Yes, you can work as a part-time flight attendant with major airlines like Delta, United, and Spirit, as well as regional carriers like Air Wisconsin and Breeze Airways. You'll need to complete 3-6 weeks of mandatory FAA training and maintain certifications, but the role offers significant scheduling flexibility. Part-time attendants typically fly fewer hours than the full-time requirement of 65-90 hours monthly, with earnings ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 annually. You'll still receive travel benefits, including standby flights and hotel accommodations, though you must meet minimum work hours. Understanding reserve status and scheduling systems will help you maximize your part-time flying career.
TLDR
- Airlines like Delta, United, and Spirit offer part-time flight attendant positions requiring fewer monthly flight hours than full-time roles.
- Part-time flight attendants can earn between $20,000-$40,000 annually while maintaining flexibility to pursue other careers or interests.
- All flight attendants, including part-time, must complete 3-6 weeks of mandatory training and maintain FAA certification requirements.
- Reserve status arrangements offer different scheduling options, including long-call and short-call assignments for flexible work patterns.
- Travel benefits, including standby flights and hotel accommodations, are available to part-time staff meeting minimum annual hours (approximately 600).
Part-Time Flight Attendant Options

Flexibility defines modern part-time flight attendant roles, with airlines offering innovative programs that let you balance flying with a full-time career.
You'll find options like airBaltic's "Office in the Sky" program, where you can undergo cabin-crew training and fly a few shifts monthly while maintaining your primary job. FAA regulations are crucial to ensuring that all safety standards are met during training.
Training is rigorous but predictable, requiring FAA certification and ongoing assessments to meet safety standards. This part-time arrangement allows flight attendants to explore multiple income sources through various side hustles during their off days.
Reserve Status Requirements
Flight attendants serving on reserve status must understand several distinct types of on-call arrangements.
These include long-call reserve, which requires 30 hours of rest within 168 consecutive hours, short-call reserve with assignments on less than 3 hours' notice, and airport standby reserve where you'll wait at the airport. Long-call reserve assignments require a minimum of 10 hours notice before duty begins. Regulatory guidelines ensure that adequate staffing is present, especially during peak flight times.
You'll need to maintain minimum rest periods of 9 consecutive hours after duty periods.
Minimum Flight Hours

As a part-time flight attendant, you'll need to meet minimum monthly flight hours, which typically range from 65 to 90 hours for full-time staff but are considerably lower for part-timers.
Your actual flight hours won't include the additional 50 hours per month spent on pre-flight and post-flight duties, making the total working time more substantial than just in-air hours. Pay calculation begins when aircraft doors close, making it essential to understand how your working hours are tracked.
You can expect to have more flexibility in scheduling your flights compared to full-time attendants, with the opportunity to work fewer days per week while still maintaining the required minimum hours set by your airline.
Required Monthly Flight Time
When considering a part-time flight attendant role, you'll need to understand the monthly time commitments involved.
You can expect to work 12 to 14 days monthly, logging between 65 to 90 flight hours. Additionally, you'll spend about 50 extra hours on pre-flight preparations and post-flight duties.
Keep in mind that schedules aren't typical 9-to-5, as you'll need to adapt to varying flight times.
Maximum Part-Time Hours Available
The regulatory environment shapes the maximum hours you can work as a part-time flight attendant.
While specific part-time limits aren't set by the FAA, you can't exceed 14-hour duty periods without special conditions.
In the UK, you're limited to 900 flight hours annually, while European regulations cap it at 1,000 hours.
Airlines must guarantee you receive 10 hours of rest between shifts.
Schedule Bidding Process
Flight attendants gain significant control over their work schedules through a sophisticated bidding process, where they submit preferences for specific trips, days off, and other roster components.
You'll use a computer program to indicate your preferred destinations, layover ports, and trip types.
While you can't guarantee getting your first choices, providing backup options helps make certain you'll receive a workable schedule. Additionally, understanding airline policies regarding carry-on items can aid in planning your travel effectively.
Seniority and Scheduling Benefits

