What Delta Requires Before You explore

Delta Airlines requires flight attendant candidates to be at least 21 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid passport. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with authorization to work in the United States. Delta also requires that you pass a background check, which includes criminal history and employment verification.

Physical requirements include the ability to reach overhead bins, lift up to 50 pounds, and stand for extended periods. You need uncorrected vision no worse than 20/40 in each eye (correctable to 20/20), and you cannot have visible tattoos on your face, neck, hands, or below the wrist when wearing the Delta uniform. Piercings on the face are not permitted, though one earring per ear is allowed.

Delta also screens for drug use through a pre-employment test and checks your driving record. Any felony conviction, DUI, or drug-related offense will disqualify you. The airline looks at your overall background as an indicator of reliability and trustworthiness.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 21, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid U.S. passport with work authorization.
  • Delta will conduct a background check that includes criminal history, employment verification, and a drug screening test.
  • The hiring process moves through an online process, video interview, in-person interview, and training program at Delta's Atlanta facility.
  • Flight attendant training at Delta lasts approximately five weeks and covers safety procedures, customer service, and aircraft-specific operations.
  • You will need to pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam on safety and emergency procedures before you can work flights.

The Online process and Video Interview

Delta's recruitment process begins on their careers website. You create an account, upload your resume, and answer questions about your work history and availability. The process asks about your customer service experience, willingness to relocate, and flexibility with scheduling. Be honest about your background — Delta cross-checks employment history with previous employers.

If your process passes initial review, Delta invites you to complete a video interview. This is a recorded session where you answer pre-set questions on camera. You typically have one attempt per question and a limited time to respond. Questions focus on customer service scenarios, how you handle conflict, and why you want to work for Delta. Record in a quiet space with good lighting and professional appearance.

Delta reviews video responses to assess communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit. This stage eliminates a large portion of candidates, so take it seriously. Speak clearly, maintain eye contact with the camera, and give specific examples from past jobs rather than generic answers.

The In-Person Interview and Assessment Day

Candidates who pass the video interview are invited to an in-person assessment day, usually held at a Delta office or hotel conference space. You will interview with a Delta recruiter or flight attendant, participate in group activities, and complete additional assessments. Dress in business professional attire — this is your chance to show you understand Delta's appearance standards.

The interview itself focuses on your customer service background, ability to work in a team, and how you handle stressful situations. Delta asks behavioral questions: "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer" or "Describe a situation where you had to follow a rule you disagreed with." Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers with real examples.

Group activities test your teamwork and communication. You may be asked to solve a problem as a group or discuss a scenario. Delta is watching how you listen, contribute, and treat other candidates. Avoid dominating the conversation or dismissing others' ideas. After the group portion, you typically learn whether you are moving forward to the next stage.

The Training Program in Atlanta

If you receive a job offer, you will attend Delta's flight attendant training program at their training facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The program runs for approximately five weeks and is mandatory. You are responsible for your own travel and housing during training, though some candidates find shared accommodations with other trainees to reduce costs.

Training covers FAA safety regulations, emergency procedures, aircraft systems, first aid and CPR, customer service standards, and Delta-specific policies. You learn how to operate emergency slides, oxygen masks, and evacuation equipment. You practice serving beverages and meals, handling medical emergencies, and de-escalating passenger conflicts. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice in mock aircraft cabins.

You must pass written exams on safety procedures and FAA regulations. The FAA exam is particularly important — you cannot work flights without passing it. Training also includes a final practical exam where instructors observe you performing flight attendant duties in a simulated cabin. Attendance is mandatory, and missing days can result in dismissal from the program.

FAA Certification and Background Clearance

Before you can work your first flight, you must obtain FAA certification. This involves passing the FAA written exam on safety and emergency procedures, which you take during training. The exam covers aircraft systems, emergency equipment, evacuation procedures, and regulatory requirements. Delta provides study materials, and most candidates pass on their first attempt if they attend training sessions and study the material.

Alongside FAA certification, Delta completes a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and security clearance. This is separate from the initial background check and is required for airport access. The TSA check can take several weeks. You cannot start flying until both the FAA exam is passed and TSA clearance is granted.

Once certified, you are assigned to a crew base — typically a major Delta hub like Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, or Salt Lake City. Your initial assignment may not be your preferred location, and you may need to relocate or commute. As you gain seniority, you can bid for different bases and flight routes.

What to Expect in Your First Year

Your first months as a flight attendant involve working with experienced crew members who mentor you. You start with shorter flights and simpler routes while you build confidence and learn Delta's operations. Your schedule is set by seniority — new flight attendants typically work irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. You have little control over your schedule in your first year.

Delta requires you to maintain professional appearance standards at all times while in uniform. This includes grooming, weight maintenance within a reasonable range, and adherence to uniform guidelines. You are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout your employment. Any violation of safety procedures or customer service standards can result in disciplinary action or termination.

Pay for new flight attendants at Delta starts around $28 to $32 per hour for flight time, plus per diem pay for time away from base. You do not earn pay during boarding or ground time, only when the aircraft doors close. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and flight benefits for you and may be able to access family members. Many flight attendants supplement their income with per diem and overtime in their early years.

Common Reasons Candidates Are Not Hired

Delta rejects candidates for visible tattoos on the face, neck, hands, or wrists. If you have tattoos in these areas, they must be completely covered by the uniform, or you will not be hired. Facial piercings other than earrings are also disqualifying. Some candidates are rejected because they cannot commit to relocating to a crew base or cannot work the irregular schedule that flight attendants maintain.

Criminal history, including DUI, drug convictions, or felonies, will disqualify you. Lying on your process or during the interview is grounds for when ready rejection and can result in being blacklisted from future consideration. Poor performance in the video interview — mumbling, lack of eye contact, or vague answers — often eliminates candidates before they reach the in-person stage.

During training, candidates are dismissed for failing the FAA exam, missing mandatory sessions, or violating conduct standards. Some candidates underestimate the physical and mental demands of the job and withdraw during training. Others struggle with the irregular schedule or the reality of being away from home frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire hiring process take from process to first flight?

The timeline varies, but most candidates spend two to four months from initial process to starting training. Training itself is five weeks. After training and FAA certification, you may wait another two to four weeks for TSA clearance before you work your first flight. Total time from process to first flight is typically four to six months.

Do I need previous flight attendant experience to work for Delta?

No. Delta hires candidates with no airline experience. Customer service experience — retail, hospitality, or restaurant work — is valued because it shows you can handle difficult customers and work in a fast-paced environment. However, Delta trains you on all flight attendant-specific skills during the five-week program.

Can I work for Delta part-time or choose my own schedule?

No. Flight attendants are full-time employees, and you cannot choose your schedule, especially in your first years. You bid for trips based on seniority, and new flight attendants have the least desirable trips. As you gain seniority, you gain more control over your schedule and can bid for specific routes or time off.

What happens if I fail the FAA exam during training?

You are typically given one or two opportunities to retake the exam. If you fail after your retakes, you are dismissed from the training program and your job offer is rescinded. You may reapply to Delta after a waiting period, usually six months to one year, but there is no may provide you will be hired again.

Do I have to live at my crew base, or can I commute?

You can commute if you choose, but most flight attendants live at or near their crew base because the schedule is unpredictable. Commuting means you must be able to reach the airport within a set time when called for a trip. Many new flight attendants move to their assigned base or share housing with other crew members to reduce costs.