Flight Attendant
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Flight attendants make sure passengers and crew are safe on flights. They offer a variety of services to make flights as pleasant as possible. They also work with other crew members to help passengers in emergencies (alis). Airline pursers and flight attendants are employed by airline companies (NOC).
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Transport Canada - Flight Attendant Competency Requirements
- Flight attendant job shadow (incl. video) - from CNBC
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer any specialized educational programs leading to a career as a Flight Attendant. Please view the links below for more information about training. Flight attendants and flight pursers require the completion of secondary school and a training program approved by Transport Canada, and usually require prior experience working with the public (National Occupational Classification). Many airline companies provide their own flight attendant training in accordance with Transport Canada and some offer pathway programs with post-secondary institutions.
If you are a University of Manitoba student who would like assistance determining an education plan that suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Article: WestJet flight attendants claim they're paid less than minimum wage (includes graphic: WestJet Flight Attendant Pay Scale) - CBC News
- Article: Air Canada disputes flight attendants' view of pay - The Globe & Mail
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC)
- National Airlines Council of Canada
- Airlines for America
- Manitoba Aviation Council
- Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Careers in Aviation - from Transport Canada
- Article: Jazz launches Pathways program for flight attendants, signs Georgian College - Skies magazine
- Article/Interview: Flight Attendant Jobs: What It Takes To Work At 30,000 Feet In The Sky - HuffPost Canada
- Article: 4 Tips to Land a Flight Attendant Job - HuffPost U.S.
- Article: Flight attendants explain why it’s harder to land coveted airline jobs than it is to get into Harvard - from MarketWatch.com
- Air Canada Rouge - Flight Attendant Training
- Wings magazine - Canadian and international news and features
- Canadian Women in Aviation - collective that hosts conferences and provides scholarships