The best airlines to work for as a flight attendant in 2026 offer more than high pay. Schedule flexibility, reserve rules, benefits, bases, international flying, and long-term earning potential can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
If you’re actively looking for opportunities, check the Future Flight Attendant Job Board to see which airlines are hiring flight attendants now. After nearly 19 years as a flight attendant, I’ve learned that the best airline is the one that gives you the career and lifestyle you actually want.
The Top 5 Best Airlines for Flight Attendants in 2026
Based on pay, earning potential, schedule flexibility, reserve, benefits, route network, bases, and long-term career value, my top five are:
1. Delta Air Lines – Best Overall
2. Southwest Airlines – Best for Earning Potential & Schedule Flexibility
3. United Airlines – Best for International Flying
4. American Airlines – Best All-Around Network Carrier
5. Alaska Airlines – Best for West Coast & Pacific Northwest Flying
There is no single “best” airline for every flight attendant. The right choice depends on what matters most to you, and the highest hourly rate does not always produce the highest paycheck or the best quality of life.
How I Ranked the Best Airlines for Flight Attendants
I looked beyond starting pay to rank these airlines. After nearly 19 years as a flight attendant, I know that the number printed on a pay scale tells only part of the story.
I considered starting and top-out compensation, overall earning potential, reserve, schedule flexibility, trip trading, bases, international flying, benefits, retirement, profit sharing, and long-term career value.
Schedule control deserves particular attention. The ability to pick up, drop, trade, or give away trips can give a flight attendant more control over both income and time off. Likewise, an airline with slightly higher pay may not be the best choice for you if its bases, route network, or reserve system don’t fit the life you want.
That’s why each airline below includes both what makes it stand out and what you should know before deciding where you want to build your career.
#1 Delta Air Lines — Best Overall
Delta Air Lines takes the #1 spot for 2026 because it offers one of the strongest overall combinations of compensation, schedule quality, profit sharing, route network, bases, and long-term career opportunity. If Delta is high on your list, start with the complete Delta flight attendant hiring process so you know what to expect before you apply.
One of Delta’s biggest advantages for new flight attendants is its scheduling system. Delta does not use a traditional full-month reserve system. Instead, flight attendants have scheduled A-Days each month when they are available for assignment. For someone entering the career, that can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.
Delta also continues to invest heavily in employee compensation. Eligible employees received a 2026 profit-sharing payout equal to 8.9% of eligible annual earnings, and Delta implemented another 4% base-pay increase in June 2026.
You can see the current Delta flight attendant pay scale and compensation details in my complete pay guide.
For flight attendants who want international flying, Delta also offers an extensive global network and a broad selection of bases. Compare the current Delta flight attendant bases before deciding whether the airline fits where you want to live or commute.
Why you’ll love it: Strong total compensation, substantial profit sharing, no traditional full-month reserve, international flying, and excellent long-term career potential.
What you need to know: Delta flight attendants are not represented by a union and do not work under a collective bargaining agreement. Pay, scheduling policies, and work rules are established by the company rather than through a flight attendant CBA.
#2 Southwest Airlines - Best for Earning Potential & Schedule Flexibility
Southwest Airlines earns the #2 spot because flight attendant compensation is about much more than the number printed on the pay scale. Southwest’s unique Trips For Pay (TFP) system, contractual pay protections, and exceptional schedule flexibility can create significant earning potential for flight attendants who understand how to use the system.
Southwest flight attendants can trade, pick up, and give away trips with other flight attendants, giving them considerable control over both their schedules and their income. That flexibility can work in either direction: fly more when you want to maximize your paycheck, or give away flying when time off matters more. Learn more about Southwest flight attendant pay, including how its TFP system differs from traditional flight-hour pay.
Southwest also has a significant presence in Hawaii, including service to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Kona, and Hilo. However, its route network is very different from the global networks of Delta, United, and American. If long-haul international flying is the reason you want this career, Southwest may not be your best fit. Review the Southwest flight attendant bases to see whether its network and domiciles fit the lifestyle you want.
There is another lifestyle difference candidates should know about: Southwest flight attendants are expected to make a reasonable effort to help tidy the aircraft between flights. That may sound like a small detail, but these are exactly the everyday differences worth understanding before choosing an airline.
Why you’ll love it: Exceptional schedule flexibility, potentially outstanding earning power, extensive trip-trading opportunities, strong contractual work rules, and a major Hawaii presence.
What you need to know: Southwest’s TFP pay system cannot be accurately compared dollar-for-dollar with a traditional flight-hour rate. Its own international network is also considerably more limited than the global networks of the Big Three.
#3 United Airlines - Best for International Flying
United Airlines earns the #3 spot for 2026 and is my top choice for flight attendants who want extensive international flying as part of their long-term career.
United’s global network, combined with its newly ratified flight attendant contract, has made the airline significantly more competitive in pay, benefits, and long-term earning potential.
