Is being a flight attendant harder than Harvard?

It's often said that becoming a flight attendant (especially for major airlines like Delta) is statistically harder to get into than Harvard University due to extremely low acceptance rates (less than 1%) and rigorous, multi-stage selection processes, though the types of difficulty differ: Harvard focuses on academic prestige, while airline training emphasizes intense physical, emergency, and customer service skills under pressure.

Is it harder to become a Delta flight attendant than get into Harvard?

According to AirlineCareer.com, approximately 40% of flight attendant trainees industry-wide don't make it through training. With Harvard's graduation rate falling around 98%, it's very likely that it's also much more difficult to graduate from Delta flight attendant training school than it is to graduate from Harvard.

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.

Is flight attendant school difficult?

Yes, flight attendant school is very challenging and rigorous, not because the concepts are inherently complex, but due to the sheer volume of information covered intensely over a short period, high-stakes exams (often requiring 90%+), long days, and high-pressure emergency training, leading to significant stress and a notable failure rate. Trainees must master safety procedures, aircraft specifics, emergency protocols (evacuations, first aid, firefighting), and service standards while adjusting to a new environment, with many not making it through.
 

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.

I tried flight attendant training – it’s harder than you think

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 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.

How many people fail flight attendant school?

It is estimated that up to 60% of flight attendants fail their initial training and are released before getting hired because of the rigorous nature of their on-boarding.

Do flight attendants pay well?

Yes, flight attendants can make good money, especially with experience, but starting pay is often low, and pay is hourly for flight time only, not prep, leading to wide variations depending on airline, seniority, and flight hours, with senior attendants at major carriers potentially earning over $100k, while starting at regional airlines might be much less. The median salary is around $67,130 (2024), with top earners exceeding $138,000, but many factors like union contracts, domestic vs. international routes, and years of service significantly impact total earnings. 

Can flight attendants have tattoos?

Yes, flight attendants can have tattoos, but generally, they must not be visible while in uniform, with policies varying significantly by airline; most major US carriers like American and Delta require them to be fully covered, while others, like United Airlines, allow small, discreet tattoos (like those smaller than a badge) that aren't offensive, whereas some international airlines (Middle Eastern carriers) often have very strict bans.
 

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?

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.
 

What airline pays flight attendants the most?

There isn't one single airline paying the absolute most, as it depends on experience and recent contracts, but Delta, American, and United consistently lead US major airline pay, with Delta often cited for high total compensation (including profit sharing), while American offers top hourly rates with new contracts, and JetBlue also offers competitive wages, with figures changing rapidly due to union negotiations. Emirates is noted for high tax-free pay and benefits, while some boutique carriers like Everts Air appear high on Indeed's salary list, but often serve different markets. 

Can a 5'5" girl be an air hostess?

India. In India, the minimum height for female air hostesses typically ranges around 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches. Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet maintain these standards to ensure safety compliance.

What is the 62 inch rule on Delta?

Delta's 62-inch rule sets the maximum size for a standard checked bag at 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height, including wheels/handles) for most flights, with a typical 50 lb (23 kg) weight limit, meaning bags over this dimension are considered oversized and incur extra fees, though sports equipment often has special handling. 

What drugs can flight attendants not take?

Pain medication:

• Narcotic pain relievers. This includes but is not limited to morphine, codeine, oxycodone (Percodan; Oxycontin), and hydrocodone (Vicodin, etc.).
• Non-narcotic pain relievers such as tramadol (Ultram).

Do flight attendants get 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. 

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.

Is flight attendant a healthy job?

Published Research. U.S. flight attendants have a higher prevalence of several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, thyroid cancer, and cervical cancer, when compared with the general public, according to new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

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 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.
 

Is flight attendant a forever job?

But perhaps most painful of all, being a flight attendant is not forever. And when the airline hands you your dismissal letter (or you decide it's time for you to say goodbye), you better be ready to make a career change, and fast.

How many bodies are still missing from 9/11?

After 24 years, the NYC medical examiner still works to identify 9/11 victims 1,100 people killed on 9/11 in New York City have not had any of their remains identified by authorities.

How much money do plane crash victims get?

Victims of commercial airline crashes may receive anywhere from $250,000 to several million dollars, depending on the extent of injuries and liability. In cases involving wrongful death, settlement values often increase due to loss of future earnings and emotional trauma to surviving family members.