So You Want to Be a Flight Attendant? Buckle Up!
Starting a new career is always daunting, but when I received my Conditional Job Offer (CJO) to return to the flight attendant industry, I knew I had to give it my all—especially since it had been 16 years since my last training.
Just days before leaving for training, I had three wisdom teeth extracted. Determined to stay mentally sharp, I refused to take the prescribed tylenol with codeine for pain relief. Instead, I relied on cotton soaked in clove oil to numb my gums, ensuring I remained focused during the crucial two weeks I had to study, organize my life, and pack up before heading out.
Since my previous training, my lifestyle had changed drastically. Little did I know, the next four weeks would challenge me in ways I never imagined—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Here's a glimpse into my journey through flight attendant training, where every day tested my limits, and every night was about pushing past them.
The Countdown to Training: Packing, Preparing, and Saying Goodbye
The morning of October 29, 2016, felt surreal. My bags were packed, my flight was booked—but my alarm didn’t go off. The day wasn’t off to the best start. I made it to the airport just in time to check my oversized suitcase, mere hours away from heading to my airline’s headquarters in Denver for training.
Excitement coursed through me as I prepared to embark on this journey, but so did the anxiety of not knowing my material for the first exam as thoroughly as I wanted. I had to memorize my announcements verbatim, so I spent the entire flight studying. Fortunately, I met a few flight attendants onboard who were also traveling to training, and we quizzed each other in a quick Q&A session.
When I finally checked into my hotel, the reality of leaving my family behind for a month hit me hard. We had never been apart like this before. I wasn’t just preparing for a new job—I was preparing for an entirely new lifestyle for both my family and me. Despite the challenges ahead, I felt supported in this transition.
If you're thinking of becoming a flight attendant, be prepared to pack light but smart. And as an adult learner, brace yourself—flight attendant training is a whole new level of accelerated work.
The First Days: Reality Hits Hard
Long Days, High Expectations, and Zero Room for Mistakes
The first few days felt like a slow-moving blur—early mornings, intense coursework, and relentless exams. We had to absorb a mountain of information in a short period, covering:
- Regulations
- Emergency Equipment and Procedures
- Safety
- First Aid & CPR Training
- Service & Customer Care
By the end of day one, I was already feeling the effects of Denver’s high altitude—hello, altitude sickness! My head pounded, my stomach felt bloated, and even breathing felt different. I had done my research beforehand, so I came prepared with vitamin C and iron supplements. I also carried a gallon of water with me everywhere. Still, when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t quite recognize myself—my complexion seemed off, sometimes slightly grayish, other times pale.
The days were long, and the pressure was intense. Some trainees were let go within just a few hours on the first day. Watching people disappear from the class was unsettling. Metaphorically, I’ve always compared initial flight attendant training to The Hunger Games—those who didn’t make it past the first hurdles were the fallen. Once their names were called, they vanished, and we never saw them again.
Every test felt like a high-stakes moment because failing more than one exam could mean being sent home. After each test, we had to gather all of our belongings and wait in the lunchroom, anxiously hoping to be invited back to class.
The Emotional Roller Coaster: Tests, Tears, and Triumphs
High Stakes and High Emotions
The exams were relentless, and passing meant achieving a 90% or higher score—every single time. No exceptions. What’s more my class was audited by an FAA agent.The instructors weren’t there to coddle us; they were there to ensure that we were competent and capable of handling real-life emergencies at 35,000 feet.
Some classmates struggled with a failed exam hanging over their head from the 1st week, and sadly, not everyone made it through the training as a result. When a classmate failed out, it felt like losing a teammate. A mix of sorrow and relief comes over you if that makes sense. I vividly remember passing my first oral and written exams on day one, but not without a meltdown in between because I stumble on my lines for the oral test. My instructor graciously supported me as I struggled with each line as my mind kept drawing a blank. The stress was intense, and every day felt like survival mode.
I failed a written test by 1 answer that put me below 90 and was eligible to use my one and only written retake the following day. Result: 11 wrong, I was devastated. I just had to cry when I got to my room, being in this situation has me shook. I’m so uncomfortable.
It was Nov 7th and on the following morning there were 4 tests to knock out as I have a retake and 3 scheduled test all in the same day. I updated the folks in my group my status, got something to eat then started studying.... ALL NIGHT. The odds aren’t in my favor BUT, I can do difficult things and I expect to pass.
I want this to work. If it doesn't my plan B is to apply at an Atlanta based carrier who had openings at the time. II told myself, I'll have to put this in Gods hands. Four test less than 4 hours sleep, feeling how I've never felt before in my life. There’s never been a time in my life when I felt so filled with desperation, anxiety and sorrow. This is a lot on me. My classmates knew it and kept their distance from the target that seemed to be on my back now.
