Is Southwest Flight Attendant training paid?

Q: Will I be paid during training? A: No. However, within five working days after your Flight Attendant graduation, you will receive $1,200 Initial Training Pay minus applicable taxes and benefit deductions. During training, you will also receive a $425 meal stipend in the form of a pre-paid Visa card.



As of 2026, Southwest Airlines does not pay a traditional salary during its initial 4-week Flight Attendant training program in Dallas. However, the airline provides free housing and meals (or a meal stipend) for the duration of the training. While you are not "on the clock" for wages during those weeks, Southwest often provides a small graduation bonus or a "new hire stipend" (approx. $1,200–$2,000) upon successful completion of the program to help with relocation and initial expenses. The training is highly competitive and rigorous, covering safety, federal regulations, and Southwest's unique culture. Once you graduate and are officially "pinned," you begin receiving your hourly pay and per diem based on your flight schedule. It's important to note that Southwest never charges candidates for the application or the training itself; if you are asked for money, it is a scam.

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The most important point to clear up is that airline employees do pay for their travel unless they are commuting for work. Even though they may not be responsible for covering the airfare that you would normally pay to fly, they are responsible for paying the taxes and fees on their tickets.

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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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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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