21 Best Business Ideas For Flight Attendants [2024]

Updated: January 10th, 2024

Are you a flight attendant looking for profitable business ideas?

Whether you’re looking to start a full-time business or just a side hustle, there are many ways to make additional income as a flight attendant.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best business ideas for flight attendants.

We will focus on profitable business ideas for flight attendants that can help you earn more money while maintaining your busy schedule.

1. Start a travel planning business

Travel planning business is a service that helps people to plan their vacations, holidays, and trips. They offer information about destinations, hotels, flights, and other travel-related services. A travel planner can help you with any aspect of your journey. They will be able to suggest the best destinations for your budget and itinerary preferences.

To succeed in this competitive environment, a travel planner needs to have the following skills:

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • A strong understanding of the various destinations
  • Good knowledge of hotels and other travel-related services
  • Good communication skills

How much you can make: $14,167 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 285 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How We Started The $35M/Year Dubai's Leading Tour Operator

Rayna Tours and Travels, founded by Kamlesh Ramchandani and Manoj Tulsani, began its journey as a small travel counter inside a Dubai hotel, and has now grown into one of the UAE’s leading destination management companies with earnings exceeding $40 million per year.

About
Manoj started Rayna Tours over 18 years ago
Revenue
Manoj grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 6,646 founders

2. Start a language translation service

Language translation services bridge the linguistic barriers, helping businesses reach a wider audience outside of a single language. A language translation job is an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and meet people from different cultures.

To become a language translator , master a second language and earn some experience so you become fluent in the second language.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $550,000/month

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

Buying A Translation Company And Growing It To $4M/Year

DEMAN Translations grew from 6 employees and 1.5 million euros in turnover in 2015 to 17 team members and 3.5 million euros in sales in 2020 after acquiring 12 other translation agencies, with a goal to reach 6 million euros this year and 10 million euros in 2022.

About
Cédric started DEMAN Übersetzungen almost 9 years ago
Revenue
Cédric grew the business to $550K/month
Costs
It cost Cédric $1250000 to start the business
Read by 7,735 founders

3. Start a travel consulting business

Many people dream of traveling the world. Starting a travel consulting business is an excellent way to make a passive income, explore different parts of the world, and help others do the same.

As a travel consultant, you will provide advice to clients on various aspects of travel, including destinations, airfare, accommodations, and activities.

The objective is to assist tourists and travelers in planning personalized vacations, offer travel advice, and provide end-to-end travel arrangements for a fee.

By making use of industry knowledge and relationships with hotels, airlines, and destination experts, travel consultants can save their clients time and effort in designing their dream trips.

How much you can make: $14,167 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started The $35M/Year Dubai's Leading Tour Operator

Rayna Tours and Travels, founded by Kamlesh Ramchandani and Manoj Tulsani, began its journey as a small travel counter inside a Dubai hotel, and has now grown into one of the UAE’s leading destination management companies with earnings exceeding $40 million per year.

About
Manoj started Rayna Tours over 18 years ago
Revenue
Manoj grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 6,646 founders

4. Start a surprise travel agency

Are you looking for a scalable side hustle idea and one that allows you some flexibility?

A surprise travel agency is a good option that will enable you to choose a friendly niche market.

Besides, a surprise travel agency lets you gain exposure and experience while it is an opportunity with unlimited income potential.

If you love sharing travel recommendations and always find the best local spots when you visit a new city, this will be ideal for you.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $550,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week

How I Turned My Passion For Travel Planning Into A Successful Business

Whisked Away Surprise Travel is a curated travel service for clients overwhelmed by the planning process, with revenue growth exponentially increasing each year since its launch in March 2017.

About
Charlotte started Whisked Away Surprise Travel about 7 years ago
Revenue
Charlotte grew the business to $15K/month
Read by 10,058 founders

5. Start a cheap flights finding service

A cheap flight-finding service is a business that helps people discover and book affordable airfares for their travel needs.

This service employs advanced search algorithms and partnerships with various airlines to find the best deals on flights. Customers can use the service’s user-friendly platform to input their travel details, such as destination and dates, and receive a list of budget-friendly flight options.

The goal is to make air travel more accessible and cost-effective for individuals by providing a convenient and efficient way to locate and book inexpensive flights.

