FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) flight attendants earn a competitive salary, typically from $32,000 to $80,000 annually. This range varies based on several factors, including experience, seniority, and the specific routes they serve. The average annual salary for American Airlines flight attendants is projected to be $47,079, which translates to approximately $23 per hour.
The recent contract includes a 33% pay raise over five years for flight attendants, including an immediate 18% increase for most attendants. Additional raises of 2.75% follow after the first year, followed by 3% increases in the second and third years, and a final 3.5% increase in the fifth year.
NOTE: Assuming a standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year, the total annual hours worked is:
Annual Hours=40 hours week×52 weeks year=2,080 hours year
American Airlines Flight Attendant Salary
American Airlines flight attendants occupy various positions that contribute to the safety, comfort, and overall experience of passengers during flights. Here are the primary roles associated with flight attendants at American Airlines:
1. Flight Attendant (Cabin Crew Member)
- The primary duty of flight attendants is to ensure passenger safety and comfort. They conduct safety demonstrations, serve food and beverages, assist passengers with their needs, and monitor the cabin for any issues.
2. Lead Flight Attendant (Purser)
- The lead flight attendant supervises other cabin crew members on a flight. They coordinate service delivery, manage crew duties, and handle escalated passenger concerns. This role often involves ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
3. Reserve Flight Attendant
- Reserve flight attendants are on standby to fill in for regular crew members who may be unable to work due to illness or other reasons. They must be flexible and ready to report for duty at short notice.
4. Training Instructor
- Experienced flight attendants may transition into training roles where they educate new hires on safety procedures, customer service standards, and operational practices. This role is essential for maintaining high service quality within the airline.
5. Ground Staff (Pre-Flight Crew)
- While not classified as flight attendants, ground staff assist with pre-flight preparations, including boarding procedures and passenger assistance before takeoff.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Salary Based on Position
Here is a table summarizing the salaries of American Airlines flight attendants in 2024 :
| Position | Annual Salary (USD) | Hourly Salary (USD) |
| Entry Level Flight Attendant | $32,079 | $16+ |
| Flight Attendant | $65,000 | $32 |
| Lead Flight Attendant (Purser) | $73,474 | $35.43 |
| Training Instructor | $80,000 | $38.46 |
| Cabin Manager | $90,000 | $43.27 |
| Reserve Flight Attendant | $35,500 | $17.00 |
Here’s a detailed list of positions within American Airlines flight attendants, along with their corresponding salaries and additional insights about compensation in 2024 :
Positions and Salaries
1. Flight Attendant (Cabin Crew Member)
- Salary: Approximately $32,000 per year or $16+per hour.
- Responsibilities: Ensure passenger safety, conduct safety demonstrations, serve food and beverages, and assist passengers during flights.
2. Lead Flight Attendant (Purser)
- Salary: Ranges from $66,500 to $74,499 annually for more experienced attendants.
- Responsibilities: Supervise the cabin crew, coordinate service delivery, and handle escalated passenger issues.
3. Reserve Flight Attendant
- Salary: Similar to entry-level flight attendants, starting around $35,500 annually.
- Responsibilities: Standby role to fill in for regular crew members as needed, requiring flexibility and readiness to report for duty at short notice.
4. Training Instructor
- Salary: Can range from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience and seniority.
- Responsibilities: Train new flight attendants on safety protocols and customer service standards.
5. Cabin Manager
- Salary: Generally falls between $70,000 and $90,000 annually.
- Responsibilities: Manage all cabin operations during a flight while ensuring high-quality service.
Pay Increase in 2024
American Airlines flight attendants recently secured a significant pay increase as part of a new five-year contract ratified on September 12, 2024. This agreement follows extensive negotiations that began in January 2020 and were marked by a strong push from the flight attendants for better compensation and working conditions.
Key Features of the American Airlines Pay Increase
Immediate Wage Increases
- Flight attendants will receive immediate wage increases of up to 20.5% starting October 1, 2024.
- The total value of the contract over its duration is estimated at $4.2 billion, which includes both salary increases and enhanced benefits.
- Incremental Raises: The contract includes additional raises scheduled as follows:
- An immediate 18% increase for most attendants.
- Subsequent raises of 2.75% after the first year, followed by 3% increases in years two and three, and a final 3.5% raise in the fifth year.
Additional Compensation
- For the first time, flight attendants will be compensated for boarding duties, addressing a long-standing issue where they worked unpaid during this time.
- The contract also introduces a new compensation structure for extended waiting periods between flights, known as “long sits.”
Union Support and Voting
- The ratification saw 87% approval from the voting members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), with about 95% of eligible flight attendants participating in the vote.
- The negotiations were aided by federal mediators, reflecting the importance of maintaining operational stability in the airline industry.
