10 Flight Attendant Secrets, Plus Tips for a More Comfortable Flight

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

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Many airlines pay attendants by the hour, but only once the aircraft door is closed. That means preflight duties and post-landing time are often unpaid. As a result, delays before takeoff can be especially frustrating, since crew members are not earning during that period.

This pay model is unusual to aviation, where ground time often does not count as working hours. Flight attendants must carefully balance job demands with pay realities. Delays can mean long stretches without pay, adding pressure to an already demanding role.