American Airlines Flight Attendant Salary in 2025

American Airlines (AA) is one of the world’s largest carriers, operating nearly a thousand aircraft and flying to hundreds of destinations across the globe. As a result, its crew members are constantly in demand, particularly flight attendants, who are central to the airline’s passenger experience and safety standards.

Becoming a flight attendant for AA is often seen as a career that balances travel perks, competitive pay, and long-term security — though it does come with demanding hours and lifestyle adjustments. With a new union-negotiated contract signed in late 2024, pay and benefits for cabin crew have seen a noticeable boost, making American one of the more attractive US carriers for cabin crew hopefuls.

So how much do American Airlines flight attendants actually earn, and what can they expect in terms of benefits, career growth, and requirements? Let’s break it down.

American Airlines Flight Attendant Salary

Flight attendants at American Airlines currently earn anywhere between $33,000 and $82,000 per year, depending on their role, experience, and seniority within the company. The average sits around $47,000 annually, which works out to just under $23 per hour based on typical scheduling patterns.

The wide salary gap is explained by the structured pay scale. Entry-level flight attendants start near the lower end, while those who have stayed with the airline for over a decade — or those working in senior roles like Pursers or Cabin Managers — are comfortably earning closer to $75,000–$80,000 a year.

Positions and Salaries

American Airlines cabin crew are divided into different roles, each carrying slightly different responsibilities and pay brackets.

Position	Approx. Annual Salary (USD)	Hourly Rate (USD)
Entry Level Flight Attendant	$33,000	$16–17
Standard Flight Attendant	$65,000	$31–32
Lead Flight Attendant (Purser)	$72,500	$35+
Training Instructor	$79,000	$38
Cabin Manager	$89,000	$43+
Reserve Flight Attendant	$36,000	$17

The reserve role is unique in that pay is lower, but flexibility is expected — these attendants are “on call” to fill in at short notice when the roster changes. By contrast, Cabin Managers are at the top of the chain, responsible for overall cabin service, safety coordination, and crew supervision.

The 2024 Pay Raise

In September 2024, flight attendants at AA ratified a five-year union contract that significantly improved salaries and working conditions.

Key points included:

• Immediate wage increases of around 18% for most crew, effective October 2024.
• Additional increases of 2.75% after the first year, 3% in the second and third years, and 3.5% in the fifth year.
• A new boarding pay allowance (previously unpaid time).
• Compensation for “long sits” — extended ground waiting periods between flights.

The contract was valued at over $4 billion in total, showing how important the deal was for the airline and its cabin crew. Over 85% of flight attendants voted in favour, reflecting widespread satisfaction with the improved structure.

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American Airlines Flight Attendant Benefits

Alongside base salary, American Airlines offers its crew a range of benefits that add considerable value to the job. Some of the main perks include:

• Travel privileges – unlimited standby flights for crew, plus heavily discounted or free tickets for spouses, children, parents, and even friends through “buddy passes.”
• Medical and insurance cover – comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with access to FSAs and HSAs.
• Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
• Time off – paid vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays built into the contract.
• Education support – tuition reimbursement for staff studying at partner institutions.
• Credit union – a company-run financial institution offering staff-exclusive loans and savings schemes.

In addition to this, AA invests in career development, with senior crew sometimes moving into instructor or management roles.

Factors Influencing Flight Attendants Salary

Not all flight attendants earn the same at AA — several factors shape how salaries play out in practice:

1. Seniority and experience – pay rises as years of service accumulate, with clear jumps every few years.
2. Routes and schedules – international long-haul flights tend to pay more due to longer hours and layovers.
3. Base city – attendants based in higher-cost cities like New York or Los Angeles often see slightly better compensation packages.
4. Union agreements – APFA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, negotiates salaries and ensures increases keep pace with industry standards.
5. Role held – Pursers, Instructors, and Cabin Managers naturally sit higher on the scale than standard crew.

American Airlines Fleet

With one of the world’s largest commercial fleets, American Airlines flight attendants work across a huge range of aircraft, from narrow-body Airbus A320s to long-haul Boeing 777s and 787s.

Aircraft	In Service	Orders	Notes
Airbus A319-100	132	—	Largest operator. To be retrofitted with additional Domestic First seats from 2025.
Airbus A320-200	48	—
Airbus A321-200	203	—	Largest operator. To be retrofitted into standard configuration.
Airbus A321neo	74	96	Order for 85 aircraft placed in March 2024. Former Alaska Airlines aircraft included.
Airbus A321XLR	1	49	Deliveries from 2025.
Boeing 737-800	303	—
Boeing 737 MAX 8	79	21	30 converted to Boeing 737 MAX 10.
Boeing 737 MAX 10	—	115	Order with 75 options.
Boeing 777-200ER	47	—
Boeing 777-300ER	20	—	To be retrofitted with Flagship Suites from 2025.
Boeing 787-8	37	—	Largest operator.
Boeing 787-9	22	—	Deliveries from 2025.
Total	999	303

The majority of AA’s flights are operated by narrow-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, but the wide-bodies dominate international routes.

Requirements to Become an American Airlines Flight Attendant

To apply for a role at AA, candidates need to meet certain basic hiring requirements:

• Minimum age: 19 years old (though some sources cite 20).
• Height: 5’2” to 6’0” to reach safety equipment.
• Education: high school diploma or GED required (college education or 2+ years of customer service preferred).
• Work authorisation: must be legally allowed to work in the US.
• Passport: valid US or foreign passport with visas, always up to date.
• Language: fluent English required, with extra languages considered a strong advantage.
• Vision: correctable to at least 20/30.
• Appearance: must maintain a professional image.
• Flexibility: able to work irregular shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Relocation: willingness to move to a base city if needed.

Successful candidates must also complete a six-week training programme in Dallas/Fort Worth, which covers safety procedures, service training, and emergency handling.

Hiring Process for American Airlines Flight Attendants

Applying to become a flight attendant at American is a multi-step process that mixes online applications, interviews, and training.

1. Online application – submit via the AA careers portal, attaching your resume and background details.
2. Virtual group interview – if shortlisted, attend a video call session with recruiters, often alongside other candidates.
3. In-person interview – those who progress are invited to a face-to-face meeting, where communication and customer service skills are assessed.
4. Conditional offer – background checks, document verification, and a medical screening follow if you pass.
5. Training school – successful candidates must complete a six-week training course at Dallas/Fort Worth before receiving their “wings.”

This process is competitive, with thousands applying each year, but persistence and strong customer service backgrounds usually help candidates stand out.

FAQs – American Airlines Flight Attendant Salary

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