Editor’s note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
If you are looking to become a flight attendant, you will have to attend training. Most airlines will train their flight attendants after they have gone through the hiring process. Each airline offers a flight attendant training program at one or more of their headquarters. We looked into each other’s training programs and have determined the best flight attendant schools based on location below.
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Quicklook: Best Flight Attendant Schools
- Best Northeastern Flight Attendant School: JetBlue
- Best Southeastern Flight Attendant School: Delta Air Lines
- Best Midwestern Flight Attendant School: United Airlines
- Best Southern Flight Attendant School: American Airlines
- Best North Western Flight Attendant School: Alaska Airlines
- Best Online Flight Attendant School: The Travel Academy
Best Flight Attendant Schools
There are many flight attendant schools across the U.S., and most of them are operated by the airline that the flight attendants will work for. Below are the best flight attendant schools based on location.
JetBlue
Best For: Northeastern Flight Attendant School
JetBlue is a smaller Northeast U.S.-based airline. Known for one of the highest paying hourly rates for flight attendants and a close-knit workforce. If you make it through the hiring process, JetBlue will send you to their training center in Boston, Massachusetts, or New York City. This training program is only available to JetBlue flight attendants.
Website: https://www.jetblue.com/
Cost: No cost; you will be paid while training
Program Length: 4 weeks
Job Placement: Yes, you will be placed at a JetBlue hub upon completion of the training program.
Program Special Features:
- High pay
- Smaller airline
- Flexible schedule
- Travel benefits
Delta Air Lines
Best For: Southeastern Flight Attendant School
Delta Air Lines is one of the major U.S. airlines. Known for one of the highest paying hourly rates for flight attendants. If you make it through the hiring process, Delta Air Lines will send you to their training center in Atlanta, Georgia. This training program is only available to Delta Air Lines flight attendants.
Website: https://www.delta.com/
Cost: No cost, you will be paid while training
Program Length: 6 weeks
Job Placement: Yes, you will be placed at an Delta Air Lines hub upon graduating
Program Special Features:
- High Pay
- Great step incentives
- Yearly raises
United Airlines
Best For: Midwestern Flight Attendant School
United Airlines is one of the five major U.S. airlines. Known for being one big family, United makes all its employees feel appreciated with great benefits and compassion. If you make it through the hiring process, United Airlines will send you to their training center in Chicago, Illinois. This training program is only available to United Airlines flight attendants.
Website: https://www.united.com/en/us
Cost: No cost, you will be paid while training
Program Length: 7 weeks
Job Placement: Yes, you will be placed at an United Airlines hubs
Program Special Features:
- Great flight incentives
- Health insurance
- 401K options
- Vacation benefits
American Airlines
Best For: Southern Flight Attendant School
American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world and offers flight attendants great benefits. If you make it through the hiring process, American Airlines will send you to their training center in Dallas to become a flight attendant. This training program is only available to American Airlines flight attendants.
Website: https://www.aa.com
Cost: No cost, you will be paid while training
Program Length: 6 weeks
Job Placement: Yes, you will be placed at an American Airlines hub upon receiving your wings
Program Special Features:
- Paid training
- Training center for Envoy
Alaska Airlines
Best For: North Western Flight Attendant School
Alaska Airlines is known for how well it treats its employees and flight attendants are no different. If you make it through the hiring process, Alaska Airlines will send you to one of their training centers in the Northwest U.S. This training program is only available to Alaska Airlines flight attendants.
Website: https://www.alaskaair.com/
Cost: No cost, you will be paid while training
Program Length: 4-6 weeks
Job Placement: Yes, you will be placed at an Alaska or Horizon Airlines hub upon completion of the training program.
Program Special Features:
- More than 115 travel destinations
- As a flight attendant for either Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air, you will be part of The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) union
The Travel Academy
Best For: Online Flight Attendant School
If you are looking to become a flight attendant but do not have the time to attend an in person training program, The Travel Academy offers a completely online option. With a flexible schedule, The Travel Academy classes can be taken during the day or at night for those looking to attend while working.
Website: https://thetravelacademy.com/
Cost: $8,900
Financial Assistance: Yes, scholarships potential up to $1,400
Program Length: 10 or 20 weeks
Job Placement: No
Program Special Features:
- Completely online
- Work at your own pace
Flight Attendant Requirements
Flight attendants must meet specific qualifications to be hired onto an airline. Some of the requirements may vary from airline to airline. You must meet the requirements to become a flight attendant.
Each airline has their own flight attendant requirements:
- 4 feet, 11 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches tall—Many airlines have more restrictive height requirements. Apply for a free height evaluation.
- Excellent overall health
- Five senses—hearing/sight/touch/smell/taste
- An overall pleasing and well groomed appearance
- Vision that is correctable by contacts or glasses
- No facial piercing—1 earring per ear (lobe only)
- Tattoos—flight attendant requirements for tattoos are different for each airline. Apply for a free tattoo evaluation.
- Age restrictions
- 21 and older—all airlines
- 19-20—more than half of airlines
- 18—very limited job possibilities: non-traditional airlines (charter, private, corporate and Part 135 operators)
Check with the airline to which you are applying with for its specific requirements.
How Much Does Flight Attendant School Cost?
In most cases, flight attendants do not have to pay for school. Instead they will be paid an hourly wage while training to become a flight attendant. These schools are operated by the airline the flight attendant was hired by.
If you choose to attend a non-airline affiliate flight attendant school, you may pay between $2,000 and $10,000.
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FAQ
The average salary for a flight attendant is $44,000 per year in California.
For entry level flight attendants, American Airlines pays the most at $42,000 the first year.
In most cases yes. Flight attendants may have to pay a small fee when flying internationally in their off time
