Becoming a flight attendant is a dream job for many young adults. Getting to travel the world, meet new people every day, and earn a decent living sounds amazing. However, most major airlines require flight attendants to be at least 21 years old.
Age restrictions shut aspiring flight attendants out because airlines want mature, responsible crew members. Yet some carriers do hire at age 20. So which airlines actually hire flight attendants at 20 years old?
Key Takeaways: Airlines That Hire Flight Attendants at 20
- Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Air hire flight attendants starting at 20 years old.
- Smaller regional carriers like Piedmont Airlines, Envoy Air, and PSA Airlines recruit 20-year-olds.
- Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines require flight attendants to be at least 21.
- Age exceptions may be made for applicants with degrees or prior customer service experience.
- Foreign airlines like Ryanair, Air Asia, and Emirates also hire flight crew under 21.
- 20-year-olds can improve their chances by having education, language skills, and a professional resume.
Being hired as a 20-year-old flight attendant takes preparation and meeting qualifications. Some airlines remain strict on their minimum age requirements. However, the following carriers offer opportunities to launch an aviation career straight out of high school.
U.S. Airlines That Hire Flight Attendants at Age 20
Several airlines based in the United States do accept flight attendant applications from 20-year-olds. Here are some of the main ones to keep on your radar.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is a leading ultra-low-cost carrier operating throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. The airline is known for affordable airfares coupled with a pay-for-amenities model. They hire flight attendants starting at 20 years old.
Their job listings explicitly state the minimum age for applicants is 20. People can apply online by submitting a resume. Some educational coursework beyond high school is preferred. Any customer service work experience is also a plus for Spirit.
The airline holds frequent open house recruiting events for flight attendants nationwide. Check their website for upcoming dates and locations. Going to an open house is recommended for getting hired.
Spirit offers new flight attendants a $500 bonus after training and six months on the job. Their starting pay runs around $20 per hour. For a 20-year-old, Spirit represents a solid opportunity to start a career taking to the skies.
Frontier Airlines
Denver-based Frontier Airlines is another low-cost airline with a hub-and-spoke route network covering much of the United States. The carrier operates a fleet of Airbus narrow-body jets.
One of Frontier’s main hiring criteria is that flight attendant applicants must be at least 20 years old. People can visit their website’s career portal to search open flight crew jobs. Submitting an online application with your resume is the first step.
Frontier then conducts in-person recruitment events similar to Spirit. Getting hired usually involves attending an upcoming group session. These are held in Denver and many other major cities.
Starting pay at Frontier also averages $20 per hour. Their flight benefits allow attendants and eligible dependents to fly free throughout Frontier’s route network.
Overall, Frontier Airlines provides a great way for 20-year-olds to jumpstart their aviation career. Their onboarding and training program prepares new hires well for the responsibilities of flight service.
Allegiant Air
A third airline option that hires at age 20 is Allegiant Air. This fast-growing low-cost carrier is expanding service to leisure destinations like Florida and Arizona. Their unique route network provides lots of opportunities for flight attendants.
Allegiant’s website specifically says the minimum age to apply is 20 years old. Having some college education or previous customer service skills helps applicants stand out. The selection process involves an online application, screening, and interview.
New Allegiant flight attendants get 3-6 weeks of paid training. Starting pay averages approximately $20/hour as well. Plus, attendants enjoy free travel benefits on the airline after 90 days of service.
Working for Allegiant Air gives 20-year-olds a chance to visit fun warm-weather destinations. The airline continues adding service to vacation hot spots like Nashville, Savannah, and Key West.
Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines operates regional flights for American Airlines out of various eastern US hubs. Their fleet consists of Embraer 145 regional jets seating around 50 passengers.
According to Piedmont’s website, the minimum age for new flight attendants is just 20 years old. Applicants do need to have a high school diploma or GED though. Some work experience in retail, hospitality, or restaurants is also preferred.
The recruitment process includes an online application, prescreening, interview, and training if hired. Piedmont offers paid flight attendant training ranging from 3-5 weeks in duration.
Pay starts at $17.50 per hour on average. Attendants also receive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), travel benefits, and more. Overall, Piedmont represents a solid regional airline for 20-year-olds to gain experience.
Envoy Air
Envoy Air is a leading regional carrier that flies routes across the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Latin America. They operate a large fleet of Embraer and Bombardier regional jets as American Eagle on behalf of American Airlines.
Per their online job listings, Envoy sets 20 years old as the minimum age requirement for new flight attendants. Applicants do need at least a high school diploma or GED. Some college coursework or customer service skills are a plus.
The hiring process at Envoy involves submitting your resume and completing online assessments. Video interviews, an in-person interview, and flight attendant training follow if selected.
Starting pay runs around $18 per hour on average. Envoy flight attendants get excellent travel privileges too. Overall, Envoy Air provides a great way for 20-year-olds to gain regional aviation experience.
PSA Airlines
PSA Airlines is another regional carrier owned by American Airlines that flies under the American Eagle brand. They operate a large fleet of Bombardier CRJ passenger jets out of bases across the eastern U.S.