Current United flight attendant pay starts at $38.21 per flight hour and reaches $87.47 at the top of the scale. The new contract also includes 50% boarding pay, a reserve override, increased per diem, and contractual pay increases through 2030.
See the complete United Airlines flight attendant pay guide for the current pay scale and compensation details.
For me, United’s biggest differentiator is the size of its international network. But new flight attendants need to understand how seniority affects the flying they can hold.
New hires on reserve may be assigned international trips. Regularly holding desirable long-haul international flying generally requires considerably more seniority.
International Pursers and language-qualified flight attendants may have additional opportunities based on their qualifications.
If international flying is part of your long-term vision for this career, United deserves serious consideration. Just don’t assume that a huge international network means you’ll immediately have your choice of international trips.
Compare the United Airlines flight attendant bases because your base and seniority can have an enormous impact on the flying available to you.
New hires should also understand United’s traditional reserve system and how schedule flexibility changes as seniority grows. Read the complete United Airlines flight attendant hiring process if United is one of your target airlines.
Why you’ll love it: Extensive long-term international flying opportunities, highly competitive new-contract compensation, boarding pay, strong earning potential, and a large global network.
What you need to know: Desirable long-haul international flying can be senior. New hires may fly internationally on reserve, but regularly holding those trips is a different story.
Some provisions of United’s new 2026 flight attendant contract are also being implemented in stages. Future Flight Attendant updates its United guides as new provisions officially take effect.
#4 American Airlines - Best All-Around Network Carrier
American Airlines earns the #4 spot as a strong all-around choice for flight attendants who want competitive compensation, a large route network, broad base options, contractual work rules, and excellent long-term retirement benefits.
American’s current flight attendant contract continues to increase compensation. Another contractual raise takes effect October 1, 2026, bringing first-year base pay to $37.91 per flight hour and top-of-scale pay to $87.04. American also offers boarding pay, profit sharing, and significant company retirement contributions. See the complete American Airlines flight attendant pay guide for current compensation details.
American’s size is another advantage. Its network and base options give flight attendants access to domestic and international flying and more possibilities for finding a domicile that works for their lives. Compare the American Airlines flight attendant bases when deciding whether American fits where you live or where you’re willing to relocate.
One important new-hire consideration is reserve. American flight attendants spend their first year on straight reserve before moving into the contractual rotation system beginning in their second year. That doesn’t make American a poor choice, but it is an important quality-of-life difference to understand when comparing it with an airline such as Delta.
If American is one of your target airlines, review the American Airlines flight attendant hiring process so you’re prepared for each step once applications open.
Why you’ll love it: Competitive pay, strong retirement benefits, profit sharing, broad base options, domestic and international flying, and contractual work rules.
What you need to know: New-hire flight attendants spend their first year on straight reserve, so schedule flexibility can look very different during your first year than it does later in your career.
#5 Alaska Airlines - Best for West Coast & Pacific Northwest Flying
Alaska Airlines rounds out the Top 5 and remains an especially strong choice for flight attendants who want to build their careers on the West Coast. Alaska combines competitive compensation, strong schedule flexibility, boarding pay, retirement benefits, and extensive flying throughout the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Schedule control is one of Alaska’s strengths. Its current flight attendant contract provides extensive opportunities to trade, pick up, and give away flying, which can give flight attendants more control over both their schedules and earning potential. Learn more about Alaska Airlines flight attendant pay and how its compensation compares with the other airlines on this list.
Where Alaska fits particularly well depends on the kind of career you want. Its network is smaller than the global networks of Delta, United, and American, but that may matter very little to someone who wants to live and fly primarily on the West Coast. Compare the Alaska Airlines flight attendant bases when deciding whether its network fits your lifestyle.
Alaska is also in a period of change following its combination with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian flight attendants are negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement, so some aspects of the long-term flight attendant experience may evolve as that process continues.
If Alaska is one of your target airlines, review the Alaska Airlines flight attendant hiring process for the latest application and interview information.
Why you’ll love it: Strong schedule flexibility, competitive compensation, boarding pay, retirement benefits, and an excellent West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii network.
What you need to know: Alaska’s network is smaller than the Big Three, and the ongoing Alaska-Hawaiian joint contract negotiations mean this is an airline we’ll continue watching closely as the combined operation evolves.
Which Airline Is Best for You?
The best airline to work for as a flight attendant depends on what you want from the career. Pay matters, but so do schedule flexibility, reserve, bases, route network, benefits, and the kind of flying you actually want to do.
If you want the strongest overall combination: Delta Air Lines
If earning potential and schedule flexibility are your priorities: Southwest Airlines
If international flying is your dream: United Airlines
If you want a large network, strong retirement benefits, and an all-around career option: American Airlines
If you want a West Coast-focused career with Alaska and Hawaii flying: Alaska Airlines
Don’t choose an airline based on top-out pay alone. The airline that looks best on a pay chart may not be the airline that gives you the schedule, base, flying, or quality of life you want for a long-term career.
