How Much Do Delta Flight Attendants Make? Delta Air Lines flight attendants’ earnings vary based on experience, flight hours, and incentives. Discover potential earnings and benefits with HOW.EDU.VN. Learn about Delta flight attendant salaries, compensation structures, and additional benefits that enhance their career. Boost your understanding with insights from industry experts, ensuring you’re well-informed about flight attendant compensation.
1. Positions in Delta Airlines Flight Attendant
Delta Air Lines offers various flight attendant positions, prioritizing English-speaking and bilingual candidates. The main goal is to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Key positions and responsibilities include:
1. Flight Attendant (General)
- Safety and Customer Service: Responsible for passenger safety by demonstrating procedures and managing emergencies. They also provide excellent customer service by attending to passenger needs.
- Refreshments and Assistance: Preparing, serving, and selling beverages and meals to ensure a pleasant in-flight experience. They also assist with luggage and answer passenger questions.
- Emergency Preparedness: Trained to respond to emergencies, administer first aid, and coordinate safety measures effectively.
2. Bilingual Flight Attendant (Language of Destination – LOD)
- Language Proficiency: Requires fluency in English and another language for effective communication with non-English speaking passengers.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Often assigned to international routes to assist passengers and provide information during their journey.
3. In-Flight Services Team Member
- Collaboration: Works as part of a larger team to ensure smooth operations during flights.
- Flexibility: Must adapt to changing schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
2. Delta Airlines Flight Attendants Salaries
The salary for Delta Airlines flight attendants depends on their years of service with the company. Starting flight attendants can expect a lower pay rate which increases incrementally. The table below shows the annual and hourly salaries for flight attendants at Delta Airlines:
| Step | Hourly Rate Effective 4/1/2023 | New Hourly Rate Effective 6/1/2024 | Annual Pay (1,300 hrs) at 4/1/2023 Rate | Annual Pay (1,300 hrs) at 6/1/2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | $33.81 | $35.50 | $43,953 | $46,150 |
| After 1 year | $35.85 | $37.64 | $46,605 | $48,932 |
| After 2 years | $38.14 | $40.05 | $49,582 | $52,065 |
| After 3 years | $40.62 | $42.65 | $52,806 | $55,445 |
| After 4 years | $44.73 | $46.97 | $58,149 | $61,061 |
| After 5 years | $50.65 | $53.18 | $65,845 | $69,134 |
| After 6 years | $55.42 | $58.19 | $72,046 | $75,647 |
| After 7 years | $57.19 | $60.05 | $74,347 | $78,065 |
| After 8 years | $58.76 | $61.70 | $76,388 | $80,210 |
| After 9 years | $60.97 | $64.02 | $79,261 | $83,226 |
| After 10 years | $62.64 | $65.77 | $81,432 | $85,501 |
| After 11 years | $65.64 | $68.92 | $85,332 | $89,596 |
| After 12 years | $76.00 | $79.80 | $98,800 | $103,740 |
3. Recent Pay Increase
Delta Airlines recently gave their flight attendants a pay increase, reinforcing the company’s commitment to improving employee compensation. Here are the key details:
Recent Delta Airlines Pay Increase Overview:
- 5% Wage Increase: A 5% raise for flight attendants and ground workers, affecting over 80,000 employees.
- New Minimum Wage: The starting wage for frontline employees, including flight attendants, has been raised to $35 per hour.
- Effective Date: The wage increases took effect on June 1, 2024.
- CEO Statement: Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, stated that investing in employees is crucial for delivering exceptional service and maintaining the airline’s competitive edge. He noted that Delta has cumulatively raised pay by 20-25% since 2022.
Context of the Pay Increase:
- Profit Sharing: Delta has a profit-sharing program that has distributed over $11 billion to employees since its inception in 2007. Recently, employees received a payout equivalent to 10.4% of their annual pay, amounting to nearly one month’s salary.
- Unionization Efforts: The pay increase comes amid ongoing attempts by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) to unionize Delta’s flight attendants. Delta is currently one of the few major U.S. airlines without unionized cabin crew members.
