Atlanta-based Delta Airlines (DL) flight attendants’ Salary typically start with an hourly wage ranging from $ 16 to $22, which translates to an annual salary between $33,000 and $45,000, depending on hours worked. After gaining experience, experienced Delta flight attendants can earn much higher wages.
Those with several years of service can see hourly rates increase to approximately $38, leading to annual salaries exceeding $79,000. Senior flight attendants may earn as much as $118,000 annually, especially if they take on additional responsibilities or work international flights.
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
Positions in Delta Airlines Flight Attendant
Delta Air Lines offers flight attendant positions, focusing on English-speaking and bilingual candidates. The primary role is to ensure passenger safety and comfort throughout the flight. Here are the key positions and their responsibilities:
1. Flight Attendant (General)
- Safety and Customer Service: Flight attendants are responsible for the safety of passengers by demonstrating safety procedures and managing emergencies. They also provide exceptional customer service by attending to passenger needs during the flight.
- Refreshments and Assistance: They prepare, serve, and sell beverages and meals, ensuring that passengers have a pleasant in-flight experience. Additionally, they assist with luggage handling and answer any questions passengers may have.
- Emergency Preparedness: Flight attendants must be trained to respond to emergencies, administer first aid, and coordinate safety measures effectively.
2. Bilingual Flight Attendant (Language of Destination – LOD)
- Language Proficiency: This position requires fluency in English and another language, enabling effective communication with passengers who may not speak English.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Bilingual flight attendants often cater to international routes, ensuring that non-English speaking passengers receive appropriate assistance and information during their journey.
3. In-Flight Services Team Member
- Collaboration: Flight attendants work as part of a larger in-flight services team to ensure smooth operations during flights.
- Flexibility: They must adapt to changing schedules, including working nights, weekends, and holidays as required by flight operations.
Delta Airlines Flight Attendants Salaries
Here is a table showing the annual and hourly salaries for various flight attendant positions at Delta Airlines:
| Position | Annual Salary ($) | Hourly ($) |
| Entry Level Flight Attendant | 33,000 – 45,000 | 15.87 – 21.63 |
| Experienced Flight Attendant | 45,000 – 68,370 | 21.63 – 32.85 |
| Senior Flight Attendant | 68,370 – 118,000 | 32.85 – 56.73 |
| Lead Flight Attendant | 72,000 – 100,000 | 34.62 – 48.08 |
| Bilingual Flight Attendant | 35,000 – 70,000 | 16.83 – 33.65 |
- Entry-Level Flight Attendant: Typically earns between $33,000 and $45,000 annually with an hourly rate starting around $15.87 to $21.63.
- Experienced Flight Attendant: After gaining experience, salaries range from $45,000 to $68,370 annually, with hourly rates increasing to about $21.63 to $32.85.
- Senior Flight Attendant: Those with significant experience can earn between $68,370 and $118,000 per year, with hourly rates reaching up to $33 to $56.
- Lead Flight Attendant: A more senior role that can earn between $72,000 and $100,000 annually and hourly rates from $35 to $48.
- Bilingual Flight Attendant: This role typically offers salaries ranging from $35,000 to $70,000 annually and hourly rates similar to experienced flight attendants $17 to $33.
Recent Pay Increase
Delta Airlines recently announced a pay increase for its flight attendants, reflecting the company’s commitment to enhancing employee compensation amid ongoing unionization efforts. Here are the key details regarding the recent pay increase:
Recent Delta Airlines Pay Increase Overview :
- 5% Wage Increase: Delta Airlines has implemented a 5% raise for flight attendants and ground workers. This increase will affect over 80,000 employees across the airline.
- New Minimum Wage: The starting wage for frontline employees, including flight attendants, has been raised to $19 per hour. This change marks a significant increase from the previous minimum wage.
- Effective Date: The wage increases take effect on June 1, 2024.
- CEO Statement: Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, emphasized that investing in employees is crucial for delivering exceptional service and maintaining the airline’s competitive edge. He noted that Delta has cumulatively raised pay by 20-25% since 2022.
Context of the Pay Increase :
- Profit Sharing: Alongside the wage increase, Delta has a profit-sharing program that has distributed over $11 billion to employees since its inception in 2007. Recently, employees received a payout equivalent to 10.4% of their annual pay, amounting to nearly one month’s salary.
