Do flight attendants need cars?

Yes, many flight attendants need cars, especially in U.S. cities with poor public transport (like Atlanta, DFW, Houston, Miami) for getting to the airport, but some major international airlines provide crew transport from crew housing, and flight attendants based in cities with excellent transit (like NYC, Chicago) might manage without one. The necessity depends heavily on their assigned airline base location, personal living situation, and whether the airline offers crew transportation.

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.
 

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 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.

Can I live off being a flight attendant?

Hey there, Morgan! Absolutely, flight attendants can indeed earn a comfortable living. Their income can fluctuate depending on a few things like the airline they work for, their experience level, and the routes they're assigned to.

The TRUTH About Being A FLIGHT ATTENDANT!

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.

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. 

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.
 

How do flight attendants afford to live?

A lot of FA's live in a crash pad the first year or two, basically an apartment with a lot of roommates. Works out since everyone is usually flying quite a bit, so there's never a full house. The pay increases quite a bit over the next few years, and the top out pay is comfortable.

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. 

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.

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 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.

Is there a weight limit to be a flight attendant?

No, most US airlines don't have a strict weight limit, but require weight to be proportionate to height so you can fit in the jump seat, reach overhead bins, and move safely; you must pass physical reach/fit tests, not just meet a number. While Middle Eastern/Asian carriers often have stricter BMI rules, American carriers focus on functional ability and uniform size (e.g., Delta's standard sizes), ensuring you can perform duties like closing overhead bins (up to 50 lbs force). 

Do I have to be beautiful to be a flight attendant?

No, you don't have to be "pretty" like a model to be a flight attendant, but you must meet specific grooming and professional appearance standards, focusing on cleanliness, good health (skin, teeth, hair), and fitting the uniform properly, as airlines prioritize safety, professionalism, and customer service skills over conventional beauty. While some Asian airlines might have stricter looks-based criteria, U.S. carriers focus more on overall presentation, competence, and the ability to handle emergencies. 

Can you fail flight attendant training?

Upon hire, new Flight Attendants must go through the individual airline's training for certification. Sadly, most new hires fail airline training before ever making it to the tarmac. However, our graduates have a head start, and most go on to get hired by some of the top airline companies in the world.

Is the $25 Amazon flight real?

Yes, $25 flights from Amazon were real as a limited-time holiday promotion for eligible young adult Prime members in late 2024, partnered with StudentUniverse, but this specific deal has ended; general $25 flight offers online are usually scams or referral links, not direct Amazon sales. The legitimate deal required being an 18-24 year old or a student with the discounted Amazon for Young Adults Prime membership and booking through StudentUniverse for specific travel dates (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025), covering only base fare, not baggage or extras.
 

Do you get to pick where you live as a flight attendant?

Flight attendants don't get to choose their 'base' cities — inside the intense process and what happens if you work somewhere you don't live.

Do flight attendants get paid if a flight is delayed?

Flight attendants generally don't get paid for delays before the aircraft doors close, meaning time spent boarding, de-icing, or waiting on the tarmac often goes unpaid, but many airlines are changing this with new rules for "ground pay," while some union efforts and specific policies (like Delta's) now offer partial or full compensation for these hours, especially for extended delays. Pay is typically based on flight time ("brake-to-brake"), so delays before take-off or after landing reduce their effective hourly wage, but policies for "excessive delay" or "RIGS" (Reported, In-Flight, Ground) pay are emerging.
 

What is the 35 7 flight attendant rule?

The 35:7 flight attendant rule provides that no crew member shall be assigned less than 35 consecutive hours rest at any one time during a 7-day span. The reason behind this regulation is to make the crews stay alert, minimize fatigue and make the in-flight safety as high as possible.

What is the 45 minute rule for American airlines?

American Airlines' 45-minute rule means you generally must check in and drop off checked bags at least 45 minutes before domestic flight departures, and 60 minutes for international flights, though some busy airports require even more time (like 90 mins for St. Croix/St. Thomas). Missing this cutoff means American Airlines may not accept your bags, and you could lose your seat, so always check the specific airport's deadline on their website for certainty. 

What is a red flag pay flight attendant?

Red Flag Pay. At any time prior to departure, Crew Schedule may red flag a sequence/position in open time. Red flagged sequences shall be paid at the rate of one hundred and fifty percent (150%), and credited at one hundred percent (100%).

Is it hard to become a flight attendant?

Yes, becoming a flight attendant is hard due to intense competition, strict entry requirements, and a demanding, selective training program, even though the initial application seems broad, with airlines receiving thousands of applications for few spots, requiring excellent customer service skills and a professional demeanor. The selection process weeds out many candidates, and only about 60% of new hires pass initial training, with high failure rates on mandatory exams. 

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. 

Do flight attendants get paid for layovers?

Yes, flight attendants get paid during layovers, primarily through a per diem (hourly meal allowance) for expenses like food, which starts when they leave base and covers time in hotels, plus they're often guaranteed a minimum number of paid flight hours (like 70-80/month) that include ground time, but they are generally not paid their main hourly wage from the moment they arrive at the airport until the aircraft doors close, leading to unpaid time, though unions are pushing for this to change.