🛫 How much does a flight attendant make?

• Flight-hour pay: At SkyWest, flight attendants receive pay based on flight hours. Source
• Boarding pay: SkyWest also pays flight attendants for each completed boarding. Source
• Away-from-home allowance: Flight attendants receive an allowance for meals and lodging when working away from home. Source

In the United States, finish high school or earn a GED and build customer-service experience. For example, United requires applicants to be at least 21 and have one year of service experience. Apply, pass the airline’s selection checks, complete its training and supervised experience, and the airline applies for your FAA certificate.

1. Finish high school or earn a GED, and build customer-service experience.
2. Apply to an airline and complete its selection steps and interviews.
3. After hiring, complete the airline's safety training.
4. Complete supervised operating experience so the airline can apply for your FAA certificate.

Qualifications and exams

Requirements vary by airline. United requires applicants to be 21+, have a high school diploma or GED, and have one year of customer-service experience. FAA certification follows approved training and operating experience.

Before departure, flight attendants check plans with the captain and inspect the cabin, emergency equipment, and food. They guide passengers, explain safety equipment, serve drinks, and check seats and bags before landing.

Do flight attendants get paid during training?

For example, United gives trainees a $140 weekly stipend and a $1,000 cash bonus after they successfully complete training. Source

Are meals and hotels covered on work trips?

The BLS says flight attendants receive an allowance for meals and lodging when working away from home. The amount depends on the employer's rules. Source

Does pay include time spent boarding?

It depends on the airline. At SkyWest, flight-hour pay starts when the main cabin door closes and also includes pay for each completed boarding. Source

Can flight attendants travel on their airline?

The BLS says flight attendants may get discounted airfare or free standby seats through their airline. Standby seats are available only when seats are open. Source

Do flight attendants work nights and holidays?

Schedules vary. Flight attendants may work nights, weekends, and holidays, and may spend several nights away from home. Source

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