The cheap flight-finding business thrives on offering a valuable solution for those seeking affordable travel options, making it easier for customers to explore the world without breaking the bank.

How much you can make: $10 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)

I Started The First Online Travel Agency In Bangladesh And It Now Makes $18M/Year

How a first-time founder grew the first-ever online travel agency in Bangladesh to 700+ airlines and one million-plus hotels worldwide, with a 50% increase in revenue in October 2021 compared to pre-Covid sales and aiming to hit break-even by March 2022.

About
SALMAN started Flight Expert Bangladesh about 7 years ago
Revenue
SALMAN grew the business to $1.5M/month
Costs
It cost SALMAN $80000 to start the business
Read by 5,571 founders

6. Start an online flight booking business

An online flight booking platform enables customers to easily search, compare, and book flights for their travel needs.

Aspiring entrepreneurs in this field create a user-friendly website or mobile app where users can enter their travel details, such as departure and destination cities, travel dates, and preferences.

The platform then shows a list of available flights with prices and relevant details, allowing customers to make informed decisions.

Typically, the business partners with airlines to secure a variety of flight options, offering convenience to travelers and generating revenue through commissions or booking fees.

Successful online flight booking businesses prioritize seamless user experiences, reliable information, and efficient customer service to attract and retain customers in the competitive travel industry.

How much you can make: $364,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

We Started A $4.37M/Year Private Jet And Air Taxi Booking Service

Mirai Flights is an app-forward private jet booking service with a focus on UK, Europe, Middle East and CIS states, that allows customers to bypass the long wait times with more than 30 parameters analysed in less than 30 seconds, achieving $4.37m turnover from March to December 2021, and planning to increase it up to $10.2m and expand internationally in the future.

About
Irakli started Mirai Flights about 3 years ago
Revenue
Irakli grew the business to $364K/month
Read by 2,634 founders

7. Launch a flight booking app

A flight booking app is a convenient service that allows users to easily reserve flights for their travel needs.

Aspiring entrepreneurs in this field create a mobile application that allows users to search, compare, and book flights from various airlines.

The app typically provides a user-friendly interface where customers can input their travel details, view available flight options, and make secure reservations.

This business involves establishing partnerships with airlines, integrating payment gateways, and ensuring real-time updates on flight schedules. Ultimately, the goal is to offer a seamless and efficient platform for users to plan and book their flights hassle-free.

How much you can make: $30,000 — $364,000/month

How long does it take to build: 700 days (?)

We Started A $4.37M/Year Private Jet And Air Taxi Booking Service

Mirai Flights is an app-forward private jet booking service with a focus on UK, Europe, Middle East and CIS states, that allows customers to bypass the long wait times with more than 30 parameters analysed in less than 30 seconds, achieving $4.37m turnover from March to December 2021, and planning to increase it up to $10.2m and expand internationally in the future.

About
Irakli started Mirai Flights about 3 years ago
Revenue
Irakli grew the business to $364K/month
Read by 2,634 founders

8. Start a travel blog

If you are an avid traveler, you will agree there is nothing like arriving on a tropical island. The exotic creatures, clear oceans, palm trees, plenty of water activities, and cool weather are some reasons travelers choose tropical destinations.

Do you live on a tropical island? Or maybe you are a blogger looking for the next idea. How about starting a blog relating to tropical island destinations? You can mention all the fantastic sightseeing sites, water activities, and other fun activities available to travelers.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Started A Niche Blog And Quit My 9 to 5 Job

Learn how Jessica started a niche travel blog and quit her 9-5 job, earning a living wage through Instagram advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate income, while traveling 3-4 times a month and increasing her website traffic from 400 to 25k page views in a year with Pinterest and Instagram growth tactics.

About
Jessica started My Curly Adventures over 7 years ago
Revenue
Jessica grew the business to $4K/month
Read by 11,685 founders

9. Start a travel company

Travel companies sell transportation, lodging, plan trips, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups.

If you love traveling, you can start a company that organizes trips for different people. Choose a niche and ensure travel packages that suit them best.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $114,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $300K/Month Business Organizing Trips For Young People

Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.

