Meeting the Delta flight attendant requirements is the first step to getting hired. If you’re wondering what it takes, here’s everything you need to know—from height, weight, and age requirements to salary, hiring process, and training.
Delta Flight Attendant Requirements: Height, Weight & Age Limits
To become a Delta flight attendant, you must be at least 21 years old and legally allowed to work in the U.S. A high school diploma or GED is required, and you must be fluent in English. A valid passport with at least 30 months of validity is also needed.
There is no exact height requirement, but you must be able to reach overhead bins, which are about 188 cm from the floor. If you can’t do this without help, you won’t pass training. Delta does not have a weight limit, but you must fit in the jump seat and fasten the seatbelt without an extender. If you’re unable to meet these physical requirements, you may not qualify.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint-based background check and a DOT-mandated drug test before training. The job requires standing for long hours, lifting heavy bags, and operating aircraft doors that weigh up to 27 kg.
Delta Flight Attendant Hiring Process: How to Get the Job
The Delta flight attendant hiring process begins with an online application. If selected, candidates take an online assessment to test problem-solving and teamwork skills. Next, applicants complete a virtual job tryout, where they respond to real-life flight attendant scenarios.
If you pass, you’ll move on to a recorded video interview with pre-set questions. The final stage is an in-person hiring event at Delta’s headquarters in Atlanta, which includes group activities, face-to-face interviews, and customer service roleplay. If you do well, you’ll receive a conditional job offer, pending background checks and a drug test. Once cleared, you’ll be invited to Delta’s flight attendant training program.
How Long Is Delta Flight Attendant Training & Is It Hard?
Delta’s flight attendant training lasts seven weeks in Atlanta. It is paid, but it is also very difficult. Trainees must pass exams, physical drills, and emergency response exercises covering first aid, aircraft safety, and self-defense. Customer service training is also a major focus because handling difficult passengers is a key part of the job.
The schedule is strict, and there is little room for failure. If you miss too many assessments, you won’t graduate. Many trainees describe it as intense, like a boot camp, with strict schedules and high expectations.
Delta Flight Attendant Salary & Pay Scale (2024 Update)
A junior Delta flight attendant in 2024 earned about $65,941 per year before taxes. With profit-sharing bonuses, total earnings went over $71,000.
Base pay ranged from $35.85 to $40.05 per hour. Flight attendants also receive boarding pay and a per diem for time spent away from base. The per diem is $2.85 per hour for domestic flights and $3.35 per hour for transoceanic flights. Flight leaders earn an extra $3.50 per hour.
New flight attendants typically work 103 hours per month, with 92 flight hours and about 13 days off. Other sources of income include international pay, holiday bonuses, and reroute pay.
Delta Flight Attendant Benefits: Free Flights, 401(k) & More
Delta provides a 401(k) retirement plan with a 9% company match, as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Flight attendants get paid vacation time, which increases with seniority.
One of the biggest perks is free and discounted flights for flight attendants and their eligible family members. Delta also offers profit-sharing bonuses, and more than 500 employee discounts on hotels, car rentals, and insurance. There are also leadership training programs and internal promotions for career growth.
Where Are Delta Flight Attendants Based?
New hires are assigned to one of Delta’s flight attendant bases depending on company needs. Bases include Atlanta, New York (JFK & LGA), Los Angeles, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. If you are a bilingual flight attendant, you must stay in your assigned base for at least four years.
Is Becoming a Delta Flight Attendant Worth It?
The hiring process is competitive, training is tough, and the job itself is unpredictable. If you want routine and stability, this isn’t the right career. But if you love travel, free flights, and a salary that grows over time, Delta is one of the best airlines to work for.
If you’re serious about getting hired, make sure you meet the Delta flight attendant requirements, prepare for the assessments, and practice your interview skills. The competition is tough, but the rewards are worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Delta flight attendant requirements?
You must be at least 21, legally eligible to work in the U.S., have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid passport with 30+ months of validity. You must reach overhead bins (188 cm), fit in the jump seat, and pass a background check and drug test.
Does Delta have a height and weight requirement for flight attendants?
Delta does not list a specific height or weight requirement, but you must be able to reach overhead compartments without assistance. The ability to fit in the jump seat and secure the seatbelt without an extender is mandatory.
How long is Delta flight attendant training?
Delta flight attendant training lasts seven weeks at their headquarters in Atlanta. It includes emergency procedures, first aid, customer service, and aircraft safety. The training is paid, but it is highly structured, and multiple exams must be passed to graduate.
How much do Delta flight attendants earn?
A new Delta flight attendant in 2024 earned around $65,941 per year before taxes, with profit-sharing bonuses bringing the total to over $71,000. Hourly pay starts between $35.85 and $40.05, with additional earnings from per diem, boarding pay, and international bonuses.
What is the hiring process for Delta flight attendants?
The Delta flight attendant hiring process includes an online application, an assessment test, a virtual job tryout, a recorded video interview, and an in-person hiring event in Atlanta. The final step is a conditional job offer, followed by background checks and drug testing before training begins.
Where are Delta flight attendants based?
New hires are assigned to one of Delta’s crew bases, including Atlanta, New York (JFK & LGA), Los Angeles, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. Bilingual flight attendants must remain in their assigned base for at least four years.
Do Delta flight attendants get free flights?
Yes, Delta flight attendants receive free and discounted flights for themselves and eligible family members. They can also fly on select partner airlines at reduced rates.
Does Delta pay for flight attendant training?
Yes, Delta flight attendant training is paid. Trainees receive a stipend during the seven-week program in Atlanta.
What benefits do Delta flight attendants get?
Delta flight attendants receive a 401(k) with a 9% company match, full medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, profit-sharing bonuses, and access to over 500 discounts on hotels, car rentals, and travel services.
How many days off do Delta flight attendants get?
New flight attendants typically have around 13 days off per month, depending on scheduling. Seniority allows for more control over schedules and better trip assignments.
What is the Delta flight attendant probation period?
New Delta flight attendants are on probation for six months after completing training. During this period, performance is closely monitored, and failure to meet standards can result in termination.
Is Delta a good airline to work for?
Delta is one of the top airlines for flight attendants due to its competitive pay, profit-sharing bonuses, strong union protections, and free travel benefits. The job is demanding, but long-term career growth and financial rewards make it worth it for many crew members.