Why are flight attendants paid so much?

It varies, but many flight attendants easily make six figures a year. This is because they fly a lot, are topped out in pay, and have great seniority at one of the highest-paying airlines.



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$28,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $46,500 is the 75th percentile.

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Because until the plane closes its door, flight attendants do not get paid. While this seems like some sort of wildly illegal practice, it's not. In fact, it's industry standard and has been for decades, along with a handful of others practices that seem archaic in an industry as crucial as air travel.

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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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Key Points on Flight Attendant Pay
The higher the seniority, the higher rate of flight pay. Per diem is paid for every hour the flight attendant is away from home. Some airlines provide supplemental pay which could be based on position worked, languages spoken, international flights and night flying.

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Published Research. U.S. flight attendants have a higher prevalence of several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, thyroid cancer, and cervical cancer, when compared with the general public, according to new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

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It is possible for cabin crew members to become rich, but it usually depends on a few factors. Cabin crews have high salaries and are able to enjoy the perks that come with their jobs, like free travel. However, one of the biggest money mistakes they make is not investing wisely or saving enough for retirement.

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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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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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Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines are commercial airlines that pay the highest pilot salaries.

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“We trust our people to make the right decisions on and off the clock,” said Michelle Agnew, a spokesperson for Southwest. Flight attendants say that fending off flirtatious passengers comes with the territory, but some admit that they are open to finding a mate, or at least a date, on the job.

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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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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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On average, flight attendants rate the meaningfulness of their work a 2.8/5. While most flight attendants aren't very fulfilled by their work, some people may still manage to find meaning in it.

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One of the biggest issues is fatigue due to long hours away from home during certain times of the year such as holidays or peak travel periods when more flights are available. Another problem that can arise is dealing with unhappy or unruly passengers, which can make a flight attendant's job much more stressful.

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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. In most cases, a contract between the airline and the flight attendant union determines the total daily and monthly workable hours.

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Some use mattresses, while others sleep on jump seats or cushions. Some have the option of resting cabins; the size of a crew's rest compartments varies depending on the aircraft type. They may be located above or below the passenger cabin.

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Upon landing, flight attendants must remain stationed at exits and monitor the airplane and cabin as passengers disembark the plane.

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While being a flight attendant isn't the highest-paying job, you're almost always guaranteed to fly for free. Flight attendants can ride in coach for free or fly with a companion for about 90 percent off plus tax and fees on international flights.

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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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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 have different standards for the physical appearance of their flight attendants, but in general, they are looking for women who are attractive and well-groomed. It is important to note that being pretty is not the only criteria for being a successful flight attendant.

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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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