- Unionization Efforts: The pay increase comes amid ongoing attempts by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) to unionize Delta’s flight attendants. Delta is currently one of the few major U.S. airlines without unionized cabin crew members. Previous unionization attempts have been unsuccessful, but there is renewed interest in organizing due to the disparity in pay compared to competitors.
- Competitive Landscape: Despite these increases, some flight attendants and union representatives argue that their compensation still lags behind other airlines, prompting continued discussions about fair wages and benefits.
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Benefits/Perks for Attendants?
Delta Airlines offers a comprehensive benefits package for its flight attendants, which includes various perks designed to enhance both their professional and personal lives. Here are the key additional benefits that Delta flight attendants receive:
Health and Insurance Benefits are as follows :
Medical and Dental Coverage
Delta provides extensive medical insurance options, including dental and vision coverage. Employees can choose from various plans based on their needs and location, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services.
Life Insurance
Flight attendants receive basic life insurance coverage, with options for additional coverage. The basic plan offers a payout of up to $50,000, while optional coverage can go up to $500,000.
Financial Benefits are as follows :
Profit-sharing and Retirement Plans
Delta Airlines offers profit-sharing programs and a 401(k) retirement plan, allowing employees to save for the future while also benefiting from the company’s financial success.
Emergency Savings Program
In 2023, Delta introduced an Emergency Savings Program aimed at strengthening employees’ financial health. Participants can earn up to $1,000 by completing financial education modules.
Paid Leave and Time Off :
Generous Leave Policies
Flight attendants enjoy a robust leave policy that increases with tenure. They are entitled to vacation leave of up to five weeks per year, sick leave, and various forms of paid leave such as maternity and paternity leave. Expecting mothers can take six weeks of paid leave plus 16 weeks of unpaid leave.
Travel Benefits provided by Delta Airlines are as follows :
Free and Discounted Flights
One of the most appealing perks for Delta flight attendants is the ability to travel for free or at a reduced rate on Delta flights. This benefit extends to eligible family members as well. Additionally, flight attendants can access non-revenue travel on over 100 partner airlines through ZED/Interline agreements after six months of employment.
Standby Travel
Flight attendants can travel on standby for personal or business purposes, which allows them flexibility in planning trips without incurring high costs.
Wellness Programs are as follows :
Fitness Memberships
Delta promotes employee wellness by offering free or subsidized gym memberships at its corporate fitness centers. This initiative helps maintain a healthy workforce and encourages physical fitness among employees.
What are the factors that affect Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Salary?
Several factors influence the salary of Delta Airlines flight attendants, reflecting both individual circumstances and broader industry trends. Here are the primary factors that affect their compensation:
Experience and Seniority
Years of Service
Flight attendants’ salaries generally increase with experience. Entry-level attendants typically earn a lower hourly wage, while those with several years of service can see significant pay increases. For instance, starting salaries for Delta flight attendants range from approximately $33,000 to $45,000 annually, with experienced attendants making upwards of $118,000 per year.
Pay Structure Adjustments
Base Pay Increases
Delta has been proactive in adjusting its pay structure in response to market conditions and labour demands. Recent increases include a cumulative raise of 20% to 25% since 2022, with an additional 5% increase planned for June 2024.
Boarding Premium
Delta has introduced a unique boarding premium, rewarding flight attendants for their role in the boarding process. This additional compensation adds approximately $810 annually to their pay, which reflects an effort to enhance job satisfaction and recognize the importance of this often-overlooked duty.
Location and Route
Geographical Differences
Salaries can vary based on the geographical location where flight attendants operate. Flight attendants based in metropolitan areas or on international routes may earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller regions due to differences in the cost of living and demand for service.
Additional Compensation Components
Per Diem Allowances
Flight attendants also receive per diem allowances for meals and expenses incurred while away from their home base. This allowance varies depending on domestic or international flights and can significantly supplement their income. For example, domestic per diem rates typically range from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour.
Special Duties and Qualifications
Additional pay may be granted for special roles or qualifications, such as language skills or lead flight attendant positions, which can increase hourly wages by $2 to $3 during active flight hours.
