14 Passive Income Ideas For Flight Attendants [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a flight attendant in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a flight attendant today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.
For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a flight attendant.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be a fantastic way for flight attendants to supplement their income. With your unique travel experiences and access to diverse locations, you could capture captivating and varied scenes that many other photographers can't. Think about the stunning landscapes, bustling cityscapes, and cultural moments you encounter on your journeys—these types of photos are in high demand for marketing and advertising.
You could begin by investing in some good photography gear and learning the basics of what makes a stock photo valuable. Then, upload your best shots to stock photo websites where they can be purchased by businesses, bloggers, and website owners. Over time, as your portfolio grows, this side hustle could turn into a substantial source of passive income.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
2. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a great way for you to make extra money as a flight attendant. You could share your travel experiences, insider tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at life in the skies, which many viewers find fascinating. This unique perspective can attract a wide audience, allowing you to earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and even merchandise.
Consistency is key, so you'll need to plan your content and engage with your audience regularly. Filming during your layovers and editing on your days off could help you balance this side hustle with your main job. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, your passion for creating video content might pay off in more ways than one.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
3. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a flight attendant, starting a niche website could be an excellent way to supplement your income while tapping into your travel expertise. You could create a site focused on insider travel tips, packing hacks, or even destination guides, leveraging your unique experiences and knowledge of the industry. Your frequent travels can provide fresh content and authenticity that appeals to fellow travelers looking for genuine advice.
Building a niche website involves selecting a topic you're passionate about and consistently creating engaging content. Although it requires an initial investment of time and effort, the site can eventually generate passive income through methods like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products. Once established, your niche website could continue to earn money even when you're busy jet-setting around the world.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
4. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As a flight attendant, starting a niche blog could be a fantastic way to supplement your income by sharing your unique perspectives and experiences. You could delve into topics that resonate with your lifestyle and interests, such as travel tips, packing hacks, must-see destinations, or behind-the-scenes insights into flight attendant life. This niche content could attract an engaged audience eager for insider knowledge and practical advice.
Once your blog has grown a consistent following, you could monetize it through affiliate links, ad revenue, and sponsorships from travel-related brands. Additionally, expanding your presence to platforms like YouTube and collaborating with other bloggers could further boost your reach and income. By regularly creating and engaging with your content, you turn your passion into a profitable side hustle.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
5. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a flight attendant, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way to earn extra money without much initial investment. Given the many hours you spend traveling and waiting between flights, you could use some of that downtime to write blog posts, create social media content, or even make quick review videos. This content could help you promote products or services that you genuinely like and use, potentially generating commissions with every sale your referrals generate.
Being a flight attendant also allows you to meet a variety of people and gather different experiences, which you could use to personalize your recommendations. For instance, you could partner with travel-related eCommerce stores or manufacturers and market their travel gear, luggage, or comfort products. By leveraging your unique travel insights and experiences, you could build a trustworthy platform that your audience finds valuable and reliable.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
6. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a flight attendant, you could leverage your unique skills and experiences to create online courses that generate passive income. Whether it's sharing travel tips, teaching a foreign language, or offering training on how to become a flight attendant, there is a wide array of subjects you could explore.
Creating an online course allows you to monetize your knowledge on your schedule, making it an ideal side hustle for those with a busy and unpredictable work life like yours. With the e-learning market booming, your course could attract a global audience, providing you with a steady stream of income for years to come.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
7. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a practical way for flight attendants to supplement their income and explore their entrepreneurial spirit. With the flexibility of your schedule, you could use your downtime to design unique products like t-shirts, phone cases, and home goods. Since this business model doesn't require upfront inventory costs, you wouldn't need to worry about managing stock or storage space.
