Flight attendants receive an allowance for meals and accommodations while working away from home. Although attendants may be required to purchase an initial set of uniforms and luggage, their employer usually pays for replacements and upkeep.

On most Legacy and Full-Service airlines (like Emirates, Delta, or British Airways), the airline provides the initial uniform set—including jackets, trousers/skirts, shirts, and often suitcases—for free. They view the uniform as a critical part of their brand identity. However, "Low-Cost Carriers" (LCCs) like Ryanair or Wizz Air often require new recruits to pay for their own uniforms, which can cost between €300 and €500. This amount is sometimes deducted from the first few months of salary. Even at airlines that provide free uniforms, crew members are usually responsible for purchasing their own shoes, hosiery, and grooming kits (like specific shades of lipstick or hair ties) that meet the strict "Style Guide" requirements. In 2026, many airlines have moved toward sustainable, recycled fabrics, and while replacements for "wear and tear" are usually free, losing a piece of the uniform or damaging it through negligence might result in a replacement fee charged to the employee's account.