Whether you’re a brand-new flight attendant or just starting the interview process, chances are you’re thinking about how to make some extra money on the side.
Flight attendant side hustles are incredibly common, not just for new crew members, but at all stages of the career.
The job comes with unique flexibility, which means you can often pick up a second job, build a small business, or explore creative ways to earn income between trips.
Even though being a flight attendant can turn into a six-figure career over time, those early years can feel tight.
Having a reliable flight attendant side job can ease the financial pressure and give you more freedom, especially while you’re on reserve, commuting, or adjusting to the industry.
If you haven’t officially started flying, now is the perfect time to explore options and save money.
A strong side hustle can help you bridge the gap between training and those first few pay raises, even if you’re hired by one of the top airlines in the industry.
Having a side job doesn’t have to be a burden. If you choose something exciting or that aligns with your interests, it can be energizing rather than draining.
When you love what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work.
It’s also unhealthy to push yourself to fly nonstop to make ends meet.
Having an extra stream of income gives you breathing room so that you can say no to burnout and yes to rest when you need it most.
The Best Side Job for Flight Attendants
There are so many great side jobs for flight attendants, but if I had to choose just one, I’d say start your own business.
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, and there has never been a better time to build something for yourself.
As a flight attendant, you already have one of the most flexible jobs. That flexibility can give you the space to grow a business on the side that reflects your passion, schedule, and long-term goals.
If you decide to start a business, do not tie it directly to your flight attendant job.
Using your uniform, airline name, or anything that implies company affiliation can get you into trouble.
If your business idea overlaps with your aviation career, check with your company and request written permission first. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Your business should be yours. Build something that stands independently and aligns with who you are, not where you work.
That said, not everyone wants to start a business, and that’s totally okay.
The good news is that flight attendant side jobs exist for every personality and lifestyle.
For example, Survey Junkie is a popular option among flight attendants because it works from your phone, requires no setup, and doesn’t involve selling, shipping, or social media.
You simply share your opinions and get paid.
Whether you’re commuting, sitting reserve, or relaxing in your hotel room, it’s a simple way to earn a little extra each month.
➡️ Click here to check out Survey Junkie
Before we get into building a business, let’s explore a few flexible side hustles and second jobs that work beautifully with a flight attendant schedule.
Especially in those first few years, when you’re adjusting to the industry and building seniority, it can be helpful to have both: a job that pays now and a business that grows with you.
It’s said that most millionaires have at least seven income streams. You don’t have to aim for seven, but having more than one or two can absolutely change your life.
And while money isn’t everything, I’ve lived without it and with it, and I can promise you this: having money is a lot easier on your body, mind, and soul.
Secret Shopping: Get Paid to Shop
Startup Costs: None
Yes, secret shopping is real, and yes, you do get paid. I used to do it as a flight attendant side job, and while it won’t make you rich, it was actually a lot of fun.
One of my most memorable gigs paid me $135 to test-drive a Porsche. I spent about 15 minutes writing a quick review of the salesman, and that was it. I probably would have done it for free just to drive the car, but getting paid made it even better.
There are several companies that offer secret shopping opportunities. I personally used iSecretShop, which has an app you can download to browse available gigs right from your phone.
You’ll also find similar assignments where you visit stores, take a few photos, and answer questions about your experience. While not always technically “secret,” some do ask you to be discreet, especially if you’re evaluating customer service or store conditions.
If you enjoy observing details and giving feedback, secret shopping can be a fun and low-pressure way to earn a little extra between trips.
Share Your Opinions: Take Surveys to Earn Cash
Startup Costs: None
Whether you’re already flying or preparing for takeoff, there’s a flexible way to earn a little extra during your downtime.
Layovers, airport sits, and reserve days often leave you with unexpected free time.
With a reliable Wi-Fi connection and a few spare moments, you can use that time to join millions of members earning cash or gift cards by sharing their opinions on Survey Junkie.
The platform is free to join, mobile-friendly, and designed to fit into unpredictable schedules like ours.
