns have the opportunity to work on real projects that matter.

General Requirements and Qualifications

While specific requirements vary among airlines, some common qualifications are generally expected for flight attendant internships.

Age and Education

Most airlines require applicants to be at least 18 or 21 years old. A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement, but some airlines prefer or require some college coursework or a degree. United Airlines, for instance, requires a high school degree, with 2 or more years of college preferred.

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Physical Requirements

Flight attendants must meet certain physical requirements to ensure they can perform their duties effectively and safely. These requirements often include:

Height: Airlines typically have height requirements to ensure flight attendants can reach overhead bins and operate emergency equipment. For example, United Airlines requires attendants to be between 5’2” and 6’3” without shoes. Some airlines specify the ability to reach a certain vertical height, such as 82 inches while standing on toes, as required by Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. Generally, height must be between 4’11’’ and 6’ without shoes.
Weight: While some airlines don't publish specific weight requirements, they generally look for candidates whose height and weight are proportionate.
Vision: Corrected vision is usually required, and some airlines may have specific vision standards.
Mobility: Flight attendants must be able to perform all safety-related procedures, including operating aircraft doors, lifting emergency window exits (approximately 40 lbs.), assisting with carry-on baggage stowage, and operating meal & beverage carts.

Language Proficiency

Fluency in English is essential, as flight attendants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Some airlines may also require or prefer fluency in additional languages, especially for international routes. Delta Airlines, for example, values candidates with fluency in another language, as some international flights require attendants to relay flight information in multiple languages.

Appearance Standards

Airlines typically have strict appearance standards for flight attendants, including:

Tattoos: Visible tattoos are generally prohibited or restricted. United Airlines does not allow visible tattoos - even if concealed. Delta in-flight staff may not have any tattoos visible while wearing the uniform. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air permit visible tattoos with limitations according to size and location on the body, requiring non-compliant tattoos to be covered by uniform pieces or tattoo coverage makeup.
Piercings: Facial piercings are usually not allowed, and there may be restrictions on the number and type of ear piercings. United Airlines does not allow facial piercings. Delta Airlines doesn’t allow facial piercings, multiple earlobe piercings and earlobe plugs. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air allow single-stud nose piercings, as well as two piercings per ear.
Hair: Hair must be of a natural color and styled neatly. Delta Airlines doesn’t allow any unnatural hair colors.
Uniform: Flight attendants must dress according to the requirements set by the airline.

Background Checks and Eligibility

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires background checks for all flight attendants. A criminal record, particularly for offenses like DUI or arrests, could negatively affect job prospects. A valid passport is also required, with at least six months validity at the start of training.

The Application Process

Applying for a flight attendant internship involves several steps:

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Online Application

The first step is to visit the airline's career page and apply online. This typically involves creating a profile, uploading a resume and cover letter, and completing an application form.

Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter should highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. Focus on roles where you’ve built strong experience in customer service, such as hospitality, retail, or healthcare, and emphasize communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Include relevant certifications like CPR or first aid, as well as any foreign languages.

Your cover letter is your chance to express why you’re pursuing this as a career. Share what drew you to aviation and specifically to the airline. Strong letters include short stories - moments when you went above and beyond, resolved a tough situation, or delivered exceptional customer service. Avoid generic phrases.

Interviews

If successful in the early stages, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview or recruitment event. Some airlines also use one-way video interviews as part of the screening process. Virtual interviews should be treated as much like a professional in-person interview as possible. Ensure you are in a quiet and professional environment free from distractions. Video is required for all interviews. Answer questions clearly, honestly and accurately.

Training

Once hired, new team members begin an exciting journey through flight attendant training. At PSA Airlines, training is comprehensive and hands-on, lasting four weeks. You’ll spend time learning the procedures and policies that guide every flight and are expected to pass both written exams and practical evaluations. After you complete initial training, learning doesn’t stop. This commitment to continuous learning means your skills evolve as your career does.

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Initial Operating Experience (IOE)

Upon completion of classroom training, you will go out on your Initial Operating Experience (IOE). This is where you take all of your classroom knowledge and apply it onboard the aircraft. You will be part of a real crew, on a real airplane with real passengers.

Airlines with Internship Programs

Several airlines offer internship programs for aspiring flight attendants and aviation professionals.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. Summer Interns on their Digital Technology team are provided a dynamic 12-week experience, combining hands-on projects with opportunities to grow as technology professionals. Finance interns play a key role in supporting the airline’s success through meaningful projects and working with leadership. As a Co-Op, you’ll spend 5-6 months working with Tech Ops professionals on impactful engineering projects while gaining insights into the aviation industry.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers internship opportunities that mirror the Southwest Airlines Team’s various workplace flexibility models. Some internships are fully onsite and others are virtual or hybrid models. College Interns are eligible for free, unlimited space-available travel to any location where Southwest flies.

Piedmont Airlines

Piedmont Airlines is excited to offer an internship experience designed to propel you toward career success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your studies or gain real-world experience, this internship will equip you with valuable skills that apply to any future profession.

Additional Tips for Aspiring Flight Attendants

Customer Service Experience: Previous experience in retail, hospitality, or food service can make a big difference.
Flexibility: Be flexible concerning relocation and how close to the base of operations you wish to live. After training, your base will be assigned based on operational needs and cannot be selected in advance. You’ll need to either relocate or commute to your assigned base. As you gain seniority, you’ll have the opportunity to bid for a different base, though the timing for transfers can vary and is not guaranteed.
Professionalism: It is also important for aspiring flight attendants to learn how to look and talk like a flight attendant.
Continuous Learning: After you complete initial training, learning doesn’t stop. This commitment to continuous learning means your skills evolve as your career does.

The Role of Flight Attendant Schools

Flight attendant schools like The Travel Academy provide training that meets airline requirements and helps you develop the skills needed to become a flight attendant. The Travel Academy students meet the stringent flight attendant qualifications. Because of this high standard, airlines come to our school and conduct flight attendant interviews with students, while still in class. In a matter of weeks, The Travel Academy will show you how to meet the flight attendant requirements and teach you how to land a flight attendant job.

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