Flight attendants are not allowed to be complacent, smoke/vape, drink alcohol (on duty), accept tips, show public affection, or have visible tattoos/excessive piercings that violate uniform policy, while also adhering to strict rules on appearance (makeup, nails, jewelry) and social media conduct, and they can't perform certain passenger requests like giving out pens or making announcements.
Height-wise, attendants should be between 5'2” and 6'3” without shoes. They do not allow facial piercings or visible tattoos – even if concealed. A high school degree is required, with 2 or more years of college preferred.
5 be respectful of other passengers. 6 High heels, flip flops, and slides. 7 avoid extremely flammable synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. 8 Over-sized coats can make economy class feel claustrophobic.
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).
Airlines enforce strict guidelines on appearance, including regulations on hair color, style, and length, as well as makeup, hand and foot grooming. For instance, some airlines do not allow visible tattoos or piercings other than a pair of earrings for female crew members.
(13) Each certificate holder conducting domestic, flag, or supplemental operations must relieve each flight attendant engaged in air transportation and each commercial operator must relieve each flight attendant engaged in air commerce from all further duty for at least 24 consecutive hours during any 7 consecutive ...
The "45-minute rule" refers to a productivity technique of working intensely for 45 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute break, leveraging the brain's natural focus cycles (ultradian rhythms) to prevent burnout and boost efficiency, though it can also refer to airline check-in deadlines or corporate onboarding targets. The work/rest pattern helps maintain concentration, while the airport rule requires check-in 45 mins pre-flight for domestic flights.
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.
I don't think there are any airlines left that make you step on a scale (most of these went away in the 90's). But they do have fit tests, Must be able to sit in the jumpseats with the seatbelts fastened and no modifications or extenders. Must also fit on your part of the jumpseat comfortably.
That's why flight instructors teach a timeless checklist known as the “Five C's” — a set of actions to help pilots remain calm, regain situational awareness, and navigate back to safety. The 5 C's are: Climb, Conserve, Call, Confess, and Comply.
Use the 3–3–3 rule when planning your next international trip 🌍✈️ 1️⃣ Book flights 3 months in advance for the best prices. 2️⃣ Plan your itinerary 3 weeks before your travel date. 3️⃣ Do your packing 3 days before departure.
The 3-3-3 clothing rule is a simple styling method for creating many outfits from few items: choose 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes, which allows for 27 potential combinations (3x3x3) and reduces decision fatigue, often used for travel or building a minimalist capsule wardrobe. It's a versatile concept, sometimes expanded to include 3 layers (like jackets or cardigans) for even more looks, making dressing easier by focusing on mix-and-match versatility with core pieces.
10 Things Passengers Do That Annoy Flight Attendants the Most
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.
The last words of 9/11 flight attendants revealed incredible bravery, with Betty Ann Ong of American Airlines Flight 11 telling ground control, "Pray for us," after relaying vital information about the hijacking. On the same flight, Madeline Amy Sweeney's final words were, "I see water. I see buildings. We're flying low, we're flying way too low," moments before crashing into the World Trade Center. These courageous acts provided crucial details that helped ground personnel understand the attacks.
The median flight attendant salary is approximately $67,130 per year, though this varies by airline and location. With experience, senior flight attendants may make around $80,287 annually, and some can earn as much as $115,000 or more per year.
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.
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. Southwest flight attendants at the top of the pay scale, combined with TFP earnings and schedule maximization, can earn well over $100,000 per year.
There is no need to be slim to be cabin crew. The best cabin crew are many different shapes. The most important thing is to be a healthy weight for your height and some airlines have requirements regarding Body Mass Indexes (BMI) ranges, but also many do not at all.
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.”
Yes, they do. On average, flight attendants get between 11 and 18 days off per month!
Crew rest areas are hidden from passengers.
"There are hidden compartments that they call 'crew bunks' where pilots and flight attendants can rest on long-haul flights," Bubb says.
No, checking a bag 30 minutes before a flight is usually too late, as most airlines close bag drop 45-60 minutes (or more) before departure, even for domestic flights, and you need extra time for security. While some regional flights might have a 30-minute deadline, arriving then means you risk missing your flight, as you still need to get through check-in, bag drop, and security, which can take significant time, especially at busy airports.
What is the “45-day holding period rule”? Under the tax law, a person must hold shares or an interest in shares at risk for at least 45 days to be eligible to use the franking credits which attach to the dividends they've received.
Accommodation for Delayed Flights during Layovers
If you miss your flight during a layover and are offered a new departure within 3 hours, you cannot demand accommodation unless your onward journey from the layover destination is not until the next day. In that scenario, you most likely have the right to accommodation.