Yes, becoming a flight attendant is challenging due to intense competition, strict requirements (height, fitness, appearance), and a rigorous selection process, but the job itself involves demanding training focused heavily on safety and emergency procedures. The application-to-hire ratio is very low, making it harder to get hired than some top universities, but strong customer service skills, adaptability, and commitment significantly improve your chances.
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.
Historically, there has been around a 1% hiring rate. In other words, your chances of getting hired is 1 out of 100.
The 35/7 rule for flight attendants limits Reserve Flight Attendants to a maximum of 35 flight hours in any seven consecutive days, primarily for scheduling purposes to manage fatigue and ensure safety, although actual operations can sometimes exceed this if waivers are used and regulations are met. While Lineholders often work to a 30/7 (30 hours in 7 days) limit, they can also complete trips exceeding 35 hours if they waive the rule. This rule, alongside recent FAA mandates for longer rest periods (like 10 hours after 14-hour shifts), aims to provide adequate recovery for cabin crews.
PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Treason or conspiracy to commit treason. A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. 2332b(g), or comparable State law, or conspiracy to commit such crime. A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident).
The airline doesn't publicly publish specific height or weight requirements, but they have published information on uniform sizes and generally look for candidates whose height and weight is proportionate.
9/11 flight attendants' last words included Betty Ann Ong's "Pray for us" and Madeline Sweeney's "Oh my God, we're flying way too low," relayed during their final calls from American Airlines Flight 11, providing crucial info to ground crews before the plane hit the North Tower; CeeCee Lyles on Flight 93 left a message saying, "I love you," before passengers fought back.
We have flight attendants who are 30 years old and have to move back in with their parents because they can't afford to live with this job. “Most of our passengers have no idea that we are only paid from the time the door closes until the door opens.”
While height is often associated with the ability to become a flight attendant, it's not just about physical appearance—it's about ensuring safety and accessibility for both the crew and passengers.
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.
Most airlines require a 90% passing grade on all exams during new hire training. Only 60% of new-hire flight attendants make it through new-hire training. Only 50% survive the first year of employment. Each airline receives an average of 2,500 flight attendant job applications per month.
Training — Partially Virtual
Ground school consists of classroom and cabin simulator training. IOE is part of training that will include flying with a qualified instructor on our revenue flights. Training lasts approximately one month. All portions of ground school training are unpaid.
How old is the average flight attendant? A comprehensive study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that, as of 2023, the average flight attendant globally was 49 years of age (the exact breakdown being 74%: 40+ years; 17%: 30-40 years; 8%: 20-30 years).
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.
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.
To become a flight attendant, you'll generally need a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths, at grades 9-4 (A-C), or equivalent qualifications. Most airlines require these core subjects as they're essential for communication, safety calculations, and handling passenger situations.
Any condition impairing the ability to perform safety duties or respond effectively in an emergency is considered part of the flight attendant medical disqualifications. The aviation authorities and individual airlines have strict medical requirements to ensure the health and fitness of cabin crew members.
Ability to sit in the flight attendant jumpseat without modification; walk comfortably down the aisle facing forward and fit quickly through the overwing exits.
There are also rules about height and weight, which vary between airlines. As a general guide, most look for people between 5ft 2in (157cm) and 6ft 2in (188cm), with weight in proportion to height.
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%).
Passengers brace by leaning forward, while flight attendants sit on their hands to keep their arms stable and be ready to jump into action if needed. Q2: Is this something all flight attendants must do? Yes, it's part of their official safety training.
Yes, but there's a catch. How to book the Christmas travel deal… “It's a travel deal that seems too good to pass up: a $25 flight from Amazon. But there's a catch: the offer is exclusive to Amazon Prime members on the young adult plan, supply is limited to 1,000 tickets a day, and it's limited to travel through Jan.
To this day, none of the bodies of the 239 passengers and crew members aboard have been recovered.
The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center complex killed 2,753 people, according to the city's official count. Yet 40% of those victims — 1,100 people — have not had any of their remains identified by authorities.
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.