That morning I PASSED my retake. Then tears, training was really turning me into a cry baby. My anxiety from then on out was through the roof. This process is so unnerving all that stress was about to make me loose my eyebrows. I’m not that girl… always cool as a fan until I was faced with that. Unfortunately, I had a written and 2 demo test that day as well so I was in the worst possible position of any day I could have experienced. But I kept going. Why? Because I had dreamed of returning to this career for years, and I refused to quit. My children would be supported in my absence and raised them to independent adolescent status so I was ready to come back to aviation. ( I was a flight attendant during 9/11 but left following the event).
The Personal Struggles: Altitude, Health, and Isolation
One of the more unexpected challenges was how my body reacted to Denver’s high altitude. My sinuses dried up (which wasnt too bad of a thing since they are always damp), my stomach was constantly bloated, and even my breathing had to adjust.
In the last days A lot of my classmates are sick, from TV dinners/microwave meals, no sleep and stress. I expected that so I packed to safeguard best I could.
And then, there was the emotional side of things—being away from home, missing my family, and maintaining a no-distraction policy. I didn’t take calls and left my phone on airplane mode. I didn’t waste time on social media. I created a private group for updates and focused entirely on training. Only a small core group of family and friends knew about my training and departure out of state. I can be a bit of a secret squirrel sometimes and that was one of the times. Flight attendant training is not something you can coast through (at least I can’t)—it requires full attention so I welcomed no distractions at all.
The Final Push: Graduation Day
Earning My Wings
After weeks of grueling tests, sleepless nights (due to newly formed anxiety), and non-stop studying, I miraculously made it to the finish line.
When I passed my final assessments, including my CPR and fire drills, it truly hit me: I was officially a flight attendant again.
Standing in front of my instructors and classmates, waiting for my results of my final, was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life. But when I heard the words, “You all passed,” I knew that every struggle had been worth it.
I earned my spot in graduating class 1613. The final class of the year. We started with 125 trainees and ended with 75 or 85 approximately.
Looking Back: How Flight Attendant Training Changed Me
Fast forward nearly 9 years, and I’m still flying. But training taught me more than just how to evacuate an aircraft or provide first aid—it taught me:
Resilience – The ability to push through exhaustion and self-doubt.
Adaptability – Learning to adjust to different environments and challenges.
Confidence – Knowing that I can handle high-pressure situations with grace.
Flight attendant training wasn’t just a job requirement—it was a transformation for all of us
Advice for Aspiring Flight Attendants
If you’re considering this career, here’s what you need to know:
If you’re considering this career, here’s what you need to know:
1. Training is Hard—Mentally and Physically
Expect long days, little sleep, and zero room for mistakes. The material is dense, and the expectations are high. But if you stay focused, you will make it through.
2. The Pay Structure is Unique
While the hourly pay is competitive, many don’t realize that flight attendants aren’t paid for boarding, delays, or deplaning. To be clear, all the hours we put in during a work day we aren’t paid for. So far that’s the industry standard but we are hopeful as a workgroup that changes.The first two years are the hardest financially, and many don’t make it past this phase. As the lifestyle isn’t an easy adjustment for everyone.
3. The Most Challenging Part of the Job? Getting to the Gate!
Once I’m onboard, my day is set. But getting through traffic, airport security, and tight layovers? That’s where the real challenge is! Lateness isn’t tolerated because of the type of time bound requirements that govern our rolls. Always remember, if you’re on time you are late!
4. It’s Not Just a Job, It’s a Lifestyle
Being a flight attendant isn’t your typical 9-5 job. It’s a commitment to constant travel, irregular schedules, and making sacrifices. Sometimes you'll be stuck out of town on your day off because you timed out for the day or your flight cancelled (or both). If you thrive in unpredictable environments, you’ll love it. Just be flexible.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For my personalily. Absolutely. Is it for everyone? ...perhaps not.
Becoming a flight attendant was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s not just about serving drinks at 40,000 feet—it’s about safety, adaptability, and creating unforgettable travel experiences for others.
If you’re serious about this career, be prepared to work hard, stay humble, and never stop learning. And when you finally earn your wings, you’ll know: every challenge was worth it.
Are You Ready to Take Flight?
If you’re considering flight attendant training or want to know more about the lifestyle, drop your questions in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights into the life of a flight attendant.
Wheels up, dreams unlocked! ✈️
XOXO, The Flight Attendant Nextdoor
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