Every year, the 31st of May hails the recognition of cabin crew worldwide. Today is International Flight Attendant Day, and it's an important celebration. Flying simply would not work without our cabin crew, and in the current climate, we've seen attendants go above and beyond what they may have originally signed up for. There's a good reason why the world benefits from so many dedicated flight attendants: the job, though demanding, does have its perks.

Demand for cabin crew forecast to grow

It was back in 1930 that Ellen Church, the first female flight attendant, paved the way for the modern cabin crew member. 90 years on, it's hard to imagine airlines working without their cabin crew. From safety concerns to serving food and dealing with demanding customers, the job is not without its difficulties. That said, working as a flight attendant can be an incredibly rewarding profession. 

Between 2018 and 2035, it is predicted that the aviation industry will demand around 914,000 new cabin crew members, according to a forecast on Statista. Nearly a third of those cabin crew will appear in the Asia Pacific market, pending current industry developments.

When they appear, it won't be hard for airlines to fill those positions because being a flight attendant comes with some significant benefits. Here's just a few of the best...

1. Free flights

One of the best benefits of becoming a flight attendant is, of course, the free flights. Most flight attendants the world over receive at least one free flight a year. However, the benefit varies greatly between airlines, and some have reduced this benefit to just one standby flight per year, with taxes and fees still to be paid by the passenger.

Some airlines are more generous, even offering flights for a companion too. However, taxes will usually still need to be paid, which in many cases make up a huge portion of the regular ticket fee.

2. Free housing with some airlines

What sets Emirates apart from its competitors is the strength of its flight attendant program. The Dubai-based carrier offers free accommodation for flight attendants within the Emirate. The housing is shared with other flight attendants but is fully kitted out with employees only having to pay for some bills.

What's more, with Emirates, if you're married, you can opt to live with your partner. You will not be entitled to free accommodation; however, Emirates will provide a housing allowance.

3. Free stays abroad

While not every cabin crew member will receive free housing, it's a different story while abroad. Due to the nature of the job, cabin crew are often on layovers before they can return home. In this instance, an airline will provide a free stay in a hotel overnight.

Again, the extent of this benefit varies between airlines. Some have partnerships with some of the best hotels chains in the world, and will throw in food and drink as part of the package. However, other airlines are all about saving money, so the accommodation may be less than glamorous, and food and drink will come out of the crew's own pockets.

4. Flexibility around your schedule

Flight attendant schedules work uniquely in the sense that employees are allowed to bid on the routes they fly. Unlike in an average 9-5 where you simply turn up and work the hours you're told to, for cabin crew, if you want to spend next month in the Maldives, you can. Subject to seniority, of course.

Working their way up the ranks sees a flight attendant becoming ever more likely to secure the routes and hours they want. It's one of the motivating factors for career progression.

Choosing your schedule also means that if you get it right, you can get a well-timed holiday out of your working hours. It gives you more time to explore the places you want, which has to be one of the best things about the job!

5. Team culture

While every job has its ups and downs, if you're a person that thrives on a sense of responsibility and strong team culture, then becoming a flight attendant could be your calling. Cabin crew positions have been said to involve less micromanagement, with everyone working more clearly towards a common goal.

So, there you have it, just a few of the perks of the job.

Are you celebrating this International Flight Attendants Day? Have a special memory from a recent flight? Let us know in the comments.