The minimum age to apply for a flight attendant position at PSA is 20 years old according to their website. Having some college education or past customer experience counts as positives when hiring.
PSA uses a similar recruiting process to other regional airlines. Expect online screening, interviews, and several weeks of paid training if selected. Starting flight attendant pay runs around $17 per hour normally.
Working for PSA Airlines lets 20-year-olds gain experience in aviation and potentially transition to mainline American Airlines down the road. Overall, PSA offers a great opportunity.
Mokulele Airlines
Mokulele Airlines is a smaller carrier based in Hawaii operating turboprop aircraft between islands. Their focus is “Getting Hawaii Together” by providing affordable and convenient inter-island flights.
Mokulele’s website specifically lists the minimum age for flight attendants as 20 years old. Applicants at 20 need at least a high school diploma or equivalent though. Prior work experience in hospitality or customer service is highly preferred also.
Pay starts around $21 per hour, above the regional carrier average. Mokulele focuses mainly on hiring locally within Hawaii. For 20-year-olds seeking to live and work in an island paradise, it’s a great option to consider.
GoJet Airlines
GoJet Airlines is a regional carrier operating CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 jet service on behalf of United Airlines under their United Express brand. They have flight attendant bases located in Chicago, Washington D.C., Detroit, and Denver.
According to their online job listings, GoJet will hire flight attendants at 20 years of age. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED at minimum. Some college education or previous customer service experience is strongly preferred.
The recruitment process includes online screening, interviews, and 4-5 weeks of paid training. Average starting pay is around $18 per hour. Overall, GoJet is a solid regional airline for aspiring 20-year-old flight attendants.
Major Airlines Requiring Age 21+
While the airlines above all hire at age 20, many major carriers still enforce a minimum age of 21 years old or higher. Here are some of the top airlines that require flight attendants to be 21+.
Southwest Airlines
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines operates passenger service throughout the United States. They are one of the most well-known low-cost airlines domestically. Southwest only hires flight attendants who are at least 21 though.
Their online job listings state applicants must be 21 years old at minimum. Southwest also requires a high school diploma and previous customer service experience. Fluency in a second language is a plus.
The selection process includes online application, assessment, interview, and up to 6 weeks of training. Pay starts around $25 per hour on average. Attendants enjoy free travel privileges and flexible scheduling.
Overall, Southwest sets a high bar for new hires. Aspiring 20-year-old flight attendants should gain skills and experience so they qualify at 21.
JetBlue
New York-based JetBlue Airways is known for excellent service and amenities on domestic and Caribbean routes. Their flight attendant minimum age is also strictly 21 years old.
JetBlue wants candidates with a high school diploma or college education. At least one year of full-time customer service experience is also required according to their site. Being multilingual in English plus Spanish, French, or Creole is an asset.
The hiring process involves extensive screening, interviews, background checks, and a 6-week training program. Starting pay averages around $25 per hour as well. JetBlue offers great benefits and travel perks.
They represent a fantastic airline to fly for. However, aspiring flight attendants need to be 21 before applying. Gaining work experience in hospitality or as a barista etc. can help prepare until then.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is the largest carrier operating flights between the Hawaiian islands and the US mainland. Their onboard service celebrates the island culture. However, Hawaiian requires U.S.-based flight attendants to be 21 years old minimum.
Candidates need at least a high school diploma or GED according to Hawaiian’s site. Some work experience in customer service or hospitality fields is strongly preferred. Due to the location, being bilingual in English and Japanese, Korean etc. is a plus.
The hiring process includes online screening, interviews, tests, training, and background checks. It can take 2-3 months to complete. Pay starts at $23 per hour on average. The job enables living in beautiful Hawaii.
For 20-year-olds, gaining a few years of work or college experience can help your application at Hawaiian Airlines once you turn 21.
Alaska Airlines
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines serves destinations across the western U.S., Mexico, and Canada. They are known for excellent service, reliability, and route network on the West Coast.
According to job postings, Alaska sets 21 as the minimum age to become a flight attendant. Candidates need a high school diploma or GED at minimum. Some college education or past experience in lodging, healthcare or retail is also required.
Alaska’s selection includes online applications, assessments, video interviews, an in-person interview, and 5 weeks of training. Starting pay averages approximately $24 per hour.
While Alaska won’t hire at 20 years old, applicants can work on gaining experience so they are top candidates at 21.
Delta Air Lines
Major U.S. global airline Delta hires flight attendants at least 21 years old who meet education and experience qualifications. Applicants need at minimum 2 years of college or customer service experience. Being multilingual is a strong asset.
Delta’s hiring process takes 2-3 months including assessments, interview, training, drug test and background checks. However, the job offers great pay starting around $24/hour, excellent benefits, flexibility and travel perks.
Gaining work or education experience until your 21st birthday will ensure you meet Delta’s requirements as an exceptional candidate.
Foreign Airlines Hiring Flight Crew Under 21
Along with U.S. airlines, some foreign carriers also recruit flight attendants starting at age 20 or even younger. Especially European and Asian airlines. Here are a few top options.