Market Conditions
Industry Competition
As Delta competes with other major airlines like United and American Airlines for talent, market conditions heavily influence salary structures. The ongoing efforts by flight attendants to unionize also play a role in shaping compensation discussions, as unions often advocate for better pay and benefits.
Where are Delta Airlines Bases?
Delta Air Lines has several crew bases across the United States where its pilots and flight attendants are assigned. The primary crew bases for Delta are located in the following cities:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Detroit, Michigan
- Los Angeles, California
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
- New York City, New York (including both JFK and LaGuardia)
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – AMS
- London -Heathrow, United Kingdom – LHR
- Paris – Charles de Gaulle , France – CDG
- Seoul, South Korea – ICN
- Mexico City – Mexico – MEX
- Tokyo – Japan – HND
Delta Airlines Fleet
Delta Air Lines operates a diverse fleet consisting of various aircraft types from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer. As of 2024, the fleet includes Airbus, Boeing, and some Regional jets:
Airbus Fleet :
- Airbus A220
- A220-100: 45
- A220-300: 26
- Airbus A319: 57
- Airbus A320: 58
- Airbus A321
- A321-200: 127
- A321neo: 61
- Airbus A330
- A330-200: 11
- A330-300: 31
- A330-900neo: 29
- Airbus A350-900: 32
Boeing Fleet :
- Boeing 717: 88
- Boeing 737
- 737-800: 77
- 737-900: 163
- Boeing 757
- 757-200: 105
- 757-300: 16
- Boeing 767
- 767-300: 43
- 767-400: 21
Regional and Other Aircraft :
- Bombardier CRJ
- CRJ200: 1
- CRJ700: 19
- CRJ900: 163
- Embraer
- Embraer 170: 11
- Embraer 175L: 83
- Embraer 175S: 47
What are the hiring requirements for Delta Airlines flight attendants?
To become a flight attendant at Delta Airlines, candidates must meet specific hiring requirements – age, education, language proficiency, and other qualifications. Here are the key requirements:
Age and Education
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or GED is required. While not mandatory, a college degree or experience in hospitality, customer service, or related fields is preferred.
Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English: Candidates must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently.
- Bilingual Candidates: Those who are fluent in a second language may apply for specific roles that require language proficiency (Language of Destination roles), which can enhance their application.
Work Eligibility
- Legal Work Status: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and possess the ability to travel internationally without restrictions.
Physical and Appearance Standards :
- Height Requirements: While Delta does not specify exact height requirements, candidates should be able to perform safety-related duties effectively.
- Grooming Standards: Flight attendants must maintain a professional appearance, which includes guidelines on personal hygiene, grooming (e.g., hair color and style), and restrictions on visible tattoos and piercings. For example:
- Visible tattoos must be covered.
- Only one facial piercing (a small stud) is allowed.
- Hair must be styled neatly and maintained.
Flexibility and Availability
- Schedule Flexibility: Candidates should be willing to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Flight attendants are expected to travel on both domestic and international routes.
Training Requirements
- Training Program: Successful applicants must complete a six-week training program at Delta’s training facility in Atlanta, Georgia. This training covers safety procedures, customer service protocols, and emergency response techniques.
Additional Considerations
- Background Check: A thorough background check is conducted as part of the hiring process. While minor infractions like parking tickets may be acceptable, serious offenses could disqualify an applicant.
How to Apply for the Job?
To apply for a flight attendant position at Delta Airlines, candidates must follow a structured application process that includes several steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate this process:
Application Process
Check Eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the basic requirements:
- Minimum age of 21 years.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. and the ability to travel internationally.
Submit an Online Application:
- Visit the official Delta Airlines careers page to find open flight attendant positions. Applications typically open periodically, so check regularly for availability.
Complete the Talent Assessment:
- After submitting your application, you will be required to take the Delta Talent Assessment (TalentBank). This assessment evaluates your personality traits and situational judgment relevant to the flight attendant role.
Participate in the Delta Virtual Job Tryout (VJT):
- If you pass the Talent Assessment, you will receive an invitation to complete the Delta Virtual Job Tryout. This six-section online assessment simulates real-life scenarios that flight attendants may encounter and assesses your decision-making skills and customer service abilities.
