How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
Steps to Take to be 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. Average base salary The average salary for a flight attendant is $29. United States. Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 28, 2025).The average hourly salary for a senior flight attendant is around $41 (or $84,637 per year), though some can earn as much as $55 or more per hour (or $115,126 per year). No matter what your take-home pay is, online tools like a money tracker app can help you create budgets and keep tabs on your finances.Flight attendant jobs are highly coveted, and only the best candidates pass the initial interview. Relevant work experience will strengthen your resume. Many airlines require a minimum of two years of experience in hospitality, customer service or sales.Some can earn over $100,000 a year. Fight attendant salaries vary widely depending on seniority and number of hours worked. American Airlines pays the highest hourly rates for flight attendants, though pay at the Big 3 is fairly similar.What is the job outlook? Employment of flight attendants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 19,500 openings for flight attendants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
How many hours do 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. 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.Working Hours A flight attendant can expect to work 30–40 hours a week, but they can do more or fewer hours depending on the airline, the length of the flights they work on, e. There are typically more regular hours on short-haul flights.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. In most cases, a contract between the airline and the flight attendant union determines the total daily and monthly workable hours.In addition to the hourly wage, the flight attendant explains that you may also qualify for extra benefits, depending on the airline, such as a domestic or international per diem. This means you get paid for the time spent during layovers and away from your base.
Is it difficult to be a flight attendant?
Being a flight attendant is both physically and mentally demanding. Flight attendants often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They must deal with irregular schedules, frequent time zone changes, and jet lag, which can take a toll on their overall well-being. Do flight attendants return home after every shift? Not always. Flight attendants working on short-haul flights may return home after their shifts, but those on long-haul flights often stay overnight in other cities due to rest requirements.Flight attendants have variable work schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, because airlines operate every day, and some offer overnight flights. Attendants work in an aircraft and may be away from home several nights per week.Not always. Flight attendants working on short-haul flights may return home after their shifts, but those on long-haul flights often stay overnight in other cities due to rest requirements. How does seniority affect a flight attendant’s schedule? Seniority allows flight attendants more control over their schedules.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.Flight attendants on reserve usually live near their home airport, because they may have to report to work on short notice. As they earn more seniority, flight attendants may have more control over their schedules.
Do flight attendants make much money?
Average base salary The average salary for a flight attendant is $29. United States. Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 28, 2025). Average base salary The average salary for a flight attendant is $29. United States. Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 28, 2025).The average salary of a Cabin Crew at Emirates Airlines in India typically ranges from ₹12. Lakhs to ₹19. Lakhs per year, depending on experience (from Fresher to 13 years). The top 10% of Cabin Crew at Emirates Airlines earn more than ₹22. Lakhs per year, and the top 1% earn over ₹25. Lakhs per year.How much does an Emirates Flight Attendant make? As of Jul 28, 2025, the average annual pay for an Emirates Flight Attendant in the United States is $47,079 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $22. This is the equivalent of $905/week or $3,923/month.India Salary: Between ₹75,000 and ₹1,00,000 per month. Air hostess salary international: Upwards of ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,00,000+ with some airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines.The national average salary for a flight attendant is £16,940 per year. Your salary might vary depending on your employer, your level of experience and the number of hours you work each week. Salaries are fairly consistent throughout the country.
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. Employee benefits Many airlines offer their flight crews, including attendants, various benefits for their employment. Common flight attendant benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Some airlines may also offer flight attendants travel-related perks like free or discounted 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.The answer to this question is a resounding YES, flight attendants do often receive free hotel accommodations when they are on a layover or between flights. Airlines commonly offer this perk to flight attendants, ensuring they remain well-rested and ready to perform their duties effectively.
What is the 35-7 rule for flight attendants?
Here’s where the 35-7 rule comes in. The U. S. Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) guidelines indicate that reserve flight attendants — those who don’t have a specific flight assignment and are on-call — cannot work more than 35 hours of flying time within a seven-day period. 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.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.