A career with many facets at 35,000 feet: How do you become a flight attendant?

The second part was entirely new to me—and far more demanding. In the emergency training module, we learned how to handle safety procedures and a wide range of potential emergency situations. The evacuation drills in the aircraft mock-up were both thrilling and challenging: we learned how to evacuate an entire aircraft within 90 seconds.

Our instructors left us with an image that I have never forgotten: “You have to make the mental shift – from elegant pumps to safety shoes.” Learning to change our tone in critical situations as well – from “Could you please…” to “Do it!” – was one of the most powerful lessons of the entire training.

There is a certain pressure throughout the training, knowing that you can be dismissed at any point if you do not meet the required standards. Fortunately, almost everyone in our group made it through. In the end, we proudly held our certificates in our hands. My adventure as a flight attendant could finally begin.

All of this took place around 15 years ago, and much has changed since then. Today, far more steps of the process take place digitally: parts of the training are completed online in advance, and the traditional assessment center has been replaced by more modern formats, such as casting sessions.

Finally, I stepped on board for the first time as a fully qualified flight attendant – at least on paper. The reality was that I still had two familiarization flights ahead of me, which were part of the training, where I was able to benefit from a little extra support as a newcomer. I barely remember those first flights; I was running on pure adrenaline. And it quickly became clear that the reality of the job could be very different from what we had learned in theory.

What I will never forget, however, is that one of those familiarization flights took me to San Francisco – my first time crossing the Atlantic. I was immediately captivated by the desire to explore: to see more of the world, experience new cities, and meet people from different backgrounds.

“My job has led to lifelong bonds” 

Wearing the uniform for the first time was an equally meaningful moment for me. It immediately created a sense of belonging. With that uniform, I became part of a community where people from all kinds of backgrounds come together and work as one. That wealth of perspectives and experiences continues to be a source of inspiration to this day.

And although we are constantly assigned to new crews, some of those connections have grown into lifelong bonds. I have a “flying mom” who has become as close to me as a second mother. And I have a friend who is now my maid of honor.

After 14 years in the profession – and a decade in my additional role as a First Class flight attendant – I am now primarily assigned to long-haul routes. At Lufthansa, anyone looking to advance their career in the cabin must complete the SMP, a service management qualification co-developed by Lufthansa and certified by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) as a professional qualification in service management.

Today, the SMP is among the requirements for working in First Class or becoming a purser. First Class positions involve an additional selection process that candidates must apply for. Before joining the First Class team, we receive specialized training in refined service techniques, service etiquette, wine knowledge, and in-depth product expertise.

What remains essential for every flight attendant, however, is the regular mandatory training. Every year, we practice emergency scenarios for each aircraft type we are assigned to operate on. These are the kinds of drills that help overcome the instinctive freeze response when a real emergency occurs. We also complete annual first-aid training to ensure we are prepared to respond when it matters most.

“Suddenly, you're everything at once: safety officer, firefighter, police officer, nurse, psychologist, kindergarten teacher—and on top of that, a server.”

“I grew up with and alongside Lufthansa.” That sentence captures it perfectly, because this job has taught me so much. Once the aircraft door closes and is secured, I suddenly become many things at once: a safety officer, firefighter, police officer, nurse, psychologist, childcare provider, mediator – and, of course, a service professional.

When someone asks me whether they should apply, I always say the same thing: The only application you will ever regret is the one you never sent.