For many cabin crew, flying becomes more than just a job – it’s a way of life. The excitement of travel, the camaraderie with colleagues, and the satisfaction of serving passengers create a unique career experience. But what happens when it’s time to hang up the uniform and retire? For those wondering about what cabin crew do after retirement, the answer is often filled with new opportunities and ventures.
In this article, we’ll explore the various paths that retired cabin crew take, how they use their skills in new careers, and how they continue to stay active after stepping away from the skies.
1. Transitioning to training roles
One of the most common routes for retired cabin crew is to become trainers or mentors for the next generation of flight attendants. With years of hands-on experience, retired cabin crew members are in a prime position to offer invaluable insights to newcomers in the industry.
Many airlines and aviation schools hire retired crew to conduct training sessions on:
- Safety procedures
- Customer service
- Emergency response
- Cabin management
This allows retired cabin crew to pass on their expertise while staying connected to the industry they love.
- Key takeaway: Retired cabin crew can transition into training roles, shaping the future of the industry by passing on their knowledge to aspiring flight attendants.
2. Exploring careers in hospitality
The skills that cabin crew develop during their careers – such as customer service, problem-solving, and handling difficult situations – are highly transferable to the hospitality industry. Many former flight attendants find themselves thriving in roles such as hotel management, event planning, or guest relations.
These jobs still provide the same satisfaction of working with people and delivering excellent service, making them a natural fit for retired cabin crew members looking for a change of pace but still wanting to stay in a customer-facing role.
- Key takeaway: The hospitality industry offers plenty of opportunities for retired cabin crew to continue using their customer service and people skills in new ways.
3. Starting a business
Retirement can also be a great time for cabin crew members to explore their entrepreneurial side. With years of experience working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, many retired flight attendants are well-equipped to manage their own businesses.
Some popular business ventures among retired cabin crew include:
- Travel consultancy: Using their in-depth knowledge of travel, destinations, and airline logistics to help others plan their trips.
- Hospitality services: Setting up bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, or cafes.
- Online businesses: Many take their hobbies or passions – whether it’s crafts, food, or fitness – and turn them into online ventures.
- Key takeaway: Starting a business is an appealing option for retired cabin crew members who want to be their own boss and use their skills in new ways.
4. Freelance travel writing and blogging
Cabin crew spend years traveling to some of the world’s most exciting destinations, often developing a deep passion for travel. For many, retirement is the perfect opportunity to share their experiences and expertise through freelance travel writing or blogging.
Flight attendants have firsthand knowledge of:
- Popular travel destinations
- Unique insider tips
- Airline and airport insights
This makes them well-suited to writing articles, reviews, and travel blogs that can attract a wide audience of travellers. Whether they focus on destination guides, travel tips, or behind-the-scenes stories, there’s plenty of demand for content written by experienced travel professionals.
- Key takeaway: Travel writing and blogging offer a creative outlet for retired cabin crew, allowing them to share their travel knowledge with a wider audience.
5. Pursuing passions and hobbies
After years of working in a structured environment, many retired cabin crew finally have the time to pursue their personal passions. Whether it’s diving into artistic endeavors, learning new skills, or simply enjoying more time with family and friends, retirement allows for the freedom to explore hobbies and interests that might have taken a back seat during their flying years.
Some retired crew members take up photography, painting, or even learning new languages, while others focus on fitness, health, or volunteer work. These hobbies offer fulfillment and purpose, giving retired cabin crew a new sense of direction post-career.
- Key takeaway: Retirement gives cabin crew the opportunity to invest in personal passions and hobbies they may not have had time for during their flying career.
6. Remaining active in the aviation industry
For those who can’t quite leave the aviation industry behind, there are still opportunities to stay involved in aviation without being a flight attendant. Some retired crew members move into roles like:
- Ground operations: Working at airports in roles that support flight operations.
- Recruitment and HR: Helping airlines find and hire new cabin crew.
- Consulting: Offering expert advice to airlines or aviation businesses.
These roles allow retired cabin crew to stay connected to the world of aviation while working on the ground.
- Key takeaway: Many retired cabin crew remain active in aviation by transitioning to ground-based roles, consulting, or recruitment positions.
What’s next for you? Share your thoughts below!
For cabin crew, retirement isn’t the end of the journey – it’s the beginning of a new chapter full of opportunities and new paths. Whether transitioning to a training role, starting a business, or finally pursuing a passion project, retired cabin crew members continue to make the most of their skills and experiences. Have any ideas or stories about cabin crew retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our cabin crew forum where experienced flight attendants answer questions. You can also explore new opportunities on our cabin crew job page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What career options are available to retired cabin crew?
Retired cabin crew often transition into roles such as training new flight attendants, working in hospitality, starting their own businesses, or even writing about travel. Their skills in customer service, safety, and teamwork open up many career paths.
2. Can retired cabin crew become trainers?
Yes, many retired cabin crew become trainers or mentors for new flight attendants. They use their experience to teach safety procedures, customer service skills, and emergency response, helping shape the next generation of cabin crew.
3. How can retired cabin crew use their skills in the hospitality industry?
The hospitality industry values the customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills that cabin crew develop. Retired flight attendants can work in hotel management, guest relations, event planning, or other customer-facing roles.
4. Is it common for retired cabin crew to start their own businesses?
Yes, many retired cabin crew explore entrepreneurship after retirement. They start businesses in areas like travel consulting, hospitality, or even online ventures based on their hobbies, such as cafes or craft businesses.
5. How can retired cabin crew get involved in travel writing or blogging?
With years of travel experience, retired cabin crew can write about destinations, travel tips, or airline experiences. Travel writing and blogging are great ways for them to share their knowledge and continue being involved in the travel industry.
6. What hobbies or passions do retired cabin crew pursue?
After retiring, many cabin crew members have the time to focus on hobbies such as photography, painting, learning new languages, fitness, or volunteer work. Retirement gives them the freedom to explore personal interests they may not have had time for during their careers.
7. Can retired cabin crew stay involved in aviation without flying?
Yes, many retired cabin crew stay in the aviation industry through ground-based roles such as working in airport operations, recruitment, or consulting. These roles allow them to continue contributing to aviation without being on board flights.