- Competitive Landscape: Despite these increases, some flight attendants and union representatives argue that their compensation still lags behind other airlines, prompting continued discussions about fair wages and benefits.
4. Benefits/Perks for Attendants?
Delta Airlines offers a comprehensive benefits package for its flight attendants, including perks designed to enhance their professional and personal lives.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
- Medical and Dental Coverage: Extensive medical insurance options, including dental and vision coverage. Employees can choose from various plans based on their needs and location, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services.
- Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage, with options for additional coverage. The basic plan offers a payout of up to $50,000, while optional coverage can go up to $500,000.
Financial Benefits:
- Profit-sharing and Retirement Plans: Profit-sharing programs and a 401(k) retirement plan, allowing employees to save for the future while also benefiting from the company’s financial success.
- Emergency Savings Program: In 2023, Delta introduced an Emergency Savings Program aimed at strengthening employees’ financial health. Participants can earn up to $1,000 by completing financial education modules.
Paid Leave and Time Off:
- Generous Leave Policies: Robust leave policy that increases with tenure. Entitled to vacation leave of up to five weeks per year, sick leave, and various forms of paid leave such as maternity and paternity leave. Expecting mothers can take six weeks of paid leave plus 16 weeks of unpaid leave.
Travel Benefits:
- Free and Discounted Flights: The ability to travel for free or at a reduced rate on Delta flights. This benefit extends to eligible family members as well. Additionally, flight attendants can access non-revenue travel on over 100 partner airlines through ZED/Interline agreements after six months of employment.
- Standby Travel: Travel on standby for personal or business purposes, which allows them flexibility in planning trips without incurring high costs.
Wellness Programs:
- Fitness Memberships: Free or subsidized gym memberships at its corporate fitness centers. This initiative helps maintain a healthy workforce and encourages physical fitness among employees.
5. Factors That Affect Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Salary
Several factors influence the salary of Delta Airlines flight attendants, including individual circumstances and industry trends.
Experience and Seniority
- Years of Service Flight attendants’ salaries generally increase with experience. Entry-level attendants typically earn a lower hourly wage, while those with several years of service can see significant pay increases. Starting salaries range from approximately $45,000 and $104,400 annually, with most experienced attendants making upwards of $100,000 per year.
Pay Structure Adjustments
- Base Pay Increases Delta has been proactive in adjusting its pay structure in response to market conditions and labor demands. Recent increases include a cumulative raise of 20% to 25% since 2022, with an additional 5% increase from June 2024.
- Boarding Premium Delta has introduced a unique boarding premium, rewarding flight attendants for their role in the boarding process. This additional compensation adds approximately $810 annually to their pay, which reflects an effort to enhance job satisfaction and recognize the importance of this often-overlooked duty.
Location and Route
- Geographical Differences Salaries can vary based on the geographical location where flight attendants operate. Those based in metropolitan areas or on international routes may earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller regions due to differences in the cost of living and demand for service.
Additional Compensation Components
- Per Diem Allowances Flight attendants also receive per diem allowances for meals and expenses incurred while away from their home base. This allowance varies depending on domestic or international flights and can significantly supplement their income. Domestic per diem rates typically range from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour.
- Special Duties and Qualifications Additional pay may be granted for special roles or qualifications, such as language skills or lead flight attendant positions, which can increase hourly wages by $2 to $3 during active flight hours.
Market Conditions
- Industry Competition As Delta competes with other major airlines like United and American Airlines for talent, market conditions heavily influence salary structures. The ongoing efforts by flight attendants to unionize also play a role in shaping compensation discussions, as unions often advocate for better pay and benefits.
