The Unseen Work of Flight Attendants

As you settle into your airplane seat, the flight attendant greets you, helps with your luggage, and ensures you're safe for takeoff—all while potentially working for free. This underappreciated reality is drawing renewed attention as flight attendants across North America push for a change in how they’re compensated.

A Landmark Deal Sparks Hope

Recently, a tentative agreement between Air Canada and its flight attendants is igniting hope for similar changes across the airline industry. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA)-CWA, states that this agreement "defines the problem of ridiculous expectations for flight attendants to work without pay.” Following a major strike involving over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, the agreement now includes at least 60 minutes of paid ground time before each flight.

Boarding Pay: A New Standard?

Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, believes this agreement could set a new standard for airlines throughout the continent. As she noted, this collective agreement could inspire other unions to push for similar benefits, emphasizing that employees should receive compensation for all of their work.

The Historical Context of Flight Attendant Pay

Traditionally, U.S. flight attendants have not been paid for work done while boarding and unboarding passengers. Delta Air Lines broke this mold in 2022, leading the way for others like Alaska and American Airlines to follow suit. With Air Canada’s new policy, experts believe it will elevate expectations and negotiations for other airlines.

Real Struggles Behind the Scenes

Amid these changes, flight attendants themselves are sharing the harsh realities they face. Jen Sala from Frontier Airlines lamented, "We’re working harder and not making enough to cover our bills. Flight attendants deserve to be paid for every hour we work.” Many flight attendants at Frontier voted overwhelmingly for a strike last September due to ongoing issues with pay.

The Dire Financial Situations Flight Attendants Face

Becky Black, a veteran flight attendant at PSA Airlines, emphasizes the financial strain many face: "We’ve been on duty, but we haven’t been getting paid yet." With reports of attendants living in shelters and having to move back in with family due to low wages, the calls for fair compensation have never been more urgent.

A Plea for Respect and Fair Wages

Flight attendants like Black stress that their roles are critical. "We’re there to ensure your safety and comfort, and yet our contributions often go unrecognized," she stated. There’s a palpable desire among cabin crews for both respect and a livable wage, as they fight not just for better pay, but for acknowledgment of their indispensable role in air travel.

The Road Ahead

The pressure is mounting on airlines to address these issues as negotiations continue. While some airlines are beginning to step up and meet the demands of their flight attendants, many are holding out. The outcome could significantly reshape the landscape of flight attendant compensation across North America.