So. You’ve decided to take the leap into an exciting career in the sky, and that’s fantastic! I’m sure the idea of travelling to new places, meeting interesting people, and donning that super snazzy uniform is really appealing, isn’t it? Not to mention the salary – in the UK, you could start off making around £20,000 to £25,000 annually. Pretty sweet, right? If you’re in the US, it’s even more impressive, with the average starting salary of a flight attendant being about $50,000 per year.
But before you buckle up for this thrilling ride, there’s an important pit stop you need to make – acing that flight attendant interview. That’s what we’re going to help you with in this article: “The MOST Common Flight Attendant Interview Questions (And Sample Answers)”. Let’s get you prepped and ready for take-off!
Contents
- 1 Looking for More Questions / Answers…?
- 2 Attendant Interview Tips
- 3 How Best To Structure Attendant Interview Questions
- 4 What You Should Not Do When Answering Questions
- 5 “Why do you want to be a Flight Attendant?”
- 6 “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- 7 “How do you handle stress and pressure?”
- 8 “How would you handle an unruly passenger?”
- 9 “How would you deal with a medical emergency on board?”
- 10 “Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service.”
- 11 “What would you do if a passenger doesn’t understand or comply with safety instructions?”
Looking for More Questions / Answers…?
Then, let me introduce you to a fantastic interview resource. Penned by the experienced career coach, Mike Jacobsen, this guide is packed full of interview tips. This 100+ page guide is packed with over 100 sample answers to the most common and challenging interview questions. It goes beyond simply giving you answers – it guides you on how to structure your responses, what interviewers are seeking, and even things to avoid during interviews. Best of all, it’s available for instant download! Dive in and give yourself the competitive edge you deserve.
Click here to learn more and get your copy today
Attendant Interview Tips
Know Your Airline 📚
First things first, make sure you do your homework about the airline you are applying to. Whether it’s their history, fleet size, hubs, or the countries they operate in, having this information at your fingertips can go a long way in impressing your interviewer. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the company and have put in the effort to learn about them.
Understand the Role and Its Requirements 💺
While being a Flight Attendant comes with its fair share of glamour, it’s also about ensuring passenger safety, providing excellent customer service, and being able to handle unexpected situations. Make sure you fully understand the demands of the job and are able to talk about how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Practice, Practice, Practice 🗣️
The saying “Practice makes perfect” holds particularly true for interviews. Rehearse your answers to common flight attendant interview questions. This doesn’t mean you should memorize your responses word for word—instead, focus on key points you want to highlight. This will ensure you come across as confident and well-prepared.
Show Your Customer Service Skills 💼
A major part of a Flight Attendant’s job involves interacting with passengers. Be prepared to share past experiences where you provided outstanding customer service. Demonstrating your ability to handle challenging situations with grace and professionalism can set you apart.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills 🤝
As a Flight Attendant, you’ll work closely with your colleagues to ensure flights run smoothly. Any examples of past experiences where you’ve effectively worked as part of a team, whether in a work setting or elsewhere, can underscore your ability to collaborate well with others.
Be Yourself and Let Your Personality Shine 🌟
Lastly, while it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to be yourself! Airlines are looking for individuals who are warm, personable, and can put passengers at ease. Let your personality shine through during the interview, and remember, it’s as much about determining if you’re a good fit for the airline as it is about the airline being a good fit for you.
How Best To Structure Attendant Interview Questions
In a Flight Attendant interview, one of the most efficient ways to answer behavioural questions is by using the B-STAR method. This method helps to structure your answers in a comprehensive and organized way.
B – Belief: Start by sharing your thoughts and feelings about the situation you’re discussing. For instance, if you’re asked about handling a difficult passenger, you might express your belief in the importance of empathy and patience in such situations.
S – Situation: Next, describe the scenario briefly. Using our example, you could explain a particular situation where you encountered an unruly or distressed passenger during a flight.