✅ Over $76 million paid out to date
✅ More than $55,000 paid to members daily
✅ Earn up to $100 – $130 monthly by completing 3 – 4 activities per day
✅ $1.5 million+ in monthly payouts
✅ 20 M+ members and counting
➡️ Join Survey Junkie and Start Earning
Crew Tip: Use airport or hotel Wi-Fi for the best experience. Check in regularly to see new opportunities that match your profile.
Flight Attendant Second Job - Dog Walker
Startup Costs: None
If you love dogs and enjoy staying active, dog walking is a great side hustle to consider.
It’s flexible, low-pressure, and perfect for flight attendants who want to make extra money on their days off.
Apps like Wag! and Rover make it easy to find dog walking and pet sitting jobs in cities all over the country.
You can set your availability around your schedule, accept the jobs that work for you, and get paid to hang out with some seriously cute pups.
This side job is especially ideal if you’re based in a major city, or have consistent days off between trips.
Whether you’re picking up regular clients or just walking a dog or two between flights, it’s a rewarding way to earn extra income while spending time outside.
Most Popular Flight Attendant Side Hustles - Be a Driver
Startup Costs: Varies (fuel, maintenance, and vehicle if you don’t already own one)
Driving is one of the most popular flight attendant side jobs, especially for those who live near the airport or have a predictable schedule between trips.
It’s flexible, always in demand, and works well with the changing nature of crew life.
You can drive with platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart. Even better, you can offer rides independently within the flight attendant community.
If you’re in a crash pad or commuter group, providing rides to fellow crew members is a great way to earn extra income while supporting people who understand your lifestyle.
There’s real value in having a trusted driver who gets it.
Someone who knows that show times can be at 4:00 a.m. and reserve days mean last-minute hustle.
Most flight attendants would rather ride with someone familiar than rely on a stranger at an odd hour.
If this side hustle isn’t your thing, consider spreading the word.
For someone with a reliable car and good time management skills, this can be a dependable way to make money while helping other flight attendants get to work safely and on time.
Own a Crashpad
Startup Costs: Varies by location
Owning a crashpad might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a long-term side job that also serves as an investment. It’s one of the best side jobs for flight attendants!
Flight attendants always need a clean, safe, and affordable place to stay, and being the person who provides it can be both profitable and fulfilling.
While it’s possible to run a crashpad in a rental, owning the property gives you more control and long-term benefits.
If you’re open to relocating, consider buying a house or condo near your base to start your own crashpad business.
One of the biggest perks is that you can live there yourself while building seniority and earning extra income.
It’s a smart way to keep your costs down while building equity and consistent cash flow.
Crashpads will always be in demand, and when managed well, they can offer a strong return on your investment.
Rental Property Owner
Startup Costs: Varies by location
Before I left for initial training, I closed on my first rental property. It was a great move overall, but I made one major mistake. I tried to manage it myself.
Coordinating repairs and collecting rent quickly became more stressful than it was worth.
If you decide to become a rental property owner, I recommend hiring a property manager unless you’re already experienced in managing rentals.
A good manager will screen tenants, collect rent, handle maintenance calls, and keep things running smoothly while you’re flying.
As a flight attendant, your time and attention are limited.
Having a trusted manager allows your investment to grow without adding unnecessary stress to your schedule.
When handled correctly, rental property ownership can be a solid source of passive income that works in the background while you focus on your career.
Subscription Box Business
Startup Costs: Moderate (depends on products, packaging, and storage)
If you’re creative and love curating thoughtful items, starting a subscription box service can be a fun and profitable side business.
Subscription boxes are still in high demand because people enjoy discovering new things delivered to their door.
As a flight attendant, you have a unique advantage. Your travels give you access to interesting, international, or hard-to-find items that can make your subscription box stand out.
Whether you focus on travel-friendly products, flight crew essentials, or something entirely different, the possibilities are wide open.
You’ll need a space to organize your inventory , along with a solid plan for packaging and shipping.
It takes some planning upfront, but once you’re set up, a subscription box can become a steady source of recurring income.
Start with a clear theme and a small batch of boxes. As interest grows, you can expand your offerings, build a loyal subscriber base, and eventually hire a team to run it for you.