6. Where are Delta Airlines Bases?
Delta Air Lines has several crew bases across the United States where its pilots and flight attendants are assigned. The primary crew bases for Delta are located in the following cities:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Detroit, Michigan
- Los Angeles, California
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
- New York City, New York (including both JFK and LaGuardia)
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – AMS
- London -Heathrow, United Kingdom – LHR
- Paris – Charles de Gaulle , France – CDG
- Seoul, South Korea – ICN
- Mexico City – Mexico – MEX
- Tokyo – Japan – HND
New Bases with limited attendants:
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – formerly McCarran International Airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
7. Delta Airlines Fleet
Delta Air Lines operates a diverse fleet consisting of various aircraft types from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer. As of March 2025, the fleet includes Airbus, Boeing, and some Regional jets:
Airbus Fleet:
- Airbus A220
- A220-100: 45
- A220-300: 31
- Airbus A319: 57
- Airbus A320: 54
- Airbus A321
- A321-200: 127
- A321neo: 72
- Airbus A330
- A330-200: 11
- A330-300: 31
- A330-900neo: 33
- Airbus A350-900: 36
Boeing Fleet:
- Boeing 717: 80
- Boeing 737
- 737-800: 77
- 737-900: 163
- Boeing 757
- 757-200: 97
- 757-300: 16
- Boeing 767
- 767-300: 39
- 767-400: 21
Regional and Other Aircraft:
- Bombardier CRJ
- CRJ200: 1
- CRJ700: 35
- CRJ900: 163
- Embraer
- Embraer 170: 11
- Embraer 175: 133
- Endeavor Air fleet: 143 Aircraft
8. What are the hiring requirements for Delta Airlines flight attendants?
To become a flight attendant at Delta Airlines, candidates must meet specific hiring requirements. Here are the key requirements:
Age and Education
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or GED is required. While not mandatory, a college degree or experience in hospitality, customer service, or related fields is preferred.
Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English: Candidates must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently.
- Bilingual Candidates: Those who are fluent in a second language may apply for specific roles that require language proficiency (Language of Destination roles), which can enhance their application.
Work Eligibility
- Legal Work Status: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and possess the ability to travel internationally without restrictions.
Physical and Appearance Standards:
- Height Requirements: While Delta does not specify exact height requirements, candidates should be able to perform safety-related duties effectively.
- Grooming Standards: Flight attendants must maintain a professional appearance, which includes guidelines on personal hygiene, grooming (e.g., hair color and style), and restrictions on visible tattoos and piercings. For example:
- Visible tattoos must be covered.
- Only one facial piercing (a small stud) is allowed.
- Hair must be styled neatly and maintained.
Flexibility and Availability
- Schedule Flexibility: Candidates should be willing to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Flight attendants are expected to travel on both domestic and international routes.
Training Requirements
- Training Program: Successful applicants must complete a six-week training program at Delta’s training facility in Atlanta, Georgia. This training covers safety procedures, customer service protocols, and emergency response techniques.
Additional Considerations
- Background Check: A thorough background check is conducted as part of the hiring process. While minor infractions like parking tickets may be acceptable, serious offenses could disqualify an applicant.
9. How to Apply for the Job?
To apply for a flight attendant position at Delta Airlines, candidates must follow a structured application process that includes several steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate this process:
Application Process
Check Eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the basic requirements:
- Minimum age of 21 years.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. and the ability to travel internationally.
Submit an Online Application:
- Visit the official Delta Airlines careers page to find open flight attendant positions. Applications typically open periodically, so check regularly for availability.
Complete the Talent Assessment:
- After submitting your application, you will be required to take the Delta Talent Assessment (TalentBank). This assessment evaluates your personality traits and situational judgment relevant to the flight attendant role.
Participate in the Delta Virtual Job Tryout (VJT):
- If you pass the Talent Assessment, you will receive an invitation to complete the Delta Virtual Job Tryout. This six-section online assessment simulates real-life scenarios that flight attendants may encounter and assesses your decision-making skills and customer service abilities.
On-Demand Video Interview:
- Candidates who successfully complete the VJT will be invited to participate in a video interview. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality and communication skills.
In-Person Event Day:
- If you pass the video interview, you will be invited to an interactive in-person interview day at Delta’s facilities, where you’ll engage with current flight attendants and hiring managers.
Receive a Job Offer:
- Successful candidates will receive a contingent job offer, pending background checks and drug screening.
Training Program:
- Upon acceptance of the job offer, new hires will undergo a seven-week training program in Atlanta, Georgia. This training includes safety protocols, emergency procedures, and customer service training.
