Welcome
Flight attendants bring our customer experience to life.
Explore the realities, rewards and responsibilities of a career in the air at American.
Life in the sky
Caring for people on life’s journey, wherever they may go.
Being a flight attendant at American Airlines means creating meaningful customer experiences, ensuring the highest levels of safety and helping connect people to the moments that matter most. We invite you to apply and join us in lighting up the skies.
A career in the air, complete with its ups and downs.
Whether welcoming customers on board or responding during critical situations, you’ll be on the go from takeoff through landing. Getting started in this fast-paced, purpose-driven role isn’t always easy, but long-term opportunities including guaranteed career growth make it all worthwhile.
“My first year, I flew Houston to Dallas and back. A lot. My fifth year, I picked up a Paris layover. It’s worth the work.”
The sky doesn’t keep office hours
This is not a traditional 9-to-5 role. Some days may begin with a 5:00 a.m. wake-up call. But the schedule can also provide unique travel experiences and time off during the day when others are working.
Being a flight attendant means:
- Time away from home, working long days and nights, weekends, hours at the airport and potentially missed holidays.
- An unpredictable first 2+ years on reserve. While it offers flexibility and valuable experience, being on reserve requires being available to report for assignments on short notice. As your seniority grows, so do your opportunities to customize your schedule.
- Enjoying a high level of flexibility with bidding for trip days.
- Golden days, official days off, and flex days when the company flies you to the needed airport.
Bases
Where you’ll work.
Your base is assigned during the third week of training. While we consider your preferences, assignments are based on seniority, availability and operational needs.
- Boston, MA (BOS)
- Charlotte, NC (CLT)
- Chicago, IL (ORD)
- Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (DFW)
- Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
- Miami, FL (MIA)
- New York City, NY (LGA)
- Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Perks & benefits
Perks like free flights take your opportunities even further.
For many, becoming a flight attendant means a chance to explore the world.
“I’ve now been to 11 countries and 4 continents. Asia’s next!”
Working as a flight attendant gets you:
- Travel privileges for you and your loved ones
- Health, dental, and vision insurance on day one
- Retirement benefits like a 401(k) with company matching
- Well-being programs for mental and financial health
Days off, well spent
Hiring process
A transparent look at the hiring journey.
Candidates selected during this hiring process will begin flight attendant training in 2027. We’ll communicate important dates and next steps throughout your journey.
“Training was intense. You learn so much, so fast. But in hindsight, going through it with others made it fun.”
Designed to give you a clearer look at what it takes to become an American Airlines flight attendant.
Throughout the journey, we’ll provide resources, clear expectations and timely updates so you feel prepared for each step and can confidently decide whether this career is the right fit for you.
- 1
Apply & complete online assessment
Submit your application highlighting your qualifications and experience, then take an assessment to help us better understand your strengths and capabilities.
- 2
Personal introduction video interview
Participate in an online, self-recorded video introduction at a time that works best for you.
- 3
Virtual group interview
A quick virtual conversation with members of our recruiting team where you introduce yourself and highlight what makes you a strong candidate for the role.
- 4
In-person group experience interview
Come onsite to connect with our hiring team through conversations and interactive activities to demonstrate how you would bring our service and safety standards to life.
- 5
Six-week training
After completing pre-employment requirements, attend a six-week training class at our Robert L. Crandall campus in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.
Earn your wings
Upon successfully completing training, you’ll officially begin your journey as a flight attendant.
Get ready for the in-person experience
Here’s what you need to know about dress code and accommodations before you join us in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dress code: Professional business attire is required.
- Men: Suit with a tie, paired with polished, closed-toe dress shoes.
- Women: Pant or skirt business suit, or professional dress. Dresses and skirts should be knee-length or longer, paired with closed-toe dress shoes (moderate heels or flats are appropriate).
Appearance:
- Hair should be neatly styled; if it falls below the shoulders, it must be secured.
- Facial hair should be trimmed and well maintained.
- No visible tattoos or body art.
- No ear gauges or more than one (1) earring per ear lobe.
- No facial piercings or tooth embellishments.
Accommodations: American does not provide hotel accommodations for the in-person interview. If you reside more than two hours from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we will provide flight arrangements to the in-person interview.
See how flight attendant training at American compares to other airlines.
| Training factor | American AirlinesThis is us |
01Company 1 | 02Company 2 | 03Company 3 | 04Company 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length of training | 6.5 weeks | 7 weeks | 6.5 weeks | 4 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Notification of base | Week 3 | Week 3Base options shared before training | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 2 |
| Report to base | 5 days | 1 week | 1 weekOne-week hotel stay provided | 6 days | 1 week |
| Probation period | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Reserve | 2+ years | Line holder after graduation~6 reserve days per month | 5 yearsMaximum, depends on base seniority | 6 months | ~1 year |
| Training pay | Unpaid | $7.25/hr~40 hrs/week (state minimum wage) | $140/week | Unpaid | $200/week |
| Graduation bonus | None | None | $1,000Post-graduation | $1,200Post-graduation | None |
| Housing during training | Single occupancy | Double occupancyIf 25+ miles from training | Double occupancy | Single occupancy | Single occupancy |
| Meals during training | 3 meals per day | None | 2 meals per day | $900 food card | None |
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Company identities are anonymized. Figures are compiled for comparison and subject to change. Confirm current details before publishing.
Meet the crew
Get the insider perspective.
No one knows about being a flight attendant more than one of our own.
Ready to apply
Applications open soon.
Check back for your link to become an American Airlines flight attendant.