If you’re applying to become a flight attendant for the first time, you might be wondering if you’ll be allowed to wear a watch while on the job.
Not only are flight attendants allows to wear a watch while working – flight attendants are actually required to wear a watch due to FAA regulations.
Why are flight attendants required to wear a watch?
Flight attendants are required to wear a watch to assist in a number of different emergency situations including:
- If a flight attendant has to administer CPR, they can use their watch to time the pumps they are giving the passenger
- Synchronize watches during an emergency situation and perform emergency procedures at specific times
- Keep track of time during the difference phases of the flight (boarding, preparing for take off or landing, etc.)
In addition to a variety of emergency situations, watches also look professional when used as part of an overall uniform. It’s very important to airlines that flight attendants look professional and give a great impression of the airline. Wearing a watch helps with this.
What kind of watches can flight attendants wear?
Exact rules regarding which watches a flight attendant can wear can vary slightly based on the airline you work for and where they are based out of. As a general rule, you should plan on wearing a watch that has visible hour, minute, and second hands. In addition, you should be able to clearly see the second marks around the watch dial.
The reason for this is because in many emergency situations (like the list above) there are scenarios where a a flight attendant will need to perform certain actions at very specific time periods that can come down to the second.
Flight attendant watch appearance requirements
In addition to having clear view of the second hand, flight attendants also have to consider the overall look of the watch. The image of a flight attendant is of high importance to airlines so there are usually requirements as to what the watch looks like.
Airlines typically require the face of the watch to be under a certain size (in mm) as to not look overly distracting or unprofessional. This means no crazy colors or designs!
They also require for the watch strap/band to be a certain color or maximum width.
The important thing to keep in mind is that airlines have these requirements to make sure that flight attendants meet the overall appearance standards that they have set out. It’s important to airlines that all their flight attendants have a uniform look and they would not want to see one flight attendant wearing a watch that stands out or looks unprofessional.
If you’re hired by an airline to be a flight attendant they will most likely walk you through their specific appearance standards and rules. If the information isn’t immediately apparent, I would ask your manager to clarify. The last thing you’d want to do is buy a new watch just for the job and find out it isn’t one you can wear.
Can flight attendants wear smart watches?
Yes, flight attendants can wear smart watches while working. They do still have to meet the appearance standard that the airline they work for has for the look/size/color of the watch.
Also, a flight attendant wearing a smart watch is responsible for making sure that the watch is charged and ready to be used for flights. Since wearing a watch is a requirement for due to safety procedures, having the watch battery die during a flight is not allowed.
Should you wear a watch to the flight attendant interview?
A job interview gives an organization the opportunity to get to know an applicant and see if they would be a good fit for a job. When it comes to hiring flight attendants, one of the very important aspects of the hiring decision is making sure the applicant has a clean and professional appearance. Wearing a watch when dressed for an interview adds to that stylish and polished look. Wearing a watch has long been a standard part of the dress code in many other industries for this reason.
Also, since you’ll be required to wear a watch while working as a flight attendant anyway, it shows your prospective employer that you look the part and already wear a watch. I would strongly recommend you wear a watch to your interview for a flight attendant job.
Conclusion
Having a functional watch that meets the appearance standards of the airline you work for is not only important – it’s a requirement for the job. For those of you used to wearing a watch, this is good news. If you aren’t used to wearing a watch (or don’t have one) make sure to ask the specific requirements for the airline you’ll be working for.
Remember, a watch is not only a great accessory that helps you look more professional, it’s a functional piece of equipment that you might need to use during an emergency.
Safe Travels!
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