Don't let anyone convince you that Flight Attendant training is a walk in the park. It's tough, it's long, you'll be testing constantly and frequently you aren't paid until you finish (although some airlines do pay). Once you've received a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) you'll be assigned a training class date and emailed materials to prepare yourself. Don't waste anytime in going over these materials. There will be information in there they may expect you to know on day one. On the first day of training for my airline we were tested on airport codes, the 24-hour clock and had to have most of the safety demonstration announcement memorized.
In another post I have a list of airport codes. It's mostly U.S. domestic but I will be updating that soon to include international as well. Here is a link to practice the 24-hour clock. Or you can download these documents to practice as well.
You're going to be learning A LOT in training. There will be emergency medical training, evacuation training, basic aerodynamics, dealing with passengers, security, fighting fires, You'll also learn the various aircrafts you'll be expected to work on. Your airline may have a large fleet of multiple aircraft or there may be only one. But even if there is only one, for example, maybe only Airbus or Boeing 737, there will be differences between the different models of this aircraft that you will have to learn and will be tested on. You'll learn how to check all the safety equipment (preflight) and how to do a security search. International procedures will be taught as well, if your airline goes abroad. You will have to know the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and learn aviation terminology. Inflight announcements will be covered and you will learn the exact way your airline performs the safety demonstration. Any devices you'll be using will be taught.
Customer service is not going to be a big part of training. That's why they tend to hire people who already have a background in that as well as people skills. You'll learn the basics of a beverage service and, if your airline has multi-class service, you'll most likely receive training in the difference classes of service. No doubt passengers interactions will be discussed. But a good majority of this will be gone over during your IOE.
Make friends
Make friends. Be social. You may be making lifelong friends in training, even if you part ways and go to different bases or leave the airline. These friends can also be study buddies and people to learn from as well. You'll most likely come across these new friends afterward many times. Expect there to be a Facebook group formed for your class and to get many friend requests from your classmates. You'll learn from these classmates and they will learn from you. So don't be a loner! Open yourself up to new friendships.
Get Enough Sleep
It's important during training that you get enough sleep. I remember during both the training sessions I've been through with both airlines some of my younger classmates spent a lot of time partying and staying up late. Some still succeeded in training but some did not. I can guarantee that had I been doing that I wouldn't have succeeded. Don't be tempted to stay up super late or all night studying as well. It's essential to get enough to sleep to absorb all the information you will be expected to learn.
Be on Time
Tardiness is frequently grounds for dismissal. Consider training an extension of the interview. You don't actually have the job until you've completed training. On time performance is at the goal of all airlines so they're not going to take kindly to their employees being lax in this area. If training begins at 0800 be there at 0750.
Take Notes
Bring a notebook and pen to class and write it down. Sometimes you'll notice your instructors giving you clues that something will be on the test. They may say "you might want to write this down". In my most recent training I had an instructor that would "a little golden nugget for you". That meant we needed to write it down and remember it. You'll probably be given lots of handouts for that days training. Feel free to take notes on those as well.
Study
Study every night, especially if there is a test the night before. You'll probably be given homework. Sometimes this homework is optional but it is a way to study for an upcoming test. DO this homework even if you don't have to. People study best in different ways. If you're someone who studies best in a group then join one or form one. If you're not sure if it would helpful or not at least try it out if offered. You may find it very beneficial. If you're like me you study better on your own or with just one other person. But remove all distractions. Turn off the TV and stay off the phone and focus. Match your studying method to the exam method. There may be oral exams, written exams or demonstrative exams. You may find that, depending on the exam, you'll study better with classmates or on your own. Evacuations and CPR/AED training are examples of things you may want to study for with others. It's helpful if you're doing these commands outloud.
Study Aids
Use study aids such a flashcards that you can make yourself. Look online for training aids such as Quizlet I know people who've had posters of the different aircraft on their walls with the different parts outlined. A lot of people, including myself, learn visually, so use these visual aids.
Participate
Participate in training. Ask questions and get involved in classroom discussions. If volunteers are needed: volunteer. Get involved and become engaged in the entire day to day process.
Money
Training can be 4-8 weeks or longer. Some airlines will pay a set amount, or you could get the basic guarantee or just per diem for the time while there. You may not get paid until training is completed. Plan ahead and make sure you have some money set aside and that your bills while you are away are taken care of. This can be tough for some people, so do what you can do.
Packing
Here is a list of items you should bring with you to training. Although you will get some chances to head to the store, make sure you've packed everything you need before you go. You'll be able to bring a large suitcase but pack wisely. Don't pack items you most likely won't wear or need. In your pre-training package emailed to you there should be information on a dress code. It may be business attire or business casual. At my training we were required to wear black and white everyday. It could've been a black dress, or white dress with a black jacket, black pants with a white shirt, white pants with a black shirt, etc. So after gathering up everything I already had and could use, I had to buy some more items. I highly recommend investing in packing cubes. You can use them once you're on the line as well. These are the ones I bought. 
Here is a packing list you can use as a guide.
Required
Items
·
Passport
·
Watch
·
Vaccine card
Clothing
·
Coat or jacket
·
Dress skirts
·
Dress Pants
·
Dress socks
·
Pantyhose or tights or compression hose
·
Sweaters
·
Blouse or button down shirts
·
One complete business suit (what you wore to the
interview)
·
Jeans
·
PJs
·
Uniform shoes/heels/closed toed flats
·
Athletic shoes
·
Casual shirts such as polos
Study Materials
·
Notebooks
·
Pens
·
Flashcards
·
Highlighters
·
Training Printouts
Toiletries
·
Body Wash/soap
·
Facewash
·
Shampoo
·
Conditioner
·
Deodorant
·
Toothbrush
·
Toothpaste
·
Skin care
·
Other hair care items
·
Razor
·
Shaving Cream
·
Aftershave
·
Brush/comb
·
Makeup/kit
·
Makeup remover wipes
·
Sunscreen
Miscellaneous
·
Laundry soap
·
Dryer Sheets
·
Quarters
·
Tide to Go Pen
This is obviously not an exhaustive list. And you will need to tailor it to you and your situation. But pack wisely and try not to OVERPACK. Also make sure you bring a small lightweight bag you can bring your materials with you to training.
One thing to keep in mind is you may be leaving training with a new travel roller board and tote. This CAN make heading home a little more awkward since you'll also have your large suitcase with you.
Here are some other links that also have information on preparing for training.
Flight Attendant School After you finish training you will then complete your Initial Operating Experience (IOE) Your IOE will be a number of hours flying with a line instructor where you will be tested on how you perform safety related duties as required by the FAA. Be prepared for any type of assignment. I know of some that just did a turn while others did a full 4 day trip. At the regional I worked for my IOE was a 2 day trip for me. At my current carrier it was a red eye turn. It's normal to be nervous but try and relax. You'll probably be contacted by your IOE instructor before hand. Ask questions about anything you are unsure about. Make sure you follow any instructions you are given. Just remember your training and you will do fine!
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