bruceyg, from what I know, and I stand to be corrected if it has changed, but flight attendants, at least Qantas international ones are paid a flat hourly rate which is higher than your average hourly rate as they are expected to work any day or night regardless of what it is, Christmas, New Year, what ever. That way there aren't all sorts of penalties and other complications to mess with payroll.
They are paid for their rostered time on, and that starts when they sign on at the base, but they can also be paid while on standby at home as well as a part of a roster. Often they will have to sit out a "standby" roster at the base hence they will be paid for that.
There are heaps of little quirks and allowances paid which can increase income though.
They don't usually get paid for their travel time to and from work as they live all over the country and often commute to work, often flying interstate at their own expense....
