The Economics of being a Flight Attendant

American Flight Attendants discuss the economic realities of life as a Flight Attendant in today's market.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• flight
• attendants
• american
• airlines
• stewardess
• air
• travel
• APFA
• airline
• unions

[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=)

[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

[MissPinkySparkles]

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

[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?

[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!

[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.

[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.

[astewardess]

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