Despite what you might have heard, flight attendants have a challenging job. One TikToker who works for a major airline is spilling the tea on how much she earns.
These men and women serving you peanuts and soda in the sky have mortgages and other bills to pay. So, are they bringing home the bacon?
Today, we’re looking at this influencer’s experience and some of the perks of being a flight attendant.
Let’s go!
Leysha Perez, a Tiktok-making Latin singer, is also a full-time flight attendant. In a recent video posted to her account, she shared a behind-the-scenes look at flight attendant pay. While she doesn’t come out and say a dollar amount, she does provide some valuable insights.
One of Leysha’s claims is that most flight attendants are in it for the money. She alleges that most do it for several reasons, but pay isn’t one of them. Lesha also states that most have side hustles, like bartending or waitressing, that bring in a bulk of their income.
The TikToker admits that making good money is possible but takes time. She claims it can take anywhere from one to five years before you start making decent money. Judging from what we’ve discovered in our research, she’s telling the truth.
How Much Do Flight Attendants Get Paid?
The average pay for a flight attendant is typically between $25 and $45 per hour, or about $52,000 and $93,600. However, this can vary considerably based on the airline and location. Like most jobs, pay steadily increases with each year of experience.
As Leysha shared in her viral video, getting started can be a struggle. Flight attendants typically get paid once the cabin door closes until it opens again. This means there can be a considerable amount of unpaid time. Additionally, the schedule can be inconsistent until you’ve earned seniority over other flight attendants.
While the Tiktoker complains that the pay isn’t any good, $52,000 to $93,600 is nothing to balk at. However, they must deal with people, being away from home, and constantly feeling jet lagged. Considering these challenges makes it easier to understand why some might complain.
What Are The Perks of Being a Flight Attendant?
While Leysha may not discuss it, there are several perks to being a flight attendant. Just like any job, it’s not always about the pay. Let’s look at what employees love about being a flight attendant.
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Thinking about ditching your 9 to 5 to become a flight attendant? Be sure to read Flight Attendant Opens Up About the Most Difficult Thing About Her Job first!
Travel Opportunities
One of the biggest perks of being a flight attendant is the constant travel opportunities. It’s common to have overnight layovers. If you’re lucky and can time it right with days off, you can experience some incredible cities. Depending on the airline, these could even be international layovers.
This can be an incredible opportunity for those who love to see new cities. You can use your time off to hit up popular tourist spots, try new food, and take in the sights and sounds of the area.
Flexible Schedule
Another benefit that flight attendants enjoy is having a flexible schedule. This schedule can allow them to maximize their time off, providing more opportunities for travel or relaxation. Once you’ve got a few years under your belt, you can make the most of your time.
However, it’s also important to note that, like any job, the schedule isn’t always flexible. Flight attendants often have rotating schedules that combine weekdays, weekends, and holidays. While their friends and family may be off, these are some of the busiest travel times. This can make it nearly impossible to get prime dates off from work.
Cultural Exposure
Not only do flight attendants get to travel to some incredible places, but they also get to meet diverse colleagues and passengers. They don’t have to leave the plane to broaden their perspective and educate themselves about other cultures.
However, stepping off the aircraft can also be another way for them to get cultural exposure. As we mentioned earlier, layovers are a great opportunity for them to experience local attractions, cuisines, and the unique atmospheres around the country and world.
Exposure to new cultures can help these individuals in their personal and professional careers. Flight attendants need unique skills and perspectives to be most effective at their jobs.
Networking Opportunities
As in many careers, networking is an excellent way for personal and professional advancement. Luckily, being a flight attendant provides several opportunities for this. These workers regularly work with new crews, which can provide opportunities to form meaningful relationships. You never know when one of these could help move your career to the next level.
Also, layovers in new cities and places can provide another excellent opportunity to network with others. They’ll have opportunities to attend social events, participate in activities, and intermingle with other flight crew while not on board a plane. These can help to contribute to a more fulfilling and lucrative career.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Most airlines recognize that keeping their flight attendants and other crew healthy is essential. As a result, most of these employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare plans that help cover their medical expenses. These are for regular health check-ups and other preventive measures to ensure they stay healthy.
Additionally, most major airlines provide some incentives for employees to stay healthy. These incentives are because the industry recognizes that staying physically fit is a great way to cope with the intense demands of the job.
However, many flight attendants find that walking up and down the aisle serving customers is quite a bit of a workout. They can maintain their cardiovascular health and stay fit while constantly moving about the plane.
Discounted or Free Travel
One of the biggest perks for many flight attendants is the discounted and free travel opportunities. This can allow friends and family to fly on the respective airline (or partnering airlines) for a massive discount. They may even be able to fly for free in some situations.
Many airlines partner with other brands to provide discounts for accommodations, dining, and other travel-related expenses. Being a flight attendant can be a very cost-effective way to travel domestically and abroad.
Per Diem Allowance
Finally, many airlines provide flight attendants a per diem allowance for their layovers. These funds typically cover the expenses associated with staying away from home. This includes food, hotels, and other costs.
The per diem pay is typically between $1.50 and $3.00 per hour. Some airlines pay more than others, which often increases as you gain experience with a company. These funds can make it easy to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the local cuisine.
Is Being a Flight Attendant Worth It?
Flight attendants play a vital role in helping to ensure a smooth flight. They maintain order and safety in the cabin while a plane travels from point A to point B. While they’re not the ones flying the plane, they have one of the most critical jobs. As a result, treat them with kindness and respect when interacting with them.
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