T – Task: After you’ve set the scene, specify your role in that situation. As a Flight Attendant, you’re expected to take an active role in managing issues. So, explain what your responsibilities were in this scenario – maybe it was to calm the passenger down or ensure the safety of others on board.
A – Activity (or action): Now, it’s time to talk about what you did to address the situation. Did you use conflict resolution skills? Did you call for additional assistance? Discuss the steps you took and, crucially, why you took them.
R – Results: Finally, share the outcome of the situation. Did your actions deescalate the situation effectively? Did the passenger calm down? Or maybe your swift response ensured the rest of the passengers weren’t affected. If you can, use quantifiable outcomes – like if your actions helped improve the airline’s passenger satisfaction scores.
By structuring your answers using the B-STAR method, you can effectively demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, highlight your experiences, and present yourself as a competent candidate for the Flight Attendant role.
What You Should Not Do When Answering Questions
Do not avoid the question.
Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).
Do not downplay the situation.
Do not overhype the situation.
Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.
Do not reject the premise of the question.
Do not have a passive role in the situation.
Do not give a one-sentence answer.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action.
Attendant Interview Question & Answers
“Why do you want to be a Flight Attendant?”
This question is designed to probe your motivations for choosing a career as a Flight Attendant. When preparing your answer, consider the unique aspects of the role that drew you to it. Keep in mind that a strong answer will highlight your interest in providing excellent customer service, working as part of a team, and adapting to a dynamic work environment. Refrain from focusing on perceived benefits of the role such as travel perks, as these may make you appear less committed to the core responsibilities of the position.
Answer 1
I’ve always had a strong desire to serve people and ensure they feel valued and comfortable. This inclination led me to explore career paths that would allow me to use my natural strengths and passion for customer service. After much research and consideration, I was drawn to the role of a Flight Attendant because it presents a unique blend of service, safety, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s travel experiences.
Being a Flight Attendant requires meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to safety regulations and emergency procedures. This aligns well with my conscientious nature and my ability to focus under pressure. I also appreciate how this role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to passenger safety. For example, during my training, I was exposed to various emergency scenarios and learned how to react swiftly and confidently. I take pride in the fact that as a Flight Attendant, I’ll have the chance to use these skills to ensure passengers’ safety.
Moreover, this role also calls for exceptional teamwork and communication. In my previous role as a customer service representative, I learned that effective communication can solve most issues and that working cohesively as a team often results in the best outcomes. I have always been a strong team player, willing to step up when needed, and ready to support my colleagues. I believe these skills will enable me to fit into and contribute positively to any cabin crew team.
Lastly, the dynamic nature of this job is a big draw for me. No two days are the same, and that kind of environment keeps me motivated and engaged. In my previous role, I frequently dealt with unpredictable situations, requiring creative problem-solving. One time, we had a system outage that left us unable to access customers’ account information. I quickly devised a way to manually track calls and follow-ups, which allowed us to maintain service levels during the outage.
So, my desire to become a Flight Attendant stems from my passion for customer service, my ability to thrive in dynamic situations, and my commitment to safety and teamwork. It’s not just about the opportunity to travel; it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives by ensuring they have a safe and pleasant journey.
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
In response to this question, the interviewer is looking to assess both your self-awareness and your ability to handle challenges. Highlighting your strengths is an opportunity to demonstrate how your skills align with the demands of a Flight Attendant role, while addressing your weaknesses allows you to show your ability to grow and learn. Avoid naming a weakness that could be detrimental to your performance as a Flight Attendant or using cliches such as “I work too hard”.
Answer 1
When considering my strengths, I believe my strong communication skills, ability to stay calm under pressure, and commitment to providing excellent customer service are among my most significant assets.
In my previous role as a customer service representative at a telecommunications company, communication was the key to everything I did. I handled calls from customers across the globe, addressing their queries, and solving their issues. My ability to effectively communicate, listen attentively, and clarify any misunderstandings was vital in achieving high customer satisfaction ratings.
