How long is flight attendant probation?

Job offers are not permanent until you successfully obtain the certificate and pass a 6 month probationary period.



In 2026, the standard probation period for new flight attendants typically lasts between 6 months and 1 year, depending on the airline's specific contract and regional labor laws. This period begins immediately after the completion of initial "Wings" training. During probation, new hires are under intense scrutiny regarding their attendance, grooming standards, safety performance, and teamwork. Many airlines have a "zero-tolerance" policy for late arrivals (reserve or active) during this time. Probationary flight attendants often have different scheduling rules, such as being placed on "Straight Reserve," where they must be ready to fly on short notice without a set monthly schedule. Successful completion of probation is often celebrated with a formal "pinning" ceremony or a transition to full seniority benefits, including better flight-bidding options and increased job security. If a flight attendant fails to meet the rigorous standards during this window, the airline can usually terminate their employment without the standard grievance procedures available to senior crew members.

People Also Ask

It's difficult and can take a long time. Airlines can take 3-6 months to get through the hiring process, that's if your resume makes it through the first cut. Intense Competition. We estimate there are 1 – 1.5 million flight attendant applications for 5,000 – 10,000 jobs.

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Prior to Covid-19, it is estimated that there were 1,500,000 flight attendant applications for only a few thousand positions. The odds of getting hired was less than 1%.

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Flight Attendant school has become ever more important. Historically, there has been around a 1% hiring rate. In other words, your chances of getting hired is 1 out of 100.

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Which airlines pays flight attendants the most
  • JetBlue and Southwest Airlines pay flight attendants the most, starting at $32,000 and $30,000 each.
  • For experienced flight attendants seeking higher earnings, JetBlue and Alaskan Airlines offer top salaries.
  • The airlines pay an average salary between $103,000-$113,000.


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Delta Airlines is one of the best airlines to work for in the US. They offer competitive salaries and benefits, excellent training programs, and a clear career progression path. Delta also has a strong safety record and a good reputation in the industry.

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It is estimated that up to 60% of flight attendants fail their initial training and are released before getting hired because of the rigorous nature of their on-boarding.

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Flight attendants are only paid for their flight time. This means they are not compensated when they are walking through the airport to get to a gate or waiting for the aircraft to arrive. Their time clock does not start until the cabin door is closed.

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If successful, you may be invited to Flight Attendant training. training is unpaid, food and lodging are provided.

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For aspiring flight attendants, Delta Air Lines, ranked by its employees as one of the best places to work, is also one of the most difficult places to get a job. It's harder to get invited to Delta flight attendant training than it is to get into Harvard University.

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The average flight attendant age is 49 years old. The most common ethnicity of flight attendants is White (59.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (15.8%), Black or African American (10.2%) and Asian (7.6%). Flight attendants are most in-demand in Los Angeles, CA.

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At some airlines, the minimum age requirement to be a flight attendant is 18, but for most, it's 20-21. As a flight attendant, age is just a number. You can be too young to be a flight attendant but not too old if you are in good shape and can work long hours and do some heavy lifting.

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Can you make a living as a flight attendant? Yes, you can make a decent living as a flight attendant. The median salary is $61,640 per year and there are many opportunities to make more than that based on your experience level, the airline you work for and even your geographic location.

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