what benefits do flight attendants get

10 benefits of being a flight attendant

1. Free flights and travel opportunities. Flight attendants get to travel as part of their job, and there may be time between flights where attendants can explore new locations.
2. Flight benefits for family and friends. Depending on the airline company, flight benefits may extend to a flight attendant's family. ...
3. Flexible schedule. ...

More items...

Full Answer

What are the perks of being a flight attendant?

There are a lot of perks of being a flight attendant:

1. Travel benefits for you and for your family
2. Being able to travel to different parts of the world for free
3. Meeting and working with different nationalities
4. Learning about cultural differences
5. Good money!

What qualities make a good flight attendant?

Flight attendants should also possess the following specific qualities: Attentiveness. Flight attendants must be aware of passengers’ needs to ensure a pleasant travel experience. … Communication skills. … Customer-service skills. … Decision-making skills. … Physical stamina. Secondly, What skills do flight attendants need? Key skills for air cabin crew Good communication skills ...

What are the disadvantages of being a flight attendant?

What are the disadvantages of being a flight attendant?

• The salaries of flight attendants are shockingly low. …
• You are almost always on reserve or on call as a flight attendant. …
• This job requires you to be away from home a lot. …
• Your training is not always classified as employment. …
• You may not have the option to take a sick day.

Is being a flight attendant a good job?

Why Being A Flight Attendant Is The Best Job I’ve Ever Had

• Fun, Social Line of Work. Flying is an incredibly social job – and I often consider it a blessing that my job gives me the social interaction and connection that ...
• Able to Make a Difference. ...
• Dynamic and Interesting Industry. ...
• Strong and Secure Conditions and Work Life Balance. ...
• Be Paid To See The World. ...

What do flight attendants get for free?

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

Do flight attendants get free housing?

Another awesome thing about being a flight attendant is free food and housing. Traveling in between jobs can be grueling so having a few basic things off your mind can do wonders.

Do flight attendants get free travel for family?

Many of the major airlines not only have policies to allow their employees to travel for free, but also have some version of a friends and family plan (commonly referred to as a buddy pass). This allows flight attendants to bring their children, spouses, and other dependents along on flights for free.

What are the pros and cons of being a flight attendant?

18 PROS & CONS of Being a Flight AttendantProsConsYou gain people and social skillsThe pay when you first start out is low, super lowThere's no routine, so you'll never get boredYou are often on standby (on-call)You live wherever you want to (sort of)It's hard to have relationships7 more rows

Can I afford to be a flight attendant?

The starting salary for a flight attendant can be less than $20,000 a year. To make up for the meager earnings, the job comes with two tantalizing perks. The first is free flying. Nearly all airline employees are given the freedom to fly, at no cost, to most destinations around the globe.

Can you take a month off as a flight attendant?

Flight attendants frequently have between 12 and 18 days off per month and over a years time, average about 156 days off. (The average office worker has 96 days off and, works eight-hour days.) Of course, days off are not necessarily at home, buy many flight attendants use these days as mini vacations.

Do flight attendants get paid during boarding?

THE ANSWER. No, most airlines don't pay flight attendants during the time that passengers are boarding.

Why do flight attendants have to be pretty?

“The reason why many people 'think' that most cabin crew out there are good looking is because the airlines have created the illusion,” Ms Brown explains. “During the cabin crew training all crew go through some kind of grooming/image/uniform training.

Do flight attendants pay for uniforms?

Flight attendants are required to wear uniforms. They usually must pay for their uniforms. However, airlines usually pay for uniform replacement. They also may provide a small allowance to cover cleaning costs.

Which airline has the highest paid flight attendants?

Which Airlines Pay Flight Attendants the Most?Average Annual PayAdditional Annual PayAmerican Airlines$43,460$2,825Delta Airlines$40,236$6,400Southwest Airlines$42,000$4,800United Airlines$44,219$5,2006 more rows

Why you shouldn't be a flight attendant?

This job requires you to be away from home a lot. Even some senior flight attendants are unable to make workday turns that can get them home every night. If you have loved ones, a home to manage, or pets that require your attention, then the lifestyle that this job requires can be hard.

