The combination of free time and discount air fares provides flight attendants the opportunity to travel and see new places. However, the work can be strenuous and trying. Short flights require speedy service if meals are served and turbulent flights can make serving drinks and meals difficult. Flight attendants stand during much of the flight and must remain pleasant and efficient regardless of how tired they are or how demanding passengers may be. Occasionally, flight attendants must deal with disruptive passengers.
Flight attendants are susceptible to injuries because of the job demands in a moving aircraft.
Back injuries and mishaps opening overhead compartments are common. In addition, medical problems can occur from irregular sleeping and eating patterns, dealing with stressful passengers, working in a pressurized environment, and breathing recycled air. Commercial airlines employed the vast majority of all flight attendants, most of whom live in the major city that is the airlines' home base. A small number of flight attendants worked for large companies that operated company aircraft for business purposes. Applicants usually must be at least 18 to 21 years old.