Know Which Airline You Want? Now Get Ready to Compete for It.
Choosing the right airline is only the beginning. The next challenge is getting through one of the most competitive hiring processes in the industry.
You don’t need more scattered interview questions or generic advice. You need to understand what airline recruiters are actually evaluating and how to demonstrate that you’re the candidate they want on their aircraft.
Inside the Flight Attendant Interview Success Program, I teach you how to prepare for the skills airlines evaluate throughout the hiring process, including communication, judgment, emotional intelligence, and how to structure your answers effectively.
Don’t wait until an interview invitation arrives to start preparing. If you’re serious about turning your application into a CJO, start now.
Now is the time to join because current program pricing will be increasing soon.
Which Airline Pays Flight Attendants the Most?
If you’re comparing the highest-paying airlines for flight attendants, don’t simply sort the published pay rates from highest to lowest. Flight attendant compensation is more complicated than that, and the airline with the highest-looking hourly rate does not necessarily produce the highest paycheck.
United currently has one of the highest published top-of-scale flight-hour rates among the airlines on this list at $87.47 per hour, while American’s top rate increases to $87.04 on October 1, 2026. Delta’s compensation is strengthened by substantial profit sharing, and each airline has different premiums, boarding pay, per diem, retirement contributions, and work rules that affect total compensation.
Southwest is particularly important to understand. Southwest flight attendants are paid using Trips For Pay (TFP), not a traditional flight-hour system. Its pay rates, rigs, premiums, and extensive ability to pick up and trade flying can create earning opportunities that aren’t accurately represented by comparing its TFP rate directly with another airline’s hourly rate.
The bottom line: There isn’t one pay-scale number that tells you which airline will put the most money in your pocket. Your seniority, schedule, how much you choose to fly, trip construction, premiums, profit sharing, and the airline’s compensation system all matter.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Airlines for Flight Attendants
What Is the Best Airline to Work for as a Flight Attendant?
For 2026, I rank Delta Air Lines as the best overall airline to work for as a flight attendant because of its combination of compensation, profit sharing, schedule structure, route network, bases, and long-term career potential.
That doesn’t mean Delta is the best choice for everyone. Southwest may be more attractive if earning potential and schedule flexibility are your priorities, while United may be the better choice if extensive international flying is what you want most from your career.
What Is the Best Airline to Work for as a Flight Attendant?
For 2026, I rank Delta Air Lines as the best overall airline to work for as a flight attendant because of its combination of compensation, profit sharing, schedule structure, route network, bases, and long-term career potential.
That doesn’t mean Delta is the best choice for everyone.
Southwest may be more attractive if earning potential and schedule flexibility are your priorities. United may be a better choice if extensive international flying is part of your long-term career goal.
The best airline for you depends on the kind of flight attendant career and lifestyle you actually want.
Which Airline Pays Flight Attendants the Most?
There isn’t one simple answer because airlines don’t all compensate flight attendants the same way.
United has one of the highest published top-of-scale flight-hour rates among the airlines on this list at $87.47. American’s top rate increases to $87.04 on October 1, 2026.
But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Delta’s profit sharing can add significantly to total compensation, while Southwest uses a Trips For Pay (TFP) system that cannot be compared dollar-for-dollar with a traditional flight-hour rate.
Boarding pay, rigs, premiums, per diem, profit sharing, retirement contributions, seniority, and how much you choose to fly can all affect your actual earnings.
Which Airline Is Best for New Flight Attendants?
Delta has a significant quality-of-life advantage for new flight attendants because it does not use a traditional full-month reserve system. Instead, flight attendants have scheduled A-Days when they are available for assignment.
That doesn’t automatically make Delta the right choice for every new hire. Your base, financial goals, willingness to relocate, and the type of flying you want should all factor into your decision.
Don’t choose an airline based only on what the career looks like at top seniority. Pay close attention to what your first few years are likely to look like too.
Which Airline Is Best for International Flying?
United is my top choice for extensive international flying as a long-term career goal because of the size and reach of its global network.
However, new hires should understand the role seniority plays. United reserves may be assigned international trips, but regularly holding desirable long-haul international flying can require considerably more seniority.
International Pursers and language-qualified flight attendants may have additional opportunities based on their qualifications.
Which Airline Offers the Most Schedule Flexibility?
Southwest stands out for schedule flexibility. Its flight attendants have extensive opportunities to trade, pick up, and give away flying with other flight attendants.
That flexibility can be valuable in two completely different ways. You may be able to pick up additional flying when you want to earn more or give away flying when you value time off.
Alaska also offers strong trip-trading and schedule flexibility under its current flight attendant contract.
Should I Choose an Airline Based on the Highest Pay?
No. Pay should absolutely be part of your decision, but it shouldn’t be the only factor.
After nearly 19 years as a flight attendant, I consider schedule flexibility, reserve, bases, trip trading, benefits, retirement, route network, and long-term earning potential alongside the published pay scale.
