Becoming a Delta flight attendant isn’t just about wearing the uniform and traveling the world. It’s about professionalism, adaptability, and representing one of the most respected airlines in the industry. If you’re serious about applying, you’ll need more than just a polished resume. You need to understand how the process works, what Delta is really looking for, and what to expect once you’re hired.
In 2025, Delta continues to receive over 100,000 applications annually for just a few thousand cabin crew openings. That means standing out requires strategy, preparation, and a genuine interest in customer service, not just a love of travel.
This guide covers every step of the process: from basic qualifications and salary details to perks, training, and what you can do to increase your odds of being selected.
What Are the Minimum Requirements to Be a Flight Attendant at Delta?
To apply as a flight attendant at Delta, you must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Hold a valid passport and be willing to fly internationally
- Be able to reach overhead bins and sit in a jump seat
- Be fluent in English
Delta also strongly prefers candidates with at least one year of experience in customer-facing roles. This doesn’t have to be in aviation, it could be retail, hospitality, or call centers, but you need to show strong communication skills and problem-solving under pressure.
In some hiring waves, Delta also seeks bilingual candidates, especially those fluent in Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian, German, and Mandarin. If you speak another language fluently, you should highlight that early in your application.
What Is the Application Process Like?
The application process at Delta is highly structured and competitive. It usually unfolds over several stages, each designed to assess different competencies.
Step 1: Online Application
You begin by applying through Delta’s careers portal. Your resume should emphasize customer service skills, teamwork, adaptability, and any multilingual abilities. The system may scan your resume for keywords, so tailor your wording to the job posting.
Step 2: Video Interview
If your application is accepted, you’ll be invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview. You’ll answer a set of questions on camera and submit the responses. This is your first chance to show poise, personality, and professionalism. Prepare by practicing responses to common behavioral interview questions.
Step 3: Virtual or In-Person Assessment
Candidates who pass the video interview move on to a live virtual interview or, in some cases, an in-person hiring event at one of Delta’s hubs. This stage often includes scenario-based questions, roleplaying exercises, and group activities.
Step 4: Background Check and Contingent Job Offer
Once selected, you’ll be required to pass a background check, drug screening, and possibly a physical assessment. If cleared, you’ll receive a conditional job offer pending successful completion of training.
What Is Delta’s Flight Attendant Training Program Like?
Delta’s initial training for new flight attendants is held at their Atlanta headquarters and lasts approximately six to eight weeks. The training is unpaid, but housing and some meals are provided.
You’ll be expected to learn:
- FAA safety protocols
- Emergency procedures
- First aid and CPR
- Evacuation drills
- Security threat assessments
- Aircraft-specific operations
- Delta service standards
Training is rigorous, with exams throughout. You’ll be expected to pass both written and hands-on evaluations. Failure to meet the standards can result in removal from the program. But if you pass, you’ll graduate with your wings and receive your base assignment.
Where Are Delta Flight Attendants Based?
Once hired, you’ll be assigned to a crew base. As of 2025, Delta has major flight attendant bases in:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- New York City (JFK and LGA)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Boston (BOS)
- Seattle (SEA)
Assignments are based on operational needs. You may request a base, but there’s no guarantee, especially for new hires. Most flight attendants must relocate near their base or be willing to commute.
How Much Do Delta Flight Attendants Make in 2025?
Delta flight attendants are hourly employees, and their pay depends on seniority and flight hours.
As of 2025:
- New flight attendants start at around 30 dollars per hour
- With experience, pay can exceed 70 dollars per hour after several years
- Per diem is added for time away from base (domestic and international rates differ)
- You are only paid for block time, the minutes the aircraft door closes until it opens at the destination
Average yearly earnings for first-year flight attendants range between 45,000 and 55,000 dollars. With seniority, international routes, and schedule optimization, top earners exceed 100,000 dollars annually.
Overtime and holiday pay also apply in certain conditions. It’s worth noting that seniority controls bidding for schedules, vacation, and route preference. That means newer flight attendants may start with less desirable shifts.
What Benefits and Perks Come With the Job?
Delta offers one of the best benefits packages in the industry. Here’s what you can expect:
- Free standby travel for employees and eligible family members
- Discounted confirmed travel
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement plans with company matching
- Profit-sharing bonuses based on company performance
- Paid time off and vacation accrual
- Uniforms provided
- Discounts with travel partners, hotels, and retailers
The non-revenue travel perks alone make the job appealing to many applicants. You can fly nearly anywhere in the world on Delta’s network or with partner airlines, although space is based on availability and seniority.
How Competitive Is the Process?
Extremely. Delta receives hundreds of thousands of applications each year. In 2022, the airline received more than 100,000 applications for 4,000 positions. In 2025, demand remains high, especially as more people seek flexible, travel-oriented careers.
To stand out, you’ll need more than qualifications. Focus on:
- Strong customer service examples
- Professional grooming and presentation
- Familiarity with Delta’s brand and values
- A positive, flexible attitude
- Language skills and cultural awareness
Delta looks for poised, diplomatic individuals who can adapt quickly and represent the brand with excellence under pressure. Your interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence matter just as much as your resume.
Final Tips for Getting Hired
If you’re serious about the role, take these additional steps:
- Practice mock interviews using behavioral questions
- Prepare a professional resume with quantifiable results
- Highlight any experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
- Research Delta’s mission, values, and current customer service standards
- Dress conservatively and professionally during every stage of the interview
Above all, be patient. The process can take several months. Stay professional in all communication, and if you’re not selected the first time, apply again during the next hiring cycle. Persistence, preparation, and personality go a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flight attendant training at Delta paid?
Training is unpaid, but housing and meals are covered.
Do you need to speak another language to be hired?
It’s not required but strongly preferred for certain international routes.
How long does the hiring process take?
It can take several weeks to a few months depending on hiring needs and your application stage.
Is Delta hiring flight attendants in 2025?
Yes. Delta continues to recruit new flight attendants throughout 2025 based on network demand.
Do you get to choose your base location?
You can submit preferences, but final assignments are based on operational needs.