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Many people are curious about what an air hostess does and how to become one. And also how do work-related rules for air hostesses vary among different airlines?
Air hostesses are professionals who fly around the world on winged planes, experiencing new places and meeting different people with each journey. Their distinctive uniforms often catch people's attention as they walk through terminals carrying bags and trolleys. This job is often envied for its perks, including good wages, stays in luxury hotels, free travel, and good food. Additionally, air hostesses may have the opportunity to interact with high-profile individuals, such as ministers and film stars, who can be regular passengers on their flights.
While the job of an air hostess may seem glamorous, it comes with significant responsibilities. Air hostesses are required to report to the airport at least one and a half hours before the scheduled departure of the flight, and an hour in advance for domestic flights. They undergo several security checks, including a breathalyzer test to ensure that they are not under the influence of alcohol. If found to be inebriated, they will not be allowed to board the plane, and may face severe consequences.
For international flights, air hostesses are required to carry their passport, airline card, and a copy of the General Declaration (GD) instead of a visa. Once all the security checks are complete, they board the plane and begin their duties of ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.
Air hostesses, also known as cabin crew, need to maintain a suitable body weight and a clear complexion without visible scars or blemishes. Neatly tied hair and high-heeled shoes are part of their uniform. Women must be at least 154 centimeters tall for domestic flights and taller for international flights. The height-to-weight ratio (BMI) should be between 18-22 for women and up to 25 for men. Professional appearance is essential as they are responsible for passengers' safety and comfort.
As the frontline representatives of airlines, cabin crew and flight stewards interact directly with passengers. For this reason, maintaining a professional appearance is crucial. This includes avoiding jewellery with religious symbols or strings on the arms or neck, and keeping makeup to a minimum. Small pearl earrings are typically allowed, and some airlines permit chains and small bindies to be worn with the saree. However, all airlines have a policy against wearing excessive jewellery. Makeup application should be done with care and include primer/foundation, mascara/eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, and nail polish to achieve a uniform and polished look.
The specific makeup guidelines for cabin crew and flight stewards may vary from airline to airline, including the acceptable colors of lipstick and nail polish. However, maintaining a pleasant demeanour and smile is crucial. Some airlines permit blue eyeliner to be worn with the uniform. On long international flights, crew members are expected to maintain their makeup and cheerful demeanour for over 20 hours. It may take beginners approximately three-and-a-half hours to get ready, but experienced crew members can complete their makeup routine in just 25 minutes.
Male cabin crew in most airlines are required to be clean-shaven, and aftershave should be applied to prevent any reactions. Hair should be trimmed to standard length without touching the collar of the shirt. Ear piercings and visible tattoos are not allowed. Both male and female airline crew members are required to wear perfume or cologne.

During the boarding process, passengers are given notifications about the aircraft, safety procedures, and emergency protocols. Once this is complete, the cabin crew's main responsibility begins.
It is important to ensure that emergency equipment is functioning properly, including first aid kits, blankets, pillows, air sickness bags, and food and beverage supplies. The cleanliness of the aircraft should also be checked. Once everything is in order, permission can be sought from the pilots to begin boarding the passengers.
The air hostess's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers from the moment they step onto the flight.
As soon as passengers board the flight, cabin crew should welcome them with a smile and assist them in finding their designated seats. 
They should also help passengers stow their hand baggage properly and ensure that seat belts are fastened.
 Safety instructions, including the usage of oxygen masks and life jackets, should be provided. 
Cabin crew should also suggest that passengers adjust their seats to a comfortable position. 
Before the start of the journey, the cabin crew must ensure that all aircraft doors are securely closed and properly checked.
Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene inside the aircraft is crucial, and it's essential to have safety instructions and reading materials available in the seat pockets.
Once everything is in order, the captain will give the notification for the cabin crew to be seated in the front gallery before take-off. Once the plane takes off, the cabin crew can begin their duties.
. If there is a bar on the plane, alcoholic drinks will typically be served first, followed by the food service, and then tea and coffee. Passengers may also be able to purchase items during this time. Once the service is complete, curtains may be drawn to create a more intimate setting, similar to a theater. During this time, flight attendants may take their meal break. If a passenger presses the call button, it is usually for a request for water.
After the service, flight attendants may assist passengers in preparing for sleep by adjusting lighting and other settings. When it is time for the plane to land, passengers will be asked to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts for safety. 
Despite fatigue from work and travel, passengers are expected to maintain a pleasant demeanor during the flight. The number of flight attendants on board may vary depending on the size of the aircraft, but even small planes typically have a crew of at least five people..
What are the required qualifications?
Becoming an air hostess requires more than just education, confidence, and language skills - it involves overcoming several hurdles. Firstly, candidates must meet certain criteria, including being between the ages of 18 and 25, having completed at least a plus two or degree qualification, and having a height of at least 162 cm and a proportionate weight. Additionally, good eyesight and proficiency in English and Hindi (in India) are also necessary. However, some airlines may have additional requirements, such as swimming proficiency.
Salary
Air hostesses must possess a positive attitude and self-confidence, and undergo at least five rounds of interviews to secure their position. While salaries range from Rs 40,000 to Lakhs, the profession offers glamour, star value, adventure, and opportunities to explore the customs and cultures of different countries. This job opens up a different world for air hostesses and their families, and it's no surprise that once someone gets the opportunity to fly, very few leave this exciting profession.
In terms of salaries, each airline has its own pay scale for air hostesses, which is calculated based on the number of hours flown. Hourly wages can range from Rs 250 to Rs 800, in addition to the basic salary.
Air hostesses can only fly for a maximum of 1,000 hours per year, and they receive five-star facilities and free food wherever they stay. Companies also provide generous pocket money. However, there is a strict weight requirement, and air hostesses are given three chances to meet it through medical examinations. If they do not meet the weight requirement after three chances, they are no longer able to fly and may have to work as ground staff instead.
Further details
It is not uncommon for passengers on board a flight to misbehave with each other, usually due to alcohol consumption. However, it is important for air hostesses to maintain their composure and not react in a similar manner. Any troublesome passengers will be handed over to security personnel upon landing. While most flights offer bar services, passengers are typically only allowed to consume up to two pegs of alcohol. Despite this rule, some passengers may request more, and it is up to the air hostesses to use their discretion in providing additional servings.

