What do I need to pass to be a flight attendant?

Flight attendants typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent and work experience in customer service. Applicants must meet minimum age requirements, typically 18 or 21; be eligible to work in the United States; have a valid passport; and pass a background check and drug test.



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Certain previous convictions such as crimes involving an aircraft or any violent crime, felony or time spent in jail would prevent you from being able to work as a Flight Attendant.

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

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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.

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It's a physical job, but not all flight attendants must be slim and trim. You do, however, have to fit into the flight attendant jumpseat. Flight attendants have no set weight requirements, as body types can vary even if two people are the same height and weight.

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They must pass a background test and have a vision level for which they can correct to at least 20/40. You may also have to meet other requirements set by the specific airline. For example, some airlines may require flight attendants to be a certain height or not have tattoos or piercings.

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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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Airlines provide a three- to six-week training program for their flight attendants. You will typically attend training for eight hours a day throughout the duration of the program. This training prepares you to use airport codes, make PA announcements, perform routine job duties and handle in-flight emergencies.

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The standards are set very high and the exams have a pass rate of 95% or above, depending on the airline. The training means working long days, lots of homework and stress. Some people leave during training either because they do not meet the grade or because they realize that it's not the right job for them.

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When it comes to new flight attendants just starting out, the highest paying airlines are JetBlue, $32,000, and Southwest Airlines, $30,000. For seasoned flight attendants looking for earning potential, JetBlue, $103,000, and Alaskan Airlines, $113,000, are the highest paying airlines.

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Flight pay is paid for the hours the flight attendant is on the plane. The rate of flight pay typically increases after every year of employment until the top rate is reached. The higher the seniority, the higher rate of flight pay. Per diem is paid for every hour the flight attendant is away from home.

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A business degree with an emphasis in customer service or public relations is another excellent option. If you are especially interested in international flights, you might consider getting a degree in a foreign language. Applicants with college-level education are often given preference in employment.

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You'll have to remember a lot of important information, before, during, and after class. It may feel like a lot, but in just three weeks you'll have an exciting new career. Pay attention in class. Understand that the instructors are thorough and want you to do well.

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Am I paid while in training? Flight attendant trainees receive training pay of $1,500 (less applicable taxes) in two installments. The first half is paid during the first/second pay period of the month, depending on training start date.

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Most airlines require a 90% passing grade on all exams during new hire training. Only 60% of new-hire flight attendants make it through new-hire training. Only 50% survive the first year of employment.

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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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The FAA follows the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations, and those regulations require testing for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates/opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines (which includes methamphetamines and MDMA (“Ecstasy”)).

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While many airlines still require female flight attendants to wear high heels as part of their uniform, there is no industry-wide requirement for this footwear. In recent years, some airlines have relaxed their dress codes to allow more comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or flats.

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For pilots and flight attendants, a pre-employment drug screening is conducted after an individual is given a conditional job offer. The drug test is meant to identify the use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, and opiates. In the US, drug tests are conducted by urine examination.

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You must be age 55 with10 years of company service. With the exception of a Medical Leave of Absence, all Flight Attendants must retire from active status or voluntary furlough. If you were age 50 with 10 years of service as of May 1, 2003, you also met the eligibility requirements for early retirement.

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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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