How many days off do flight attendants get a week?

Flight attendants don't get a standard "week off" like office jobs; they get 11-18 days off per month, with schedules varying by seniority (line holders) and airline, often working in blocks (e.g., 3-5 days on, 2-4 days off) and always getting at least one day off in any seven-day period. New hires on reserve have less control, while experienced flight attendants can bid for more time off or specific routes, leading to 12-18 days off monthly, with many working 12-14 days per month.

How many days do flight attendants get off?

They often work long hours and spend several days at a time away from home. However, they also enjoy more days off in a month compared to the average office worker. On average, flight attendants get between 12 and 18 days off per month, adding up to around 156 days off per year.

Do flight attendants work 5 days a week?

Flight attendants may have variable schedules, and part-time work is common. They often work nights, weekends, and holidays because airlines operate every day and have overnight flights. They may spend several nights per week or per month away from home.

What is the 35 7 rule for flight attendants?

The "35/7 rule" for flight attendants, primarily for Reserve Flight Attendants, limits them to a maximum of 35 hours of actual flight time (block time) in any 7 consecutive days, ensuring fatigue management, though this is a planning guideline that can be waived or adjusted under specific operational needs and FAA rules. It focuses on preventing excessive duty hours by mandating adequate rest, working alongside other regulations like the FAA's requirement for at least 10 consecutive hours of rest after shorter duty periods, with the goal of enhancing safety by keeping crews alert.
 

Can flight attendants make $100,000 a year?

Yes, senior flight attendants at major U.S. airlines can make over $100,000 a year, especially with recent union contract wins that include better pay for ground time, but it requires significant experience, flying many hours, and working for top carriers like American, Delta, or United, with entry-level pay being much lower. Factors like seniority, flight hours, airline, and special skills (like language) all influence this, with top-tier attendants often earning well into the six figures annually after years of service. 

Do flight attendants get a few weeks off 🤔 during the summer ❓| Crew FM #flightattendant #aviation

Can I live off being a flight attendant?

Yes, you can make a living as a flight attendant, especially with experience, but initial earnings are modest, requiring smart budgeting, especially in high-cost-of-living areas. While starting pay might be low (around $25k-$30k/year), senior attendants at major airlines can earn $80k-$100k+ annually, plus significant benefits like travel perks, health insurance, and 401(k)s, making it a financially viable career long-term, particularly if you build seniority at a mainline carrier. 

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

Yes, traditionally, most U.S. flight attendants don't get paid their hourly rate until the aircraft doors close, meaning all the time spent boarding, helping passengers, preparing the cabin, and dealing with ground delays is unpaid work, a practice flight attendants are actively trying to change through union negotiations for better compensation. While some airlines offer partial pay or bonuses for boarding, it's a major point of contention, as this unpaid time can amount to several hours daily. 

What disqualifies a flight attendant?

You can be disqualified from being a flight attendant for serious criminal offenses (like espionage, felony assault, aircraft piracy), certain medical conditions (severe heart issues, uncontrolled diabetes, psychosis), failing drug/alcohol tests (positive test, misuse), lacking a valid passport/work authorization, or failing background checks due to security violations or significant jail time, with airlines also looking for issues with grooming, appearance, and customer service history.
 

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?

The last words of 9/11 flight attendants were heroic and informative, with Betty Ong telling ground control, "Pray for us," while relaying details of the American Airlines Flight 11 hijacking for 23 minutes, and Madeline Amy Sweeney reporting, "I see water. I see buildings. We're flying low, we're flying way too low" on the same flight just before impact. Their brave communications provided crucial details, leading to the shutdown of US airspace and saving countless lives.
 

How tall do you have to be to be a flight attendant?

All United flight attendants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application and have a valid passport. Height-wise, attendants should be between 5'2” and 6'3” without shoes. They do not allow facial piercings or visible tattoos – even if concealed.

Where do flight attendants live?

So many flight attendants opt to stay at crash pads — temporary housing designed to host multiple crew members in a dorm-style setup. This guide covers every housing option for flight attendants, from crash pads to hotels to corporate housing. Learn how to choose what works for your routes, budget, and career stage.

How many flights do flight attendants take per 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 flight attendants get paid well?

Flight attendants can make good money, especially with experience, but starting salaries are low, with the median around $67,000-$68,000 annually (2024/2025), while senior attendants on major airlines can earn over $100,000+ by flying more hours or on international routes, though initial years involve lower pay and significant time spent unpaid before flights. Pay structures are hourly (paid only during flight time) with per diem, increasing significantly with seniority, making the career financially rewarding long-term, according to U.S. News & World Report, SoFi and Reddit users. 

What is a normal flight attendant schedule?

They can expect to spend 65-90 hours in the air, and an additional 50 hours preparing the airplane, processing passengers during boarding and performing post-flight procedures. Typically, flight attendants work 12-14 days and log 65-85 flight hours each month, not including overtime.

How much PTO do flight attendants get?

The amount of vacation time flight attendants receive varies depending on their employer, seniority, and other factors. Generally, most flight attendants are eligible for two weeks of vacation each year. Some may have the option to purchase additional vacation days.

What is the age limit for flight attendants?

Key requirements include, but are not limited to: 21 years of age or older at time of application. High school graduate or GED.

Do flight attendants get free flights?

While flight attendants do get free or discounted flights, it's important to remember that these benefits are not entirely “free.” Depending on the airline, there may be additional costs involved, such as airport fees, taxes, or service charges.

What does position 2 mean for flight attendants?

Position 1 is lead flight attendant, position 2 (me) sets up the beverage carts and the galley in the back, position 3 is upfront and helps FA 1, and position 4 is in the back and helps FA 2. “Galley Queen” 👸🏻 is a nickname for working the galley.

What is the 24 7 rule for flight attendants?

The "24/7 rule" for flight attendants refers to the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) requiring at least 24 consecutive hours of rest within any 7 consecutive days, ensuring crewmembers are relieved from all duty to combat fatigue, though specific implementations vary by airline and contract, with rules covering duty periods, minimum rest, and off-duty time, like 10-hour rest periods after long duty days, all aimed at enhancing safety. 

What are the 4 laws of flight?

The four fundamental forces of flight are Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag, which constantly act on an aircraft, balancing each other for controlled flight; lift pushes up, weight pulls down, thrust moves forward, and drag resists forward motion. Pilots manage these forces through power (thrust) and control surfaces (affecting lift and drag) to climb, descend, turn, and maintain stable flight.
 

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.

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 bags at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure for domestic flights (U.S. flights), and 60 minutes for international flights, though some busy airports require even more time (like 90 mins for STX/STT), so always verify deadlines on the AA website for your specific location to avoid denied boarding for your bags.
 

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%).