Best Airlines For Flight Attendants To Work For
Contents
What may be the perfect airline for one person may not be for another.
If you want to know what the best airlines for flight attendants are read on, as we go through the list of the top five best airlines for flight attendants.
This post will answer some questions about reserve, and the bases of the top five best airlines for flight attendants to work in the United States.
Flight attendant pay is an important aspect of the job, and these top 5 are the highest paid airlines for flight attendants.
You can get a better understanding of what the expected starting salary as a new flight attendant is if you keep in mind you won’t be working 40 hours a week but something more like 20 paid hours a week.
A line holder or line of flying is the schedule you bid for and you are not a reserve flight attendant who is “on call”.
A base, is where you will fly from, where you are based. Where your trips will originate and where they will end.
Alaska Airlines
Before you get hired at Alaska Airlines as a flight attendant you will go to unpaid training for five weeks.
Alaska Airlines accepts flight attendants starting at age 21.
Alaska Airlines takes longer to top out in pay than the other larger airlines, Alaska Airlines starts their flight attendants at $24.95 per hour and they top out after 16 years at $60.31.
One of the things that makes Alaska one of the best airlines to work for is that just like Southwest they have TFP, or trips for pay. That means all of their trips have extra pay padded into them which is an excellent benefit.
Alaska airlines has a straight reserve system which means as a new flight attendant you will be on reserve until you have acquired enough seniority to not be on reserve anymore.
As an Alaska Airlines flight attendant you may be based in:
- SEA (Seattle, WA)
- PDX (Portland, OR)
- SAN (San Diego, CA)
- ANC (Anchorage, AK)
- LAX (Los Angeles, CA)
- SFO (San Francisco, CA)
American Airlines
Another one of the best airlines for flight attendants is American Airlines.
Before you get hired at American Airlines as a flight attendant, you will head off to unpaid training for 6.5 weeks. American accepts flight attendants starting at 20 years of age.
Even though the training is unpaid there is a $40 stipend paid for the days you spend in training.
American Airlines is one of the best airlines to work for as a flight attendant because they are one of the largest carriers in the country and have amazing domestic and international destinations.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Pay is very competitive and they pay their flight attendants quite well. Starting pay as an American Airlines Flight Attendant is $30.35, topping out at $68.25 after 13 years.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Reserve. A first year as an American Airlines Flight Attendant you will be on straight reserve, if needed as a reserve after that you will rotate one month on reserve, one month of holding a line for three years. If needed as a reserve after four years, it is one month on reserve and three months of holding a line.
At any time during your career if you seniority allows you to hold a line, regardless of the time you have been on any type of reserve, you will hold a line.
As an American Airlines Flight Attendant you may be based in:
- BOS (Boston, MA)
- ORD (Chicago, IL)
- DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX)
- LAX (Los Angeles, CA)
- MIA (Miami, FL)
- CLT (Charlotte, NC)
- SFO (San Francisco, CA)
- JFK/LGA (New York City, NY)
- DCA (Washington, DC)
- PHL (Philadelphia, PA)
- PHX (Phoenix, AZ)
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines made the list as one of the best airlines for flight attendants to work for.
One of the “big three” legacy airlines Delta AirLines flight Attendants enjoy flying all over the world.
Delta has its own reserve system called ADAYS and even brand new flight attendants don’t have to sit an entire month of reserve, just six days per month.
One thing about Delta that can be a downer is the fact that they don’t have a union, so they don’t have the job or pay protection that a union gives an employee.
Delta Air Lines is the only airline to pay flight attendants for boarding which gives them a great big gold star as one of the top airlines for flight attendants. Flight Attendants only get half of their pay for boarding, but it’s better than zero that you get with most other airlines.
Delta Air Lines has six weeks of paid training for the flight attendant position. (This is not the regular starting pay, but minimum wage.) Starting pay as a Delta AirLines Flight Attendant is $33.81 and top out pay is $76.00 after 13 years.
As a Delta Air Lines flight attendant you may be based in:
- ATL (Atlanta, GA)
- BOS (Boston, MA)
- DTW (Detroit, MI)
- LAX (Los Angeles, CA)
- MSP (Minneapolis, MN)
- JFK/LGA (New York, NY)
- SLC (Salt Lake City, UT)
- SEA (Seattle, WA)
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has the most amazing culture, their vision is to be the world’s most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline. Employees love Southwest Airlines and sing their praises.
