💼 Jobs & Career
Becoming a Flight Attendant: Requirements and Training
Flight attendants get paid to travel the world. Here's what it takes to get hired, how much you'll earn, and the reality of life in the skies.
Requirements
- Age: 18-21 minimum (varies by airline)
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Height: 4'11" - 6'1" (reach overhead bins)
- Language: Fluent English, second language preferred
- Passport: Valid US passport
- Background check: Clean criminal record
Salary Breakdown
| Airline Type | Year 1 | Year 5 | Year 10+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major (Delta, United) | $35,000-$45,000 | $60,000-$80,000 | $80,000-$100,000+ |
| Budget (Spirit, Frontier) | $28,000-$35,000 | $45,000-$60,000 | $60,000-$75,000 |
| Regional | $25,000-$30,000 | $40,000-$50,000 | $50,000-$65,000 |
Benefits
- Free travel: Fly standby for free on your airline (and discounted on others)
- Health insurance: Full benefits package
- Hotel layovers: Free hotel on overnight layovers
- Per diem: Daily food/meal allowance
The hiring trick: Apply to all major airlines at once " — the process takes6-12 months. Practice the video interview (most airlines use HireVue). Show warmth, friendliness, and safety awareness. Being bilingual (especially Spanish) is a huge advantage.
⚠️ Flight Attendant Tips:
- Don't expect high pay in year one " — it takes time to build seniority
- Don't forget the irregular schedule " — you'll work holidays and weekends
- Don't underestimate the physical demands " — you're on your feet for hours
- Don't apply to only one airline " — cast a wide net
The bottom line: Flight attendants earn $28K-$100K+ depending on airline and seniority. Requirements: high school diploma, 4'11"+, clean record, valid passport. Free travel benefits are amazing. Apply to multiple airlines, practice the video interview, and be patient " — it takes6-12 months.