Important Considerations:
- Application Timing: Delta Airlines typically opens applications at specific times throughout the year. It’s essential to stay updated on these timelines as they can change.
- Preparation: Given that Delta receives a high volume of applications (around 260,000 for a few thousand positions), it’s advisable to prepare thoroughly for each step of the hiring process, including practicing situational judgment tests and preparing for interviews using methods like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Reapplication Policy: If you do not pass any step of the process, you must wait 90 days before reapplying for a different position at Delta Airlines.
10. Does Delta Provide Training to Their Freshers Flight Attendants?
Yes, Delta Airlines provides comprehensive training for their newly hired flight attendants.
Training Overview
- Duration: The training program lasts for seven weeks and takes place at Delta’s training facility in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Structure:
- The first six weeks are dedicated to safety training, where trainees learn crucial skills such as aircraft evacuation procedures, emergency response, and handling in-flight incidents.
- The final week focuses on customer service training, emphasizing Delta’s commitment to providing exceptional service to passengers.
Training Content
- Safety Procedures: Trainees will learn how to evacuate an aircraft cabin in under 90 seconds and manage various emergencies effectively.
- Customer Service Skills: The training includes modules on delivering excellent customer service, addressing passenger needs, and managing difficult situations or unruly passengers.
- Practical Drills: Flight attendants participate in practical drills and simulations to reinforce their learning and ensure they can apply their skills in real-life scenarios.
- Examinations: Throughout the training, candidates must pass several exams to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Those who do not pass have one additional opportunity to retake the exams; failure to pass after that may result in dismissal from the program.
11. Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Salaries – FAQs
Below are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding Delta Airlines flight attendants’ salaries:
1) What is the average salary for a Delta Airlines flight attendant?
The average salary for a Delta flight attendant is approximately $50,638 per year, though this can vary based on experience and seniority levels. Entry-level positions typically start between $45,000 and $52,400 annually, while experienced flight attendants can earn up to $110,000 per year.
2) How does Delta Airlines pay its flight attendants?
Delta flight attendants are typically paid on an hourly basis. They receive compensation for flight hours, boarding time (recently introduced as paid), and additional allowances such as per diem for meals during layovers.
3) What factors influence a flight attendant’s salary at Delta?
Several factors affect a flight attendant’s salary at Delta, including:
- Years of experience and seniority
- Type of flights (domestic vs. international)
- Additional roles or responsibilities (e.g., lead flight attendant)
- Performance and hours worked each month.
4) Do Delta flight attendants receive benefits in addition to their salary?
Yes, Delta flight attendants enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), retirement plans (401(k)), profit-sharing opportunities, and travel benefits such as free or discounted flights.
5) Are Delta flight attendants paid during boarding?
Yes, as of June 2022, Delta Airlines became the first major U.S. airline to pay its flight attendants during the boarding process at half their regular hourly rate. This change was made in response to union organizing efforts and aims to improve overall compensation for cabin crew.
6) How often do Delta flight attendants get paid?
Delta flight attendants are typically paid monthly. Paychecks reflect the hours worked during the previous month, including any additional compensation for per diem or bonuses earned.
7) What is the pay scale progression for Delta flight attendants?
Delta has a structured pay scale that increases with tenure. For example:
- Starting hourly rate: $35.50
- After 1 year: $37.64
- After 12 years: approximately $79.80 per hour.
8) Can flight attendants at Delta earn extra income?
Yes, in addition to their base salary, Delta flight attendants can earn extra income through:
- Per diem allowances for meals while on duty
- Incentive pay for special assignments or additional roles
- Bonuses for exceeding performance metrics.
9) What is the impact of seniority on a flight attendant’s salary at Delta?
Seniority significantly impacts salary; as flight attendants accumulate years of service, they receive regular raises and have opportunities for higher-paying routes and positions within the airline. Senior attendants can earn substantially more than their junior counterparts.
10) Is there room for advancement in salary as a Delta flight attendant?
Yes, there are numerous opportunities for advancement within Delta Airlines. Flight attendants can move into supervisory roles or specialized positions that come with higher pay rates and additional responsibilities over time.
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