Recently at Dublin Airport, chaos reigned. A major power outage brought everything to a standstill - no check-in systems, no baggage belts, no USA pre-clearance. The lines were endless, passengers stranded for hours with minimal communication. Luggage piled up beside the oversized baggage belts as we waited, hoping it would somehow make it onto the plane. After more than five hours of delays, I finally boarded United Flight 22 to Newark.
For me, missing my connection and losing an afternoon with my daughter is frustrating but manageable. I’ll probably be compensated by the airline or through insurance. But here’s the part that really gets me - what about the cabin crew?
This isn’t just a bad day for them; this is their reality. While we stood in those endless lines, they did too. They were at the airport on time, ready to work, waiting just like we were. But here’s the kicker - they don’t get paid for any of it. No, cabin crew aren’t paid a single penny until the aircraft doors close and the plane starts moving. Imagine that for a moment. Hours of work, preparation, answering questions, handling boarding, keeping us all calm and informed, and they get nothing for it. That’s the pay structure they’ve been stuck with for decades.
And times have changed. Cabin crew today have more responsibilities than ever. They’re not just serving drinks and demonstrating safety procedures - they’re first responders, conflict managers, and the face of the airline. And yet, their pay doesn’t reflect the full scope of their work. It’s not about asking for higher pay; it’s about fair pay for all the hours they’re on the job.
Here’s an example: on my flight, the actual flying time was 6 hours and 23 minutes. Cabin crew are paid an average of $27 an hour, which means they earned about $168 for that flight. But what about the five hours of delays before we even took off? That’s $135 worth of unpaid time. It seems shockingly low when you consider the critical role they play in ensuring the safety and comfort of hundreds of passengers.
To put it into perspective, imagine you walked into your office in the morning, but the fire alarm went off before you reached your desk. Would you still get paid? Of course, you would. But on a plane, flight attendants can be standing at their post, answering questions about why we’re delayed, dealing with stressed passengers - and they aren’t getting paid for any of it. Work is work, and it should be compensated, whether the plane is moving or not.
Let’s break it down even further. If a plane with 400 passengers has a 10-person crew and faces a four-hour delay, paying the crew for those extra hours would cost the airline roughly $2.70 per passenger. That’s it. And let’s be honest - if you’re paying over $1,000 for a ticket, an extra $2.70 to ensure your crew is fairly compensated seems more than reasonable.
The truth is, this pay structure has been around forever, but it no longer fits today’s world. This isn’t just about demanding more money - it’s about fairness. It’s about recognizing that the world has changed, and so has the role of cabin crew. They are professionals, and they should be treated and paid as such.
If we want to enjoy safe, comfortable, and efficient air travel, it’s time to start supporting the people who make it possible. We get paid for the hours we work - why shouldn’t they?
#SupportFlightCrew #FairPay #UnitedAirlines
And now on a lighter note next April, I will be celebrating my 60th birthday, and I’m doing something special to mark the occasion. I’ll be taking an Atlas Ocean cruise, a luxurious small ship sailing through the Mediterranean. We’ll depart from Las Palmas in the Spanish Canary Islands and visit incredible ports of call, including the Azores, Madeira, Portugal, and Morocco over 12 nights. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, I invite you to join me on this journey. Message me for more details!
Also coming soon is our summer group tip and this year will be a Rhine River cruise through Germany and Switzerland. Stay tuned for that one.
Don’t forget ..
To book travel check our website www.conciergetravelgroup.ca
Or email Lorraine at [email protected]
