Can you request days off as a flight attendant?

So, you’re wondering if you can take time off as a flight attendant? Totally get it! Life happens, right? Sometimes you just need a break. And yes, you can usually request time off, but it’s not always as simple as, say, emailing your boss. Think of it more like a delicate dance.

My friend Sarah, she’s a flight attendant for a major airline, and she had to take some unpaid leave recently – family emergency, it was rough. She had to submit everything in writing, weeks in advance, I think? And they definitely didn’t just hand her 180 days like it was candy. It involved a whole lot of back-and-forth, you know? Negotiating dates, and honestly, some pleading involved. It’s not like calling in sick on a Tuesday.

They usually let you do it, though – for up to six months – unpaid, of course. That’s a long time, isn’t it? Imagine actually being able to plan a proper vacation. Not just a quick trip here or there squeezed in between flights. Six months is enough time to …I don’t know… finally learn to scuba dive in Thailand or maybe visit my grandma in Ireland, which I’ve been putting off for years because of my schedule.

The key is that it’s all gotta be agreed upon beforehand, like, a formal agreement, not just a wish. I mean, the airline has schedules to keep, right? So, don’t just assume you can pop off for three months – you need to talk to your supervisor, way ahead of time, to get it all sorted out. It’s a process, a bit of a headache even, but doable. Just be prepared for some paperwork and a good dose of patience. Good luck!