- Flight attendants’ schedules differ significantly from the typical 9-to-5 job, with more days off but irregular hours.
- On average, flight attendants have 12 to 18 days off per month, adding up to around 156 days off annually.
- Flight attendants find creative ways to manage work-life balance, such as strategically planning days off or bidding for specific flight routes.
- Balancing personal life with a demanding flight schedule is a challenge, as flight attendants often work nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Despite the challenges, many flight attendants use their extended breaks to travel, relax, or spend time with family and friends.
For many people, becoming a flight attendant is a dream job that offers the chance to travel the world, meet new people, and experience different cultures. However, one of the common questions aspiring flight attendants have is how often they get to go home. The job may seem glamorous, but the reality is that flight attendants often face irregular schedules, and how frequently they can return home depends on a variety of factors.
In this blog, we’ll explore the factors that influence how often flight attendants get to go home, how their schedules are structured, and how they manage time off.
The Flight Attendant Schedule: A Unique Work-Life Balance
Flight attendants have schedules that are quite different from the typical 9-to-5 office job. They often work long hours and spend several days at a time away from home. However, they also enjoy more days off in a month compared to the average office worker.
On average, flight attendants get between 12 and 18 days off per month, adding up to around 156 days off per year. In contrast, the average office worker has approximately 96 days off annually.
Days Off and Layovers
While flight attendants do have a significant number of days off per month, these days are not always spent at home. Depending on their flight schedules, flight attendants may find themselves on layovers in different cities or even different countries. These layovers can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the length of the flight and the airline’s schedule.
For some flight attendants, layovers can feel like mini vacations, offering them the chance to explore new destinations or enjoy some downtime in a different city. However, these layovers also mean that flight attendants may spend fewer of their days off at home. The ability to spend time at home largely depends on the type of routes a flight attendant is assigned to. Shorter domestic flights might allow for more frequent trips back home, while long-haul international flights often require longer layovers.
Typical Flight Attendant Hours
Flight attendants do not follow a standard 9-to-5 schedule. Instead, they typically spend between 65 to 90 hours in the air per month, with an additional 50 hours dedicated to tasks like preparing the aircraft, assisting with boarding, and post-flight procedures.
On average, flight attendants work 12 to 14 days per month, logging 65 to 85 flight hours, not including potential overtime. Importantly, flight attendants are only paid once the boarding doors are closed, meaning pre-flight tasks are often unpaid.
There are two main types of schedules for flight attendants: reserve schedules and line holder schedules.
- Reserve flight attendants are on call 24/7 and often assigned flights that more senior staff pass on, with less control over their workdays.
- Line holders, typically more senior, can bid for preferred routes, swap trips, or adjust their schedules more freely.
Balancing Personal Life and Work
One of the biggest challenges flight attendants face is balancing their personal lives with their demanding work schedules. Due to the nature of the job, it’s not uncommon for flight attendants to miss important family events, holidays, and gatherings. Many flight attendants work nights, weekends, and holidays, which can make it difficult to maintain a regular social or family life.
However, many flight attendants find creative ways to maintain a balance. For example, they may plan their days off strategically, using layovers as opportunities for personal time, or bidding for specific flight routes that bring them home more frequently. Additionally, flight attendants with more seniority may have more control over their schedules, allowing them to take time off during important events or holidays.
Despite the challenges, the flexibility that comes with having several days off per month can be a benefit. Flight attendants often use these extended breaks to travel, rest, or spend time with loved ones.
Taking the First Step Toward a Flight Attendant Career
If you’re passionate about becoming a flight attendant, it’s important to understand the unique schedule and demands of the job. While flight attendants may spend extended periods away from home, the flexibility of the schedule and the opportunity to travel can make it a rewarding career.
For those serious about pursuing this career, having the right preparation is essential. Eton College offers a comprehensive Flight Attendant Preparation Program that covers key areas such as customer service, safety protocols, and emergency response. This program provides the foundation needed to succeed in this dynamic role, ensuring you are equipped to handle the unique challenges of the profession and confidently embark on your journey as a flight attendant.