A slightly higher hourly rate may not be worth much if the airline’s bases, schedule, or type of flying don’t fit the life you want.
Does It Matter Where a Flight Attendant Is Based?
Absolutely. Your base can have an enormous impact on your quality of life, especially when you’re new and have limited seniority.
Living in base can eliminate the time, expense, and uncertainty of commuting by air. If you’re unwilling to relocate, compare each airline’s bases carefully before deciding where to apply.
Do Flight Attendants Have to Stay on Reserve for Years?
Reserve varies significantly by airline, base, staffing needs, and seniority.
American places new-hire flight attendants on straight reserve during their first year before they enter its reserve rotation system. Delta uses scheduled A-Days instead of a traditional full-month reserve system.
At other airlines, how long you remain on reserve can vary considerably by base and hiring conditions. That’s why reserve should be evaluated as part of the overall career rather than as a single number.
Get Your Flight Attendant Interview Look Ready
Once you know which airlines you want to target, don’t wait until an interview invitation arrives to figure out what you’re going to wear.
Flight attendant interviews call for a polished, conservative, professional look. I’ve put together my recommended interview outfits, shoes, hosiery, and accessories in the Future Flight Attendant Amazon Storefront to make shopping easier.
Your interview outfit is part of the first impression you make before you ever answer a question.
Ready to Start Your Flight Attendant Career?
Choosing the right airline is important. Getting hired is what turns that choice into a career.
Check the Future Flight Attendant Job Board for current openings, and start preparing for your interviews before the invitations arrive.
If you’re ready to prepare seriously, the Flight Attendant Interview Success Program will help you understand what airlines are evaluating and how to show them you’re ready for the role.
How long are you on straight reserve at United? Is it until you become in the top 35% of seniority ?
Hi Kelly, to be off of reserve at United it’s more like the top 80% hold a line.
Some bases are more senior than others and it depends on how much hiring they do for how long the straight reserve lasts. Right now, the sooner you get hired the less time you will spend on reserve because they have a lot of new classes graduating this year.
What is a satelite base? For instance, at United there is a San Diego (satelite base) If I want to work for United how long will it take me to be based from San Diego?
Thanks,
Mari
Hi Mari, it’s impossible to say how long it will take to be based in SAN. It all depends on operational need and people transferring out and wanting to transfer in (everything is done by seniority). A satellite base is small and not a regular base with a lot of different destinations.
To hold a line it may be much quicker than you’d think it depends on the base. United has hired so many new flight attendants that bases that have been senior for years have new hires(2022) holding hard lines. They are projected to hire about 3-4 k more in the next year and again this will lessen the time on reserve for the bases that take in new hires. Right now BOS,IAH, and LAX new hires are able to hold lines and at several bases new hires can hold relief lines. This can all change depending on the amount of transfers in and out of a base but again it’s a great time to get in (quicker you get in better seniority will be)and as a united FA myself I would add that it’s a great airline to work for, truly.
What about JetBlue?? Can you give info on them??
Yes! Finally something about it.
There isn’t much good or accurate information out there about the best airlines for flight attendants. I’m happy you are enjoying Future Flight Attendant. 🙂
Hawaiian Airlines
I was a Flight Attendant for over 12 years. I was good at the career and I absolutely loved it!
Oh wow! I bet you loved being a flight attendant. Once flying gets into your blood, it’s always there. <3
Hello, is there a specific age to become a flight attendant? i always dream of being an international fight attendant.
Hi Linda, it depends on the airline. Some airlines hire at 18, some 19, some 20 and some 21. Unlike pilots, there is no age limit for flight attendants either. Airlines hire all ages which is one of my favorite things about the job. Here is a blog post you may be interested in: https://futureflightattendant.com/flight-attendant-age-limit/
If you can dream of being an international flight attendant, you can achieve it! 💕 ✈️
Hi, I’m going for my 2nd interview, face to face. You mentioned long hall is t something new recruits do. However, I applied for Greek/Italian speaking candidates. If Im successful, I presume I’ll be based in a city that departs for Greece and Italy, therefore getting the extra $2 for language speaker and long hall. Would this assumption be correct?
Hi Simona, Language override pay is $2.50 per hour, for each block hour actually flown. If successful you would be in the speaker base for Greek or Italian, and Language Qualified reserve FAs in speaker bases are assigned mostly international flights from the base to the language destination and other international destinations as needed but can also be assigned domestic trips according to operational need.
I just graduated from American Airlines training 2 months ago and just received a face-to-face invite from United. I am born and raised and prefer to live in Houston which is why United would’ve naturally been my first choice, however since I’ve just completed training I’m having a hard time deciding if United is a better company than American as far as pay and benefits. I know I’m not guaranteed Houston base fresh out of training however it is a possibility later on whereas if I were to stay with American, (unless American creates a houston base) I’ll never be able to be based in Houston…
Congrats on graduating from AA training, that’s an awesome accomplishment.