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Additional Benefits of American Airlines Flight Attendants
American Airlines offers a comprehensive benefits package for its flight attendants, providing various advantages that enhance both their professional and personal lives. Here are some of the key benefits:
Travel Privileges
- Free Flights: Flight attendants enjoy unlimited space-available travel for themselves, their domestic partners, spouses, children, and parents/in-laws. They also receive 16 buddy passes each year, allowing friends and family to travel at a reduced cost.
- Travel on Partner Airlines: Employees can travel on American Airlines as well as other partner airlines, expanding their travel options significantly.
Health and Wellness Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance plans are available to support the well-being of employees and their families.
- Health Spending Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): These accounts help employees manage healthcare costs more effectively.
Financial Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: American Airlines offers a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, helping employees save for retirement.
- Tuition Reimbursement: The company provides financial assistance for employees pursuing further education through partnered schools.
- Company-operated Credit Union: Employees have access to a credit union that offers various financial services tailored to their needs.
Work-Life Balance
- Paid Time Off Flight attendants receive paid vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Well-Being Programs: Various programs are in place to support mental health and overall wellness.
Career Development Opportunities
- American Airlines encourages career growth through internal training programs and mentorship opportunities, allowing employees to explore different roles within the company.
Factors Affecting Salary?
The Salary of American Airlines flight attendants is shaped by a combination of experience, airline type, geographic location, flight routes, union negotiations, contractual agreements, and additional benefits. These factors collectively create a comprehensive compensation structure that reflects the responsibilities and challenges faced by flight attendants in their roles.
Below are the key factors that affect the salary of the American Airlines Flight Attendant :
1. Experience and Seniority
- Flight attendants with more years of service typically earn higher salaries. For example, senior flight attendants can see significant pay increases compared to entry-level positions. The recent contract includes immediate raises based on years of service, with seasoned crew members receiving up to a 20.5% increase.
2. Type of Airline
- The airline’s size and type play a crucial role in salary differences. Major carriers like American Airlines generally offer higher salaries and better benefits than regional airlines. This is due to the larger operational budget and competitive nature of major airlines.
3. Geographic Location
- Salaries can vary based on the cost of living in different regions. Flight attendants based in high-cost areas, such as New York City or California, may receive higher pay to offset living expenses compared to those stationed in smaller cities.
4. Flight Routes and Hours
- The specific routes flown can influence earnings. Longer international flights often come with higher pay due to the increased demands and extended hours involved. Additionally, flight attendants on routes with layovers may receive additional compensation.
5. Union Representation
- Flight attendants at American Airlines are represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA). Union negotiations significantly affect salary structures, ensuring consistent pay increases and improved working conditions through collective bargaining agreements.
6. Contractual Agreements
- Recent contracts have introduced various compensation enhancements, including boarding pay for the first time, which adds a new layer to overall earnings. The latest contract promises a 33% pay raise over five years and includes retroactive pay for previous periods.
7. Additional Benefits and Compensation Structures
- Beyond base salary, flight attendants receive additional compensation through bonuses, profit-sharing, per diem allowances for meals during layovers, and other benefits that contribute to their overall financial package.
American Airlines Fleet
As of June 2024, American Airlines operates a diverse fleet of 970 mainline aircraft, making it one of the largest commercial airline fleet operators globally. The fleet includes a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and some regional aircraft, with a significant emphasis on narrow-body jets. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the aircraft types in the American Airlines fleet:
Airbus Aircraft :
- Airbus A319-100: 133 in service
- Airbus A320-200: 48 in service
- Airbus A321-200: 218 in service
- Airbus A321neo: 80 in service with 85 on order
- Airbus A321XLR: 0 in service with 50 on order
Boeing Aircraft :
- Boeing 737-800: 303 in service
- Boeing 737 MAX 8: 62 in service with 38 on order (some orders ungauged to MAX 10)
- Boeing 737 MAX 10: 0 in service with 115 on order
- Boeing 777-200ER: 47 in service
- Boeing 777-300ER: 20 in service
- Boeing 787-8: 37 in service
- Boeing 787-9: 22 in service
Summary of Fleet Composition :
- Narrow-body Aircraft: Over 80% of the fleet consists of narrow-body jets from the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 family.
- Boeing manufactures all wide-body aircraft, and American Airlines operates the largest fleet of the 787-8 model.
- It also has 550+ aircraft in its regional fleet including CRJ200, CRJ700, CRJ900, E145, E170, and E175.
Below are the Hiring Requirements for American Airlines Flight Attendants :
To become a flight attendant with American Airlines, candidates must meet specific hiring requirements encompassing age, education, experience, physical attributes, and language proficiency. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these requirements:
What are the Hiring Requirements for American Airlines Flight Attendants?
