An airline attendant should be intelligent and quick, with critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze situations and remain calm during stressful scenarios. They should be able to multitask, and manage the needs of various parties at once. Above all, they should be friendly, welcoming, hospitable, helpful, and easy-to-approach individuals, who exhibit an air of confidence, knowledge, and eagerness to assist. Passengers want to know that the people onboard the plane with them know what’s what, and can address their needs or concerns with efficiency and friendliness.

Airline attendants should also be able to work well in teams, as they must cooperate with others in the cabin crew to keep the passengers on the plane feeling safe and satisfied. As such, stewards and stewardesses must demonstrate fantastic verbal communication skills; not only to aid in their cooperative endeavors, but also in case they need to deal with rowdy or otherwise difficult passengers. In cases like this, it’s important to remain calm and cheerful, but still firm and poised to assure the other passengers that things are under control.