Working as cabin crew doesn’t come with a regular Monday-to-Friday schedule. Flight attendants follow shift patterns that change every month—and every week can look completely different. If you’re wondering how cabin crew schedules actually work, here’s what you need to know.
TL;DR:
- Cabin crew schedules change every month and don’t follow a 9-to-5 pattern.
- Shifts can start early in the morning or late at night and last up to 16 hours.
- Monthly rosters include flights, standby shifts, days off, and layovers.
- Crew don’t usually get weekends off, especially in the beginning.
- More senior crew get more control over their schedules.
What is a cabin crew schedule?
A cabin crew schedule (also called a roster) is a list of all your work duties for the month. It includes:
- Your assigned flights
- Start times and check-in times
- Days off
- Standby or reserve shifts
- Layovers (if you’re staying overnight)
Most airlines release the monthly roster about one to two weeks before the next month begins. It’s not a fixed schedule, so every month looks different depending on flight demand, route changes, and your position in the team.
How cabin crew schedules are made
Airlines use scheduling systems to plan shifts. Some let crew bid for certain flights or days off, while others assign duties based on seniority, availability, or company needs.
New crew usually have less control over their roster. Over time, with more experience, you may get better chances to request specific flights or weekends off.
What hours do cabin crew work?
Cabin crew shifts are based on duty hours, not regular clock hours. A typical shift can last anywhere from 8 to 16 hours, depending on:
- The flight length
- How busy the airport is
- Delays or extended boarding times
You’re paid for duty time, which starts before the flight and ends after all passengers are off and paperwork is done.
Short-haul vs. long-haul schedules
Short-haul crew (e.g., Ryanair, easyJet):
- Multiple flights per day
- Return home after each shift
- Mix of early mornings and late nights
Long-haul crew (e.g., Emirates, British Airways):
- One long flight per shift
- Overnight stays in destination hotels
- Rest days before return flights
Each type has pros and cons. Some prefer staying closer to home, others enjoy international travel and hotel layovers.
Standby shifts and last-minute changes
Cabin crew often have standby days, where you’re on call and may be asked to fly on short notice. You might be at home or waiting at the airport, depending on the airline’s policy.
If another crew member is sick or a flight needs extra help, standby crew step in. These shifts can be quiet—or very busy.
Can flight attendants choose their schedule?
Not always. In many airlines, the schedule is mostly assigned. Some companies allow you to swap shifts with other crew or submit requests, but they’re not always approved.
With time and higher seniority, you usually get more flexibility to influence your schedule.
Rest time between shifts
There are legal rest rules to protect crew health. After a long flight, you usually get at least 12 to 24 hours of rest, or more for ultra long-haul trips.
Onboard rest is also planned. On long flights, crew take turns resting in crew bunks or designated seats to manage fatigue and stay alert for service and safety duties.
Example: A week in a cabin crew schedule
Here’s how one week might look for someone working international flights:
- Monday: 22:00 check-in for 8-hour overnight flight
- Tuesday: Arrive at hotel, rest day
- Wednesday: Early morning flight back home
- Thursday: Day off
- Friday: Short-haul domestic flight (morning)
- Saturday: Standby (called in for an afternoon flight)
- Sunday: Off
No two weeks are the same. Planning personal time takes flexibility, but you often get weekdays off when most people are at work.
Final thoughts
A cabin crew schedule is flexible, busy, and always changing. It takes some adjustment—especially in the beginning—but many crew enjoy the variety and time off during the week. Over time, you learn how to make it work for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cabin crew schedule?
A cabin crew schedule is a monthly roster that lists your assigned flights, report times, days off, standby shifts, and layovers. It changes every month and varies by airline.
How many hours do cabin crew work?
Cabin crew usually work between 60 to 90 duty hours per month. This doesn’t include time spent away from home or resting between flights.
Do flight attendants work weekends?
Yes, cabin crew often work weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts. Days off are spread throughout the week, not fixed to weekends.
Can cabin crew choose their schedule?
Most new crew can’t choose their shifts. Senior crew may bid for preferred flights or days off, depending on the airline’s system.
What’s the difference between short-haul and long-haul cabin crew schedules?
Short-haul crew fly multiple legs in one day and return home after each shift. Long-haul crew work longer flights with layovers and rest days between return flights.
Do cabin crew get paid for standby shifts?
Yes, but standby pay is usually lower than active flight hours. If you’re called in, you get paid regular duty time.
How much rest do flight attendants get between shifts?
Rest time depends on the previous duty length but is usually 12 to 24 hours. Long-haul flights often include hotel rest between trips.
Can cabin crew swap flights?
Some airlines allow crew to swap flights with approval. It depends on scheduling rules and whether another crew member agrees to the swap.