You know, with the reserve over ride United’s starting pay is pretty much the same as American Airlines. You really can’t beat living at home, and United has a lot of great benefits. I know this isn’t an easy decision for you, but if it comes down to pay, you won’t make less working at United.
Currently some 2018 hires are holding lines in Houston. Of course summer flying is increased and a lot of people will end up back on reserve, but as you probably already figured out, it is really nice to be based at home especially on reserve.
American has rotating reserve, and United is straight reserve so that could be another deciding factor for you.
Houston was Headquarters for Continental Airlines before United and Continental merged and HQ was moved to Chicago, so United occupies most of that airport. I doubt American will ever be able to have a base in IAH, unless it’s a satellite base or something because I doubt United will ever give up any gates there. I hope that helped you a little bit.
Hi Kristine,
As they say a Bird in the hand is better than 10 in the tree. Having a face to face interview does not mean United will offer you a job.
Also United is not that great, I went through the training. First day of training was to warn all of us about what we post on Social media. They will not tell you what you should not post but if they don’t like it they could fire you. I almost walked out that day because this is against Free Speech. We are basically treated as slaves to United. United owns you and what you say and do.
The instructors were horrible, reading from a paper at 100 miles an hour. Many people were sent home the first week, most teachers don’t even look up to see if we had any questions.
They simply don’t care. There were classes around the clock. So we are disposable and can be replaced.
The training is very hard, 6 days a week. As much as 12-14 hrs a day. On the 1 day off per week, there is usually tests the next day. They charge you an absurd amount for the uniform and the roller bag $900.
Overall, the company is dishonest and not transparent.
I don’t know what American Airlines is like but United is not great. there you have it. Do you really want to go through the training allover again ??
I knew it! I knew United was not as great as THEY think they are. United is an illusion of greatness. Phony, and trying tooooo hard to match Delta.
Delta will fire you for anything, including social media because they are an at will employer with no union. Grass isn’t always greener
I’m looking to switch careers but at the age of 40 it worries me. Do you think my age would be a problem?
40 is young for a flight attendant. There is no age limit. The airlines listed here are the best airlines for flight attendants and you can confidently apply knowing that there is no expiration date on your dreams.
You give me hope!
I became a flight attendant at the age of 57! I’m 60 now and getting ready to start training for one of the top 5 airlines. Don’t let age keep you from your dreams. That said… you have to work harder and study more in training than our younger co-trainees. But it is attainable!
🥰🥰🥰
That’s good to hear I’m 56 a US Citizen currently living in the UK ! What’s the best way to start the process I want to be US based thanks and good luck.
Hi Iain,
Thank you for your comment and interest in becoming a flight attendant! It’s great to hear that you’re eager to start the process and be US-based.
Since you live in the UK, I recommend starting with my free Quickstart Download Guide. This guide will provide valuable information and tips to help you begin your journey toward becoming a flight attendant. You can download the guide here.
Once you’ve gone through the Quickstart guide and better understand the process, you may consider enrolling in the FFA Course & Coaching Program or using the Flight Attendant Resume Service to enhance your chances of success further. These services are designed to provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout your journey.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. I’m here to help you succeed in becoming a flight attendant. Good luck, and I look forward to hearing about your progress!
Warm regards,
Deanna
Future Flight Attendant
Thank you for the comment. I’m 52 and have a f2f this week.
Wow now I am motivated to apply .what airlines if I may ask ?
Hi Mel, that’s great you are motivated to apply!
For a list of who’s hiring you can check the Future Flight Attendant Job Board, it’s updated daily. You can also join the newsletter because we send out weekly news and tips.
Also, as soon as an airline opens applications an email goes out to all the subscribers.
https://futureflightattendant.com/flight-attendant-jobs/
Are you required to move to a new state to be near one of the bases? Or can you stay living in your home state (as long as you live near an airport?)
Hello, you may be required to “relocate,” but that just means you stay in the city you were hired for when you are scheduled to work. You can go home, wherever that is on your days off. The post The Commuting Flight Attendant and The Fascinating Way We Get To Work will help you understand more about commuting.
Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and
style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something
completely unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to
ask!
Hello, I use WordPress; around 40% of websites are hosted on WordPress for a good reason. Off-topic, yes, but I’m so glad you asked! I’m multi-passionate and have been blogging since 2004 in different niches. I have a good blog post for you that can help you get started that is called “How To Start A Mom Blog – As a Powerful Online Business” but it’s not just for Moms. Anyone can start a blog using the steps I outlined in the post. Best of luck to you!
With most US based airlines you are treated like trash, disposable since they have so many people applying.
While United pays you $140 a week during training they charge you almost $900 for the uniform and bag. You think the stuff is made out of gold.
The training/instructors are really bad. They also threaten you from day 1 that they will watch everything you post on social media and if they don’t like it, you can get fired.
They do not tell you what you are not supposed to post, they let you guess.
This is of course illegal control of free speech.
Basically, they own you just because you work for them.
