Regional FAs make significantly less than Mainline U.S. based carriers, or salaried overseas based crew. My income after my first year- 13,000. Being new I was on reserve for the first two years, had no control over my schedule, and I was unable to work more even if I wanted to! Being on call twenty days a month could result in 120 hours of flying during the summer or only 30 during the fall/after the holidays. And we were pretty much guaranteed no weekends off. Why does one do it? The benefits, escaping a 9-5 office job, the fact that it doesn't really feel like work. Its fun/good conversations/interesting places/crazy situations/great stories. Its travel!