Before becoming a Southwest Airlines flight attendant you will spend four weeks in training. Training is unpaid, but within five working days after graduation, you will receive a $1200 bonus of initial training pay. During training, you receive a $425 pre-paid Visa card for meals.
Southwest Airlines Has Great Pay
Southwest has the highest published hourly flight attendant rate on the pay scale, but you can’t exactly calculate flight attendant pay by block hour because Southwest pays their flight attendants TFP (Trips For Pay).
There is block time, which is how many flight hours the trip is blocked for, and credit time, so all your trips get extra time into them for credit time, which is AWESOME.
Most flight attendants at other airlines are only paid for block time with the occasional extra credit time here and there for certain trips. At Southwest (and Alaska as was mentioned earlier), that extra pay is for ALL of your trips.
Plus, on the last day and the first three days of every month, you are paid time and a half as a Southwest flight attendant.
At Southwest Airlines you will be on reserve until you are in the top 35% of the base. This can take YEARS to be in the top 35%. However, as a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, you are able to hold a line every other month once you are off probation.
Rotating Reserve
The problem with rotating reserve, (every other month of reserve) is that you can’t make as much money as you want when you are on reserve. It cuts your flexibility compared to having a line every month, however at most airlines (including Southwest Airlines) you can pick up on top of your reserve schedule making much more money.
It depends on how much you want to work, for some flight attendants who want to work a lot, the rotating reserve will cut into their pay. For other flight attendants, working less is perfect.
Southwest Airlines Destinations
As a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, you will do some “international” flying, but it is limited to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Southwest Airlines flight attendants “tidy” the cabin by picking up trash and crossing seat belts once customers have deplaned, something flight attendants at the other airlines on the list never have to do.
As a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant you may be based in:
- OAK (Oakland, CA)
- LAX (Los Angeles, CA)
- LAS (Las Vegas, NV)
- PHX (Phoenix, AZ)
- DEN (Denver, CO)
- MDW (Chicago Midway Airport, Chicago, IL)
- DAL (Dallas Love Field Airport Dallas, TX)
- HOU (Hobby Airport, Houston, TX)
- ATL (Atlanta, GA)
- BWI (Baltimore, MD)
- MCO (Orlando, FL)
United Airlines
Last but definitely not least…
One of the largest US Airlines, United Airlines is one of the best airlines to be a flight attendant for.
With more destinations than any other carrier in the world, United Airlines rounds out the list as one having some of the best flight attendant jobs. You must be 21 years of age to apply as a United Airlines flight attendant.
United provides $140 week per diem for flight attendant training and provides two meals per day. United Airlines has a straight reserve and has one of the most flexible trading systems for line holders. Once you are off of reserve at United, you can really control your flight attendant schedule.
Starting pay at United Airlines is $28.88 and top out pay is $67.11 after 13 years. However, United has a reserve override of $2 per hour. So that $28.88 is $30.88 if you are on reserve. (The reserve override is for any reserve so it’s always $2 over the base pay.)
As a United Airlines flight attendant you may be based in:
- BOS (Boston, MA)
- CLE (Cleveland, OH)
- AUS (Austin, TX) Satellite Base
- DEN (Denver, CO)
- EWR (Newark, NJ)
- FLL (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Satellite Base
- GUM (Guam)
- HNL (Honolulu, HI)
- IAD (Washington, DC)
- IAH (Houston, TX)
- LAS (Las Vegas, Nevada) Satellite Base
- LAX (Los Angeles, CA)
- LHR (London, Heathrow) closed to new transfers
- MCO (Orlando, FL) Satellite Base
- ORD (Chicago, IL)
- PHX (Phoenix, AZ) Satellite Base
- SAN (San Diego, CA) Satellite Base
- SFO (San Francisco, CA)
- TPA (Tampa, FL) Satellite Base
So there you have it, the best airlines to work for as a flight attendant in the US. They also happen to be the best paying airlines for flight attendants.
You may also like: United Airlines Hiring Process 2022 In A Nutshell
Did that help you get a better understanding of what airline is the best to work for?
Do you have any other airlines that you would like to see added to the list? Let me know in the comments I would love to hear from you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,