In addition, my ability to remain composed under pressure has been invaluable. There were occasions where customers would become frustrated or upset. Instead of getting flustered, I stayed calm, patiently listened, empathized with their frustrations, and worked towards a solution. One instance that comes to mind involved a customer whose service had been disrupted during a critical business meeting. Despite his anger, I remained calm, apologized for the inconvenience, and worked swiftly with the technical team to restore the service.
Moreover, I am passionate about providing outstanding customer service. I am committed to going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. There was a time when a customer was unable to understand the steps to set up a new service. Instead of merely explaining over the phone, I created a step-by-step guide with illustrations and sent it over to them. They were grateful for the additional effort, and it reinforced my belief in the importance of exceptional service.
As for weaknesses, I have found that I can sometimes become overly absorbed in my work, which can lead to an imbalance between my professional and personal life. This often occurred in my previous job where I would often stay back late to resolve any pending customer issues. While my commitment to my work is strong, I realized that this approach was not sustainable in the long run.
So, I’ve been working on this by setting boundaries and managing my time more effectively. I make sure to allocate specific hours for work and personal time. I also focus on improving my productivity during working hours, which involves prioritizing tasks and delegating when necessary. This way, I can ensure that I am giving my best at work without compromising on my personal life. This is an ongoing process, but I am making steady progress and am confident that I will strike the right balance soon.
“How do you handle stress and pressure?”
As a Flight Attendant, you will inevitably encounter stressful situations and must be able to manage them with poise. The interviewer wants to see your ability to maintain professionalism and ensure passenger safety and comfort in the face of pressure. Avoid painting a picture of yourself as someone who never experiences stress. Instead, share strategies you have developed to manage it and provide examples where possible.
Answer 1
Managing stress and pressure is an integral part of any job, but it becomes especially important in a role like a Flight Attendant, where the stakes can be high, and quick, composed decision-making is required.
In my previous role as a customer service representative in a high-volume call center, dealing with stressful situations was part of my daily routine. At times, I’d be handling calls from irate customers, navigating technical issues, and working within tight deadlines, all simultaneously. Over time, I developed several strategies that helped me manage stress effectively.
One strategy is to stay organized and prioritize my tasks. When I have a clear idea of what needs to be done and when, it helps alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed. For example, there were instances when we would have an influx of calls due to a sudden issue with our service. Instead of panicking, I would methodically address each call based on the severity of the issue, which enabled me to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
Another approach I use is to practice mindfulness and controlled breathing techniques. During a particularly challenging call or situation, I take a moment to center myself, taking slow, deep breaths. This helps me to clear my mind, refocus, and address the issue at hand more effectively.
I also believe in the importance of self-care outside of work. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep significantly contribute to my overall stress resilience. They help maintain my physical health, which in turn helps me cope better with stress at work.
In addition, I value the importance of learning from stressful situations. After handling a challenging customer or situation, I take time to reflect on the experience. What could I have done differently? What worked well? For example, there was a situation where a customer was unhappy with a product defect. Despite the stress of the situation, I managed to resolve the issue by offering a replacement and additional compensation for the inconvenience caused. Reflecting on it later, I realized that maintaining a calm and understanding demeanor was key in appeasing the customer, and it’s something I’ve continued to apply in future interactions.
So while I can’t avoid stress and pressure, especially in a role like a Flight Attendant, I feel equipped with the strategies to handle it effectively and ensure it doesn’t affect my ability to provide excellent service.
“How would you handle an unruly passenger?”
Handling difficult passengers effectively is a crucial skill for any Flight Attendant. Your response should highlight your ability to remain calm, composed, and professional in challenging situations. Illustrate your problem-solving skills, empathy, and the capacity to enforce regulations without escalating the situation. Be wary of giving an answer that suggests you would become confrontational or unprofessional.
Answer 1
Handling an unruly passenger, as I’ve learned from my past experience in customer service, requires a blend of diplomacy, empathy, assertiveness, and a strong understanding of company policies and procedures. I believe the key to such situations is to maintain calm, keep the safety and comfort of all passengers in mind, and aim for a resolution that minimizes disruption.