Air hostesses also receive general medical training and are able to provide passengers with basic medications for common ailments such as diarrhoea, vomiting, bruises, shortness of breath, ear pain, and allergies.
Air hostesses must maintain a specific weight and appearance, including regular weight checks and grooming inspections. Annual health check-ups are also required. Good eyesight, an attractive face, good dentistry, and pleasant manners are essential qualities, and proficiency in English, Hindi, and other languages such as Arabic, French, Spanish, and German is preferred. Some Indian airlines restrict newly hired air hostesses from getting married, but this is not the case for foreign airlines. Pregnant air hostesses are not allowed to perform flight duties for the safety of the child, and they are entitled to six months of maternity leave.
The cabin crew is expected to demonstrate patience and maturity during extraordinary circumstances such as plane hijackings, bomb threats, and emergency landings. They undergo rigorous training to ensure they can evacuate the entire crew within 90 seconds in case of an emergency. Additionally, in the event of an accident, the cabin crew is not permitted to leave the plane until the pilot has exited. Furthermore, the cabin crew is also trained in maternity care to provide assistance to passengers in need.
Cabin crew members must maintain a professional demeanour even in challenging situations, such as walking for long periods or dealing with difficult passengers. It's part of the job to remain composed, neutral, and tactful, even when feeling tired or upset.
The ongoing alert can cause variations in temperature and atmospheric pressure, which can potentially harm one's health. This may lead to fatigue and a disrupted sleep cycle, resulting in jet lag. These factors can also negatively impact women's menstrual cycles, potentially leading to weight gain. It is important to remain resilient and manage these challenges, as duty may arise unexpectedly at any time of the day. Even in challenging situations, it is crucial to maintain a positive attitude and provide assistance to vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, people with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, and infants.
What are the cabin crew subdivisions?
The level of in-flight services offered by airlines is crucial for commercial success, particularly in a highly competitive market. Airline representatives who interact directly with passengers are primarily composed of air hostesses and flight stewards, collectively known as flight attendants. As they are the face of the airline, the quality of their service and demeanour can significantly impact the overall impression of the airline. The supervisor responsible for managing the hostesses is also known as the flight manager, and they all fall under the category of cabin crew.
To say a little more
     Although being a flight attendant offers the opportunity to travel to various countries and experience new places, the job requires working long hours, often away from home. Despite the luxurious accommodations of high-end hotels, the effects of sleeplessness and jet lag can still impact one's wellbeing. As duty can arise at any given moment, maintaining a positive attitude and displaying unwavering dedication to executing one's duties is essential.
Contrary to popular belief, beauty is not solely determined by physical features. While an attractive face and good dental hygiene are important, possessing pleasant manners and the ability to communicate with a reasonable tone of voice are also crucial. However, the most significant emphasis is placed on posture and overall personality, rather than mere numbers or physical attributes.
Unlike government jobs, some airlines accept applications from those interested in becoming flight attendants and conduct interviews as needed. These positions may not always be advertised to the public in the same manner as government jobs.
The main institutes providing training
🔹Frankfinn Inst. of Air Hostess Training    Multiple locations in India
🔹Universal Aviation academy    Chennai
🔹Bombay Flying club college of aviation    Mumbai
🔹Center for Civil Aviation training    New Delhi
🔹Jet Airways Academy    Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata
🔹Universal Aviation Academy or U. A. A.    Tamilnadu
🔹Indigo Training Centre    Gurugram
🔹Air Hostess Academy (AHA)    Bangalore, Chandigarh, Delhi
🔹Ifly Training Academy Indigo, Gurgaon    Gurugram
🔹Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics    Nagpur, Jaipur, Ahmadabad
🔹Rajiv Gandhi Memorial College of Aeronautics or R. G. M. C. A.    Rajasthan
🔹Inst. for Personality Etiquette and Grooming    Chennai
🔹PTC – Aviation Academy    Bangalore, Chennai
🔹Wings Air Hostess and Hospitality training    Gujarat
🔹IATA approved Cabin Crew Training Institutes in Kerala: 
☄Speedwings Academy for Aviation Studies, Kochi
☄Institute of Air Travel Studies Adoor & Cochin
☄Alhind Academy,Calicut
☄VIMS Aviation & Hospitality Thiruvananthapuram, Kayamkulam, & Pathanamthitta
☄Vision Academy, Thrissur, Calicut
If you have gained a good understanding of this particular career and believe that it is the right path for you, seek out reputable training institutes in your vicinity and consider enrolling in one.

Authored by
MUJEEBULLA KM
Translated by Deena Hateek
CIGI Career Team