About
Matt started Under30Experiences about 12 years ago
Revenue
Matt grew the business to $300K/month
Costs
It cost Matt $5000 to start the business
Read by 10,187 founders

10. Start a travel directory

An online travel directory is a website that serves as a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

It provides travelers with a vast selection of trusted reviews and tips to help people travel across the globe with ease.

These directories usually offer a comprehensive database of destinations, including hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and travel agents, among others.

One of the significant benefits of these directories is that they allow users to add destinations from their travel agent’s listings or local business listings based on reviews and testimonials from fellow travelers.

This feature helps users make informed decisions about their travel plans by providing them with a wealth of information on various destinations.

Additionally, online travel directories tend to have an active community of users who share their travel experiences and offer valuable insights and tips.

This community-driven approach to travel planning ensures that users get reliable and up-to-date information that can help them plan their trips with confidence.

Overall, online travel directories are an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the world, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer.

They offer a wealth of information on various destinations, making it easy to plan a memorable trip that meets your unique preferences and budget.

How much you can make: $7,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

About
Marissa started Spread Your Wings Travel Agency about 5 years ago
Revenue
Marissa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Marissa $200 to start the business
Read by 17,134 founders

11. Start a travel products business

Even people who deeply love traveling will admit that it can be exhausting. To improve comfort levels, travelers search for everything from neck pillows to waterproof backpacks, water bottles, etc.

Imagine being an online travel store where people can go to and purchase weather-proof backpacks, hand sanitizers, travel masks, umbrellas, outdoor gear, etc.

To reach success quickly, offer them an easy and convenient shopping experience.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

We Built A $720K/Year Travel Activities And Tours Search Engine

TourScanner, a meta-search engine for tours and activities, achieved monthly net revenue of $60k and plans to reach $1M ARR in 2022, utilizing a lightweight business model based on affiliate programs that earned a commission from referrals sent to major travel companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and Groupon.

About
Simone started TourScanner about 6 years ago
Revenue
Simone grew the business to $60K/month
Costs
It cost Simone $5000 to start the business
Read by 4,353 founders

12. Start an online travel agency

An online travel agency is a web-based marketplace that allows consumers to research and book travel products and services.

Nearly 1 billion people make travel bookings online. Besides, 70% of travelers research trips on mobile devices.

With the online booking trend on an upward trajectory, 2024 is a great time to start an online travel agency.

How much you can make: $41,666 — $114,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Started The First Online Travel Agency In Bangladesh And It Now Makes $18M/Year

How a first-time founder grew the first-ever online travel agency in Bangladesh to 700+ airlines and one million-plus hotels worldwide, with a 50% increase in revenue in October 2021 compared to pre-Covid sales and aiming to hit break-even by March 2022.

About
SALMAN started Flight Expert Bangladesh about 7 years ago
Revenue
SALMAN grew the business to $1.5M/month
Costs
It cost SALMAN $80000 to start the business
Read by 5,571 founders

13. Start a flight tours business

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of aerial sightseeing as people increasingly seek unique and thrilling experiences.

This trend has opened up an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in scenic air tours and tailor-made flight experiences.

This business model allows you to take advantage of the growing demand for awe-inspiring aerial views of picturesque locations across the country while giving you the flexibility to set your own schedule.

By providing your clients with an unforgettable experience, you will be creating memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

So, if you are passionate about adventure, beauty, and flexibility and want to turn it into a profitable business, the aerial sightseeing industry could be the perfect venture for you.

How much you can make: $30,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

How Corey Rust Started A Profitable Flight Tours Business

Envi Adventures, a Troutdale, Oregon-based air tour business, grew from making $7,000 in a month in its first year to over $30,000 a month in its second year, using Instagram and influencer marketing to create an interactive, personalized experience for guests.

About
Corey started Envi Adventures about 7 years ago
Revenue
Corey grew the business to $43K/month
Costs
It cost Corey $300 to start the business
Read by 9,370 founders

14. Become a travel photographer

Are you a talented creative with an ever-enduring sense of wanderlust and looking for a business to support your travel expenses? Becoming a travel photographer can be a great business opportunity!

Travel photographers focus on documenting places, animals, and sceneries on their photojournalist websites or library and selling to different clients.

