Flight attendants for major airlines flying to, from, and within Hawaii—such as Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, American, and United—are at different stages of addressing compensation issues. Here’s a look at each airline’s current status and what’s ahead as Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines prepare to unite their flight attendant workforces under a single operating certificate.
Hawaiian Airlines.
Before joining forces with Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines has yet to introduce boarding pay for its flight attendants, which covers time spent assisting passengers before takeoff. Despite being a key carrier to, from, and within Hawaii, HA hasn’t taken public steps to implement boarding pay, and their union has not indicated any immediate moves toward achieving this compensation. As industry trends shift, pressure may mount on Hawaiian to reconsider its stance, especially as the integration with Alaska progresses.
Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines (pre-Hawaiian acquisition) flight attendants rejected a contract proposal in August that didn’t include boarding pay. Represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), they continue to push for this benefit, aligning with the growing trend for fair compensation.
The rejected three-year deal would have increased pay by 32%, offered retroactive pay, and included highly desired boarding pay. As negotiations continue, Alaska’s flight attendants remain focused on securing improved compensation, especially in light of the impending integration with Hawaiian Airlines.
Southwest Airlines.
Southwest’s flight attendants ratified a new contract earlier this year that included a 22% pay raise but did not feature boarding pay. Despite discussions around this issue during negotiations, Southwest’s focus on shorter domestic routes may have made boarding pay less of a priority. This decision aligns Southwest with other major carriers that don’t compensate flight attendants for boarding time.
American Airlines.
American Airlines recently became the first major unionized airline to secure boarding pay, marking a significant win for its 28,0000 flight attendants. Following a prolonged campaign and a strike authorization, American’s flight attendants will now receive half their regular rate during boarding. This groundbreaking achievement set a new industry standard and re-energized flight attendants across other airlines in pursuing similar compensation.
Delta Air Lines.
Delta made headlines in 2022 by introducing half-pay for boarding, becoming the first U.S. airline to offer this benefit despite not having a unionized flight attendant workforce. This move was seen as an effort to stay competitive and help curb unionization efforts.
Delta’s decision created momentum across the industry, influencing negotiations at American Airlines and encouraging flight attendants at other carriers to pursue similar compensation packages. It’s estimated that, on average, a Delta flight attendant might earn an additional $20 per flight for boarding time.
United Airlines.
United Airlines flight attendants actively demand boarding pay in their ongoing contract negotiations. They have planned a significant “day of action” on October 17 at United’s corporate headquarters in Chicago to protest the stalled talks, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with the current pay structure. The recently inked deal at American Airlines might add momentum to United flight attendants’ efforts, potentially influencing their ability to secure boarding pay as well.
What’s Next for Hawaii Flight Attendants at Alaska and Hawaiian?
Here’s what their flight attendant union said about the joint labor force as a single carrier:
When they unite as a single carrier, the union representing Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants aims to “combine the best from each Flight Attendant Contract in addition to other improvements.”
The tentative joint contract will require approval from all flight attendants in the merged group. This includes negotiating boarding pay, an issue gaining momentum across the industry. With Delta and American Airlines leading the way, pressure is mounting for Hawaii-serving airlines to compensate flight attendants fairly, potentially reshaping industry pay standards.
Do you think Hawaii flight attendants should receive boarding pay?
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Obviously if FAs are paid their regular rate during boarding, we could expect a price increase on tickets. Using a few facts that I know, we can get an idea of how much of an increase in fares would cover boarding compensation. I am using figures from Hawaiian Airlines and Google as of 10-16-24. Average rate of FA pay is $28.02 as of 2023. I will round up to $29.00. Number of seats on an A330=278, 189 on A321. The FAA demands 1 FA per 50 SEATS, so we need 6 on the A330 and 4 on the A321n. Multiply 4X$29.00 = $174 per trip cost to the airline. Charge $2.00 more per ticket and it covers increased taxes and empty seats. I think most of us can afford that!
Aloha,
I have been to Hawai’i in 1988 for a 2 island honeymoon, once in 2003 to spread my wife’s ashes, and regularly since around 2009.
HA Airlines has always been my favorite and I’ve not flown any other since about 2014.
I say all that to say this–I’ve seen the work that Flight Attendants do and have to put up with during boarding. I find it ridiculous that they are not paid till leaving the gate or in the air.
Passenger Safety Is their main objective and they do it So well (even though most passengers disrespect them during the safety briefing). They put up with fussy kids–and adults at times. during boarding, handle seating disputes in very professional ways.
As a passenger, I depend on them for my safety and my needs from the moment I step onto that aircraft. To think they are not being paid while they herd us into our seats in an orderly fashion while meeting a time restraint is disrespectful to HA Airlines employees And their customers.
Mahalo for your time.
Aloha
Boarding pay has nothing to do with being Hawaii based or wherever. It’s fair compensation for all Flight Attendants for assisting with seating, handicapped guests, unaccompanied monors, enforcing F.A.R.s, and a multitude of other stuff that goes on during boarding; a very stressful and crucial part of a flight.