Through seniority advancement, you'll gain increasingly significant scheduling privileges that shape your career as a part-time flight attendant.
You'll have more control over your trips, layovers, and monthly schedules.
With higher seniority, you can select preferred work positions on the plane, access better routes, and even hold most of the month off while working only the most desirable trips. Additionally, this flexibility can help accommodate the long hours and travel commitments typical in aviation careers.
Travel Perks for Part-Timers
Working as a part-time flight attendant lets you access priceless travel perks, including standby flight benefits that make spontaneous travel possible across your airline's network and partner carriers.
You'll gain access to international layovers in prime destinations, often staying in upscale hotels near city centers during your work trips.
Your immediate family members can share these benefits too, with significant discounts on flights and the ability to discover new destinations together using your employee travel privileges.
Standby Flight Benefits
One of the most coveted perks of part-time flight attendant positions is the standby flight benefit program.
You'll qualify for these benefits by meeting minimum work hours, typically around 600 hours annually.
The perks extend to you, your spouse, and eligible family members.
You'll need to check flight loads beforehand and arrive early at the gate, following dress codes for non-revenue passengers.
International Layover Access
Part-time flight attendants enjoy international layover opportunities that range from brief overnight stays to extended 24-hour breaks between flights.
You'll receive per diem allowances for meals, with higher rates for international destinations.
While you'll have some freedom to investigate foreign cities, airline guidelines require you to prioritize rest and avoid risky activities to guarantee you're fit for your next flight.
Family Travel Discounts
Flight attendants' families can take advantage of generous travel perks, even with part-time employment status.
You'll receive free or discounted flights for immediate family members, including spouses and children, on a space-available basis.
You can also access corporate discounts on hotels, car rentals, and cruises, while enjoying flexible scheduling that lets you plan family trips around your work shifts.
Work-Life Balance Considerations

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a part-time flight attendant requires careful planning and boundary-setting.
You'll need to manage irregular schedules, including weekends and holidays, while prioritizing rest and personal time.
Consider engaging in hobbies or mindfulness activities during your days off, and establish consistent sleep routines.
It's essential to create clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout.
Training and Certification
Before you can enjoy the flexibility of part-time flying, you'll need to complete extensive training and obtain proper certification.
You'll undergo 3-6 weeks of airline-specific training covering emergency procedures, first aid, and evacuation techniques.
After demonstrating proficiency, you must earn your FAA Certificate through testing and evaluations.
You'll also complete aircraft-specific training and face periodic recertification requirements.
Career Growth Opportunities

As a part-time flight attendant, you'll typically start with regional routes to build experience and seniority within the airline.
You can steadily advance your career by taking on more challenging routes and responsibilities, including international flights that offer leadership opportunities.
Your progression from regional to international routes often leads to positions like senior flight attendant or purser, where you'll oversee cabin crew operations and mentor newer team members.
Advancement Through Regional Routes
Regional airlines serve as stepping stones for ambitious flight attendants seeking rapid career advancement.
You'll find quicker promotions due to higher turnover rates, allowing you to progress to senior roles like purser or lead flight attendant.
The tight-knit environment provides opportunities to gain leadership experience, and you can eventually shift into management positions or move up to major airlines while developing significant industry knowledge.
International Leadership Positions
Ambitious flight attendants seeking to expand beyond regional routes can look toward international leadership positions for substantial career advancement.
You'll find opportunities to progress into senior roles like purser or lead flight attendant after gaining experience.
Through specialized training programs and union involvement, you can advance to positions overseeing cabin crews, managing operations, or even representing thousands of flight attendants in organizations like AFA-CWA.
Seasonal Employment Patterns
Seasonal employment represents one of the most distinctive aspects of part-time flight attendant work, particularly in charter airlines.
You'll typically work from May to October during peak travel seasons, with contracts ending in November.
During winter months, you'll need to find alternative employment, often in retail or other temporary positions, as airlines reduce their staff.
Some airlines may offer permanent contracts to about 20% of seasonal crew.
Airlines Offering Part-Time Positions

A growing number of major airlines now offer part-time flight attendant positions, with Delta, United, and Spirit Airlines leading the way.
Regional carriers like Air Wisconsin, Breeze Airways, and Effort Air also provide part-time opportunities.
You'll need to meet the same requirements as full-time attendants, including training and physical standards, while earning between $20,000 and $40,000 annually depending on hours worked.
Flexible Schedule Arrangements
Flight attendants enjoy unique scheduling options that differ drastically from typical 9-to-5 jobs.
As a part-time flight attendant, you'll have flexibility to work fewer hours through shorter flights or reduced weekly shifts. You can bid for your preferred schedules, though success depends on seniority.
While reserve schedules require on-call availability, line holders can often swap or drop trips for better work-life balance.
And Finally
You'll find that part-time flight attendant positions offer flexibility while maintaining the industry's unique benefits. Whether you're working reserve status or bidding for regular schedules, your options will depend on airline policies and seniority. While not all carriers offer part-time arrangements, those that do typically require minimum monthly hours and seasonal commitments. By understanding these requirements, you can make an informed decision about pursuing this flexible career path.