For instance, you could get your photo on a national geographic cover or sell it as print art at local museums or galleries.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $233,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $1.8K/Month Travel Business While Traveling Around The World

Wandering Aunt founder Robin Finney shares her journey of starting a sustainable travel business, including her decision to leave her corporate marketing job of 11 years, using a simple website and free tools like Mailchimp to grow her email list and attract customers, and the importance of investing in a coaching program for support.

About
Robin started Wandering Aunt over 4 years ago
Revenue
Robin grew the business to $2.3K/month
Costs
It cost Robin $100 to start the business
Read by 7,046 founders

15. Start a travel influencer business

Travel influencers create content about travel, tourism, and culture and share their experiences via social media or personal blogs.

If you love exploring new places and are interested in earning a side income, consider becoming a travel influencer. Your role will be to document places you have visited and feature unique formations, cultures, and landscapes.

Share your content via social media channels and include relevant hashtags. Travel influencers earn income through partnerships with travel and tour companies and advertisement revenue based on their niche.

How much you can make: $50 — $416,667/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

On Building A Travel Recommendations Platform

PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.

About
William started Planit over 3 years ago
Revenue
William grew the business to $50/month
Costs
It cost William $1500 to start the business
Read by 4,228 founders

16. Start a lounge finder app

A lounge finder app is a convenient tool designed to help people discover and locate lounges in their area.

Whether someone is looking for a cozy coffee spot, a trendy cocktail lounge, or a quiet coworking space, this app provides a user-friendly platform to explore various options.

Users can easily search for lounges based on their preferences, such as ambiance, amenities, or specific offerings like Wi-Fi or live music.

The app also allows lounge owners to showcase their establishments and attract potential customers.

Overall, the Lounge Finder app simplifies the process of finding the perfect place to relax, work, or socialize, making it an ideal venture for anyone interested in connecting people with unique and enjoyable lounge experiences.

17. Start an airport coffee cafe

An airport coffee cafe is a cozy and convenient spot located within an airport, offering freshly brewed coffee and a variety of beverages to travelers.

This business caters to the on-the-go lifestyle of airport passengers, providing a quick and satisfying caffeine fix before or after their flights.

The cafe typically features a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating, making it an ideal place for travelers to relax and recharge.

With a focus on efficiency, the airport coffee cafe aims to serve high-quality coffee and snacks efficiently to meet the time constraints of busy travelers.

This business opportunity taps into the demand for a convenient and enjoyable coffee experience within the bustling environment of an airport.

18. Start an airport transportation business

An airport transportation service provides reliable and comfortable transportation to and from airports, essential for travelers.

As the owner of such a business, your main focus will be on efficiently transporting passengers between their homes, hotels, or other locations and the airport.

This involves using various vehicles, such as shuttles, cars, or vans, to ensure customers reach their destinations on time.

Success in this business requires careful scheduling, attention to customer service, and adherence to safety regulations.

By providing a convenient and stress-free travel experience, your airport transportation business can become a trusted choice for individuals seeking reliable transportation to and from the airport.

19. Start an airport catering truck business

The global airport catering truck market will expand at a CAGR of 5.7% in the next few years. As air travel continues to gain high momentum, starting an aircraft catering truck business can be a great business opportunity.

Airport catering trucks comprise a scissor lift elevation system for raising the container to the aircraft level. The trucks provide various services in aircraft such as cleaning, loading, and unloading cargo.

20. Start an airport bus shuttle services

An airport bus shuttle service transports people and luggage to and from or within airports. An airport shuttle service can be profitable to operate.

If you plan to start an airport bus shuttle, focus on building alliances and partnerships with companies and local businesses that will supply you with customers.

21. Start an aviation catering service

Aviation catering service refers to providing meals and snacks for passengers and crew members on airplanes.

The primary focus will be to prepare and deliver in-flight meals that comply with specific airline and safety regulations. This involves creating menus, sourcing quality ingredients, and ensuring proper packaging to maintain the food quality during the flight.

It is essential to pay attention to detail because you will have to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and restrictions while adhering to strict hygiene standards.

To succeed in aviation catering, you need to efficiently coordinate with airlines, follow excellent food handling practices, and commit to delivering a satisfying culinary experience at 30,000 feet.

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