Flight Attendant Training: What to Expect at Every US Airline (2025)

Initial flight attendant training at major US airlines lasts 6-8 weeks and covers: emergency procedures (evacuations, ditching, decompression), firefighting and smoke procedures, first aid and medical emergencies, aircraft-specific door operations, customer service and cabin management, FAA regulations and compliance, security protocols and threat assessment, galley service and special meals, and appearance and grooming standards. Training is intense — expect 10-12 hour days, regular exams, and practical assessments.

Get CPR/AED and First Aid certified. Study basic aviation terminology (FAA Part 121, CRM, NTSB). Learn the phonetic alphabet. Practice swimming (water survival is part of training). Research your airline's fleet and route network. Get in good physical shape — training includes physical activities. Most importantly, develop a study routine — you'll be absorbing enormous amounts of information daily.