How to become an air hostess?

Air hostess is one of the high profile professions in India desired by many young graduates. Air hostess profession is like a dream come true for young girls. Air Hostess job seems as an easy job but she has many responsibilities at the plane and it's not an easy job.

She has to greet every passenger, coordinate with security, make air travel comfortable of the passenger, to guide passenger during their seat settlement and much more. Also Air Hostess has to handle some difficult passenger and remain patient and calm. Mostly women choose the career of air hostess but those men who choose the career are called 'Stewards'.

Eligibility criteria for an Air Hostess can be divided into four categories.

The minimum educational qualification to pursue Air Hostess course is 10+2. This is one of the exquisite course to pursue post-HSC. However, if you are going for PG Air Hostess courses then the minimum qualification would be graduation.

Although there are academies which are also offering a course for candidates who are just 10th passed but you should not join them because it is better to join after you have completed your 10+2. Moreover, you must know Hindi, English and any other foreign language.

Age limit usually depends upon the policy of a particular Institute. Normally academies prefer candidates within age group of 17 years and 26 years. Marital Status also depends upon the policy of a given academy. Although they prefer unmarried girls but some institutes allow married women also.

Air Hostess jobs are all about behavior and physical appearance. In next section we will talk about behavioral skills but here we look at some of the physical standards required by institutes. Minimum Height required must be 5.2" or 157 cm. Weight of the candidate must be in proportion to her Height. Skin complexion does matter and it must fair to clear complexion. Physical fit and attractive physique.

Just like physical standards Air Hostess jobs require medical standards too.

A candidate must not have a history of mental illness. Eye sight requirement is 6/9. Few airlines can give some concession. You should not be suffering from any major disease. Behavioral Skills Required Just usual qualifications like educational, physical or medical is not enough for becoming an Air Hostess. You need more than that. This job expects candidates to have certain behavioral skills that reflect her personality.

Pleasing Personality: Good appearance as well as pleasant voice is must. You must be friendly to the passengers on board. A friendly outgoing personality is what makes an Air Hostess.

Good Communication Skills: You must be able to communicate with the travelers and help them out if they need anything. Improved Good communication skills are very important to convince passengers. Here language proficiency is must.

Presence of Mind: If there is an emergency landing, then Air Hostess has to use her brain and give all the required instructions to the naïve passengers on boards. They have to show great presence of mind in any such eventualities.
Team Work: You have to work with entire cabin crew. Usually a cabin crew in a domestic flight consists of over 12 - 14 members. Hence you have to work in tandem.

Ready Work for Long Hours: Flight delays are very normal and hence sometimes you have to put an extra effort. At least 3 to 4 hours extra if a flight is late due to weather or some other reasons.Positive Attitude: Finally, positive attitudes that yes you can do the job is needed.

Each Airline company conducts examination for recruiting Air Hostesses. Usually an entire selection process can be divided into 3 stages.

Written Examination: Written exam tests your aptitude and reasoning. The exam pattern is quite similar to other competitive exams where they ask multiple type objective questions. So to clear the written exam you can prepare just like candidates prepare for other competitive exams.

Group Dynamics or GD: Second stage is Group Discussion where you will be tested for your presence of mind, communication skills, team work, leadership quality, your attitude etc. So, you should be well prepared for group discussion.

Interview: Third and final round is one on one interview. Here the company will judge you for your overall personality. If selected, then the company will train you for next six months.

The writer is a freelancer