How many hours a week do flight attendants work?

Flight attendants typically work around 70-90 flight hours monthly, which averages to roughly 17-22 hours a week, but their actual on-duty time (paid for flight time plus unpaid ground duties like prep) can range from 30 to over 50 hours weekly, with schedules varying wildly by airline, seniority, and whether they're on call (reserve) or have a set route (line holder). While they might fly 12-14 days a month, these shifts can be long, often involving nights, weekends, and holidays, with pay only starting when doors close.

How many days a week do most flight attendants work?

Typically, flight attendants work 12-14 days and log 65-85 flight hours each month, not including overtime. Flight attendant schedules can change month-to-month and some attendants may work more weeks than others.

What is the 35-7 rule for flight attendants?

The 35:7 Rule and its application at Airlines

Flight attendant can work 5-6 days. They get 35 uninterrupted hours off duty before they cross 7 consecutive days. This can be in form of layoff rest, or home rest and relief period depending on the airline.

Do flight attendants get paid well?

The median flight attendant salary is approximately $67,130 per year, though this varies by airline and location.

How many hours do you have to work in a week as a flight attendant?

Hours/Travel

Usually work less than 40 hours a week. Schedules are usually irregular and determined by flight schedules. May work nights, holidays, and weekends.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT SCHEDULE EXPLAINED - FLIGHT ATTENDANT LIFE

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. 

How often will I be home as a flight attendant?

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.

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.

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

Did you know flight attendants don't get paid for their work? They arrive early, prepare the plane for boarding, board all the passengers, and then (if all goes well) the plane will leave the gate. Only then will they start to be paid. However, most days there are delays.

What airline pays flight attendants the most?

Yes! Southwest Airlines flight attendants are the highest-paid in the industry with a top hourly rate of $93.31 per hour. The TFP system further increases total earnings.

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.
 

Do flight attendants stay away from home a lot?

In some cases, short-haul attendants might have several days where they complete trips without staying overnight in another city. Long-haul flights are typically much longer, with flight attendants often spending multiple days away from home.

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 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.

How difficult is it to become a flight attendant?

It's difficult and can take a long time. Airlines can take 3-6 months to get through the hiring process, that's if your resume makes it through the first cut. Intense Competition. We estimate there are 1 – 1.5 million flight attendant applications for 5,000 – 10,000 jobs.

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.

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%).

Why do flight attendants tell you to leave the window open?

Flight attendants may require window shades to be up during takeoff and landing for passenger safety. Open windows let passengers and crew quickly see hazards outside and help first responders assess conditions. Bright light also helps passengers' eyes adjust before deplaning.

Do flight attendants get free hotels when working?

Overnight hotel stays

When traveling overnight for work, these stays are free for crew members. Often, this hotel stay is for flight attendants to sleep and rest for the return journey, but sometimes there may be extra time available for crew members to explore cities.

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 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.
 

What's the downside of being a flight attendant?

Some challenges flight attendants might face include on-call scheduling, time away from home, often working on weekends and holidays, frequent time zone changes, limited growth opportunities and travel delays.

What are the odds of getting hired as a flight attendant?

Historically, there has been around a 1% hiring rate. In other words, your chances of getting hired is 1 out of 100. In 2019, it is estimated that airlines received over 1,500,000 flight attendant applications. One of the first places airlines look for flight attendants is The Travel Academy's flight attendant school.

What happens if a pilot dies during a flight?

If a pilot dies mid-flight, the co-pilot immediately takes control, declares an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC), and safely lands the plane at the nearest suitable airport, often with ATC guidance and crew assistance, as modern airliners are designed for single-pilot operation and all pilots are trained for this. Cabin crew assists with the medical situation and helps manage the cockpit. If both pilots become incapacitated, the autopilot would likely maintain flight, while ATC tries to guide a qualified passenger or crew member to land the plane (talk-down landing).
 

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.