What time do flight attendants wake up?

Being a flight attendant isn't like your typical 9-to-5 job. According to Delta's careers page, flight attendants can expect 4 a.m. wake-up calls and sporadic hours, delays, and flight cancellations that will nix plans, and weekends and holidays spent working.

What are the perks of being a flight attendant?

One of the flight attendant perks are the people you meet. Not only can you meet people around the globe, but generally people on planes are pretty happy and/or excited to be traveling somewhere, and can typically be a joy to talk to.

How old do you have to be to be a flight attendant?

The age to be a flight attendant varies by airline, but it is almost always somewhere between 18 and 21 so you can start applying soon after high school. 4. Pay starts out pretty lame, but can get pretty good. Average salary for a flight attendant starts out pretty low.

Why do international flights have overnight crews?

Many international flights come with a flight crew overnight. This gives the flight crew time to get off and sleep in a local hotel before flying back. Often times these overnights allow more time to actually do a little bit of exploring before coming back.

Is being a flight attendant good?

There are a ton of benefits to being a flight attendant. Everyone knows that when you are a flight attendant you can fly for free, but there are a number of other benefits of being a flight attendant that should make you consider this as a career choice.

Do airlines have agreements?

Airlines typically have agreements where they trade benefits between their employees and beneficiaries. I flew completely for free on my airline, but had access to fly 100 others. When I flew on my airline it was completely free, but when I flew the I had to pay a small fee, generally described as the taxes on the route.

Do airlines give you a buddy pass?

Lots of airlines even give employees a few “buddy passes” a year so they can get their friends on a couple flights as well. You only get on the flight if there is an open seat, but with careful planning you can still get on. 2. You get benefits other airlines as well.

Can flight attendants fly for free?

Most airline flight attendant benefits are probably better than you think. Most people realize they could fly for free, but they don’t realize that most airlines extend these benefits to spouses/significant others, dependents, and even parents.

How much does a flight attendant make?

Although it takes some time and experience before you are one of the higher paid flight attendants, it ends up being worth it some as earnings can get as high as $90,000 per year.

What does it mean to be a flight attendant?

Being a flight attendant is one of the jobs that many people wish they could have. From an outsiders perspective, it looks like they get to travel the world on a permanent vacation, all while getting paid. It seems like being a flight attendant comes with a lot of great benefits and perks. If you’re considering applying to be a flight attendant ...

Why do flight attendants get paid per diem?

While traveling for work, flight attendants are paid what is called a per diem to cover the costs of food and other expenses while traveling. This is in addition to their regular pay for performing their job duties.

How many hours does a flight attendant work?

The average flight attendant works between 60 and 95 hours per month of flight time. Even though there is more time spent preparing for flights in addition to this number, it still ends up being less work that a typical 8-5 job most people have. 9. Great Compensation.

What are the benefits of 401(k)?

7. Health Insurance. Some people are surprised to hear that most airlines provide health insurance to their employees and include flight attendants.

What are the most expensive aspects of traveling?

Hotels are one of the more expensive aspects of traveling, so this can save you quite a bit of money. 5. Meeting New People. As a flight attendant you’ll get to meet all kinds of new and interesting people.

What are the benefits of being a pilot?

It’s not just for pilots and executives like it was a long time ago. These health benefits usually include health insurance, dental, and vision. Health care costs are very expensive and the prices are only going up. Having a career that includes good insurance is a must, especially for those with a family.

What are the benefits of being a flight attendant?

1. Free flights. One of the best benefits of becoming a flight attendant is, of course, the free flights. Most flight attendants the world over receive at least one free flight a year. However, the benefit varies greatly between airlines, and some have reduced this benefit to just one standby flight per year, with taxes ...

How does a flight attendant schedule work?

Flight attendant schedules work uniquely in the sense that employees are allowed to bid on the routes they fly. Unlike in an average 9-5 where you simply turn up and work the hours you’re told to, for cabin crew, if you want to spend next month in the Maldives, you can. Subject to seniority, of course.