By leveraging online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience without needing a physical storefront. The drop-shipping production and fulfillment services handle the printing and shipping for you, allowing you to focus on creative designs. This business model allows you to easily run operations from your home or even while you're on layovers.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
8. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a flight attendant, you have a unique perspective on the challenges faced by travelers, which could inspire a brilliant idea for a mobile app. By developing an app that addresses frequent flyer needs, such as tracking schedules, finding airport amenities, or offering travel tips, you could create something truly valuable and widely used.
Starting a mobile app business might seem daunting, but you could begin with a clear vision and some basic coding knowledge, or you could hire a developer to bring your idea to life. The primary activities will involve planning the user experience, designing a user-friendly interface, and ensuring the app works smoothly by testing for bugs.
Once your app is ready, effective marketing will be essential to attract users and achieve downloads. With dedication and a well-executed strategy, your mobile app could not only provide a supplemental source of income but potentially grow into a significant revenue stream.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
9. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
As a flight attendant, starting a podcast could be a great way for you to supplement your income and share your unique experiences and insights. You could create a podcast around travel tips, industry secrets, or funny stories from the skies, which would definitely attract an audience interested in learning more about the aviation world from an insider’s perspective.
To get started, choose a niche you’re passionate about, such as travel hacks or behind-the-scenes tales from different destinations. With basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and a free or affordable hosting platform, you could set up your podcast on a budget. Promoting your episodes through social media and word of mouth could help you build an audience, eventually allowing you to attract sponsors and make money from your content.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
10. Make passive income with a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be a great way to supplement your income as a flight attendant. Given the flexibility and unique schedule of your profession, you could manage your dropshipping store from anywhere in the world during layovers or free time. You don’t need to invest in or manage inventory, which is ideal when you have a job that keeps you on the move.
To get started, you could pick a niche that interests you and set up an online store through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. By listing products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress, you could focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business. Keep an eye on your expenses and profit margins to ensure your dropshipping venture remains profitable.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
11. Make passive income with a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a flight attendant, starting a subscription box business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income. You could take advantage of your layovers in different cities and countries to source exclusive, unique niche products that travelers or frequent flyers might love. This could add a special touch that makes your subscription box stand out.
Given your extensive customer service experience, you could create a service that adds real value and keeps customers coming back month after month. Plus, your flexible schedule and networking opportunities could help you build relationships with fulfillment companies and market your service effectively. This side hustle could become a profitable venture while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your main job.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
12. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As a flight attendant, starting an eCommerce reselling business could be a fantastic way to make extra money during your downtime. Since you travel extensively, you might come across unique items that you could purchase for resale. This way, you're not just working during flights, but also setting up an income stream that works for you even when you're off-duty.
You could start small using social media platforms to feature your products, so you won't need to invest in a website right away. Later, as your business grows, you could create a dedicated website to expand your reach. This method allows you to leverage your travel experiences and connections to source and sell items without the hassle of producing them yourself.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
13. Make passive income with a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a flight attendant, you already understand the importance of maintaining good health and well-being despite a hectic schedule. By starting a health and wellness app, you could create a platform that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises—all essential for a busy lifestyle like yours.
Your app could remind users to stay hydrated, guide them through quick yoga practices in hotel rooms, and offer meal plans that are easy to follow, even when on the go. It would function like a virtual coach in your pocket, providing expert advice and helping users achieve their health goals step-by-step.
While this does involve some initial work, like market research and partnering with health experts, the potential to positively impact lives is significant. If you are passionate about health and technology, this venture could be a fulfilling way to supplement your income while making a meaningful contribution to others.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
14. Make passive income with a snow removal service
Starting a snow removal service could be a practical way for a flight attendant to supplement income, especially during the winter months when snowstorms are frequent. With a high-margin, scalable business like snow plowing, you could generate significant revenue with relatively low startup costs.
Using a dump trailer and snow plow, you could offer snow removal services to both commercial and residential customers, making it easy to stay busy and earn extra money while you're back home. This seasonal business model allows you to maximize your earnings during the winter, complementing your flight schedule without requiring a year-round commitment.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