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | Must be at least 19 years old (some sources mention 20 years) |
| Height | Must be between 5’2″ and 6’0″ tall |
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent; college education or two years of customer service experience preferred |
| Work Authorization | Must have the right to work in the U.S. |
| Passport | Must possess a valid U.S. or foreign passport with applicable visas; valid travel documents required throughout employment |
| Language Proficiency | Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in additional languages is a plus |
| Vision Requirements | Vision must be correctable to at least 20/30; good vision without correction is preferred |
| Professional Appearance | Must present a professional image at all times |
| Interpersonal Skills | Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required |
| Flexibility | Must be able to work varying shifts and adapt to different climates and locations |
| Relocation | Willingness to relocate to assigned base city after training |
Additional Considerations for Hiring Requirements for American Airlines Flight Attendant
Customer Service Experience: While previous airline experience is not required, candidates with customer service backgrounds are preferred.
- Training Requirement: Successful applicants must complete a six-week training program in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, which includes safety procedures, customer service training, and other essential skills.
- Physical Requirements: Candidates should be able to lift heavy items and reach emergency equipment on various aircraft types.
These requirements ensure that American Airlines selects candidates who are qualified and capable of providing exceptional service and maintaining safety standards during flights.
Step-by-Step Application Process
To apply for a flight attendant position at American Airlines, follow these step-by-step instructions:
How do I apply for an American Airlines Flight attendant job?
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
Begin by ensuring you meet the basic requirements, such as being at least 19 years old and having a high school diploma or GED. Gather your personal information, work history, and education details.
Step 2: Apply Online
Visit the American Airlines careers website to find the flight attendant job listing. Fill out the online application form, providing all requested information accurately. Upload your resume and complete any required assessments to showcase your qualifications.
Step 3: Attend a Virtual Group Interview
If your application is selected, you will receive an invitation for a virtual group interview. Prepare by dressing professionally and reviewing common interview questions. This is your chance to demonstrate your communication skills and learn more about the role.
Step 4: Participate in an In-Person Interview
If you advance past the virtual interview, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview. Dress appropriately and bring copies of your resume and references. During this interview, focus on showcasing your interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for the position.
Step 5: Complete Pre-Employment Requirements
If you successfully pass the in-person interview, you will receive a conditional job offer. Be prepared to complete any necessary background checks and provide documentation proving your eligibility to work in the U.S.
Step 6: Undergo Training
Once you accept the offer, you must complete a six-week training program held in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. This training covers safety procedures, customer service skills, and other essential flight attendant duties.
Step 7: Receive Your Wings
After completing training and obtaining your certificate of demonstrated proficiency, you will receive your wings. You are now ready to begin your career as a flight attendant with American Airlines.
American Airlines Flight Attendants Salary – FAQs
Below are the 10 most asked and common questions about American Airlines Flight Attendants’ Salary:
The starting salary for a new flight attendant at American Airlines is approximately $30,000 per year. This figure reflects the base pay for entry-level positions within the airline.
As of September 2024, American Airlines flight attendants earn an average of $22.63 per hour. This hourly wage translates to an annual salary of about $47,079 based on typical working hours.
The average salary for a flight attendant at American Airlines is around $47,079 annually. Salaries range from about $35,500 (25th percentile) to $50,000 (75th percentile), with top earners making up to $69,000 per year.
American Airlines flight attendants generally earn less than those at some other major airlines. For instance, while the average salary for flight attendants across the U.S. is approximately $86,370, American’s pay tends to be on the lower end compared to competitors like Delta and United.
In addition to their salaries, American Airlines flight attendants receive a variety of benefits, including:
Travel privileges for employees and their families.
Health benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
A 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
Additional perks such as well-being programs and employee discounts.
Flight attendants can significantly increase their earnings through overtime and extra shifts. Some reports indicate that dedicated flight attendants might earn up to $150,000 annually by picking up extra flights and working overtime. Those who work additional shifts can see monthly earnings rise substantially, often exceeding their base pay.
Yes, there are opportunities for salary increases. Recent negotiations have resulted in a proposed 20% immediate wage increase, along with additional raises over time. Flight attendants can also increase their salaries based on tenure and performance.
Several factors influence the salaries of American Airlines flight attendants:
Experience level: More experienced flight attendants tend to earn higher wages.
Location: Salaries can vary based on geographic location and local cost of living.
Union negotiations: Collective bargaining agreements can lead to adjustments in salaries and benefits.
Seniority plays a significant role in determining salaries. Flight attendants with more years of service can expect higher hourly wages, with potential rates reaching up to $82.24 per hour after many years of service under recent contracts.
Experienced flight attendants at American Airlines can earn between approximately $68,000 and $98,000 annually, depending on their level of experience and specific roles within the airline.
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