Flight attendants are also paid an hourly meal allowance known as a per diem (Latin for ?per day?) whenever they work outside of their base location. Per diem is paid round the clock (even when you are sleeping!), in addition to the guaranteed hour salary.

Yes, flight attendants receive a food allowance commonly referred to as per diem. This is a non-taxable hourly payment meant to cover the cost of meals and incidental expenses while they are working away from their home "base." In 2026, standard per diem rates for major US carriers typically range from $1.50 to $2.60 per hour, depending on whether the flight is domestic or international. Unlike a traditional meal stipend that only covers lunch or dinner, per diem is paid "around the clock" from the moment the crew member signs in for their trip until they return to their domicile and are released from duty. For long-haul international flights, many airlines also provide crew meals on board, which are identical to those served to the pilots, ensuring the staff remains nourished during duty periods that often exceed 10 to 14 hours. This combination of hourly per diem and provided meals helps offset the high cost of eating at airports and in major global cities.