How to Be Flight Attendant Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 20, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Flight Attendant Supervisor is to oversee the daily operations of the flight attendant team as well as provide support and guidance when needed. This includes ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, managing the cabin crew, and resolving any issues that may arise during the flight. As a result of the Flight Attendant Supervisor's efforts, passengers have a better overall experience and flights are run more efficiently.

with their oversight and guidance, the cabin crew is able to work more effectively and efficiently to ensure a successful flight. Furthermore, by communicating with the captain and other members of the flight crew, the Flight Attendant Supervisor is able to ensure that all safety protocols are followed.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most airlines require flight attendants to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some airlines may also require additional education.
Get Flight Attendant Experience. Obtaining experience as a flight attendant is typically a requirement before you can become a supervisor. Most airlines require at least one to three years of flight attendant experience.
Pursue Training Opportunities. Flight attendant supervisors typically receive extensive on-the-job training. In addition, some airlines may require supervisors to complete additional training.
Earn Certifications. Some airlines may require certification in order to become a supervisor. For instance, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires flight attendants to possess an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License in order to supervise flight attendants.
Meet Age Requirements. Some airlines may have age restrictions for supervisors. For instance, some airlines may require flight attendant supervisors to be at least 21 years old.
Get Certified. Pursuing certification in areas such as safety and customer service can help prepare you for a career as a flight attendant supervisor.
Apply. Once you meet the requirements to become a supervisor, you can apply for a position with an airline. You will likely have to go through an interview process, which is often very competitive.

Ensuring a Flight Attendant Supervisor remains updated and competent is essential for the smooth running of an airline. To ensure successful performance, Flight Attendant Supervisors must stay abreast of the latest industry standards and regulations, as well as new safety protocols and technology. To do this, they must continually attend educational courses and seminars, read industry-related publications, and interact with colleagues and industry experts.

to maintain competence, it is important for Flight Attendant Supervisors to frequently practice drills, simulate emergency situations, and assess the performance of their team whenever possible. By keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of the airline industry in these ways, Flight Attendant Supervisors will be able to provide the highest level of service and safety to their passengers.

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Job Description

Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during the flight.
Supervise a team of flight attendants to ensure that all duties are completed according to airline regulations.
Conduct pre-flight briefings with the flight attendants to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities for the upcoming flight.
Respond to any passenger inquiries or complaints in a professional and courteous manner.
Monitor the cabin throughout the flight and provide assistance as needed.
Ensure that all safety regulations, such as seatbelt usage and no smoking rules, are followed.
Administer first aid to passengers as needed.
Monitor food and beverage service and restocking of supplies.
Check aircraft cabins for cleanliness and proper functioning of equipment before and after each flight.
Ensure that all aircraft cabins are adequately prepared for the next flight, including restocking of supplies and cleaning as needed.
Create and maintain accurate records relating to all flight attendant activities and services.
Liaise with ground staff, such as baggage handlers, to ensure the security of luggage stored in the aircraft cabins.
Train new flight attendants on safety procedures, customer service, and other duties.
Perform regular performance reviews of flight attendants and provide feedback on areas for improvement.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service and communication skills
Proven leadership and management experience
Ability to quickly assess situations and take appropriate action
In-depth knowledge of all applicable aviation regulations and operational guidelines
Ability to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of the airline industry, aircraft and safety procedures
Ability to motivate and lead team members
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

The ability to lead and motivate a team is an essential skill for any Flight Attendant Supervisor. By having the ability to create a positive working environment, a Flight Attendant Supervisor can foster collaboration and camaraderie among their staff, which can lead to improved morale and increased efficiency. This in turn leads to better service for passengers and ultimately higher customer satisfaction.

having strong communication skills is crucial for a Flight Attendant Supervisor, as they will need to be able to effectively communicate with both passengers and their team members. A successful Flight Attendant Supervisor also needs to be organized, as they must be able to manage their teams schedules, duties, and tasks. Finally, a Flight Attendant Supervisor must have excellent problem-solving skills, as they are the ones that must often make decisions on the spot in order to ensure the safety and satisfaction of passengers.

All of these qualities are essential for a Flight Attendant Supervisor to be successful in their role.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing Flight Attendants?
How would you handle a situation where a Flight Attendant was being unprofessional or disruptive to passengers?
What strategies would you use to motivate and encourage Flight Attendants to perform their best?
How would you ensure that Flight Attendants are following safety protocols?
What steps would you take to ensure Flight Attendants are up-to-date on all relevant policies and procedures?
How would you handle a situation that requires unsatisfactory customer service from a Flight Attendant?
How would you ensure Flight Attendants are meeting customer service expectations?
What do you think are the most important qualities a Flight Attendant should possess?
How would you handle a difficult customer situation while on board the aircraft?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry regulations and standards for Flight Attendants?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Used to manage the flight attendant schedule, assigning shifts, and tracking absences. (eg: Humanity)
Flight Attendant Training Software. Used to provide and manage training courses for flight attendants. (eg: Sabre)
Customer Relationship Management System (CRM). Used to track customer feedback and better understand customer needs. (eg: Salesforce)
Communication Platforms. Used to facilitate quick and secure communication between team members, management, and other departments. (eg: Slack)
Flight Attendant Safety Software. Used to track and check safety training, equipment, and inspections. (eg: Checklist-Pro)
Employee Time Tracking Software. Used to track and monitor employee time and attendance. (eg: TSheets)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Regional Airline Association (RAA)
Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

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Common Important Terms

Flight Attendant. A professional employee onboard an aircraft who is responsible for the safety, comfort, and well-being of passengers.
Flight Attendant Supervisor. A senior member of the cabin crew who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the flight attendants. They are responsible for ensuring that all safety protocols are followed and that the flight attendants are providing excellent customer service.
Schedule Management. The process of creating, managing, and updating a flight attendant's work schedule.
Customer Service. Providing excellent service to customers to ensure their satisfaction.
Airline Regulations. Rules and regulations set by the airline industry to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Crisis Management. The ability to remain calm and think logically in an emergency situation, such as an in-flight medical emergency or a disruptive passenger.
Compliance. Ensuring that the airline and its crew are adhering to all applicable regulations and policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What responsibilities does a Flight Attendant Supervisor have?

A Flight Attendant Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the performance of a team of Flight Attendants. This includes monitoring compliance with safety and security protocols, ensuring customer service standards are met, resolving customer issues, and providing training and coaching to the Flight Attendant staff.

What qualifications are required to be a Flight Attendant Supervisor?

To be a Flight Attendant Supervisor, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, previous experience as a Flight Attendant, and a valid passport. In addition, most airlines require the supervisor to have at least two years of supervisory experience, excellent customer service and communication skills, and knowledge of safety and security regulations.