Flight Attendant Secrets: 10 Hidden Tips for Better Flights

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

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Most airlines compensate flight attendants hourly, but only once the aircraft door shuts. This indicates they receive no payment for time dedicated to pre-flight activities or post-landing procedures. Consequently, departure delays become particularly annoying, as crew members earn nothing during these periods. This compensation method is exclusive to aviation, where ground operations do not qualify as billable hours. Flight attendants must organize their schedules wisely, juggling professional responsibilities with payment realities. Delays may result in extended unpaid hours, creating additional pressure in an already challenging profession.