What Flight Attendants Won’t Tell You—Plus Pro Tips for a Comfier Flight

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

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For many airlines, flight attendants are paid by the hour only after the aircraft door is shut. This means they are not compensated for time spent on pre-flight tasks or after landing. As a result, delays before takeoff can be especially frustrating, since they are not earning during this period. This pay system is unique to aviation, where time on the ground is not counted as working hours. Flight attendants must manage their schedules carefully, balancing job demands with the realities of their pay. Delays can mean long hours without pay, adding extra stress to an already demanding job.