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How much free time do you have as a flight attendant?

New flight attendants typically work a reserve schedule and must be close to the airport, or sometimes wait at the airport for a call to duty. Senior flight attendants enjoy more flexibility in their schedule and choice of destinations. Both roles enjoy the same travel benefits with about 12 days off per month.



The amount of free time a flight attendant has is highly variable and depends on their seniority, the type of routes they fly, and their specific airline's contract. On average, a full-time flight attendant works between 75 and 100 "block hours" (time the aircraft is moving) per month, but this does not include time spent at the airport, in briefings, or on layovers. When flying long-haul international routes, attendants typically have "layover time" at the destination, which can range from 12 to 48 hours, providing them with a significant amount of free time to explore new cities, sleep, or relax in a hotel. Between scheduled trips, most flight attendants have blocks of 3 to 4 days off at their home base. Senior flight attendants who can "bid" on their schedules often create blocks of 10 to 15 days off per month by consolidating their working hours into intense back-to-back trips. However, junior crew members on "reserve" (on-call) status have much less predictable free time, as they must be ready to head to the airport within two hours' notice. While the job is physically demanding, the unique scheduling often allows for more concentrated "quality" free time than a traditional 9-to-5 office job.

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Flight attendants may have variable schedules, and part-time work is common. They often work nights, weekends, and holidays because airlines operate every day and have overnight flights. They may spend several nights per week or per month away from home.

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Consistent with the statutory mandate, the FAA is amending its regulations to ensure that flight attendants scheduled to a duty period of 14 hours or less are given a scheduled rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours and that the rest period is not reduced under any circumstances.

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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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Under the rule, flight attendants are entitled to a minimum rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours when they're scheduled to work for 14 hours or less. The law allows for no reduction of the rest period under any circumstances.

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(13) Each certificate holder conducting domestic, flag, or supplemental operations must relieve each flight attendant engaged in air transportation and each commercial operator must relieve each flight attendant engaged in air commerce from all further duty for at least 24 consecutive hours during any 7 consecutive ...

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Cabin crew rules
Cabin crew have to have a minimum of 7 days off per month. They can work up to 60 duty hours in 7 days, 110 hours in 14 days, and 190 hours in 28 days.

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Average Flight Attendant Pay vs. Flight Attendants earned an average salary of $62,280 in 2021.

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Flexible schedule
Airline companies want crew members to be well-rested to ensure safe travel, so a company might limit the hours crew members can work. Many flight attendants work three days per week. This can be a great benefit for some people, as it allows more time for travel, family or personal interests.

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Steps to Take to be a Flight Attendant
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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Here are 10 common advantages of the flight attendant career path:
  • Free flights and travel opportunities. ...
  • Flight benefits for family and friends. ...
  • Flexible schedule. ...
  • Opportunities to meet new people. ...
  • Food expense reimbursement. ...
  • Overnight hotel stays. ...
  • Ability to self-direct. ...
  • Health insurance.


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How often do flight attendants get paid? Many airlines pay flight attendants on a monthly basis. Some airline payment periods can be more frequent, but this often depends on the employment contract flight attendants are working under.

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As a flight attendant, you'll be eligible for free flights – sometimes for your friends or family, too! – and maximum time off to enjoy the destinations of your choice during your free time. You'll also get discounts on hotels, car rentals, other airlines' flights, and vacation packages.

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Flight attendants on long-haul flights are provided with spaces to rest. Here's a photo of the crew rest area on a Boeing 787. Crew rest areas exist on all airplanes, but what these rest areas look like depends on the airline, aircraft and the length of the flight.

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Flight Attendants enjoy the following benefits: Sleep in your own bed at night (most of our trips are return home every night)

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Height-wise, attendants should be between 5'2” and 6'3” without shoes. They do not allow facial piercings or visible tattoos – even if concealed. A high school degree is required, with 2 or more years of college preferred.

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Most attendants are usually limited to working 12 hours shifts but some are allowed to work 14 hour shifts. Those working on international flights are usually permitted to work longer shifts. Attendants usually spend 65-90 hours in the air and 50 hours preparing planes for passengers monthly.

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How many flights can I expect to fly on a typical day? The number of flights will vary based on the trip assigned. However, as an Endeavor flight attendant, you can expect to fly from one to six flights in a day.

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Flight Attendants earned an average salary of $62,280 in 2021.

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Do flight attendants get free hotel accommodation? Yes, flight attendants often receive complimentary hotel stays during layovers (also called a stopover) as part of their job benefits. However, this only applies when the flight attendants are on duty and are required to layover in a different city or country.

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Per the airline's guidelines, visible tattoos aren't allowed while wearing the flight attendant uniform, even if covered by makeup, jewelry or a bandage. The policy prohibits tattoos in areas visible while wearing the cabin crew uniform, such as the face, ears, hands, wrists and neck.

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