Airlines provide a three- to six-week training program for their flight attendants. You will typically attend training for eight hours a day throughout the duration of the program. This training prepares you to use airport codes, make PA announcements, perform routine job duties and handle in-flight emergencies.

Contrary to popular belief, flight attendant "training" is measured in weeks, not years, although the path to becoming a senior crew member takes significant time. After a highly competitive hiring process, a prospective flight attendant must attend an intensive "Initial Training" program hosted by the airline, which typically lasts between 4 to 8 weeks. This program is grueling, often requiring 12-hour days of study and practical drills. The training is focused almost entirely on safety and emergency procedures, including firefighting, water ditching (ditching), medical emergencies (CPR/AED), and de-escalating disruptive passengers; service and hospitality are only a small fraction of the curriculum. After successfully passing the FAA (or equivalent national authority) certification exam at the end of these weeks, the individual becomes a "Probationary Flight Attendant." However, truly "mastering" the role and gaining seniority to fly the most desirable international routes or become a "Purser" (lead flight attendant) can take 5 to 10 years of service. Furthermore, all flight attendants are required to undergo "Recurrent Training" every single year for about 2 to 3 days to maintain their safety certifications and stay updated on new aircraft technology and security protocols.