Why is working up the ranks important?

Working their way up the ranks sees a flight attendant becoming ever more likely to secure the routes and hours they want. It’s one of the motivating factors for career progression.

Who was the first female flight attendant?

It was back in 1930 that Ellen Church , the first female flight attendant, paved the way for the modern cabin crew member. 90 years on, it’s hard to imagine airlines working without their cabin crew. From safety concerns to serving food and dealing with demanding customers, the job is not without its difficulties.

Do airlines throw in food and drink?

Again, the extent of this benefit varies between airlines. Some have partnerships with some of the best hotels chains in the world, and will throw in food and drink as part of the package. However, other airlines are all about saving money, so the accommodation may be less than glamorous, and food and drink will come out of the crew’s own pockets.

Do you have to pay taxes on a flight?

Some airlines are more generous, even offering flights for a companion too. However, taxes will usually still need to be paid, which in many cases make up a huge portion of the regular ticket fee.

Do cabin crew get free housing?

While not every cabin crew member will receive free housing , it’s a different story while abroad. Due to the nature of the job, cabin crew are often on layovers before they can return home. In this instance, an airline will provide a free stay in a hotel overnight.

What can flight attendants observe?

Being in different countries among different cultures, Flight attendants can observe a lot about the different cultures, types of people, languages, and food.

How many hours do flight attendants work?

The average working time of flight attendants is 60 to 95 hours per month . This is less than the cumulative time period of normal 9 to 5 jobs. READ MORE 5 Signs That Prove You Have A Mature Relationship.

Why do flight attendants have grooming sessions?

Flight attendants have special grooming sessions that helps them maintain the charming and friendliness in their personalities. They also have special personality development sessions.

How old do you have to be to be a flight attendant?

Anyone above 18 or 21 can become flight attendants. So if you are in a financially unstable background, you can build a great career here.

Do flight attendants wear lipstick?

For example, the Emirates air hostess wear a red lipstick that is specially made and given to their staff. A lot of such accessories and uniform are a common practice among all the commercial flights. However, unlike some other jobs it is hard to hate the pristine uniforms of flight attendants.

Do flight attendants get insurance?

Flight attendants get insurance for everything. Dental insurance, vision insurance are some of the many perks. With medical treatments so costly these days, it is a welcome benefit.

Do airlines provide free housing?

Some airlines provide free housing for their staff which is at a posh area. The area is also convenient with multiple facilities like car.

What are the perks of being a flight attendant?

A perk to be a flight attendant is you can go through exclusive crew lines or employee lines and skip the long lines that the rest of the public travelers must use.

What is crew member?

Crew members are fast friends and family that is one of the first things you will learn on your journey to be a flight attendant. There really isn’t anyone who can understand your lifestyle that isn’t in the aviation industry. You will make lasting friendships with your co-workers that are a bond, unlike any other.

Do flight attendants get discounts?

Flight attendants get discounts on almost everything at the airport. Not only that, but many airlines allow you to take advantage of their corporate discount on things like cell phone plans, computers, new cars, rental cars, and so much more.

What is the job of a flight attendant?

The life of a flight attendant is filled with adventure and excitement. In addition to being paid to travel, a flight attendant enjoys a generous compensation package and the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people. Flight attendants begin as a cabin crew member and have the possibility of becoming a lead flight attendant or even a cabin crew trainer. While working, your main job is passenger safety, but when the airplane lands, you can become a sightseer.

How much does a flight attendant make?

Each carrier handles flight attendant pay differently, but the average annual salary is $ 48,550, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Top earners have the potential to yield $90,000, per year. If you have the flexibility to work international routes or, if you speak more than one language, you may be eligible for premium pay. When you are in travel status, airlines cover hotel costs and meals. The job outlook indicates a 10 percent growth in available flight attendant positions between now and 2026.

How many hours do flight attendants work?

Aviation safety guidelines limit flight attendants to 95 work hours per month. Despite being paid for a full-time job, the hours are significantly less than 40 hours per week. Flight attendants often fly a two to four day trip and then, have the rest of the week off.

