Thinking about becoming a flight attendant? This job comes with incredible perks—free travel, hotel stays, and flight discounts—but also tough challenges like jet lag, long hours, and strict airline rules. Before you apply, here’s a full breakdown of flight attendant pros and cons to help you decide if this career is worth it.
Quick summary
Being a flight attendant means free travel, discounted flights for family, and layovers in top hotels, but also jet lag, 14-hour shifts, and strict airline rules. The starting salary is low, schedules are unpredictable, and dealing with rude passengers is part of the job. If you can handle exhaustion, missed holidays, and constant travel, the perks might make it worth it—but it’s not as glamorous as it looks.
The Best Parts of Being a Flight Attendant
1. You’ll travel more in a year than most people do in a lifetime.
One month, you’re sipping coffee in Paris. The next, you’re watching the sunset in Bangkok. Flight attendants don’t just visit new places—they experience them, with layovers giving them time to explore.
2. Free and discounted flights for you and your family.
Most airlines offer heavily discounted or even free standby tickets for you and sometimes family members. Want a last-minute weekend in New York? If there’s an open seat, you can take it.
3. More days off than a normal job.
While shifts are long, you often get several days off in a row. Some flight attendants use this to travel on their own; others just catch up on sleep.
4. Layovers in great hotels (on the company’s dime).
Crew members don’t pay for their layover stays—airlines put them up in hotels, often with meal allowances. Some crew rack up enough points for free personal vacations.
5. Tax-free salary (in some locations).
If your airline is based in a tax-free country like the UAE, your paycheck goes straight to your pocket—no deductions. This makes the salary stretch further.
6. You’ll develop skills most people never will.
First aid, emergency response, conflict resolution—you learn to handle medical situations, unruly passengers, and high-pressure moments with a straight face.
7. A built-in social life with your crew.
You don’t work with the same people every flight, but the cabin crew bond is real. Working, traveling, and unwinding together builds friendships fast.
8. No two days are the same.
Different routes, different passengers, different challenges. If you hate routine, this job keeps life unpredictable.
9. It’s a career that can open doors.
Many ex-flight attendants go on to work in aviation management, recruitment, luxury hospitality, or even start their own businesses using the skills they’ve picked up.
10. Training is covered by the airline.
Most airlines don’t charge for training, so you gain a certified aviation safety education for free—a perk many industries don’t offer.
The Toughest Parts of the Job
1. Your body will feel the schedule.
Ever tried waking up at 2 AM for a 14-hour shift after three hours of sleep? That’s normal in this job. Flights run 24/7, and your roster doesn’t care about your sleep cycle.
2. Jet lag will hit you harder than you think.
One day, you’re in Dubai. The next, you’re adjusting to Sydney time. Some crew members get used to it; others struggle with constant exhaustion.
3. The starting salary won’t make you rich.
Entry-level flight attendants don’t earn much, especially after deductions for accommodation and transport. Pay improves with experience, but the first year can be tough.
4. Passengers can be amazing—or a nightmare.
You’ll meet friendly travellers, but also deal with entitled, rude, and sometimes downright aggressive passengers. Smiling through it all is part of the job.
5. You’ll miss holidays, birthdays, and social events.
Flight attendants don’t get traditional weekends or guaranteed holidays off. Christmas, New Year’s, your best friend’s wedding? You might be working.
6. Grooming rules are strict (and non-negotiable).
Most airlines have rules on hair, makeup, and uniform presentation. You’re expected to look polished at all times—no exceptions.
7. The job is physically demanding.
Long hours on your feet, carrying heavy service trays, and handling emergency situations—it’s not just “serving coffee in the sky.” Some crew develop back or joint issues over time.
8. Your schedule is out of your control.
Crew rosters change constantly. Plans with family and friends? You might have to cancel them last minute if your schedule shifts.
9. There are real safety risks.
Turbulence, medical emergencies, even unruly passengers—you’re trained for these, but they’re part of the job. Rarely, there are even more serious incidents.
10. Mental exhaustion is real.
Balancing long hours, demanding passengers, and company expectations can be draining. Some crew thrive on it, others burn out quickly.
Is Being a Flight Attendant Worth It?
This job is perfect for people who love travel, don’t mind irregular schedules, and can handle the challenges that come with it. If you need routine, predictable pay, and a normal sleep schedule, this career will be a struggle.
Still unsure? Join our cabin crew forum to ask real flight attendants about their experience, or check out our job listings to see which airlines are hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being a flight attendant worth it?
It depends on your priorities. If you love travel, flexible schedules, and flight perks, it can be rewarding. But the job also comes with long hours, jet lag, and low starting pay, so it’s not for everyone.
What are the biggest pros of being a flight attendant?
Free travel, discounted flights for family, hotel stays during layovers, and a schedule that gives multiple days off in a row. It’s also a dynamic job with opportunities for career growth.
What are the hardest parts of being a flight attendant?
Irregular hours, exhaustion from long shifts, strict grooming standards, and dealing with difficult passengers. Missing holidays and personal events is also common.
How much do flight attendants get paid?
Starting salaries vary by airline and location but are generally low. Pay improves with experience, and some airlines offer tax-free income or allowances for accommodation and meals.