Are you dreaming to explore the world as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant? Well, buckle up because with our comprehensive guide to Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant requirements, you are one step closer to making your dreams a reality!
Table of Contents
Meet Alaska Airlines [1]
Alaska Airlines is a large airline based in SeaTac, Washington, near Seattle. With partners like Horizon Air, Hawaiian Airlines, and SkyWest Airlines, Alaska Airlines flies to over 100 destinations across the United States, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Russia, and Mexico, mainly focusing on the West Coast.
The airline has five main hubs, and its primary one is at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. Alaska Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance, one of the largest airline groups globally. Employing over 16,000 people, it’s known for its high customer satisfaction, topping the list for traditional airlines according to J.D. Power and Associates for twelve years straight.
Overview of Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Role
As an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant, your main priority is safety. You ensure everyone on board feels secure and cared for. You are proactive, anticipating needs, and helping your team succeed. With a friendly and approachable attitude, you build personal connections with passengers and coworkers alike. Collaboration is key as you work together to make Alaska Airlines the best it can be. Every interaction is a chance to make someone’s day brighter while proudly representing the airline. This role is represented by a union.
Requirements and Qualifications [2]
- Minimum Age: Be at least 21 years old.
- Language Skills: Communicate effectively in English.
- Have at least 2 years of experience in customer service.
- Reach a height of 80 vertical inches while wearing shoes or standing on your toes.
- Be comfortable in a swimming pool with a life vest during emergency training and in water during an inflight emergency.
- Secure yourself in a jump seat with a harness without needing a seat belt extension.
- Move quickly through the cabin aisle in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Lift up to 35 pounds.
- Push and pull service carts, open and close overhead bins, and stand for long periods.
- Meet the company’s uniform and appearance standards.
- Be willing to relocate to any of our Flight Attendant bases: Los Angeles CA, Portland OR, Seattle WA, San Diego CA, Anchorage AK, and San Francisco CA.
- Serve alcohol onboard.
- Possess basic technology skills to navigate necessary tools on a mobile device.
- Travel extensively and be away from home overnight for multiple days at a time, working varied schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Attend 6 weeks of unpaid training in Seattle if selected.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Be a US citizen or a registered alien with the legal right to accept employment.
- Possess or be able to obtain a current passport prior to the start date with unlimited access in and out of the United States. If you have a non-US passport, ensure you have any appropriate travel documentation. Must be able to fly unrestricted in and out of all countries within which Alaska Airlines operates.
Responsibilities [3]
- Understand and follow all safety rules, ensuring that safety equipment on the aircraft is functional.
- Be prepared to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of passengers and crew both in-flight and during layovers.
- Know and adhere to company policies to fulfill assigned duties onboard.
- Create an inclusive and exceptional experience for passengers and colleagues by demonstrating empathy and kindness in all interactions.
- Focus on ensuring safe and punctual flights.
- Serve as a brand ambassador while on duty, whether in uniform or online.
Alaska Airlines Tattoo Policy [4]
- No tattoos on the face, front of neck, or chest should be visible.
- Each hand may have one tattoo, but it must be the size of a quarter or smaller.
- Tattoos in other areas should not be larger than a credit card or offensive.
- Employees are allowed one tattoo on each arm, leg, foot, back of neck, and behind each ear.
- Tattoos on the back of the neck and behind the ears are permitted only if they’re not visible when looking directly at a person.
- Tattoos may be covered with a uniform piece or approved jewelry/watch; using makeup to cover tattoos is not allowed.
Cabin Crew Uniform
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant uniforms, designed by Luly Yang, embody a modern West Coast style with bold colours like Tropical Green and Breeze Blue. Inspired by the airline’s history, Yang collaborated closely with employees to ensure comfort and functionality.
Featuring vibrant colours, the uniforms offer options like blue pants and grey blazers for men, and grey and blue dresses with a white stripe for women. Practical elements like extra pockets and weather-resistant materials cater to diverse work environments.
In 2023, Alaska Airlines updated their uniform guidelines for more freedom, regardless of gender. Flight Attendants now have a wider range of choices for nail polish, makeup, earrings, and hairstyles. The airline is also developing gender-neutral uniform pieces, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity.
Application and Recruitment Process Demystified
Step 1 – Online Application
If you meet Alaska Airlines requirements, apply for Flight Attendant positions by visiting our Cabin Crew job board or Alaska Airlines Careers website.
Step 2 – Online Screening
After reviewing applications, Alaska Airlines selects candidates and invites them to complete an online screening.
Step 3 – Dynamic Interview Process
Successful candidates undergo a dynamic interview process, including an orientation, group activities, and individual interviews.
Step 4 – Training
Alaska Airlines provides intensive 4 to 6-week training programs for each class of Flight Attendants. This training covers essential skills and includes on-the-job experience working alongside current Flight Attendants.
Step 5 – Reserve Status
After training, new Flight Attendants enter a reserve status, requiring their availability on short notice. The duration of reserve status is determined by base seniority. Additionally, Flight Attendants become members of The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) union.
How to Apply? Tips for a Successful Application
- Clarify your motivations and highlight your skills and interests in relation to the positions you’re applying for.
