Air Hostess vs. Flight Attendant: What Are the Differences?

If you’re interested in working in the aviation industry and enjoy providing customer service, you may be wondering if you should become an air hostess or a flight attendant. Both positions have their perks, and understanding the key differences between them can help you decide which is right for you. In this article, we compare and contrast air hostesses and flight attendants, including their duties, responsibilities and required qualifications.

What is an Air Hostess?

Air Hostesses are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers on commercial flights. They greet passengers as they board the plane and direct them to their seats. They give safety demonstrations and instructions before takeoff and during the flight. Air Hostesses also serve food and drinks, assist with passenger comfort and handle any customer service issues that may arise. In the event of an emergency, Air Hostesses must be able to remain calm and take charge of the situation. They must be able to think quickly and make decisions to keep passengers safe.

What is a Flight Attendant?

Flight Attendants are responsible for the safety and comfort of airline passengers during flights. They provide pre-flight briefings to inform passengers of emergency procedures, such as how to use oxygen masks and life jackets. During the flight, they make announcements, serve food and drinks, and tend to passengers’ needs. Flight Attendants also provide first aid and deal with any passenger incidents. In the event of an emergency, they work with the captain to evacuate passengers safely. Flight Attendants typically work for commercial airlines, but they may also work for private companies or charter flights.

Air Hostess vs. Flight Attendant

Here are the main differences between an air hostess and a flight attendant.

Job Duties

Air hostesses and flight attendants share some of their job duties, such as greeting passengers, ensuring passenger safety and providing customer service. However, there are differences in the specific tasks they perform on a daily basis. For example, air hostesses typically have more responsibilities related to operating the aircraft than flight attendants. This includes functions like starting the engines, controlling the directional rudder and communicating with air traffic control.

In contrast, flight attendants often have more responsibilities related to onboard services, such as meal preparation and beverage service. They may also be responsible for cleaning the aircraft between flights, including cabin maintenance activities such as stowing luggage and vacuuming.

Job Requirements

Air hostesses and flight attendants typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport. Some airlines may require air hostesses and flight attendants to have a college degree, but this is not always necessary. Additionally, all air hostesses and flight attendants must complete training provided by the airline they are employed with. This training covers topics such as emergency procedures, customer service, and safety.

Work Environment

Air hostesses work in a variety of environments, depending on the airline they work for. Some airlines have air hostesses working in their offices to help with administrative tasks and customer service. Other airlines may have air hostesses working directly with passengers during flights. Flight attendants typically work in an airplane cabin, where they assist passengers and ensure safety. They also spend time in airport terminals before and after flights, assisting passengers with travel needs.

Skills

Both air hostesses and flight attendants need to have excellent customer service skills. They are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers during a flight, so they need to be able to effectively address passenger concerns. They also need to be able to work well under pressure and stay calm in stressful situations.

Air hostesses typically need to have more language skills than flight attendants as they may be responsible for giving announcements in multiple languages. They also need to have sales skills as they may be responsible for selling duty-free items to passengers. Flight attendants usually only need to be proficient in one language as they primarily interact with English-speaking passengers. However, they do need to have emergency training so that they can effectively handle any situation that may arise during a flight.

Salary

Air hostesses earn an average salary of $41,469 per year, while flight attendants earn an average salary of $61,050 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the airline you work for, your level of experience and the location of your job.