On-Demand Video Interview:
- Candidates who successfully complete the VJT will be invited to participate in a video interview. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality and communication skills.
In-Person Event Day:
- If you pass the video interview, you will be invited to an interactive in-person interview day at Delta’s facilities, where you’ll engage with current flight attendants and hiring managers.
Receive a Job Offer:
- Successful candidates will receive a contingent job offer, pending background checks and drug screening.
Training Program:
- Upon acceptance of the job offer, new hires will undergo a seven-week training program in Atlanta, Georgia. This training includes safety protocols, emergency procedures, and customer service training.
Important Considerations :
- Application Timing: Delta Airlines typically opens applications at specific times throughout the year. For example, applications for 2024 classes opened on September 7, 2023. It’s essential to stay updated on these timelines as they can change.
- Preparation: Given that Delta receives a high volume of applications (around 260,000 for a few thousand positions), it’s advisable to prepare thoroughly for each step of the hiring process, including practising situational judgment tests and preparing for interviews using methods like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Reapplication Policy: If you do not pass any step of the process, you must wait 90 days before reapplying for a different position at Delta Airlines.
Does Delta Provide Training to Their Freshers Flight Attendants?
Yes, Delta Airlines provides comprehensive training for their newly hired flight attendants. Here are the key details regarding the training process:
Training Overview
- Duration: The training program lasts for seven weeks and takes place at Delta’s training facility in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Structure:
- The first six weeks are dedicated to safety training, where trainees learn crucial skills such as aircraft evacuation procedures, emergency response, and handling in-flight incidents.
- The final week focuses on customer service training, emphasizing Delta’s commitment to providing exceptional service to passengers.
Training Content
- Safety Procedures: Trainees will learn how to evacuate an aircraft cabin in under 90 seconds and manage various emergencies effectively.
- Customer Service Skills: The training includes modules on delivering excellent customer service, addressing passenger needs, and managing difficult situations or unruly passengers.
- Practical Drills: Flight attendants participate in practical drills and simulations to reinforce their learning and ensure they can apply their skills in real-life scenarios.
- Examinations: Throughout the training, candidates must pass several exams to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Those who do not pass have one additional opportunity to retake the exams; failure to pass after that may result in dismissal from the program.
Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Salaries – FAQs
Below are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding Delta Airlines flight attendants’ salaries are as follows:
The average salary for a Delta flight attendant is approximately $50,638 per year, though this can vary based on experience and seniority levels. Entry-level positions typically start between $33,000 and $45,000 annually, while experienced flight attendants can earn up to $118,000 per year.
Delta flight attendants are typically paid on an hourly basis. They receive compensation for flight hours, boarding time (recently introduced as paid), and additional allowances such as per diem for meals during layovers.
Several factors affect a flight attendant’s salary at Delta, including:
Years of experience and seniority
Type of flights (domestic vs. international)
Additional roles or responsibilities (e.g., lead flight attendant)
Performance and hours worked each month.
Yes, Delta flight attendants enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), retirement plans (401(k)), profit-sharing opportunities, and travel benefits such as free or discounted flights.
Yes, as of June 2022, Delta Airlines became the first major U.S. airline to pay its flight attendants during the boarding process at half their regular hourly rate. This change was made in response to union organizing efforts and aims to improve overall compensation for cabin crew.
Delta flight attendants are typically paid monthly. Paychecks reflect the hours worked during the previous month, including any additional compensation for per diem or bonuses earned.
Delta has a structured pay scale that increases with tenure. For example:
Starting hourly rate: $30.96
After 1 year: $32.82
After 12 years: approximately $69.59 per hour.
Yes, in addition to their base salary, Delta flight attendants can earn extra income through:
Per diem allowances for meals while on duty
Incentive pay for special assignments or additional roles
Bonuses for exceeding performance metrics.
Seniority significantly impacts salary; as flight attendants accumulate years of service, they receive regular raises and have opportunities for higher-paying routes and positions within the airline. Senior attendants can earn substantially more than their junior counterparts.
Yes, there are numerous opportunities for advancement within Delta Airlines. Flight attendants can move into supervisory roles or specialized positions that come with higher pay rates and additional responsibilities over time.
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