Can flight attendants choose their base?

Flight attendants generally cannot fully choose their initial base, as it's assigned based on airline needs, seniority, and available spots, often requiring relocation or commuting. However, they can submit preferences during training, and with increased seniority, they gain the ability to bid and transfer to more desirable bases, with the best spots going to the most senior crew.

How are flight attendant bases assigned?

– Before training, they bid for their preferred bases based on availability. – Delta assigns bases based on operational needs, meaning some bids may not be granted. – The most junior flight attendants typically start at bases with higher staffing needs rather than the most desirable bases.

Do flight attendants choose where they fly?

New flight attendants typically work a reserve schedule, also known as on-call or standby, as needed, with little choice in where they will travel or how long the shift lasts.

Can you choose where you work as a flight attendant?

While training, flight attendants rank their preferred "base cities" where they'll fly from. It's an intense process based on seniority and availability, but ultimately the airline decides.

Can flight attendants change their base?

Some flight attendants may remain at the same base for an extended period, while others may rotate through different bases or routes based on seniority and scheduling needs. Flight attendants may have the opportunity to bid for new bases periodically, allowing for potential changes in assignment over time.

How to Decide the BEST base for you // Flight Attendants in Training

Can I pick my base as a flight attendant?

While we serve more than 115 destinations, your “home base” will be the airport where all of your trips begin and end. After training, your base will be assigned based on operational needs and cannot be selected in advance. You'll need to either relocate or commute to your assigned base.

Can flight attendants make $100,000 a year?

With experience, senior flight attendants may make around $80,287 annually, and some can earn as much as $115,000 or more per year. Pay is typically hourly and starts when the aircraft door closes, meaning preflight work (like boarding and prep) is often unpaid.

What is the 35 7 rule for flight attendants?

The 35-in-7 rule applies only to Reserve Flight Attendants and provides that a Reserve may not be scheduled to exceed 35 flight hours in any seven (7) consecutive 24-hour periods.

Can I live off being a flight attendant?

This is not a healthy mindset. It is possible to live on this minimum wage pay, but it requires discipline, and awareness. It's not always fun, but if you are able to find a balance for yourself between spending, and saving, living independently on what a flight attendant makes, you will give yourself a gift.

What is the 45 minute rule for American airlines?

The American Airlines 45-minute rule means you must be checked in (and bags checked) at least 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights, though this can be longer at busy airports; missing this deadline means your seat or bags may not be accepted, ensuring time for baggage processing and security, notes American Airlines and Wanderlog.
 

Do flight attendants work 40 hours a week?

Flight attendants typically don't work a standard 40-hour week like office jobs; their schedules are variable, averaging around 65-90 flight hours per month (about 15-22 hours/week), but they log many more hours on duty (including prep, boarding, and post-flight tasks) and can work 12-14 days monthly, often with irregular shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on seniority (reserve vs. line holder) and airline rules. 

What were the last words of the 9 11 flight attendant?

After reporting valuable information for about 20 minutes, her final words to Woodward were, “I see water. I see buildings. We're flying low, we're flying way too low.” Moments later, the aircraft crashed through the North Tower, killing all aboard.

What happens if a pilot dies during a flight?

If a pilot dies mid-flight in a commercial plane, the co-pilot immediately takes control, as all airliners carry at least two trained pilots, and they're trained for this exact scenario, declaring an emergency to Air Traffic Control (ATC) for priority landing at the nearest suitable airport, while flight attendants provide medical aid and the plane's autopilot manages itself if needed.
 

What's the highest paid flight attendant?

The highest-paid flight attendants are typically at major U.S. airlines like Southwest, American, Delta, United, and JetBlue, with top earners reaching over $100,000 annually in base pay after years of experience, plus boarding pay and profit-sharing, though specific rates vary by seniority and contract, with recent reports indicating Southwest now leads industry wages. Specialized aviation companies like Everts Air & Leidos also show high figures on some salary sites, but large carriers offer top-tier benefits and bonuses. 

Can you transfer bases as a flight attendant?

A transfer request, once awarded, cannot be declined, including for a change to inactive status. Therefore, a Flight Attendant who desires to transfer to a different base should monitor and update their standing preference list to the base(s) to which they desire to transfer on a frequent basis.

What is the age limit for flight attendants?

There's generally no upper age limit for flight attendants, but airlines set minimum age requirements, usually between 18 and 21, with many requiring 20 or 21 at training completion, plus significant customer service experience and physical ability to meet safety standards. Airlines value life experience, so older applicants with relevant backgrounds (like hospitality) are often sought after, with no federal cap on how old you can be to work as one, notes AARP. 

What is the 24 7 rule for flight attendants?

(d) Each certificate holder conducting domestic operations shall relieve each flight crewmember engaged in scheduled air transportation from all further duty for at least 24 consecutive hours during any 7 consecutive days.

What disqualifies you from being a flight attendant?

Disqualifications for flight attendants include major criminal offenses (felonies, security breaches), significant health issues (uncontrolled conditions, severe vision/hearing loss, substance abuse), failure to pass drug/alcohol tests, lack of essential skills (swimming), and potentially certain appearance issues or inability to travel (e.g., for Canadian entry). Requirements also cover age, education (HS Diploma/GED), language fluency (English), and passing background/security checks.
 

Do flight attendants make 6 figures?

Yes, senior flight attendants at major U.S. airlines can absolutely make six figures ($100,000+) annually, especially with experience, high flight hours, and premium pay for international/overnight flights, though starting pay is much lower and reaching six figures requires significant seniority and work. Top earners at big carriers in 2024 surpassed $138,000, with many veterans earning $95k–$115k+ before expenses like per diem. 

Why do flight attendants have to be 5'2"?

Most airlines have height requirements, typically ranging from around 5'2" to 6'2" (158 cm to 188 cm), though these can vary. Here's why height is important: Safety Protocols: Cabin crew need to access overhead compartments and emergency equipment quickly and efficiently.

Can flight attendants work 7 days in a row?

This tells the N-PBS Scheduler that you want to waive the maximum of 30 hours of work in 7 days. You can not exceed more than 50 hours of work in 7 days.

What are the 5 C's of flight?

That's why flight instructors teach a timeless checklist known as the “Five C's” — a set of actions to help pilots remain calm, regain situational awareness, and navigate back to safety. The 5 C's are: Climb, Conserve, Call, Confess, and Comply.

Do flight attendants only get paid when the door is closed?

Yes, traditionally, most U.S. airline flight attendants only start getting paid their hourly rate once the aircraft doors close, meaning significant time spent preparing the plane, boarding passengers, and during delays on the ground often goes uncompensated, though this is a major point of contention in recent contract negotiations, with some airlines like Delta starting to offer boarding pay. This long-standing practice means flight attendants might work several hours for little or no pay before the flight officially begins, leading to demands for paid ground time.
 

Who pays more, Delta or Southwest?

At top pay, you'd make the most at Southwest at ninety-2 dollars and eightythree cents per hour or about eighty-nine $100 per year with American Delta and Alaska all pretty close in second at about $86, 000 furthermore if you do work a lot of boarding hours you could actually be about equal between Delta Southwest ...

Which airline is best for salary?

For pilots, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines consistently offer the highest salaries in the U.S., with senior captains potentially earning over $400,000 annually, while for flight attendants, Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways are known for top pay, often tax-free, plus accommodation, notes from 2024-2025 suggest.