What happens if you fly on a holiday and the flight is cancelled?

Additionally, if you are scheduled to fly on a holiday and the flight is cancelled, you will be paid for the scheduled flight. Rounding out the financial package is a retirement plan and insurance benefits. Some airlines offer a college matching program for dependents.

Can you become a sightseer on an airplane?

While working, your main job is passenger safety, but when the airplane lands, you can become a sightseer.

Do flight attendants get paid?

Many airlines share the financial success with their employees. Flight attendants are eligible for bonuses, when business is booming. Paid time off is included in the compensation package. Additionally, if you are scheduled to fly on a holiday and the flight is cancelled, you will be paid for the scheduled flight. Rounding out the financial package is a retirement plan and insurance benefits. Some airlines offer a college matching program for dependents.

How many days do flight attendants work?

It also depends on your airline and the base. On average, most flight attendants at the beginning of their working career fly about 18 days a month, but this is different for each case.

What are the challenges of flight attendants?

Limited-time, limited space, limited resources, safety norms that don’t allow for short cuts even during service, boarding, and other procedures, multi-tasking, passenger issues and complaints, shortage of stock, delays, medical emergencies – there’s a whole raft of challenges facing the flight attendant.

What is an airline base?

But a heads up here; don’t get confused about the meaning of the word “base”. The airline base is where you start and finish working from. Just because an airline is flying to a destination (e.g. Paris), it doesn’t mean that they permanently keep aircraft there and so hire local flight attendants in that destination.

What are the pros and cons of flying?

Cons. You get paid to see the world. You miss important events. You get flying benefits (Reduced airline tickets) You spend a lot of time commuting. Your friends and family get flying benefits. You’re always tired. You meet a lot of people and make lifelong friends.

What do airline crews get discounts for?

Airline crews receive a lot of discount coupons for shops, services, hotels, car rentals, and even medical services or spa treatments.

How many people do you mix with on an airplane?

You’re mixing with around 200 to 500 people a day on an airplane, so you need to be able to talk easily to the people you are working with and many of the passengers. Sometimes you find yourself in a lot of strange, difficult, even crazy, situations that you have to deal with.

Where are flight attendants based?

Other good examples are airlines in the Middle East like Qatar or Emirates, even though they fly almost everywhere in the World, flight attendants are only based in Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB).

What are the benefits of working for an airline?

One of the perks of working for an airline is "free" travel to anywhere that carrier or its partners fly, but there are plenty of conditions.

What is non revenue passenger?

Airline employees traveling for pleasure are referred to as "non-revenue passengers.". In other words, the carrier isn't making any money off them, so they're prioritized below the lowest paying revenue passenger (including those traveling on award tickets). Most airline employees also fly standby, so they won't know if they're going ...

What is a buddy pass flyer?

In addition, buddy pass flyers are considered representatives of the airline, no matter how old they are. As a result, they must adhere to a strict dress code, which often includes business-casual dress standards. If they do not meet these strict criteria, they may be denied boarding with no sources of repayment.

What happens if a first class seat is not sold?

If there's a first class or business class seat that hasn't been sold, they may end up getting to sit there for the same "price" as traveling in economy, or for a little extra. Of course, there's no guarantee, and even passengers using upgrade certificates or miles to move up to the next cabin have a higher priority.

Do airline employees pay for their travel?

The most important point to clear up is that airline employees do pay for their travel unless they are commuting for work. Even though they may not be responsible for covering the airfare that you would normally pay to fly, they are responsible for paying the taxes and fees on their tickets. Airline employees traveling for pleasure are referred ...

Does United Airlines give buddy passes?

United Airlines Buddy Pass Policies. At United, employees still get to hand out buddy passes to their friends and family , but the scope is very limited. According to the airline, employees and their families may receive travel privileges which include discounted rates and unlimited standby travel.

Can friends of airline employees fly for a cheap price?

Friends of airline employees get to fly for a cheap price if room is available—sounds like a good deal, right? Unfortunately, it's not as easy as having your airline employed friend book a ticket, passing the TSA checkpoint, and going on vacation.