Delta Air Lines is one of the world’s largest global carriers, making its flight attendant hiring process highly competitive. The airline receives hundreds of thousands of applications for only a few thousand positions each cycle. Successfully navigating this process requires candidates to meet rigorous standards and fit Delta’s operational culture. This guide details the specific procedural steps and prerequisites for prospective flight attendants seeking to join the company.
Meeting the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet baseline qualifications, many of which exceed industry regulatory minimums. Candidates must be at least 21 years old at the time of application and possess the legal right to live and work in the United States. Fluency in spoken, written, and read English is required.
The minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Physical standards focus on functionality: candidates must be able to reach overhead compartments (approximately 74 inches from the floor) without assistance. Applicants must also fit securely in the jump seat and fasten the seatbelt without an extender. The stringent pre-employment screening requires passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test and a comprehensive, fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
Understanding Delta’s Candidate Profile
Delta seeks individuals who embody specific soft skills and operational values. Safety is the priority, and successful candidates must understand their role as in-flight safety professionals. This focus is combined with a requirement for exceptional customer service, assisting passengers and enhancing their travel experience.
The work environment demands considerable flexibility. New hires must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours on domestic and international routes. Flight attendants must be adaptable to schedules involving time zone changes and periods away from their home base. Proficiency in a foreign language is sought for Language of Destination (LOD) roles. Delta actively recruits candidates fluent in languages such as French, German, Italian, and Korean to serve on international flights, requiring fluency in speaking, reading, and writing.
Professionalism requires maintaining a polished image and adhering to strict grooming standards. Delta prohibits visible tattoos while in uniform, facial piercings, multiple earlobe piercings, and earlobe plugs. Candidates who demonstrate resilience and effective problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations are preferred. The airline seeks individuals who view the flight attendant role as a long-term career commitment.
The Initial Application and Virtual Screening Stages
The hiring process starts with the online application, which is open for limited windows due to high interest. Candidates must submit the application quickly, as Delta closes the portal once a sufficient number of applications are received. After submission, candidates proceed through automated screening tools designed to narrow the applicant pool.
The first electronic stage is the Talent Assessment, which evaluates a candidate’s workplace strengths and alignment with Delta’s values. Following this is the Virtual Job Tryout (VJT), a computer-based assessment that simulates real-life scenarios. This stage assesses the candidate’s judgment, customer service aptitude, and problem-solving abilities.
Successful completion of the VJT leads to the On-Demand Video Interview, often conducted via platforms like HireVue. This self-recorded interview requires the candidate to respond to pre-set behavioral and situational questions. Candidates must treat this virtual stage formally, ensuring a professional appearance and a clean background, as performance here is critical to advancing to the in-person phase.
Preparing for the In-Person Interview and Assessment Day
Candidates who pass the virtual screenings are invited to the final stage, the Assessment Day, held at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. This day is a multi-part evaluation designed to observe applicants in various settings. It includes group activities and customer service role-playing exercises, which allow recruiters to see how candidates interact with others and handle simulated passenger issues.
The day culminates in a one-on-one interview with a recruiter or experienced flight attendant interviewer. Applicants should use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure their responses. This technique provides concrete examples of past experiences that demonstrate safety focus, conflict resolution, and superior service.
Preparation should include professional business attire, reflecting the image Delta seeks to maintain. Candidates must bring all required documentation, such as identification and passport information, to the event. Scenarios often focus on managing a difficult customer, addressing a tight turnaround situation, or handling an unexpected in-flight emergency.
From Conditional Offer to Graduation
A successful performance at the Assessment Day results in a Conditional Job Offer (CJO). This offer is contingent upon clearing all remaining pre-employment requirements. These final steps involve a comprehensive review of the background check and the results of the DOT drug screening.
Candidates must also complete a medical examination, including vision and hearing tests, to ensure they meet the physical health standards necessary to perform the job functions. Once all pre-employment screening steps are complete, the candidate receives their official training date and base assignment.
New hires attend an intensive, full-time training program lasting approximately six to seven weeks at the Delta World Headquarters in Atlanta. Training days are long, often lasting up to 12 hours, six days a week, and cover extensive material on aircraft safety, emergency procedures, first aid, and self-defense. Lodging is provided for trainees who reside outside a 25-mile radius of the facility. Trainees must pass regular written and practical exams with strict performance standards to achieve their FAA certification and graduate as a Delta Flight Attendant.