How to hire an in-flight crew member

How to hire an in-flight crew member, step by step

Here's a step-by-step in-flight crew member hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an in-flight crew member job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new in-flight crew member
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an in-flight crew member, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An in-flight crew member's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, in-flight crew members from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of in-flight crew members and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of In-Flight Crew Member	Description	Hourly rate
   In-Flight Crew Member	Flight attendants provide routine services and respond to emergencies to ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers.	$10-22
   Flight Attendant	A flight attendant is known as a steward or stewardess, an air host or hostess, and works majority in airlines, some in private business jets, or a few other aircraft. Also commonly referred to as a cabin crew, flight attendants act as an ambassador between the airline they work with and the passengers by primarily taking charge of their safety and comfort during the entire flight... Show more	$12-20
   Crew Member	Crew members assist in the overall daily operations of a business, including restaurants, hotels, resorts, and other industries needing a large workforce. Crew members' duties include attending on a customer's needs, processing payments, taking orders, and handling sanitation services... Show more	$10-17

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Procedures
   • UAS
   • Customer Service
   • Flight Operations
   • Emergency Procedures
   • Front Desk
   • Passenger Safety
   • CPR
   • POS
   • Safety Rules
   • RAN
   • UAV
   • Flight Deck
   • Safety Checks

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage food preparation, maintain cleanliness and punctuality while effectively support customers in daily transactions with suggestive selling methods.
   • Receive certification for basic first aid, minor medical emergencies of passengers, and emergency CPR and its yearly re-certification training.
   • Ensure appropriate treatment of VIP passengers.
   • Operate the grills, fryers, egg-cooking equipment, industrial toaster and microwave; assemble sandwiches; and re-stock area supplies.
   • Operate large-volume cooking equipment such as grills and fryers and communicate clearly and positively with co-workers and management.
   • Assist physically challenge passengers as appropriate; provide life-saving assistance to ill or incapacitate passengers, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation if require.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your in-flight crew member job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An in-flight crew member can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, in-flight crew members' average salary in louisiana is 37% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level in-flight crew members 53% less than senior-level in-flight crew members.
   • Certifications. An in-flight crew member with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an in-flight crew member's salary.

   Average in-flight crew member salary

   $15.74hourly

   $32,734 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level in-flight crew member salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an in-flight crew member job description

   An in-flight crew member job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an in-flight crew member job description:

   In-flight crew member job description example

   At Spirit, our mission is to deliver the best value in the sky and be the most successful airline on Earth! We are leaders in providing customizable travel options and make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before by serving destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean! Imagine making your mark on an organization introducing 100’s of new aircraft that will double our fleet!

   • Fly With A Winner: Our constant growth and improvement mean boundless career opportunities. Team Members develop their careers rapidly while building key skills that drive long-term success.
   • The Giving Spirit : We are committed to inspiring positive change in the cities where we work and live. That starts with giving back through Corporate Social Responsibility and The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation.
   • Be Yourself : We want Team Members to feel empowered to bring their whole self to work and contribute to our success – that’s why we’re committed to building progress in the areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Our Spirit Family is strong, not despite our differences, but because of them.
   • Travel The World : We offer competitive base salaries with robust health & welfare benefits, including travel & flight benefits for you and your family.

   
   Qualifications
   
   

   • High School Diploma or GED required, College degree preferred.
   • At least two (2) years of experience in the Guest Service, Hospitality and/or Sales/Merchandising industry.
   • Required to attend and successfully complete a 4-week Initial Flight Attendant training.
   • Must be at least 21 years of age.
   • Must be at least 5’0 (without shoes).
   • Must be able to lift 50lbs from floor to above shoulder level, ability to reach aircraft overhead bins and storage areas.
   • Must be able to comply with our no visible tattoo policy.
   • Must be able to comply with our piercing policy. Flight Attendants are allowed two matching earrings in the earlobe only. No other visible piercings are allowed. Earlobe gauges and cuffs are not allowed.
   • Must be able to fasten a four point jump seat harness without the use of extension devices.
   • Must have a passport with at least six(6) months of validity that grants you the ability to travel in and out of the USA and to all cities/countries served by Spirit Airlines.
   • Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
   • Must be dependable, energetic, outgoing, a team player, and demonstrate leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills.
   • Ability to work flexible hours, days and holidays.
   • Ability to work in close quarters with service animals as well as all snack items, including but not limited to peanuts.
   • Ability to communicate effectively. Must be proficient in the English language; bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
   • Must maintain a polished, professional and conservative appearance at all times.
   • Driver’s license is preferred.
   • Please be advised that you may be asked to complete a recorded video interview in order to be considered for this position. This recorded video interview is the final step of your application process and must be complete in order for your application to be considered.

   Responsibilities

   • Responsible for the safety and comfort of Guests aboard the aircraft while providing exemplary service.
   • Provide Guests with briefings pre-flight, during flight, and after landing.
   • Assist Guests by answering any inquiries they may have in addition to aiding Guests with their carry-on items, which may require overhead lifting.
   • Market, sell, and provide snacks and beverages to Guests.
   • Check emergency equipment and be aware of hazardous situations in the cabin.
   • Demonstrate the use of emergency equipment as required.
   • Provides leadership, direction, and assistance during an emergency situation, including aircraft evacuation, administering first aid to ill or incapacitated Guests, and during incidents such as turbulent flights and delayed flights.
   • Maintain compliance with all Federal Aviation Regulations as well as Spirit’s policies and procedures.
   • May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate (e.g. emergencies change in workload, rush jobs, or technical developments).

   Incentives

   • Care Card: A preloaded care card with $1305 will be provided to all trainees for meals and expenses at the beginning of training. A daily limit of $75 is set on the card which cannot be exceeded.
   • Graduation Bonus: As a reward for successfully graduating from the Flight Attendant Initial Training program, each trainee will receive a one-time bonus of $1,250.
   • Tuition Reimbursement: $4,500 tuition reimbursement maximum per year.
   • We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits to our team members including medical, dental, STD, LTD, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, graduation bonus and much more. We strive to maintain a professional, yet friendly environment and promote professional and career development for our Team Members.

   Click here to learn what it takes to be a Spirit Flight Attendant!

   
   EEOC Statement
   
   

   Spirit Airlines is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find in-flight crew members for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your in-flight crew member job on Zippia to find and recruit in-flight crew member candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit in-flight crew members, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new in-flight crew member

   Once you've selected the best in-flight crew member candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new in-flight crew member first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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