Core Skills Still Vital for Contract Flight Attendants

Dec. 14, 2022

Contract flight attendants (CFAs) still need keen networking skills, a diligent focus on training and an appreciation of their client’s needs, even as demand for their services soars with the current boom in business flying.

“There’s a lot of misconceptions about being a contract flight attendant, especially for those transitioning from the airline industry,’ said Lesley Revuelto, co-chair of NBAA’s Flight Attendants Committee. “I tell anyone who wants to be a contract flight attendant that it is a full-time job looking for part-time work. There is an amount of hustle that you have to do in order to get steady contract work; you just don’t sign up and wait for a call.”

Networking and building a name for yourself takes many forms, said Tamara Collum, a CFA and director of etiquette and protocol training at DaVinci Inflight Training Institute. “If you are new to the industry, you must get out there to get your name known and build your reputation. Once you achieve that, you have to stay connected with your contacts to remind them you are available to help them,” Collum explained.

“You can do this in a way that best suits you,” suggested Collum. “NBAA is a great resource for networking, and you should consider meeting other flight attendants. Joining or creating local and regional networking groups, going to conferences and workshops, finding social media networks and visiting training departments can also help build contacts, as well as your self-confidence. I’ve also seen flight attendants who started out as line personnel or worked in an FBO to get those industry connections.”

Consistent training also distinguishes a CFA, says Angela Snyder, a member of the NBAA Flight Attendants Committee. “There can be an undue focus on the service side of the role, but when an emergency hits the cabin, it’s the flight attendant who people rely on. If you can illustrate your focus on key safety skills, that really highlights that you will be a critical and essential part of any crew,” said Snyder.

Safety is just one of many proficiencies required by a CFA, said Revuelto. “You really have to mold yourself to each flight department, and it’s crucial that you meet that expectation. Catering is particularly important, as some contracts will provide the food, while others expect you to create an experience for each flight,” she said. “Building an archive of menus that you know how to make and stock easily can make a real difference, both in terms of preparation and in building a reputation. it takes an effort to build that skill outside of the work you do in the aircraft,” Revuelto added.

CFAs should also be discerning about their clients, said Snyder. “We are seeing unprecedented rates of flying in our industry, so flight departments that recognize CFAs as a pivotal part of the crew, contribute to the cost of their training and offer retainers for their most experienced contractors will find it easier to find skilled, professional, well-trained and dedicated flight attendants,” Snyder said.