Flight Attendant Secrets: 10 Hidden Tips for Better Travel Comfort

8. Payment to flight attendants is withheld until the aircraft door is closed.

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Numerous airlines compensate flight attendants hourly, but compensation begins only once the aircraft door seals shut. This indicates they receive no payment for time devoted to pre-departure duties or post-arrival tasks. Consequently, departure delays become particularly aggravating, as crew members earn nothing during these periods.

This compensation method remains exclusive to aviation, where ground operations do not qualify as billable hours. Flight attendants must organize their schedules strategically, juggling professional responsibilities with financial realities. Delays can result in extended unpaid hours, creating additional pressure in an already demanding occupation.