What does a Flight Attendant do?
A flight attendant is a person responsible for providing flight passengers with a positive experience by making sure they are safe, comfortable, secure and their needs are met during their flights. Flight attendants work both in the air on airplanes and on the ground in airports while preparing for flights. Flight attendants usually work about 75-100 hours in the air and up to 50 hours on teh ground.
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Working as a Flight Attendant
Depending on their role, qualifications, specialization and years of experience, a flight attendant may:
- Make sure the flight is properly supplied with refreshments and emergency equipment
- Make sure all passengers have seatbelts on when needed and that other safety guidelines are met
- Ensure a positive passenger experience by serving refreshments, maintaining order and first aid
- Attend preflight briefings for details about the flight and clean cabin between flights
- Demonstrate how to use safety and emergency equipment and direct passengers in emergencies
How much does a Flight Attendant make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a flight attendant is $26.98 per hour in the United States. 1.8k salaries reported, updated at November 25, 2023
Where can a Flight Attendant earn more?
Compare salaries for Flight Attendants in different locationsHow much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Flight Instructor
Job openingsAverage $26.39 per hour
Baggage Handler
Job openingsAverage $16.85 per hour
Passenger Service Agent
Job openingsAverage $16.78 per hour
Accommodation Manager
Job openingsAverage $59,241 per year
Crew Manager
Job openingsAverage $16.43 per hour
Inflight Standards Manager
Job openingsAverage $56,538 per year
Common questions about for a Flight Attendant
What is the minimum age to work as a flight attendant?
Those who desire to work as flight attendants must be at least 18 years of age. However, some airlines require flight attendants to be at least 21 years of age before they can be employed.
What is the work schedule of a flight attendant?
Normally, flight attendants work for about 9 to 20 days in a month, depending on the airline they work for and their position in the organization. They usually work a trip followed by having some days off.
What does a flight attendant do when the plane is in the air?
Flight attendants usually check for the comfort of passengers. They serve foods and drinks to passengers and give headphones or pillows to passengers who request them. They also listen for any unusual noise and carry out safety checks all through the flight.