Still, most job openings through the year 2005 should flow from replacement needs. Many flight attendants are attracted to the occupation by the glamour of the airline industry and the opportunity to travel, but many eventually leave in search of jobs that offer higher earnings and require fewer nights be spent away from their families. Thousands of job openings will arise each year to replace flight attendants who transfer to another occupation or who leave the labor force. Employment of flight attendants is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Growth in population and income is expected to increase the number of airline passengers.
Airlines enlarge their capacity by increasing the number and size of planes in operation.
Since Federal Aviation Administration safety rules require one attendant for every 50 seats, more flight attendants will be needed. Employment of flight attendants is sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy. During recessions, when the demand for air travel declines, many flight attendants are put on part-time status or laid off. Until demand increases, few new attendants are hired. Flight attendants receive extra compensation for overtime and for night and international flights.