Frontier airlines makes you pay for the Unform too. It is of very poos quality, yet they charge you a minimum of $300
Then they sell you a laptop bag for $65 this is Mandatory. A bag that cost maybe $20. And as I recall the training is unpaid and no meals provided. And some of the WORST treatment to employees.
In general, many American companies treat their employees like trash then they boost how they are about customer service and how they care about employees. All LIES.
The biggest indicator of this is that the Airlines in the USA got $90 Billion in Covid aid from the Government, in order not to lay off people.
What did the airlines do? They laid off people and pocketed the money and now they are scrambling because they are short staffed.
Hi RC, I’m sorry you didn’t have the best experiences with Frontier and United. Every employee deserves to be valued.
United does offer $1000 after training. It would be nice if uniforms and luggage were offered, but it’s super expensive for any airline to train flight attendants. Unfortunately, new flight attendants have to pay for luggage and uniforms.
The longer you stay with any airline, the better and more lucrative it gets.
Hi Deanna, I like our perspective and outlook on things. I’m considering a career change after I complete my Master’s Degree next year. No job is perfect and with many of them, you don’t reap the benefits until you’ve put the time in.
How long does it take from application to interview when looking to become a flight attendant? I know it’s different from airline to airline and person to person. This is a great post thank you for sharing.
Hi! Do you have any insight on any additional airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit etc..? I’m currently interviewing/choosing between airlines and wanted to know which one would possibly be the best for me.
Hello JG,
Allegiant is a turn airline, so no layovers. You go a few places and end up at your home base every night.
Here is a post on Frontier: https://futureflightattendant.com/frontier-airlines-flight-attendant/
Spirit will be merging with JetBlue, I have a Spirit blog post in the works (I’ve been debating finishing it because of the merger, but it will still be a few years before the merger is complete), and here is some info on JetBlue for you: https://futureflightattendant.com/jetblue-flight-attendant-job/
If you want the best advice for the right airline for you, so that you can have the highest pay and the best destinations the course & coaching program is the way to go, you receive personalized flight attendant interview coaching and career counseling so you can start accruing seniority and avoid costly mistakes. https://futureflightattendant.com/flight-attendant-school/
Delta was amazing to work for as a flight attendant, but unfortunately I left due to personal circumstances and mental health. Now that I am older and have gotten a lot better on the mental health front, I’d love to be able to be rehired. This article was very helpful. I’ll try reapplying, because although Delta doesn’t have a union, those 6 Adays seemed more bearable than being on straight and rotating reserve.
Hi. Thanks for all the great info. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. The pandemic killed my job and I’m suffering from a lot of debt. I was wondering if it were possible to not have a base necessarily and just continue to work and pick up flights? Maybe take 2 or 3 days off in a city I feel like enjoying? Live out of a suitcase and hotels?
Hello, I’m sorry that you are suffering from the impact of the pandemic. To answer your question, more seniority you have the more flexibility you schedule will have, but regardless you will always have a base.
Hello, I’m reading this post late. The info is very helpful. I’m inquiring for my teenage grand-daughter who’s interested in becoming a flight attendant. She’s only 17, but will soon be 18. She lives in Georgia about 30 miles outside of Atlanta. At what age could she start applying?, and what’s the best way to get started with the hiring process?.
You or your grand daughter can look into the specific airline to see the minimum age. Some are 18 most are 20 – 21.
Hello, there are a few airlines that hire at 18, Breeze Airways is one of them. Future Flight Attendant has a course and coaching program that can help her with her resume, flight attendant career counseling, choosing the right airline, and she will learn how to master the interview process. Once she turns 20 she can upgrade her airline to one of the majors, and the course has ongoing monthly coaching calls so she can jump back in whenever she is ready to upgrade. https://futureflightattendant.com/flight-attendant-school/
How many days are required for reserve a month? For instance, can you work all your reserve days at your base then go home?
Do you have an article strictly pertaining to pros/cons of each Regional?
Hello. I’m a 59 year old male in good health and who will be retiring in next few months from my current position, which is in not in the airline indursty. I’ve always wanted to be a flight attendant and would like to pursue that goal. Am I wasting my time given my age?
Hi! Do you know how often United hires English speaking flight attendants? I’ve been looking on their website for over a month, and there have only been postings for foreign languages.
Hi Mace, for 2023 United has been doing hiring events for non-speaker (foreign language) positions in cities across the country. If you check the Future Flight Attendant Job Board you can see the current hiring event listed under Untied. https://futureflightattendant.com/flight-attendant-jobs/
I want to become a flight attendant but I’m unemployed and unfortunately I have no savings. What do you suggest I do? As much as I would love to just apply, I don’t have my own car, and I don’t live near my local airport
My daughter is interested in becoming a flight attendant right after high school. If she gets hired with an airline that allows training / hiring at age 18, how easy will it be to be hired by another (better pay, international flights, preferred airport base etc.) airline once she reaches the age of 20/21? I hope the question makes sense. Will she then have to do training with the new airline as well?
