Do Flight Attendants Get Paid Overtime?

The aviation industry is a complex and ever-changing one. With the constant fluctuations in airfare and the ever-increasing demand for flights, it’s no wonder that many people are curious about the inner workings of the industry. One of the most common questions that people have is whether or not flight attendants get paid overtime.

The Answer

The answer is no, flight attendants do not get paid overtime. Instead, they are paid a fixed salary that is based on their years of experience and the airline that they work for. This is because flight attendants are considered to be exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What is the FLSA?

The FLSA is a federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime pay, and other workplace standards for employees in the United States. Under the FLSA, employers are required to pay overtime to employees who work more than 40 hours in a week. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and one of those exceptions is for exempt employees.

Exempt Employees

Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA. This is because they are considered to be highly compensated and have a high level of responsibility in their jobs. Flight attendants meet both of these criteria. They are typically paid more than the minimum wage and have a high level of responsibility for the safety and well-being of passengers.

How Much Do Flight Attendants Make?

The median annual salary for flight attendants is $59,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can vary depending on the airline that you work for, your years of experience, and your seniority.

Pros and Cons of Not Getting Paid Overtime

There are both pros and cons to not getting paid overtime. On the one hand, it can be a disadvantage because you will not be paid extra for working overtime hours. On the other hand, it can be an advantage because you will not have to work overtime hours if you do not want to.

Conclusion

So, do flight attendants get paid overtime? The answer is no, but there are both pros and cons to this. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to work overtime is up to the individual flight attendant.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the FLSA?
   • The FLSA is a federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime pay, and other workplace standards for employees in the United States.
2. Are flight attendants exempt employees under the FLSA?
   • Yes, flight attendants are considered to be exempt employees under the FLSA.
3. Why are flight attendants not entitled to overtime pay?
   • Flight attendants are not entitled to overtime pay because they are considered to be exempt employees who are highly compensated and have a high level of responsibility in their jobs.
4. What is the median annual salary for flight attendants?
   • The median annual salary for flight attendants is $59,000.
5. Are there any pros to not getting paid overtime?
   • Yes, one pro to not getting paid overtime is that you will not have to work overtime hours if you do not want to.