Flight attendants help ensure the safety and comfort of passengers on airline flights. Their job goes beyond serving food and drinks, and several of their responsibilities are mandated by federal law. Flight attendants instruct passengers on safety procedures, like how and when to use the plane’s seat belts, and how to use oxygen masks and exit the plane in an emergency. Before each flight, attendants make sure all necessary equipment and supplies are available on board. Flight attendants may also perform first aid, handle security issues, and deal with any other problem that occurs during a flight.

Being a flight attendant requires flexibility, as they are expected to work on short notice, traveling all over the country and the world. Flight attendants spend a large amount of time on their feet helping passengers with luggage and pushing food and beverage carts, so this can be a physically demanding job as well.