Can You be a Flight Attendant with a Felony?
Aspiring to become a flight attendant? If you have a felony record, you may wonder if you can still pursue your dream. The answer is not a simple yes or no. The process and requirements to become a flight attendant are strict, and a felony conviction can greatly impact your chances.
Contents
Background Check
Most airlines and flight attendants are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When you apply to be a flight attendant, you undergo a comprehensive background check, including:
• FBI fingerprint-based checks
• TSA criminal record checks
• Verifying your Social Security number
This is to ensure you don’t pose a security risk to passengers or other crew members.
Felony Conviction and Airline Employment
Airline companies take a thorough approach to background checks. Even if you’ve been out of trouble for a significant amount of time, a felony conviction can be a significant red flag. Each airline has its own guidelines and standards for considering applications from individuals with a criminal record.
What Type of Felony May Impact Your Chances?
• Violent felonies: Crimes that involved violence, such as assault, battery, or armed robbery, may have more severe consequences for your chances of being hired as a flight attendant.
• Drug-related felonies: Convictions related to drug trafficking, possession, or distribution may raise concerns about your reliability and integrity.
Chances of Getting Hired as a Flight Attendant with a Felony Conviction
Keep in mind that even if you’ve been convicted of a felony, you can still be hired as a flight attendant. It all depends on the type and severity of the offense, as well as your demonstrated rehabilitation and commitment to law-abiding behavior. Here are some airlines that have taken a more flexible approach to hiring flight attendants with felony convictions:
| Airline | Felony Policy |
|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Allows hiring for non-protected jobs (e.g., flight attendant) for people with felony convictions that don’t affect aviation security or customer safety. |
| JetBlue Airways | Doesn’t automatically disqualify individuals with felony convictions but may require additional review or restrictions. |
| Alaska Airlines | Considered on a case-by-case basis and may require additional evaluation. |
Note: Even with these more flexible airlines, the process is not a guarantee, and hiring is subject to various factors.
Requirements and Process
To increase your chances of being hired as a flight attendant despite a felony conviction, make sure to:
• Be upfront: Disclose your felony conviction on your application, if applicable.
• Focus on rehabilitation: Show significant progress and commitment to overcoming your past mistakes.
• Emphasize new skills and experiences: Highlight any new skills or work experiences that demonstrate your rehabilitation and capabilities.
The standard requirements to become a flight attendant are:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of an approved flight attendant training program (e.g., ATP Certification Inc. or equivalent)
• First aid/CPR certification
• Background check and medical evaluation
Tips for Success:
• Research the airline’s policies on hiring individuals with felony convictions.
• Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and rehabilitation efforts.
• Prepare to explain your situation and circumstances to the airline’s HR representative or recruiter.
• Focus on your strengths, character, and commitment to working as a flight attendant.
Conclusion
Becoming a flight attendant is an exciting and rewarding career choice. However, if you have a felony conviction, it may be more challenging to pursue this career. While it’s not impossible, you’ll need to demonstrate significant rehabilitation, skills, and commitment to becoming a qualified and trustworthy member of the flight attendant team.
By understanding the airlines’ policies, being transparent about your past, and showcasing your growth, you can still achieve your goal of becoming a flight attendant.