Ryanair
Ireland-based ultra low-cost airline Ryanair has grown into Europe’s largest carrier by passengers. They operate a massive route network all across Europe and into Africa and Asia.
Ryanair hires flight attendants from age 18 up. The minimum requirements are completing secondary school and being fully fluent in English and a second European language like French, Spanish, or German.
The selection process includes online testing, assessment, interview and training. Pay starts from around 1400€ per month. Attendants get discounts on Ryanair flights for personal travel.
Overall, Ryanair is a rare opportunity for 18-20 year olds aspiring to become flight attendants straight out of school. The job allows living and flying all across Europe.
EasyJet
UK low-cost airline EasyJet serves point-to-point routes across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. EasyJet sets the flight attendant minimum hiring age at 18 years old.
Recruits need to have completed secondary school and hold a valid passport. Being multilingual is a strong advantage as is prior hospitality work experience. EasyJet’s hiring process includes online recruitment, assessments, and training.
Average pay for new EasyJet flight attendants is around £24,000 annually. The job offers great chances to live and travel around Europe.
Air Asia
Leading low-cost airline AirAsia provides an affordable option for flights across Asia and Australia from its Malaysian base. The airline will hire flight attendants from 18 years old upward.
Air Asia wants candidates to have completed secondary school and hold excellent English proficiency. Other language skills like Mandarin or Hindi are valued too. Customer service skills and enthusiasm are a must.
New flight attendants can expect monthly pay around 2500-3000 MYR starting out. Air Asia offers an exciting opportunity for youth under 21 to launch an aviation career.
Emirates Airlines
Based in Dubai, Emirates is one of the world’s largest long-haul airlines. They operate an enormous fleet of wide-body aircraft. Emirates accepts flight attendant applications for candidates age 19 or 20, depending on educational background.
At minimum, Emirates requires you complete high school or secondary school education with good grades. Being fluent in English plus one or more other languages is highly advantageous. Emirates seeks poised, professional, and engaging candidates who can handle demanding schedules.
Flight attendants earn a starting package around $2,000 USD per month plus housing and other benefits. Emirates provides an exceptional opportunity, but does have high standards. Gaining skills and experience prior to applying helps.
Tips for Getting Hired as a 20-Year-Old Flight Attendant
While some airlines hire flight attendants at 20, the minimum age requirement remains a hurdle. Applicants need to demonstrate they have the maturity and qualification to excel in the role. Here are tips to boost your chances.
- Seek out customer service work experience prior to applying – restaurants, hotels, retail etc. Airlines want to see you can provide top-notch service.
- Take some college classes in hospitality, tourism or management. Pursuing a degree shows responsibility.
- Polish up your resume. Highlight any experiences that reflect the skills airlines want.
- Practice interview skills. Prepare to impress recruiters with poise and professionalism beyond your years.
- Research the airline’s culture and brand thoroughly before applying. Know their values and service style inside out.
- If multilingual, emphasize language skills prominently. They are highly valued by global airlines.
- Be willing to relocate to airline hubs or crew bases anywhere domestically or abroad. Flexibility helps.
- Read up on aviation news and trends. Demonstrate this is your career passion, not just a passing interest.
- Attend job fairs, meetups and open house events to directly engage with recruiters. Make a memorable impression.
- If hired, take training very seriously. Apply yourself to learn skills and prove you belong on the flight deck.
Remaining eager, determined and proactive will help ambitious 20-year-olds reach their goal of becoming a flight attendant. Gaining skills and knowledge also helps convince airlines to take a chance on younger applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Flight Attendant at 20
Here are answers to some common questions people have about becoming a flight attendant at 20 years old.
What are airlines looking for when hiring flight attendants age 20?
Airlines want to see maturity, professionalism, education, language abilities, and some experience even in young applicants. Things like completing some college, holding a customer service job, and being multilingual help demonstrate readiness for the demands of being crew.
Do most airlines require a college degree?
Major airlines prefer 1-2 years of college minimum, but some may substitute equivalent work experience in lieu of education. College courses in hospitality or tourism are a plus. Regional airlines usually just require a high school diploma or GED.
How can I prepare for flight attendant training at a young age?
Physical exercise, practicing public speaking, learning an additional language, and studying your airline’s procedures and service style help young trainees prepare. Arrive rested and ready to immerse yourself fully.
What qualities do I need to showcase during the interview process?
Responsibility, professionalism, problem-solving abilities, grace under pressure, learning capability, positive attitude and procedural focus are key qualities to demonstrate to airline recruiters.
Will my age limit my airline job options?
Some large airlines likely won’t consider applicants under 21. However, focusing on low-cost domestic or regional carriers, and being willing to relocate, opens up more possibilities at 20. Gain experience then transition airlines later.
Becoming a flight attendant at a young age takes dedication, determination, skill-building, and researching the right airline opportunities. Candidates need to convince recruiters of their capabilities. But the reward of launching an exciting career in aviation at just 20 years old makes the effort well worth it.
