Do Flight Attendants Cheat a Lot?

Michelle Wilson - December 22, 2023

In a jet-setting lifestyle filled with adventure and temptation, being a flight attendant often raises questions about infidelity among the crew. But is that the reality? Below, we consider flight attendants’ encounters concerning fidelity and relationships, taking a balanced perspective on the challenges of their profession.

That said, flight attendants don’t necessarily cheat a lot, although myths suggest that some factors related to the job create an environment conducive to cheating. With over 109,000 flight attendants working in the United States, according to 2021 online data,

learning the answer to this question is arguably more common than ever.

Factors Potentially Contributing to Infidelity Among Flight Attendants

While it’s unjust to make sweeping generalizations about all flight attendants, specific factors within their profession may present opportunities for infidelity. Some of the most common that you may encounter include:

Long Stretches Apart From Significant Others

One of the predominant challenges flight attendants face is the extended time spent away from their partners. This separation can strain relationships, fostering feelings of loneliness and susceptibility to temptation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all flight attendants succumb to these temptations, as many remain dedicated to their partners, prioritizing fidelity.

Freedom from Supervision During Layovers

During layovers, flight attendants enjoy free time exploring new cities and participating in leisure activities. This autonomy from supervision creates opportunities for socializing and forming new connections. While some flight attendants use this time for relaxation and unwinding, others may find themselves tempted by activities that pose a risk to their fidelity.

Close Relationships With Coworkers

The tight-knit working environment sometimes fosters dynamics that go beyond professional camaraderie. With a stream of new faces on every flight, flirtatious encounters between crew members and passengers are not uncommon. However, these glimpses into the world of flight attendants are mere fragments of a diverse and expansive profession. Each flight, every crew, and every individual contributes a unique narrative to the overarching story, and according to public data in another study, 60% of affairs begin at work, giving some reasons to fret.

Solo Lifestyle

The solo lifestyle of a flight attendant can be attractive to those who prefer independence. This may inadvertently lead to detachment or a desire for more freedom within relationships.

A Look At The Numbers

In addition to these realities, online data suggests that flight attendants have a higher divorce rate than the national average at 50%, compared to 35% for the country as a whole. That said, higher divorce rates don’t necessarily equate to cheating; they may simply be a product of unfavorable circumstances causing two partners to grow apart.

While the divorce rate may not confirm or deny if flight attendants cheat a lot, public data from a separate study might. In analyzing nearly 6,000 members, an extramarital dating site found that flight attendants held the second-highest rank in the proportion of individuals engaging in extramarital affairs. Only bankers and those in the finance industry came out higher. Certainly, this sample doesn’t accurately represent all flight attendants, and a single study cannot capture the professional as a whole, but the statistics are still intriguing. For this reason, it is important to remember that numbers are numbers, and each person is distinct. While the nature of the profession might offer certain opportunities, the decisions made are inherently personal.

How to Uncover Infidelity

‘While there might be clear warning signs when an act of infidelity is in progress—such as discovering texts from a dubious number or observing increased interaction with a coworker—there is no singular characteristic or trait that definitively brands someone as a cheater. However, a combination of the following and you might want to investigate further.

Communicate Openly

In any relationship, honesty is the best policy. For this reason, experts will often recommend you start by having an honest and calm conversation with your partner. Share your feelings, concerns, and observations without immediately accusing them of infidelity. Open communication is essential for understanding each other and, if it comes down to it, repairing the damage that exists in your relationship.

Look for Behavioral Changes

Be aware of significant changes in your partner’s behavior, such as increased secrecy, such as the addition of a phone password, emotional distance, communication patterns, or routines.

Trust Your Instincts

Trust your intuition and instincts. If something feels off, it’s worth exploring further. However, avoid jumping to conclusions without evidence.

Seek External Guidance

While concerns about fidelity in a relationship are valid, conducting a background check on a partner, especially without their knowledge or consent, should be approached as a last resort. If suspicions persist, consider having an honest conversation with your partner, expressing your feelings and seeking clarity on the situation. Invasive measures such as background checks can lead to privacy breaches, damage trust, and have legal consequences. Prioritizing open dialogue and, if necessary, seeking the guidance of a relationship counselor should be the initial steps to address any relationship issues.

Look To A People Search Engine

In extreme cases, you might also consider a people search engine, which is a tool that aggregates publicly-available data from vast records into accessible profiles. Should you come across unfamiliar phone numbers and suspect secretive communications, you can use these engines to unveil details such as names, locations, and more.

Committing to a Faithful Relationship

Contrary to common misconceptions, flight attendants are not synonymous with serial cheaters. Many find joy in committed relationships or marriages, understanding and prioritizing trust and loyalty like anyone else. However, due to their challenging circumstances, flight attendants must work hard to sustain strong connections with their partners and continue to take steps that will ensure they are making their relationship their priority. Consider a few tips from those in the industry.

Setting Clear Boundaries

It’s true that a career as a flight attendant offers excitement and rewards, but it also poses challenges, particularly in maintaining relationships. Before taking on this thrilling profession, it’s vital for flight attendants to engage in open and honest discussions with their partners, establishing clear boundaries and expectations to navigate the unique demands that come with the job.

Maintain Open Communication

Clear communication is a cornerstone for preserving relationships in the life of a flight attendant. Despite extended physical separation, maintaining regular communication through video calls, text messages, and emails fosters a strong connection and provides essential emotional support for both parties.

Travel Together

Flight attendants can enhance relationship preservation by seizing opportunities to travel together. While the nature of the job may lead to time away from home, utilizing layovers or days off to plan joint trips allows for quality time and exploration of new destinations. Creating shared experiences strengthens the bond between flight attendants and their partners and injects a sense of adventure into their relationship.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the diverse nature of flight attendants’ experiences and perspectives on fidelity highlights the individuality within the profession. While their work presents ample opportunities, it’s evident that attitudes toward fidelity vary among flight attendants. While some may align with the libertine stereotype, a significant number prioritize their relationships, navigating the inherent challenges of separations and temptations associated with their job.