How many hours is full time for flight attendant?

Full-time flight attendants typically log around 75-90 flight hours per month, often working 12-14 days monthly, but this isn't a standard 40-hour week due to irregular, duty-based schedules that include on-call time (reserve) and paid flight time (doors closed) versus total duty time (ground prep, boarding, etc.). Schedules are flexible but demanding, involving nights, weekends, and varied days off, with seniority influencing trip selection, notes CPD Online College and Coda.

How many hours is a full-time flight attendant?

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.

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 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. 

Do you have to work full time as a flight attendant?

Do flight attendants work full-time or part-time? 93% of flight attendants work in full-time roles while 7% work part-time.

How Flight Attendant Schedules Work

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.

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 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). 

Can 4/9 be a flight attendant?

Flight Attendant Requirements & Qualifications

Each airline has their own flight attendant requirements: 4'11″-6'4” tall – Many airlines have more restrictive height requirements.

How often will I be home as a flight attendant?

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.
 

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 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.
 

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.

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 much does a full-time flight attendant earn?

The average salary of flight attendant in the UK in 2025 is around £24k–£25k base, but the real total is higher once extras are included. At BA, pay starts in the low £20ks, but with allowances, many reach £28k–£30k.

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.

Is there a weight limit to be a flight attendant?

No, most major U.S. airlines don't have strict, specific weight limits for flight attendants anymore, focusing instead on fitness, ability to perform safety duties, and fitting into the uniform and jump seat, though some international carriers might still have stricter appearance rules, emphasizing proportionate height/weight for a neat look and safe operation. The key is being able to reach overhead bins, operate emergency equipment, and fit in the jump seat with the harness fastened. 

Do 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 is the cut-off age for flight attendants?

There's no universal cut-off age for flight attendants; U.S. and European airlines often welcome older applicants (even 40s, 50s, or older) due to their maturity and experience, with some still working into their 70s and 80s, though minimum age requirements (usually 18-21) apply, while some Asian/Middle Eastern carriers might prefer younger staff and have upper limits around 40-50. 

How much do first year flight attendants make?

First-year flight attendant pay varies by airline but generally starts low, often in the $25,000 - $45,000 annual range, paid hourly (e.g., ~$29/hr at United, ~$36/hr at American/Delta) plus per diem, with initial earnings sometimes requiring a second job due to limited flight hours and reserve status, though this increases significantly with seniority and flight time. 

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. 

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. 

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 perks do flight attendants receive?

Flight attendants often enjoy a range of benefits beyond salary, including free or discounted flights, health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible schedules. These perks are a major draw for those entering the profession. Is a university degree required to become a flight attendant?

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.