What if an airline does not have enough flying for a pilot? Fortunately, most pilot employment contracts and CBAs include a monthly hour minimum. This minimum requires the company to pay its pilots for a minimum number of flight hours, regardless of whether those hours are flown.

In 2026, the answer is a nuanced yes, though the majority of a pilot's income is typically tied to "flight hours." Most airline pilots receive a monthly guaranteed minimum (often 65 to 75 hours), meaning they get paid for that amount even if the airline doesn't schedule them to fly. Beyond this base, they are paid for their "Block Time"—from when the plane's brakes are released at the gate to when they are set at the destination. However, pilots also receive "Per Diem" payments for every hour they are away from their home base to cover meals and incidentals. Pilots also receive pay for mandatory ground duties, such as annual simulator training, medical check-ups, and office work if they hold management roles. Some European and corporate "salary-only" contracts provide a flat monthly rate regardless of flight time. However, many pilots are not paid for the time spent during pre-flight inspections, boarding, or ground delays before the door closes, which is why their hourly flight rates often appear exceptionally high to compensate for this "unpaid" duty time.