Do flight attendants pick their schedule?

Yes, flight attendants do pick their schedules, but it's a competitive, seniority-based system where senior crew get the best picks (desirable routes, holidays, less flying), while junior crew often get less-preferred trips or are on-call (reserve), with the ability to tweak their monthly "line" through bidding and swapping. New hires start on reserve, meaning they're on standby for last-minute needs.


Do flight attendants choose their schedule?

As they earn more seniority, flight attendants may have more control over their schedules.

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.


Do flight attendants get to pick their routes?

Cabin crew members generally do not have the autonomy to select their routes or destinations. Flight schedules and crew assignments are managed by airline scheduling departments, taking into account various factors such as operational requirements, flight demand, crew availability, and contractual agreements.

How many hours a week does a flight attendant work?

Flight attendants generally work around 70-90 flight hours per month, averaging 12-14 days on duty, but this translates to roughly 30-40 actual work hours weekly, though they can log many more hours preparing flights (often unpaid) and work irregular, unsociable hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on seniority and route. New hires on reserve are on-call, while senior line holders bid for trips, with total duty hours varying significantly week-to-week. 


FLIGHT ATTENDANT SCHEDULE EXPLAINED - FLIGHT ATTENDANT LIFE



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 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 is the 3:1:1 rule on flights?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.


Can a flight attendant come home every night?

The ability to spend time at home largely depends on the type of routes a flight attendant is assigned to. Shorter domestic flights might allow for more frequent trips back home, while long-haul international flights often require longer layovers.

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 disqualifies 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 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.

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.


Do flight attendants get paid well?

Yes, flight attendants can get paid well, especially with experience, with the median US salary around $67k-$68k, but it varies significantly by airline, seniority, and hours flown, with top earners potentially exceeding $100k annually, though starting pay is much lower and based on flight hours (often unpaid for ground time). 

How often are flight attendants actually home?

Flight attendants are away from home several days to over a week at a time, with time at home varying greatly depending on seniority, airline, and flight routes (domestic vs. international); they typically get 12-18 days off monthly, but might only have a few full days at home between long trips, needing to cram errands into short returns. Senior crew can bid for more home time, while junior crew often take longer, multi-day trips, meaning more nights away.
 

What are the downsides of being a flight attendant?

Cons of being a flight attendant include irregular/long hours (nights, weekends, holidays), significant time away from home, physical/mental fatigue from jet lag and demanding conditions, low starting pay, dealing with difficult passengers, and challenges with work-life balance and relationships, all while facing strict standards and potential health risks. 


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.

Do flight attendants do two flights a day?

On average, flight attendants can work anywhere from 1 to 6 flights per day. Short-haul/low-cost airlines often assign 2–4 flights daily, sometimes up to 6 on short routes. Long-haul crews typically operate just 1 flight per day, with extended layovers and recovery time built into schedules.

Do they allow perfume on airplanes?

Yes, you can bring perfume on airplanes, but it must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons (3.4oz/100ml containers in a 1-quart bag) or be packed in checked luggage with quantity limits and protection against spills. Full-sized bottles are fine in checked bags, just secure them well to prevent leaks.
 


What is the two hour rule for flights?

During a tarmac delay, airlines must provide you with a snack, such as a granola bar, and drinking water no later than two hours after the start of the tarmac delay.

Is lipgloss considered a liquid when flying?

Yes, lip gloss is generally considered a liquid/gel by airport security (like the TSA in the U.S. and similar authorities elsewhere) and must follow the 3-1-1 rules for carry-ons: in containers 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller, fitting into one clear, quart-sized bag with other liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols. Solid lipsticks and balms (wax/stick) are usually fine, but gel-like glosses with wand applicators are treated as liquids, even if they seem thick.
 

What will disqualify 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 are the 4 laws of flight?

What Are The 4 Principles of Flight? Flight comes down to four fundamental forces: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Each force has its own direction, opposing force, and factors that affect its strength.

What does Odan mean for flight attendants?

“On-Duty All-Nighter (ODAN)” is a sequence consisting of a single duty period that includes all of the on-duty hours between 0100 and 0500 Home Base Time (HBT).