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Cabin Crew Members, Cabin Managers, Pursers
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Before takeoff, flight attendants:
After takeoff, flight attendants help passengers enjoy the flight. What they do depends on factors like:
Based on these factors, flight attendants may:
After landing, flight attendants help passengers leave the plane safely. They tidy the cabin and check for things left behind.
The lead flight attendant is sometimes called the purser. The purser usually submits the flight paperwork.
Flight attendants may spend up to half of their working hours:
Flight attendants work in a confined space. It can be noisy and physically demanding. Flight attendants spend most of a flight on their feet. They move heavy galley equipment. They may encounter dangerous situations. Working with a cold may hurt their ears.
Work hours are irregular. Shifts can be long. Some workdays last up to 14 hours. Flight attendants may be away from home for several days. They may have short layover times at home and then go back to work. Recurrent jet lag (from going through many time zones repeatedly) can affect some workers’ health.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing information to check the general condition of the aircraft cabin and to ensure that all necessary supplies are on board
Interest in assisting passengers and attending to their safety during take-offs, landings and emergencies
Interest in handling equipment to serve food and beverages and make flight announcements
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Flight attendants need:
They should enjoy having clear guidelines for their work and handling equipment. They should like helping people.
Hiring requirements vary from one airline to another, but certain basics are common. In general, to work for an airline in Canada, flight attendants must:
Some airlines in Canada require bilingualism in English and French. Others might consider fluency in many other languages as well as English to be an asset. This depends on the route. If passengers on a route tend to speak a certain language, flight attendants should too.
Airlines provide 2 to 8 weeks of training. Training covers a wide range of subjects, including safety and emergency procedures. Flight attendants receive training to fight fires, apply first aid, and other skills, which they update every year. After training, the airline assigns those who have completed the training successfully to one of its bases.
Private vocational schools may offer pre-employment, in-flight training programs. Before enrolling, it is a good idea to discuss training options with potential employers.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Upon hiring, flight attendants take their training. Some airlines assign a monthly schedule. New flight attendants often work in casual positions. Some must work reserve duty—they are on call 24 hours a day except free days. They may have 10 or more free days each month.
As flight attendants gain seniority, they receive a schedule for a month in advance. Seniority determines:
Flight attendants may advance to a supervisory position, such as purser. Or they move up to:
Competition for senior positions is strong.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 6522: Pursers and flight attendants occupational group, 95.4% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6522: Pursers and flight attendants occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Flight attendant trainees receive a training salary. The airline may repay them for hotel and meal expenses while away.
Wages increase with experience. Overseas flights pay more than domestic flights. Large carriers pay more than regional or charter carriers. Some attendants take other part-time jobs to add to their incomes.
Most airlines repay hotel and meal expenses during stops away from home, but not all pay for non-flying time. Some pay a per diem on top of salary for the overall costs of overnight stays. Flight attendants usually get discounts on personal travel with the airline they work for.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
