Are Flight Attendants Paid For Boarding Time?

Are Flight Attendants Paid for Boarding Time?

The work of flight attendants begins long before the plane takes off. They are responsible for ensuring that passengers are safely boarded, that all luggage is stowed away, and that everyone is comfortable. But are they paid for this time?

The answer is a bit complicated. It depends on the airline, the union contract, and the specific circumstances.

Generally speaking, flight attendants are not paid for boarding time. This is because boarding time is considered to be part of their “pre-flight duties.” Pre-flight duties also include things like checking in passengers, issuing boarding passes, and performing safety checks.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some airlines do pay flight attendants for boarding time if the boarding process is delayed. This is because the delay is considered to be outside of the flight attendants’ control.

Additionally, some union contracts may stipulate that flight attendants must be paid for boarding time. These contracts typically require that the airline pay flight attendants for all time worked, regardless of whether it is before or after the flight.

So, how much do flight attendants get paid for boarding time?

If they are paid for boarding time, it is typically at a reduced rate. This is because boarding time is not considered to be as demanding as other aspects of the job. For example, one airline pays flight attendants $12 per hour for boarding time, while they pay them $20 per hour for flight time.

Why are flight attendants not paid for boarding time?

There are a few reasons why airlines may choose not to pay flight attendants for boarding time.

• Boarding time is not considered to be as demanding as other aspects of the job. Flight attendants are responsible for a lot of important tasks during the flight, such as serving food and drinks, answering questions, and responding to emergencies. Boarding time is typically less demanding, and airlines may feel that it is not worth paying flight attendants for this time.
• It would be too expensive for airlines to pay flight attendants for boarding time. If airlines had to pay flight attendants for all of the time they worked, it would significantly increase their labor costs. This could lead to higher ticket prices for passengers.
• Unions have not been able to negotiate for paid boarding time. In some cases, unions have tried to negotiate for paid boarding time for flight attendants. However, airlines have resisted these efforts.

Conclusion

So, are flight attendants paid for boarding time? The answer is a bit complicated. It depends on the airline, the union contract, and the specific circumstances. However, in general, flight attendants are not paid for boarding time.