They can expect to spend 65-90 hours in the air, and an additional 50 hours preparing the airplane, processing passengers during boarding and performing post-flight procedures. Typically, flight attendants work 12-14 days and log 65-85 flight hours each month, not including overtime.

In 2026, a flight attendant's work hours are split into "flying hours" and "duty hours." On average, they fly 70 to 100 hours per month, which is the time the aircraft is actually moving (block time). However, their total "duty time"—which includes check-in, briefings, boarding, and waiting during delays—is much higher, often totaling 120 to 150 hours per month. Most airlines have a legal cap (around 100 flying hours) to prevent fatigue. While this may sound like a light schedule, it doesn't account for the time spent on "Reserve" (on call) or away from home on layovers. A typical schedule includes 12 to 14 days of work per month, often in 3-day or 4-day "trips." For international crew, a single flight can use 12+ hours of duty time in one go. While the "office hours" are lower than a 9-to-5, the physical toll of changing time zones and long periods on their feet makes the work significantly more demanding than the hourly total suggests.