Transportation & Aviation
How to Become a Flight Attendant
To become a flight attendant, you need a high school diploma, customer service experience and the ability to pass an airline's interview, background check and drug test. The airline then trains you for several weeks and you earn your FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. The whole process usually takes 3 to 9 months and can cost almost nothing, because airlines pay for the required training.
- Time to start
- 3–9 months from application to first flight
- Typical cost
- $0–$5,000 (airline training is free; private prep schools are optional)
- Median pay
- $63,580 per year
- Education
- High school diploma or GED
- License / certification
- FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency (earned in airline training)
- Job outlook
- +9% (2025–35), much faster than average
Steps to become a flight attendant
Check the basic requirements
Airlines typically require you to be at least 18 to 21 years old, depending on the carrier, with a high school diploma or GED. You need a valid passport, the right to work in the U.S. and the ability to pass a background check and drug test. Many airlines also set height or reach limits so you can reach overhead safety equipment.
Build customer service experience
Airlines hire for people skills. One to two years in a hotel, restaurant, retail store, hospital or call center makes your application much stronger. Learning a second language also helps, especially for international carriers.
Get your passport and clean up your record
Most airlines require a passport that lets you travel freely in and out of the U.S. Apply early, since processing can take weeks. Check your driving record and social media, because airlines review your background in detail.
Apply directly to airlines
Watch airline career pages, since flight attendant postings often close within days. Apply to regional and major carriers at the same time. Tailor your resume to safety, teamwork and service.
Pass the video and in-person interviews
Most airlines start with an online assessment or recorded video interview, then invite you to an in-person interview day. Expect group exercises, a reach test and behavioral questions. Dress in polished business attire and arrive early.
Clear the conditional job offer checks
After a conditional offer, you complete a background check, a fingerprint-based security check covering 10 years of history and a drug test. Some airlines also run a medical screening. Answer every form honestly.
Complete airline training and earn FAA certification
Airline initial training lasts several weeks to a few months. You learn evacuations, firefighting, first aid, ditching and aircraft-specific procedures. When you pass, the airline notifies the FAA and you receive your Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency.
Start on reserve and build seniority
New flight attendants usually work on reserve, on call for open trips. You may be based in a city you did not choose. Schedules, bases and routes improve as your seniority grows.
Find a flight attendant training or prep program
No private school can certify you; only airline training leads to the FAA certificate, so treat paid prep programs as interview help and avoid any that promise a job.
- Airline initial training (required, paid by the airline after you are hired)
- Private flight attendant prep school (interview and resume coaching)
- Community college hospitality or aviation customer service certificate
- Online flight attendant interview prep course
- First aid and CPR certification course
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport (first adult book) | $165 | $165 | Expedited service costs extra |
| Airline initial training | $0 | $0 | Paid by the airline |
| Interview attire and grooming | $100 | $500 | |
| Travel to in-person interview | $0 | $600 | Many airlines provide a free or discounted flight |
| Living costs during training | $0 | $1,500 | Some airlines house trainees; others pay a stipend |
| Optional private flight attendant prep school | $500 | $5,000 | Not required by airlines or the FAA |
| Relocation to your assigned base | $500 | $3,000 | Many new hires share crash pads |
| Total | $1,265 | $10,765 | Timeline: 3–9 months from application to first flight |
Exams and how to prepare
Airline initial training exams
Written and hands-on tests on emergency procedures, evacuation drills, first aid and aircraft equipment. You must pass to earn FAA certification.
How to prepare: Study the training manual every night and practice commands out loud; most airlines require high passing scores, often 90% or more.
Airline pre-employment assessment
Online personality or situational judgment questionnaire used to screen applicants.
How to prepare: Answer consistently and honestly; the test looks for safety focus, teamwork and calm service under pressure.
Flight Attendant salary and job outlook
Employment of flight attendants is projected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 18,500 openings each year.
Printable PDF
Flight Attendant Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
From application to your first flight usually takes 3 to 9 months. The hiring process takes a few weeks to a few months, and airline training lasts several weeks. Getting customer service experience first can add a year or two.
How much does it cost to become a flight attendant?
It can cost very little. Airlines pay for the required FAA-approved training, and many cover your travel to the interview. Your main costs are a passport, interview clothes and possibly relocation.
Do you need to go to flight attendant school?
No. Airlines and the FAA do not require a private flight attendant school, because every airline trains its own hires. A prep course can help with interviews, but it does not replace airline training.
Can you become a flight attendant without a degree?
Yes. A high school diploma or GED is the standard requirement. A degree in hospitality, communications or a related field can help you stand out but is not required.
What is the age limit to be a flight attendant?
Minimum age is usually 18 to 21, depending on the airline. There is no maximum age, and airlines regularly hire people in their 40s, 50s and older.
How much do flight attendants make?
BLS reports a median of $63,580 per year in May 2025. Pay is mostly per flight hour, so first-year earnings are lower and rise with seniority. Per diem pay for time away from base adds to income.
Do flight attendants get FAA certified?
Yes. Every U.S. flight attendant on aircraft with 20 or more seats must hold an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. You earn it by completing your airline's approved training, and you take recurrent training every year.
What is the hardest part of being a flight attendant?
Most new flight attendants say reserve life is the hardest part. You are on call, may be based far from home and work irregular hours. It gets easier as seniority gives you more control.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Flight Attendants
- 49 U.S. Code 44728: Flight attendant certification (Cornell LII)
- FAA InFO 08016: Flight Attendant Certificate guidance
- U.S. State Department: Passport fees
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.