Best Flight Attendant School Options in California

Editor’s note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary.

Flight attendants are the smiling faces passengers see on a potentially stressful day of traveling. There are a few ways to become a flight attendant. You can attend a college or school to train to become a flight attendant before applying to the airlines or you can apply directly with the airlines and be sent straight to the airline’s training center. Since there are no major airlines based in California, most people who are looking to become flight attendants in California attend one of the schools below before applying to the airlines. Let’s take a closer look at our list of flight attendant schools in California.

Quicklook: Best Flight Attendant School Options in CA

• Glendale Community College
• Orange Coast College 
• Cypress College

Best Flight Attendant Schools in California

There are few options to consider if you are looking to go to school to become a certified flight attendant in California. Below, FLYING takes a look at some of the options available.

Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College offers a non-degree program for people of all ages who are interested in becoming a flight attendant. The educational program is coupled with volunteer services and internships at local airports to prepare trainees for a future career in aviation. While in the program, students learn and demonstrate the skills required to obtain employment as a flight attendant such as; identify and assess behavior patterns associated with panic; demonstrate knowledge of location and use of aircraft emergency equipment; and demonstrate the skills required during emergency evacuation of aircraft.

Website: https://www.glendale.edu/home 

Cost: 

• California Residents: $1,300
• Non-California Residents: $4,000

Financial Assistance: Yes

Program Length: 1 year

Job Placement: No

Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College is one of the schools on the West Coast that offers a certificate program for those looking to find a career as a flight attendant. The OCC Career Advantage programs in Airline Travel Careers offer training specifically for customer services positions in the aviation industry, such as flight attendants. Students will experience hands-on learning both in and out of the classroom with visits to nearby John Wayne International Airport. 

Website: https://prod.orangecoastcollege.edu/ 

Cost: $2,250

Financial Assistance: No

Program Length: 1.5 years

Job Placement: No

Cypress College

Cypress College houses an Aviation & Travel Careers Department with programs for those interested in entering the aviation industry. The flight attendant program has been in operation since 1967 and has graduates that work at all of the major airlines. Students will receive important tips from industry professionals about how to be successful in the competitive hiring process and in the FAA’s mandated training. Topics include: airline terminology and operations; passenger service and safety; federal aviation regulations; cultural tourism; travel resources; security; international documentation; first aid, CPR/AED; and emergency procedures.

Website: https://www.cypresscollege.edu/

Cost:

• Basic certificate: $900
• Advanced certificate: $1,600
• Associate’s degree: $2,800

Financial Assistance: Yes

Program Length: 6 months to 2 years depending on the level of education completed

Job Placement: No

How Much Does Flight Attendant School Cost?

Going to college to become a flight attendant can vary in cost. For short, 6 to 12-month programs, training can cost between $800 and $1,500. Some schools give students the ability to work toward an associate degree as well as a flight attendant certificate; these schools will cost slightly more, around $2,500. Tuition may increase if you are not an in-state resident. 

If you plan to apply directly to the airline to become a flight attendant, most airlines have specific schools for their hired flight attendants. During training, they will be paid as an employee. You do not have to attend a school to become a flight attendant; you can apply directly with the airlines if you meet their requirements. Check out how to become a flight attendant. 

Other Flight Attendant Requirements

To be a flight attendant:

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• Your height must be between 4 feet, 11 inches tall, and 6 feet, 4 inches tall.
• You must be in good health.
• You should have the ability to use all five senses: hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste.
• You need to be able to reach over your head to lift luggage.
• You should be well-groomed with no facial piercings or visible tattoos, generally speaking.
• Because English is the official language of aviation, you must be fluent in English. However, multilingual applicants can have an advantage, particularly when applying to international airlines, because the whole world flies.
• You must pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Airlines look for flight attendant candidates at aviation trade shows or job fairs. Pro-tip: dress in a blue or black suit, because the airlines are looking for people they can picture in uniform working in the cabin.

Take to the Skies

Whether you are looking to find a college, flight attendant school in California or applying directly to the airlines, it is important to understand the different flight attendant training options. To stay up to date on all things aviation, subscribe to FLYING Magazine.

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