How Seniority Affects a Flight Attendant’s Schedule
In most industries, seniority plays a very important role in career advancement and perks.
The aviation industry in no exception, with seniority being a big deal to flight attendants.
Flight attendants just starting out will have all their flights assigned to them with little flexibility.
They will usually also be working on call, which is known as reserve status. This means that they may have to get to the airport and report to work on short notice.
More senior flight attendants may not necessarily be able to pick and choose all their flights, but will have first choice over the trips they fly and have more control over their schedule.
Additionally, flight attendant seniority is so important because it determines:
A flight attendant’s monthly schedule, the routes flow, and when a vacation can be taken
Where a flight attendant will be based and what aircraft they will work in
How quickly a flight attendant can progress to purser, and from a regional airline to a major airline
How much a flight attendant will earn
Number of Hours a Week/Month/Year Flight Attendants Work
Flight attendants have very variable schedules, working nights, weekends and on holidays.
Typically, a flight attendant will work 12 to 14 hours a day; 75-100 hours a month actually in the air, and 50 hours on the ground preparing planes for passengers, writing reports, and simply waiting for planes to arrive; and 900- 1200 hours a year
The FAA require flight attendants to receive at least 10 hours of consecutive rest before their next shift starts.
Flight attendants can trade trips with other flight attendants.
Some flight attendants with more desirable trips, which will almost always be more senior flight attendants with first bids, sell those trips.
Airlines generally do not like this practice. Even if forbidden by the airline, it still happens.
Flight Attendants Receive Their Schedule Early
While it can vary by airline, flight attendants receive their schedules at the beginning or end of the month, and at least two weeks before their first assigned flight.
A flight attendant’s schedule will include the following:
Patricia is a senior flight attendant with over 20 years of experience working for a major U.S. airline, primarily on international long haul flights.
Patricia is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise about the unique lives flight attendants lead, offers valuable insights on what it takes to become a flight attendant and what the job entails.
Patricia has been quoted or mentioned in major publications, including Newsweek.
