Are Flight Attendants Not Paid for Boarding Time?
As you board your flight, eager to embark on your journey, you may not give much thought to the flight attendants who are there to welcome you aboard and ensure your safety. But have you ever wondered if these hardworking individuals are compensated for the time they spend helping you get settled in?
The truth is, the answer to this question is both yes and no.
What the Law Says
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law that governs minimum wage and overtime pay, explicitly excludes flight attendants from its coverage. This means that flight attendants are not entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA.
However, the FLSA does not prohibit employers from paying flight attendants for boarding time. In fact, many airlines do voluntarily compensate their flight attendants for this time.
How Airlines Compensate Flight Attendants for Boarding Time
The amount and method of compensation for boarding time vary from airline to airline. Some airlines pay flight attendants a flat rate for each flight, regardless of the boarding time. Others pay by the hour, with the boarding time typically calculated based on the number of passengers on the flight.
In addition to hourly wages, some airlines also offer flight attendants other forms of compensation for boarding time, such as:
- Meal allowances: Meal allowances are provided to flight attendants who are required to work during mealtimes.
- Per diem: Per diem payments are given to flight attendants who are away from their home base for extended periods of time.
- Mileage bonuses: Mileage bonuses are awarded to flight attendants for each mile they fly.
Why Some Airlines Do Not Pay for Boarding Time
While many airlines do compensate their flight attendants for boarding time, there are a few that do not. These airlines argue that boarding time is considered “standby time,” which is not compensable under the FLSA.
Standby time is defined as any time an employee is required to be available for work but is not actively performing job duties. Because flight attendants are not required to perform any specific tasks during boarding time, some airlines classify this time as standby time.
The Impact on Flight Attendants
The lack of compensation for boarding time can have a significant impact on flight attendants. Boarding time can often be very busy and stressful, and flight attendants often have to deal with difficult passengers. Not being compensated for this time can add to the already challenging nature of the job.
The Future of Flight Attendant Pay
The issue of whether or not flight attendants should be paid for boarding time is likely to continue to be debated for years to come. As the airline industry continues to evolve, it is possible that the FLSA will be amended to include flight attendants in its coverage. However, it is also possible that airlines will continue to find ways to avoid paying flight attendants for boarding time.
Conclusion
While the answer to the question of whether or not flight attendants are paid for boarding time is complex, it is clear that this is an important issue for flight attendants. The lack of compensation for boarding time can have a significant impact on their livelihood and well-being. As a consumer, you can support flight attendants by choosing to fly with airlines that provide fair compensation for their employees.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why are flight attendants not covered by the FLSA?
A: The FLSA explicitly excludes flight attendants from its coverage because they are considered to be “air carrier employees.”
Q: How do airlines compensate flight attendants for boarding time?
A: The amount and method of compensation for boarding time vary from airline to airline. Some airlines pay flight attendants a flat rate, while others pay hourly wages. Some airlines also offer other forms of compensation, such as meal allowances, per diem payments, and mileage bonuses.
Q: Why do some airlines not pay flight attendants for boarding time?
A: Some airlines argue that boarding time is considered “standby time,” which is not compensable under the FLSA. Standby time is defined as any time an employee is required to be available for work but is not actively performing job duties.
Q: What impact does the lack of compensation for boarding time have on flight attendants?
A: Not being compensated for boarding time can add to the already challenging nature of the job. Flight attendants often have to deal with difficult passengers and long hours, and not being compensated for boarding time can make it difficult to make ends meet.
Q: What can be done to improve the situation for flight attendants?
A: One way to improve the situation for flight attendants is to amend the FLSA to include them in its coverage. This would require Congress to pass a law that specifically includes flight attendants in the FLSA’s definition of “employee.” Another way to improve the situation is for airlines to voluntarily provide fair compensation for boarding time.
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