The Truth About Leave Off Days & Festival Flying in the Aviation Industry
One of the most common questions aviation aspirants ask, especially those planning to join a cabin crew course, is: Do air hostesses or flight attendants ever get holidays?
It’s a fair question. Social media often shows cabin crew flying on Diwali, Holi, Christmas, New Year’s, even on birthdays and anniversaries. So it’s easy to assume they’re always in the sky and never at home.
But here’s the truth:
Yes, flight attendants do get holidays, off days, and multiple types of leave.
You just need to understand how it works in the aviation industry.
Cabin Crew Get 3 Types of Paid Leave
Most Indian airlines and even international ones, offer a standard set of leaves every year to their crew members.
Type of Leave | Typical Annual Count | Purpose
• Sick Leave | 8–10 days/year | For health related issues or medical recovery
• Casual Leave | 5–6 days/year | For urgent personal matters or unexpected needs
• Privilege Leave / Annual Leave | 28–30 days/year | For vacations, long breaks, weddings, travel, etc.
These numbers can vary slightly depending on the airline’s internal HR policy.
So, on average, a cabin crew member is entitled to 40–45 days of leave annually more than most corporate jobs.
What About Festival Holidays Like Diwali or Christmas?
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky.
Airlines, unlike corporate offices, don’t shut down on festivals.
In fact, passenger traffic is highest during holidays, as families travel for reunions, weddings and leisure trips. That means:
• Flights are always running
• Crew rosters are always active
• Airports never shut down
So yes, many flight attendants do end up working on festivals like:
- Diwali
- Christmas
- New Year
- Holi
- Eid
Can Cabin Crew Take Leave on Festivals?
Yes, but it depends on:
• How early they apply
• Whether enough crew is available
• Flight demand during that period
• Roster planning and approvals
Each airline has its SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) regarding how and when crew can apply for leave.
Here’s how it usually works:
• Leave application windows open 1–2 months in advance
• Crew members apply through the internal portal/system
• Management checks the roster and staffing requirements
• If enough standby or reserve crew are available, the leave is granted
Most of the time, airlines try their best to approve festival leave if it is requested in advance.
So while it’s not guaranteed, it is definitely possible to get Diwali or Christmas off if you plan ahead.
What If You Can’t Get Festival Leave?
Flight attendants are used to celebrating in the sky.
• Many airlines organize small celebrations onboard (cakes, music, greetings, special menus)
• Crew members become each other’s extended family
• You might be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Paris or Holi in Goa
It’s a different kind of celebration, filled with stories and memories that few jobs can offer.
Don’t Confuse Days Off with Leave
Apart from annual leave, crew members also get weekly days off usually 7 to 8 off days per month.
These are different from the paid leaves mentioned above.
A typical monthly roster includes:
• Flight duties
• Standby duties (on call)
• Airport standby (waiting at base)
• Days off
• Layovers (international rest in another city)
• Rest days after long haul flights
• Paid leave (if applied and approved)
Sick Leave: Your Right, Not a Luxury
If a crew member falls ill, they can apply for sick leave without any issue.
They may be required to:
• Inform the scheduling team
• Submit a doctor’s note or visit the airline’s medical center
• Rest and recover before returning to duty
Airlines do not pressure crew to fly if they are unwell, because safety is the top priority.
Work Life Balance in Aviation
Being a flight attendant means living a different rhythm of life not Monday to Friday, not Saturday Sunday off.
But it also means:
• Flexible scheduling
• Time off on weekdays (less crowded, more peaceful holidays)
• Annual leave that you can use for long vacations
• Exposure to different cultures, cuisines, and countries while working
• Plenty of personal time if managed smartly
So… Do Air Hostesses Get Holidays?
Absolutely, yes.
Flight attendants get:
• Paid sick leave
• Casual leave
• Annual / Privilege leave
• Weekly off days
• Festival leave (on request and approval)
Just because you see them flying on festivals doesn’t mean they don’t get time off. They simply follow a roster based lifestyle where work and holidays rotate differently.
Final Word: It’s Not About Time Off It’s About Timing It Right
If you’re planning to become a cabin crew member, don’t worry you will get holidays, rest days and time with your family.
You just need to:
• Plan your leave in advance
• Be flexible during peak travel seasons
• Enjoy the unique lifestyle that aviation offers
The sky may be your workplace, but home is never too far when you’re living your dream.
Want to Become a Cabin Crew?
At Bloom and Fly Academy, we don’t just train you for interviews we train you for real life aviation, including rosters, travel lifestyle and work life balance.
• Industry standard curriculum
• Interview and grooming preparation
• Placement assistance
• Real flight protocols and leave systems
Bloom and Fly Academy is based in Jaipur, training students from across India.
Join Bloom and Fly Academy today and prepare for the real world of aviation.
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