I gathered from some of the comments that out of the many people that start training, quiet a few will be send home. What are some not so obvious reasons for this?
How long will it take to be “booked” on international flights? My daughter is a dual citizen and speaks a second language fluently.
How important are languages? Will it help to be hired if you speak one or two languages besides english?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Julia, You and your daughter would benefit from Flight Attendant Career Counseling to answer all of your questions and more. It’s a great way to help her plan out her new career path and what she can do right now to get her on track. https://ffa-online-academy.teachable.com/p/ffa-online-academy3
Alaska’s top pay at year 16 is currently $59.42. Starting is $22.28, per TFP. You may want to adjust the information for accuracy. Thank you!
Hello LAXMAMA, thank you for pointing that out. I’m not sure why I had that incorrectly. According to the SLOA 2021-05-12 starting pay is $24.95 and 16 year pay is $60.31 per AFA. Is that not correct?
Oopsie! So sorry! That is my fault! You are correct, as the contract extension was not what I was looking at. We were given a minuscule raise.
Meanwhile we are waiting for contract negotiations to continue and picketing at all bases for an improved contract. It’s going to be a long, hot summer! 🔥🔥🔥
Hello-
So happy to find your website!
I am coming to the end of my 30 year teaching career and have always thought about becoming a flight attendant. I will be 54 years old when I retire and it seems age is no concern so that is great news!
I live within 45 minutes of DCA as well BWI. In looking at your site info, American Airlines for DCA would be one I would apply to as well as Southwest at BWI.
Anything else I am missing?
Excited to try a new career path!
Hello, that sounds like a great plan to transition into the Flight Attendant Career. United has a base in Dulles (IAD), and they cover three airports: IAD, DCA, and BWI. Best of luck to you!
I want to become a flight attendant but I’m unemployed and unfortunately I have no savings. What do you suggest I do? As much as I would love to just apply, and I reside in South Africa
Hello. I am wanting to apply for a flight attendant position. I have ordered and paid for my passport, but has not arrived yet. What is the best way to answer the question on the application asking do you have a valid passport? Some say do you have a valid passport in hand. It’s a yes or no answer. You can not say no, but it’s on the way. If I say no will that knock me out, and if I say yes, it’s kind of not being truth full because it’s not in hand at the moment. Please advise on how to answer this question.
Thank you,
Hi, thank you for taking the time to put this together, I received cjo from both Southwest and Alaska. I am not sure which to go with. Both seem to be great companies. Base is not an issue as both have one I hope to score. What else should I keep in mind while trying to decide. I understand Southwest pays just a tad bit more, does Alaska have perks Southwest doesn’t, that might offset that? I have to decide asap as training is coming up. Thanks in advance.
yeah, but FA’s should not have to be with airlines 10+ to make a livable wage. that is what is wrong in this industry. these FA’s that are 1-4 yrs in are having to live at home or are on food stamps & it is despicable all while the CEO is buying yet another mansion or mercedes. these FA’s are actually working 99 hrs and getting paid for 78 hrs each month where they can’t even afford rent in these astronomical base cities.
AA, UA, and all these main lines just want to reply “not interested” to each request by the union cuz they want to be keep the money for themselves and treat the FA’s like they are worthless when actually they are the most valuable position next to the pilot in the entire company. WAKE UP CORPORATE GREED & PAY THESE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS WHAT THEY ARE WORTH.
You’ll get no argument from me about corporate greed.
I hope that American and United’s FA unions can get a great new contract like Southwest’s new TA.
It was a livable wage when the contracts were first passed. Then they expired with no cost of living increase for how many years?!
Contract language needs to be put in place for FAs to continue to get raises when companies drag their feet while in negotiations.
If not, then at least mandatory retro pay.
So with delta paying minimum wage during training instead of normal starting pay, what’s the amount in numbers we’re looking at to be paid?
Which airlines let you pick your base, and guaranteed when out of training?
Hi Deborah, some airlines hire for specific bases, Allegiant is one off the top of my head.
How and where do you get the training at??
What about having tattoos?
Hi Michelle,
Great questions! To receive flight attendant training, you first need to make it through the intensive interview process and receive a conditional job offer from an airline. Training is provided by the airline itself once you’re hired.
If you want to stay updated on who’s hiring and get all kinds of help landing your dream job, I’d recommend joining our Future Flight Attendant email list—you’ll find plenty of valuable resources there! You can get a free download HERE to get you started.
As for tattoos, it depends on the airline’s specific policy. You can check out my blog post about tattoo policies here for more details: Can Flight Attendants Have Tattoos?
Best of luck on your journey to the skies!