Firstly, I would approach the situation calmly and respectfully, taking care not to escalate the situation further. I understand that confrontation can often lead to an increase in tension, which would not be beneficial for anyone on board. I’ve found that a composed demeanor can often help diffuse a potentially volatile situation.
I would then seek to engage the passenger in a conversation to understand their concerns or issues. For example, in my previous role in hospitality, we once had a customer who was creating a disturbance due to the delay in service. I approached them calmly, acknowledged the issue, and asked for their patience while we rectified the situation. By actively listening to their concerns, I showed empathy and recognition of their frustration, which helped to calm them down.
Next, I would attempt to find a solution within the scope of the airline’s policies. If the issue was a service-related concern, I’d try to offer alternatives or compensation as per the policies. If the issue pertained to the passenger’s behavior affecting others’ comfort or safety, I’d kindly but assertively remind them of the regulations and the need for cooperation for the welfare of all passengers on board.
There could be scenarios where a passenger is non-compliant or a potential risk to the safety of others. In such cases, I would seek assistance from my senior crew members or the captain, depending on the severity of the situation. For example, in a previous job, I once had to deal with a person who was increasingly aggressive despite my attempts to resolve the issue. I didn’t hesitate to involve security, as the safety and comfort of our guests were paramount.
Importantly, after such an incident, I would ensure to check in on the other passengers who might have been disturbed or concerned. Reassuring them and ensuring their comfort would be a priority, as it’s essential to maintain a pleasant environment for everyone on board.
I believe this combination of empathy, assertiveness, problem-solving, and adherence to procedures equips me to handle unruly passengers effectively, prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of all passengers on board.
“How would you deal with a medical emergency on board?”
Your ability to manage an in-flight medical emergency is critical to ensuring passenger safety. In your response, emphasize your training, composure under pressure, and quick decision-making skills. Avoid responses that suggest you might panic or become overwhelmed, and instead focus on your readiness to respond effectively to such situations.
Answer 1
Dealing with a medical emergency onboard is certainly one of the most challenging scenarios we can face as flight attendants. However, my comprehensive training, previous experiences, and innate ability to stay calm under pressure prepare me to handle such situations effectively and efficiently.
The initial step in addressing any in-flight medical emergency, as I’ve been trained, is to call for medical assistance among the passengers. While we are trained in first aid and CPR, having a healthcare professional onboard would provide more specialized assistance. I would use the public address system to make a calm, concise request for any doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals on the flight to identify themselves.
In parallel, I would retrieve the onboard medical kit and start providing first aid within my scope of training, being careful not to exceed it as it might lead to more harm than good. As a former lifeguard, I am familiar with first aid and CPR, and these skills have been honed further through my flight attendant training. My experience dealing with beachgoers’ medical emergencies has given me the calmness and composure to handle such situations with clear-headedness and efficiency.
Throughout this process, clear and concise communication with the cockpit is paramount. They need to be kept informed about the situation so they can alert ground medical services or even decide to divert the flight, if necessary. I recall a situation where we had to manage a passenger experiencing severe chest pain. Keeping the cockpit updated about the passenger’s condition allowed them to alert ground medical services, ensuring that the passenger received immediate professional medical attention upon landing.
In the meantime, it would also be important to reassure other passengers without violating the affected individual’s privacy rights. Managing their reactions and maintaining a calm environment on the plane is a crucial aspect of effectively handling such situations.
Lastly, after the situation is under control, I would document the incident as per the airline’s policies. This is an important step to ensure that all the details are captured accurately, for both legal and learning purposes.
Overall, my objective would be to ensure the safety of the affected passenger and everyone else onboard by staying calm, responding quickly, and effectively communicating with all parties involved.
“Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service.”
When discussing your customer service experiences, aim to demonstrate your commitment to going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to anticipate and respond to customer needs, showing empathy and problem-solving skills. Avoid vague or general responses; the more detail you can provide, the better.
Answer 1
Throughout my career as a flight attendant, I’ve had numerous opportunities to provide exceptional customer service. However, one incident that stands out occurred on an international flight to Tokyo.
