Becoming a Delta flight attendant is a highly sought-after career, offering a lifestyle of travel and interaction with people from all walks of life. The role is more than a customer service position; it involves being the face of a global airline, ensuring passenger safety, and creating a welcoming environment in the air. The appeal lies in the dynamic nature of the job, where the world itself becomes your office.
Delta Flight Attendant Requirements
Delta Air Lines has a clear set of foundational requirements for all candidates. Aspiring flight attendants must be at least 21 years old by their application date and hold a high school diploma or GED. U.S. work authorization is mandatory, and candidates must possess a valid passport with at least 30 months of validity remaining at the time of training.
Fluency in English for reading, writing, and speaking is a prerequisite. While not mandatory, proficiency in a second language is a significant advantage for “Language of Destination” (LOD) roles. Physically, applicants must be able to perform all safety-related duties, which includes having a reach that allows them to access overhead bins, typically specified as a reach of 6’3″ while on the tips of your toes.
One year of experience in customer service, patient care, or a safety-focused role is strongly preferred. Candidates must pass a comprehensive background check, fingerprinting, a drug screening, and a medical examination. Delta also has a grooming and appearance policy, requiring any tattoos to be concealable by the standard uniform without using bandages.
The Application and Interview Process
The journey begins with an online application on the airline’s careers website, where candidates provide their education and work history. This is the first opportunity to highlight relevant customer service and foreign language skills.
Following the application review, promising candidates are invited to a Virtual Job Tryout (VJT). This online assessment simulates situations of the flight attendant role and evaluates a candidate’s problem-solving and customer service instincts.
Candidates who pass the VJT are invited to an on-demand video interview. This pre-recorded interview allows applicants to answer a set of questions at their convenience before a deadline.
The final step is the in-person “Event Day” at Delta’s headquarters in Atlanta. This day-long event allows the hiring team to meet candidates and observe them in various settings, including group activities and one-on-one behavioral interviews. During these interviews, candidates are expected to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide specific examples of how they have handled past work situations.
What to Expect During Delta’s Flight Attendant Training
A conditional job offer leads to a seven-week, in-person training program in Atlanta. This mandatory, pass/fail training transforms new hires into safety professionals and brand ambassadors, with long days of classroom instruction and hands-on simulations.
The primary focus is on aircraft safety and emergency procedures. Trainees learn to conduct pre-flight safety checks, operate cabin equipment, and execute an emergency evacuation in 90 seconds or less. The training covers scenarios like medical emergencies, security threats, and handling unruly passengers. Trainees must pass numerous exams and performance drills to demonstrate their proficiency.
The program also covers Delta’s standards for customer service and in-flight service delivery. This includes serving meals, assisting passengers with special needs, and managing inventory with company-issued iPhones. The training is demanding and requires significant study time, and successful completion is required to earn their flight attendant wings.
Life as a New Delta Flight Attendant
After graduating, new flight attendants receive their base assignment, which is the airport city where their trips originate and end. New hires are assigned to a base based on operational need and may not receive their first choice.
The first several months are often spent on “reserve,” meaning the flight attendant is on-call to cover flights as needed. This can include filling in for sick crewmembers or covering last-minute operational changes, requiring flexibility and readiness to travel at a moment’s notice.
Compensation is an hourly rate paid for time spent in flight, and per diem allowances for time away from their base are also provided. Delta provides a benefits package that includes health insurance and travel perks for the employee and their eligible family members.