- Your CV should showcase your achievements. Be specific and provide measurable results of your projects.
- As a student or recent graduate, include relevant academic projects. Keep your application concise.
- The recruitment process focuses on matching your skills with the job requirements, so ensure clarity in your application.
Life in the Skies: A Day in the Life of an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant
Curious about life as a Flight Attendant? Step into the shoes of Dixie, an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant and experience a typical day on board. From takeoff to landing, see what makes every flight unforgettable.
Salary
The starting salary for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants is $24.95 per contract in the first year.[5]
An Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant can expect to earn between $51,000 and $93,000 per year, which includes their base salary and extra pay. On average, a Flight Attendant’s base salary at Alaska Airlines is around $65,000 per year. Additionally, they may receive an average of $3,000 per year in extra pay, which could come from various sources like bonuses, stock options, commission, profit sharing, or tips.[6]
Benefits [7]
- Free stand-by travel perks on Alaska Airlines.
- Comprehensive health programs including medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Matching contributions to the 401k retirement savings plan.
- Paid time off, parental, family, medical leave and employee assistance programs
- Quarterly and yearly bonus schemes.
- Stand-by travel on Oneworld Alliance member airlines
- Discounts at a number of top travel companies and retailers
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Jobs
Explore the latest Flight Attendant job opportunities with Alaska Airlines
Video: What is Flight Attendant Training
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants in Pictures [Gallery]
Let’s talk style! Feast your eyes on the fabulous uniforms worn by Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. Looking good, feeling good – it’s all part of the job!
Flight Attendant Accommodation
Alaska Airlines ensures that Flight Attendants have hotel accommodation during layovers, but it doesn’t offer company-provided accommodation for them otherwise. If you are in need of accommodation, here are some useful links to help you find a place to stay:
These websites can assist you in locating suitable accommodation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got burning questions? We’ve got answers!
What is the minimum age requirement to become an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant?
Applicants must be at least 21 years old to apply for the position.
What language skills are necessary for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants?
Candidates must communicate effectively in English to fulfill their duties onboard.
Do I need prior customer service experience to apply?
Yes, applicants should have at least 2 years of experience in customer service.
What are the physical requirements for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants?
Candidates should meet height requirements, be comfortable in water, able to secure themselves in a harness, move quickly in the cabin aisle, lift up to 35 pounds, and perform tasks like pushing/pulling service carts and standing for long periods.
Is relocation required for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant positions?
Yes, candidates must be willing to relocate to any of the designated flight attendant bases.
Are there specific technology skills needed for the role?
Basic technology skills to navigate necessary tools on a mobile device are required.
What is the training process like for selected candidates?
Selected candidates must attend 6 weeks of unpaid training in Seattle.
Can non-US citizens apply for the position?
Applicants must be US citizens or registered aliens with the legal right to accept employment.
What is the tattoo policy for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants?
Tattoos on the face, front of neck, or chest should not be visible, and there are size restrictions for tattoos on other parts of the body.
What is the starting salary for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants?
The starting salary is $24.95 per contract in the first year.
What benefits do Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants receive?
Benefits include free stand-by travel perks, comprehensive health programs, matching contributions to the 401k retirement savings plan, and quarterly and yearly bonus schemes.
Any doubts about your Flight Attendant journey?
Visit our Cabin Crew forum and get helpful answers from our supportive community!
Company Facts[8]
Headquarter:Â SeaTac, Washington
Operating Bases:Â Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma
Founder: Linious “Mac” McGee
CEO: Ben Minicucci
Founded:Â 1932
Frequent-flyer program:Â Mileage Plan
Fleet Size:Â 314
Revenue in 2023: $10.4 billion
Company slogan: “For the same price, you just get more“
Alaska Airlines Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 68900, Seattle, WA 98168, USA
Phone number: (206) 433-3200
Disclaimer: Please note that the information about Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant requirements provided is accurate as of the time of writing and is based on publicly available sources. However, airline requirements, hiring processes, and other details are subject to change. We recommend visiting the official Alaska Airlines website or contacting their official channels for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Conclusion
Are you ready to spread your wings and join Alaska Airlines Crew? With our comprehensive guide to Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant requirements, you are one step closer to making your dreams a reality. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey filled with adventure, lifelong friendships, and endless opportunities!
References:
1. Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 17). “Alaska Airlines.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
2. Alaska Airlines Careers website. (March 25, 2023). (No longer available; Retrieved from the Alaska Airlines Careers website on March 25, 2024).
3. Alaska Airlines Careers website. (March 25, 2023). (No longer available; Retrieved from the Alaska Airlines Careers website on March 25, 2024).
4. Alaska Airlines Careers website. (March 25, 2023). (No longer available; Retrieved from the Alaska Airlines Careers website on March 25, 2024).
5. Alaska Airlines Careers website. (March 25, 2023). (No longer available; Retrieved from the Alaska Airlines Careers website on March 25, 2024).
6. Glassdoor. (2024, March 28). “Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Salaries.” Glassdoor Website. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
7. Alaska Airlines. “Benefits.” Alaska Airlines Careers Website. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
8. Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 17). “Alaska Airlines.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
