What Delta Requires Before You explore

Delta hires flight attendants through a formal process that starts with meeting baseline requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration and Delta's own standards. You must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid passport. Delta also requires that you pass a background check, which includes a criminal history review and verification of your employment record.

You need to be able to reach the overhead bins and emergency equipment without information, which means you must be between 5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall. This is a safety requirement, not a preference. You also cannot have visible tattoos on your face, neck, hands, or forearms when wearing the Delta uniform — tattoos on other parts of your body are permitted if they are not visible in uniform.

Delta requires that you be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status. If you are a permanent resident, you will need to provide proof of your status. You must also be willing to obtain a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security clearance, which is mandatory for all flight attendants.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid passport, and pass a background check to meet Delta's baseline requirements.
  • Delta's height requirement is between 5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 2 inches, and you cannot have visible tattoos on your face, neck, hands, or forearms.
  • The hiring process includes an online process, a video interview, an in-person interview, and a training program at Delta's flight attendant base.
  • Delta's flight attendant training lasts approximately five weeks and covers safety procedures, customer service, and emergency protocols.
  • After training, you will be assigned to a crew base and will work on a rotating schedule that includes overnight trips and time away from home.

The Online process and Initial Screening

Delta accepts applications through its careers website at delta.com/careers. You will create an account, upload your resume, and answer questions about your background and availability. The process asks about your work history, your ability to work flexible schedules, and whether you have any experience in customer service or hospitality.

After you submit your process, Delta's system screens it against the baseline requirements. If you meet the minimum criteria, you will receive an email inviting you to complete a video interview. This screening can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how many applications Delta is processing.

The video interview is conducted on your own time using a link Delta sends you. You will answer pre-recorded questions about your customer service experience, how you handle difficult situations, and why you want to work for Delta. You have a limited amount of time to record each answer, typically between 30 and 90 seconds. This is not a live conversation — you are recording responses that Delta's hiring team will review later.

The In-Person Interview and Assessment

If Delta moves you forward after the video interview, you will be invited to an in-person interview at one of Delta's crew bases or a designated interview location. The most common locations are Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, though Delta occasionally holds interviews in other cities. You are responsible for your own travel to the interview.

The in-person interview typically lasts four to six hours and includes both individual and group components. You will have a one-on-one interview with a Delta recruiter who will ask about your customer service background, your ability to work in a team, and your understanding of the flight attendant role. You will also participate in a group activity where you and other candidates work together to solve a problem or complete a task. Delta uses this to assess how you interact with others and whether you can remain calm under pressure.

During the in-person visit, you will also undergo a physical assessment. A Delta representative will verify that you meet the height requirement and can reach the overhead bins and emergency equipment. You will be asked to demonstrate that you can open and close overhead bins, reach equipment mounted high on the cabin walls, and move through the aircraft cabin in a way that shows you understand the physical demands of the job.

Medical Clearance and Background Check

If you pass the in-person interview, Delta will require you to undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the FAA. This is not a full physical — it focuses on your ability to perform the duties of a flight attendant. The exam checks your hearing, vision, and overall fitness to work at altitude. You will also be asked about any medications you take and any medical conditions you have had.

Delta will also conduct a thorough background check at this stage. This includes a review of your criminal history, a check of your driving record, and verification of your employment history. If you have any felonies, misdemeanors, or driving violations, you should disclose them during the process process. Hiding information during the background check will result in your disqualification.

The TSA will also conduct a security clearance investigation. This involves a fingerprint check and a review of your background to may support you do not pose a security risk. The TSA clearance is separate from Delta's background check, and both must be completed before you can begin training.

Flight Attendant Training at Delta

Once you have passed all screening, medical, and background checks, you will be offered a position as a flight attendant and invited to attend Delta's training program. Training takes place at Delta's flight attendant training center in Atlanta and lasts approximately five weeks. During this time, you will live near the training facility, and Delta will provide information about housing options.

The training covers FAA safety regulations, emergency procedures, aircraft systems, and customer service standards. You will learn how to operate emergency equipment, evacuate an aircraft, treat medical emergencies, and handle security threats. You will also practice serving beverages and meals, managing the cabin during flight, and dealing with difficult passengers. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice in a mock aircraft cabin.

During the final week of training, you will take a written exam and a practical exam. The practical exam includes a full-length evacuation drill where you must demonstrate that you can safely evacuate passengers from an aircraft. You must pass both exams to complete training and become a certified flight attendant.

Your First Assignment and Ongoing Expectations

After you complete training, Delta will assign you to a crew base. The major crew bases are Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. Your assignment depends on where Delta has staffing needs and where you indicated a preference during training. New flight attendants typically have limited choice in their initial assignment.

As a new flight attendant, you will work on a rotating schedule that includes early morning departures, late-night arrivals, and overnight trips. You will be on call, meaning Delta can contact you to work a flight with short notice. You will also be required to maintain your appearance according to Delta's grooming standards, which include specific requirements for hair, makeup, and uniform fit.

Delta requires all flight attendants to maintain their FAA certification by completing recurrent training every two years. This training covers updates to safety procedures, new aircraft systems, and customer service standards. You will also be subject to random drug testing and must maintain a valid passport at all times.

Pay, Benefits, and Career Growth

Delta flight attendants are paid an hourly rate that starts at the minimum set by Delta's contract with the Transport Workers Union. The starting rate varies based on the crew base and the type of aircraft you are assigned to, but new flight attendants typically earn between $28 and $32 per hour for flight time. You are paid only for the time the aircraft is in the air, not for time spent on the ground preparing for flight or waiting between flights.

Delta offers health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and travel benefits that allow you to fly for free or at a discount on Delta and partner airlines. You also receive paid time off, though the amount depends on your seniority. New flight attendants typically receive two weeks of paid time off per year.

As you gain seniority, you will have more control over your schedule and can bid for preferred routes and crew bases. Senior flight attendants can earn significantly more than new hires, and some move into supervisory roles or training positions. The career path depends on your performance and your interest in advancing within Delta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior customer service experience to become a Delta flight attendant?

Delta does not require prior customer service experience, but it is strongly preferred. If you have worked in retail, hospitality, food service, or any role where you interacted with customers, that experience will strengthen your process. If you do not have customer service experience, focus on highlighting any teamwork, communication, or problem-solving skills you have developed in other jobs.

What happens if I fail the training exam?

If you fail the written or practical exam during training, Delta will typically allow you to retake it once. If you fail the second time, you will not be certified as a flight attendant and your employment with Delta will end. You can reapply after a waiting period, but there is no may provide you will be hired again.

Can I choose which crew base I want to work from?

New flight attendants have limited choice in their initial crew base assignment. Delta assigns you based on staffing needs and your preferences, but the company's needs take priority. After you have been with Delta for a period of time and have seniority, you can bid for transfers to other crew bases during the bidding process.

How long does the entire hiring process take?

The hiring process from process to the start of training typically takes three to six months, though it can vary. The video interview stage can take several weeks, and scheduling the in-person interview depends on Delta's hiring volume and your availability. Once you pass the in-person interview, the medical clearance and background check usually take four to eight weeks.

What is the dress code for flight attendants?

Delta flight attendants wear a uniform provided by the company. The uniform includes a blazer, skirt or pants, and a scarf or tie. You must maintain a professional appearance, which includes specific requirements for hair, makeup, and jewelry. Nail polish must be neutral or red, and visible piercings are limited to two per ear. All grooming standards are outlined in Delta's flight attendant manual.