About midway through the flight, a passenger approached me, looking quite upset. He explained that he’d left his prescription medication in his checked luggage and was starting to feel unwell. The medication was for a non-life-threatening, but very uncomfortable, chronic condition. It was clear he was worried and uncomfortable, and given the length of our flight, this had the potential to become a significant problem.
My initial reaction was empathy, as I could imagine how stressful it must have been to realize you’re stuck on a long flight without necessary medication. But sympathy wasn’t enough; I had to try to resolve the issue. My training kicked in, and I began to evaluate our available resources and think about how we could help this passenger.
My first step was to ensure the passenger was comfortable and to reassure him that we would do everything we could to assist him. I guided him back to his seat and offered him a comforting beverage, encouraging him to relax while we found a solution.
Next, I informed the senior cabin crew member about the situation. Together, we decided to see if there was a healthcare professional on board who could provide some immediate advice or assistance. We were fortunate to have a nurse traveling with us. She recommended some over-the-counter medication that we had in our onboard medical kit that wouldn’t fully substitute for the passenger’s prescription but could ease his discomfort for the duration of the flight.
We also spoke with the cockpit crew, who advised us to inform the ground crew at our destination about the situation. They could then arrange to have the passenger’s medication retrieved from his checked luggage upon landing.
Throughout the flight, I checked in on the passenger regularly, ensuring he felt cared for and alleviating his concern. Once we landed, we made sure his medication was delivered to him promptly. The passenger was relieved and grateful, thanking us for turning a stressful situation into a manageable one.
This incident reminded me that excellent customer service often means thinking on your feet and going above and beyond the usual duties. It’s about understanding the passenger’s needs and doing whatever it takes to meet them, ensuring their journey is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, no matter what unexpected challenges might arise.
“What would you do if a passenger doesn’t understand or comply with safety instructions?”
Your ability to ensure compliance with safety instructions is essential to the role of a Flight Attendant. Your response should emphasize your communication skills, patience, and the ability to explain complex information in a clear and accessible way. Stay away from answers that suggest you would lose patience or fail to enforce the rules.
Answer 1
Addressing the issue of a passenger not understanding or complying with safety instructions is a critical task that requires careful navigation. My response to this situation would stem from the understanding that as a flight attendant, I have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, as well as the enforcement of airline regulations.
My first approach would be to assess the reason for the non-compliance. I’ve found from past experiences that it can usually be attributed to either a lack of understanding, fear, or a disregard for rules. In every case, I would begin with a calm, polite and respectful approach.
If a passenger isn’t understanding the safety instructions, I would first try to communicate with them in a different way. I’m proficient in a few languages, which can be helpful in these situations. Alternatively, demonstrating the safety procedure can often be effective. I recall a flight where a passenger was unable to comprehend how to fasten the seatbelt due to language barriers. I patiently demonstrated how to do it, using visual cues and gestures which allowed them to follow along, and we successfully overcame the barrier.
If it’s a case of fear, like someone afraid of flying who’s refusing to buckle their seatbelt, I would take the time to reassure them about the safety of the aircraft and the importance of the seatbelt during turbulence. Empathy is a powerful tool here; it’s about relating to their fear and reassuring them while also emphasizing the necessity of the safety procedure.
However, if a passenger is being dismissive of safety instructions, the approach needs to be firmer, but still respectful. I remember an instance where a passenger refused to put their laptop away during takeoff. I calmly but firmly explained the potential risks it posed, like it turning into a projectile during a sudden stop, and also the regulatory requirements for all electronic devices to be stowed away during takeoff and landing. This explanation and my composed approach led the passenger to comply without further objections.
In the event of persistent non-compliance, it may be necessary to involve the cabin supervisor or the flight deck, keeping in mind that my primary duty is to ensure the safety of all on board.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure everyone’s safety, and I believe that clear, respectful communication, a firm but understanding approach, and escalation if necessary, are key to achieving this.