The Economics of being a Flight Attendant

[MissPinkySparkles]

thats crazy, things cost SO much more than in 1995, yet theyre now earning LESS? with more responsibliity?! madness xox

[knucklepunt]

For those that feel the FA's are in the wrong here by simply asking for old salaries and work rules to be reinstated, are really missing the big picture. By making those comments you are essentially saying that, in this financial climate (because that is what these opinions are largely based on), rampant corporate greed is perfectly acceptable. Yet trying to improve your quality of life as a line employee is not. There is something inherently wrong with that line of reasoning.

[phxflyguy1978]

I feel and share your pain. I am a PHX based F/A for US Airways (former America West Airlines) and have the distinct honor of working for the lowest paid major carrier in the industry. I wish your flight crews all the best, and encourage you to keep up the good fight!

[marick626]

American Airlines should be banned from using the "American" in its name because its business practices are increasingly anti-American. I mean, seriously, how do these people go to sleep at night? I haven't flown American Airlines since 2004 and do everything I can to avoid them. Its not the crew members but the fact that I know I am contributing to a corrupt system.

[mikestamlo]

wow, and you guys are responsible for our safety in flight ... my God, thats not cool! I hope it all works out for you!

[astewardess]

I will be on food stamps again if we get what they propose. After 22 years of service.

[Flyvoice1]

I think American will pass a descent contract for the Flight Attendants at the last minute.....they don't want the Fed's to settle the contract. American Airlines is making a Million Dollars a day ....for everyday they don't agree to a new contract with the Flight Attendants.....so they will wait until the last minute.....it is still about 'MONEY for the Company" ......Never mind about the money the Company..STOLE... from the Flight Attendants. Another fine example of ..."CORPORATE GREED "

[TheAMERICANTYRANNY]

500 + workers getting cut from their jobs at the kansas city overhaul base in kansas city today 10/27/09

[jayyaycutie]

I found the service sucked with AA after 9-11, i honestly did not know that all this shit was going on why haven't u all strike then?

[jayyaycutie]

I am not a flight attendant i work at the Airport in Barbados and over the years I've seen the american carriers flight attendants in my opinion working very hard. They no longer have layovers in barbados only for the miami base crew which is less hrs than the jfk leg, its 5 to bgi and 5 to jfk the plane turns around in 50 and then leave no rest nothing.

[sthulin0703]

The racist guy should be ignored! He or she is not worth responding to....

I'm an AA F/A for more than 25 years. I work another job that I love; part-time. I could take early retirement or quit but that would mean living in a hole to survive. And the point is.... WE were promised by AA that we would all win together, just like they were promised their bonuses, it is not only greedy, it is unconscionable thievery! They're awarding themselves money from our pocket....DISCUSTING!

[Flyboy73]

I"m astonished at some of the rude, ignorant comments I've read here. Until any of you walk in our shoes, it might be a good idea to SHUT YOUR PIE HOLES!  To attack the way someone looks, or use profanity when describing someone is absolutely unacceptable. We are PROUD, we are STONG, we are UNITED and we are the ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT ATTENDANTS! We will prevail and we will get back what we've lost! A lot of these stupid comments obviously come from some seriously ILL people!

[atfatw]

FLybOy73, there is no need for 'flight attendants' passengers can serve themselves cafeteria style or can be served by robots!

besides in any emergency 'stews' would be the very first to jump out of the plane with all the parachutes

[mandyblake2003]

Im a flight attendant for 4 years. I grossed $24,000 last year. The year before $20k. Its HARD. Being based in Boston on top of that as a single female. Its horrible

[FlightCrewWannaBe]

I totally agree with this, and I think its really shocking. However you have got to think about check-in/ airline ground staff who make even less money.

[s2v8377]

It is so sad to see some of the comments under this video that are so anti labor.

You guys are fighting the good fight and don't forget it.

I wish the Pilots and FA's luck in your future contract negotiations with AA, and I look forward to flying with you guys on my next flight=)

[jrbos1978]

It's Reagan National Airport

[LivingThing29]

what airport is that?

[sunnypalms]

The comment:snrty really important,finding a life,another job, etc. It's abt having a loved job which gives one a wonderful lifestyle. i.e. Winters in exotic locales, attending a fam/friend's grad/wedding,trvl anywhere in the world.Unlike the typical miserable 9-5-er job.Putting up with crap from passengers which would not be tolerated on any non US carrier & have greedy mgmt, rob from their own company/employees is beyond words. The latter, sadly is Corporate today.i.e. Fuld Lehman Brothers.

[freefalln329]

Instead of bailing out the banks bush should also look into lending a helping had to the airlines. The Government used to be responsible for our airlines but good ole Pres. Reagan took care of that. God rest his soul.

[TomsFriendKake]

@freefalln329 That made no sense.Reagen fired the air traffic controllers, and then replaced them, but the industry was actually deregulated under Jimmy Carter, a DEMOCRAT! and it's biggest ally was TED KENNEDY! So I don't understand what you are trying to say. Furthermore, the airline industry is just like any other business, they need to survive on their own. If they cannot compete competitively, then they get replaced.

[9494375]

Why care about your employer who couldn't give a rat's ass about you. What are you people, masochists? Is seniority really worth holding on to when your airline shits on you and treats you worse than a migrant worker? Come on people, get a life and another job while you're at it. Whining is not going to make things better. You work for AA remember?

[GTMustang19]

Im so glade that I work for SWA!

[Planeguy13]

F/As don't make close to what they deserve. Its very sad.

[krishan25]

Hey Planeguy13, i can assure you that cabin crew based in other countries make considerably more. USA flight attendants have huge cuts because of the economy and 9/11. For example working for BA/AI/SIA you would make a very good salary! Its a shame whats going on in america! How can such a rich nation have so many people struggling! what does their government actually do? They dont even have an NHS system like the UK. So obviously their costs are so high! Its a shocking country to be honest!

[Planeguy13]

@TomsFriendKake I do agree with you. The average F/A in the US makes 35K/yr which is right where it should be. Beginning pay is very low but most F/As eventually make a good living.

[knucklepunt]

@TomsFriendKake I realize your post is old, however you struck a nerve and I'm curious as to where you found this figure of $60,000 a year. From AA? If so you should consider the source before posting it here. Furthermore, what possible insight into being a FA gives you the authority to say what this job is worth? You have no clue as to what it entails. Do you feel the same about the literally thousands of managers at AA who do virtually nothing all day? How do they justify those salaries?