As a flight attendant, one of the most common questions I receive is about our pay. While it may seem like a glamorous job, many people don’t realize that our pay isn’t always as high as they may assume. In this post, I’ll be breaking down 5 things you should know about flight attendant pay.
- Base Pay: Many airlines have a base pay for flight attendants, which is typically the minimum amount they can earn per hour of flight time. However, this base pay can vary widely depending on the airline and the region you’re working in. The first year was honestly incredibly challenging, because your uniform cost was taken out of your base pay, so those first few checks were painfully small.
- Per Diem: In addition to base pay, flight attendants may also receive per diem pay, which covers expenses like meals and lodging while they’re away from home. Per diem rates also vary based on the airline and the location. This is what put food on the table most months, because the more you fly, the more per diem you make.
- Seniority Matters: Like many other jobs, flight attendants’ pay increases with seniority. The longer you’ve been with the airline, the higher your pay rate will be. This means that new hires may start at a lower rate, but as they gain experience and move up the ladder, their pay will increase. It also plays into which trips you can bid for and hold, meaning you won’t be landing first class, international to Paris, but you’ll get oddly familiar with the best place to get a steak in Omaha.
- Unpaid Time: Many people don’t realize that flight attendants aren’t paid for all of the time they spend working. This includes time spent boarding and deplaning, waiting on the tarmac, and delays due to maintenance or weather. This unpaid time can add up quickly and impact our overall pay. One of the more challenging things working at a major hub is the time you give parking at the remote employee lot, waiting for a shuttle or two because they’re beyond full, and ensuring you make it to the terminal on-time for your sign-in.
- Benefits: While flight attendant pay may not always be as high as we’d like, many airlines offer benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and travel privileges that can be valuable. It’s important to consider the full compensation package when evaluating the job. If you are not going to use your flight benefits to travel, this job is absolutely not worth it. You will lament every day if you do not love to travel. Come in expecting to travel, you are a facilitator of travel while on duty, and a connoisseur of travel off duty.
Overall, flight attendant pay can vary widely depending on a number of factors. It’s important to do your research and understand the compensation package for the airline you’re interested in. While it may not always be as high as we’d like, the perks of the job can make it a rewarding choice. The best part of the job is creating moments for travelers that will live on in their memories as part of their journey through life. Go forth and transform the world!
JetSetGOConnor 