While it may seem glamorous to get paid to jet around the world, there’s a pretty rigorous process to becoming an FA.
Airlines require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED, but people with a degree in hospitality, communication, tourism, or public relations have a leg up in the process. Depending on the airline, applicants might need to be multilingual. There are also physical requirements, such as being able to reach the overhead bins and have 20/40 eyesight (with contacts or glasses). Other requirements include things like passing a background check and being able to stand for long periods of time.
Once hired by an airline, new FAs go through a 3-6 week training program that includes everything from flight regulations and job duties to emergency procedures and practice flights. After completing training, flight attendants must get a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Then they can start working on flights.