Hi I recently graduated from highschool and I didn’t get a high school diploma but I got the leaving certificate can I still be hired?. Also I went back to school for 6th form, am in grade 12 doing 2 years so I can get more subjects and get my documents ready for being a flight attendant, but am lost kinda am fresh out of school and m trying to help myself here, and I don’t know the qualifications needed or a direct contact or what should I do in the meantime? I have work experience and I work before but please……what should I do now? What next step should I take? And am from Jamaica and am 18 years old
Hi Deanna, I have been researching for hearing qualifications for being a flight attendant. All airlines say you must have all 5 senses. I see that some say you can fly with hearing aids but have to be a certain htz. (?) Others say you have to pass an eye and hearing test – but what does that involve? I am 59 years old right now. In 3 years I will retire from 40 years as an elementary teacher and want to become a FA. This is what I really wanted to do years ago, but lost part of my hearing when I was a freshman in college. When I attended a job fair in 1985, they wouldn’t even look at me with/out a hearing aid. Now I see guidelines have changed a lot! I visited with a FA on our way back from LV, and she looked at me weird when I told her about my story. She simply said that it’s not too late, it’s a life style change, and to go for it. Our girls are grown, I’m a grandma, I am in way too good of shape to do nothing -training to run another marathon this May, and I have loved all the people I have met in education – colleagues, administrators, school board members, students, parents, grandparents, community involvement, etc.; along with the situations, disputes, conflicts, personalities – customer service at its finest with a smile, yet strict “teacher face” when needed. I need to know more about the hearing guidelines. My audiologist and ENT physician will help me where needed and even write a letter of recommendation if needed. Just want to soar with that dream that’s still in my heart!
Hello Janis,
Thank you for sharing your story and your dream of becoming a flight attendant! The passion you’ve demonstrated in your teaching career, your fitness level, and your dedication to serving others are all qualities that align beautifully with the flight attendant role. It’s never too late to pursue this dream!
Hearing requirements for flight attendants have indeed evolved over the years. While most airlines require that flight attendants have the ability to hear in-flight announcements and respond to safety commands, the use of hearing aids is often permissible as long as they enable you to meet the required hearing standards. These standards are typically assessed during a pre-employment medical exam, which includes a hearing test. The specific requirements, such as frequency ranges (measured in Hertz or Hz), may vary by airline and are determined to ensure safety and effective communication in various scenarios.
Since you’ve already consulted with your audiologist and ENT physician, I recommend reaching out to the airlines you’re interested in directly to clarify their specific guidelines. You can also check with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) depending on where you plan to apply, as they oversee many of these regulations.
Your skills in conflict resolution, customer service, and working with diverse groups of people are exceptional assets that will shine during the application process. It’s encouraging that you’ve already received advice from a flight attendant to “go for it”—because you absolutely should! It sounds like you’re already preparing yourself physically, emotionally, and professionally for this exciting lifestyle change.
If you’d like, I can share more resources on preparing for a flight attendant career, or you can explore my other blog posts for tips on applications, interviews, and training.
Wishing you the very best as you pursue this dream.
Warm regards,
Deanna
To convert the TFP pay at Southwest and Alaska into block hour pay, just multiple it by 1.15. So our current starting pay with new contract at WN is $30.75 then on 5/1/25 going up to $31.67 and top-out pay at $77.43 and on 5/1/25 going up to $79.75 (that’s our tfp rate) so multiple those rates by 1.15 and you will have the block hour pay. We have cost of living increase up until 2027. Flight attendants with over 25 years of service will receive an additional $1.50 per tfp for trips flown to include RIGs. So we are definitely the best paid F/A’s in the industry.
Thank you M.S. for converting TFP so eloquently. Southwest did right by their FAs with the new pay scale and the retro pay was fantastic. I love that they gave the additional incentive to FAs with over 25 years. Congratulations to all of you at WN!
I agree! Ofc there are always those who think we should’ve got more etc, but given the current state of the economy, I’m satisfied.
Hi Deanna,
If I get to the point of Inflight Training with United, and I’m temporarily living overseas (I have family over in Asia), would UA fly me to Houston from Asia for training? I’ve looked for this answer, but with no luck.
Thank you! 🙂
Kate
Hi Kate,
United does not provide travel from outside the country to initial training.
Best of luck to you.
Deanna
Thank you so much, Deanna! 🙂
You’re welcome. ☺️
I recently retired with 46 years as a
Flight Attendant with United.
What a Blessed Career.
I was able to see the World on
United Airlines.
Thank You.
I have always desired to be a flight attendant. I feel I am much older than most – but after 39 years as a realtor and sales and marketing in construction – I have the “people” skills and ability to meet deadlines. I am happy to relocate if needed. Hoping an airline will consider – I don’t look or act my lol (everyone says that )
Please don’t count yourself out Debbie! There is no upper age limit for becoming a flight attendant, and 39 years in real estate, sales, and marketing gives you a tremendous amount of customer-facing experience to bring with you. Being willing to relocate also gives you more flexibility when you begin applying.
If you’re seriously considering making the change, I created the Flight Attendant Career Brief specifically to help people understand the career, hiring process, pay, bases, reserve life, and what to expect before deciding on their next move.
You can find it here:The Flight Attendant Career Brief
I hope you go for it! ✈️