Create and Sell Digital Printables
Startup Costs: Low (depends on design tools and platform fees)
Starting a printable business can be a fun and profitable side hustle if you’re creative and enjoy designing.
Printables are digital products that customers download and use, like planners, checklists, art prints, or activity sheets.
You don’t need to stick with travel-themed content.
Some of the best printables come from whatever experience you hadbefore becoming a flight attendant.
Maybe you worked in education, admin, event planning, fitness, or something completely different. That knowledge can be turned into helpful digital products that people are already searching for!
You can sell your printables on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your website.
Some popular types include:
- Meal Planning & Meal Prep Printables
- Bridal Shower Games
- Baby Shower Games & Invitations
- Digital Art
- Homeschool Worksheets
- Coloring Pages for Adults and Children
- Scavenger Hunts
- Digital Planners
- To-Do Lists
- Packing Lists
- Chore Charts
Once your printables are created and listed, they can continue to sell in the background while you’re flying.
It’s a flexible side hustle with low startup costs and real potential for passive income.
Become a Virtual Assistant
Startup Costs: Minimal (laptop, Wi-Fi, and optional tools depending on services)
Virtual assistant jobs have grown far beyond basic admin work.
Today, VAs support businesses in everything from customer experience to video editing, inbox organization, scheduling, marketing, and content creation.
As a flight attendant or aspiring crew member, you already bring top-tier customer service skills to the table.
You know how to communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and manage multiple tasks at once.
These strengths make you an excellent fit for virtual assistant work.
You can specialize based on your background or interests.
Here are just a few services VAs are offering right now:
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Customer support and inbox management
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Calendar coordination and travel planning
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Social media scheduling and community engagement
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Video editing for YouTube, Reels, and TikToks
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Light graphic design using Canva
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E-commerce admin and product listings
You can find work through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, or get matched with clients through agencies such as BELAY, Boldly, and Time Etc.
Many small business owners also post virtual assistant openings in Facebook groups and creator communities.
If you prefer hands-on jobs during your time at home, you can also check out TaskRabbit for local gigs like errands, organizing, or pet sitting.
Whether you’re looking to build a full VA business or just take on a few clients a month, this side hustle gives you flexibility, independence, and the chance to turn your natural skills into extra income.
Make & Sell Products Flight Attendants Love
This side hustle brings me back. When I first got hired, flight attendants sold all kinds of creative and useful items, and someone always bought something.
After the service, crew members would pull out their latest creations to share or sell. It gave layovers and work trips a fun, entrepreneurial vibe that I miss.
At certain times of the year, airlines allow flight attendants to set up tables in the crew room to sell their products. Those events were some of my favorites.
Many flight attendants brought back beautiful or quirky items from around the world and turned them into things other flight attendants would use or wear.
If you’re crafty or love finding cute, functional items, this can be a rewarding side hustle.
You can sell them to fellow crew members, set up a simple online shop, or sell them at events.
Here are just a few ideas for things you could make and sell:
- Jewelry
- Lanyards
- Travel-themed cosmetic bags
- Airplane zipper pulls
- Shoe bags
- Travel-themed phone or AirPod cases
- Personalized packing cubes
- Luggage tags and crew tags
- Pins
- And so much more
Whether you’re creating from scratch or curating cool finds, flight attendants are some of the best customers. We love things that are cute, useful, and easy to pack.
No matter where you are in your flight attendant journey, there is always room to grow and earn.
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If you are ready to land the job, the Flight Attendant Interview Success Program Bundle gives you everything you need to stand out and succeed.
It includes real-world prep, a perfectly optimized flight attendant resume template, and insider strategy that helps you take off with confidence!
Thank you! As a flight attendant it’s great to have a nice side job or business that we can do on our off days right?!
Starting your own business as a flight attendant is a fantastic idea! It allows you to control your time and income. The flexibility of being an entrepreneur aligns well with the flight attendant lifestyle. Plus, the potential for growth is exciting. Remember, every great business starts with an idea and determination. Take the plunge and see where it leads you!