Flight attendants have variable work schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, because airlines operate every day, and some offer overnight flights. Attendants work in an aircraft and may be away from home several nights per week.

Yes, flight attendants frequently stay away from home as a core part of their job, especially those working on long-haul international or multi-day domestic routes. These "layovers" typically last between 12 and 48 hours, though they can be longer depending on the airline's schedule and federal rest requirements. On average, a full-time flight attendant might spend anywhere from 10 to 18 nights away from home per month. The frequency and duration of these stays are often determined by "seniority"—more senior crew members have more flexibility in "bidding" for specific routes that either bring them home every night (known as "turns") or take them to desirable destinations for longer stays. During these times, the airline provides and pays for hotel accommodations and often a daily "per diem" allowance for meals. While this lifestyle can be challenging for those with families or pets, many flight attendants view it as a primary perk, as it allows them to explore different cities and cultures around the world at no personal cost, essentially getting paid to travel and experience new environments on a regular basis.