Flight Attendant Secrets That Will Change How You Fly

8. Payment to flight attendants is withheld until the aircraft door is closed.

Numerous carriers compensate flight attendants hourly, but exclusively once the aircraft entrance is sealed. This indicates they receive no payment for time devoted to pre-departure duties or post-arrival activities. Consequently, postponements before departure can prove particularly aggravating, since crew members earn nothing during these periods. This compensation system remains exclusive to aviation, where ground periods are excluded from billable hours. Flight attendants must organize their schedules strategically, juggling professional responsibilities with compensation realities. Postponements can result in extended unpaid hours, creating additional pressure in an already demanding profession.

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