If it’s not in the unions contract for flight attendant’s then sorry out of luck point blank. If the employee don’t like the benefits then don’t apply or accept the position. The airplane would be considered the airlines property buy not the airport. Maybe it is an insurance problem and that is why they don’t get paid. Maybe flight attendants are not considered port employees. The union contract will always prevail.
Don,
Being a retired union employee, I totally agree that if it’s not part of the contract–they’re (as you say) out of luck.
This is where the union needs to work together during their next negotiation and get this for their people.
As you say, it might be a host of various reasons “why” they don’t have it. However, if it is not any of those reasons, then HA Airlines Flight Attendants should be getting paid from the moment the first passenger steps through the doors and into the tunnel to get to the plane.
Perhaps it was a matter of money that HA Airlines didn’t have. But now that Alaska Airlines bought HA Airlines, perhaps the money will be there and contract negotiations can remedy the situation.
Aloha
The Alaska FAs rejecting the first Tentative Agreement may prove to be a tactical misjudgement. Had they approved the TA they would have had a higher base and boarding pay entering the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with Alaska/Hawaiian airlines. While the union is working on a TA2, the union also told their members that the company going directly to JCBA negotiations would be seen by the labor board as negotiating in good faith. So since they didn’t approve the TA the FAs starting position is now much weaker than it could have been. One of the things that is not certain since the TA was rejected is getting boarding pay in the JCBA.
I was completely shocked to learn that flight attendants are not paid from when they arrive on the plane. That is beyond insane and should be against work labor laws………What if they get hurt while helping customers?……. What if the flight is delayed but they are already on the plane? …..
This is not only beyond reality…Wrong! It should be illegal for an employer to expect an employee to do duties on the plane but not be paid until push back?
I know one thing I am going to do.
I will quietly tip my flight attendant alot more then before.
This is deplorable to treat flight attendants this way.
This needs to be fully exposed to all people who fly. By posting this on Twitter X and Instagram etc.
This airline policy across the board in the industry is just so wrong.
Sorry don’t mean to be negative but flight attendants fly free to anywhere the airline fly if there is an available seat. If a person works in a grocery store does that mean he should get free groceries? What’s a free airline ticket worth? I don’t know the frequency of this benefit but you have to weigh out the pay with these special benefits.If a flight attendant uses this benefit a lot I suppose it could be valued at a few thousand dollars a year. If a flight attendant loves to travel then this benefit could be priceless.
A very good point.
One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. Your jealousy over airline crewʻs travel benefits does not preclude them being paid properly.
Airline crews absolutely should be entitled to be paid whenever they are on duty, including boarding. For years, airlines have exploited those willing to sacrifice common sense just to get a job with the airlines. Unions have ignored this issue for decades. Thatʻs on them.
Don,
I agree. Getting a Stand-By free flight to anywhere is a great benefit. However, you’re comparing apples to oranges. A benefit is not the same as pay for time worked.
If they are expected to work–they should expect to get paid. Any employer, HA Airlines included, can dismiss benefits every time a contract comes up for renewal. Pay is a different matter–and a different budget for that matter. It cost the airlines basically nothing to have one more passenger on the plane. Pay is different.
An enlightening article! I am not surprised at this, when you consider the complete lack of customer service that passengers often receive especially on issues like flight cancellations, rebooking and seating issues. Why would they treat their employees any better? I have for years been convinced that airlines would stack passengers three deep if that was an option. The only thing that matters to them is the bottom line. Everything else is mere lip service. And that is why unions exist.
I cannot believe just absolutely inconsiderate the airlines continue to treat their employees Especially Flight Attendants. That is such a difficult job and to not pay a flight attendant from the time they reach the domicile is despicable and really tells a tale of how rude the management is. Not just rude but uncaring and mean just evil. Flight Attendants take really good care of people and are learning to not care by not being cared about. It is a crime of punishment and embarrassment to not give flight attendants a living wage and for them to be on any kind of government assistance is just embarrassing uncalled for and how is anyone to care for a family being treated like this. To have to tell a passenger this is embarrassing. Passengers pay a lot of money to fly and like knowing their flight attendant is not being treated like they’re living a low income lifestyle. This is disgusting and management should be ashamed of themselves.
There is no doubt in my mind that flight attendants deserve pay for boarding, even pre-boarding briefings. I figure it will add to the cost of a ticket, what, $5 per passenger? Not paying FAs for required duties is an antiquated concept. How many people would say that firefighters should not be paid until a call comes in for their services? People who work retail are often on duty 30 minutes before doors open or after they are closed, yet they receive pay.
Thanks for enlightening us, BOH. Absolutely the flight attendants should be paid for boarding. They should be paid the minute they walk through the door from the terminal and walk down the jet bridge to the plane.
I am shocked to hear that flight attendants don’t receive boarding pay! In my opinion this is very hard work! And then hearing that when it was finally included in one contract at 1/2 the regular rate is outrageous! There is no excuse for failing to pay them at full pay rates for this work. I assume fares would go up, but I doubt any of the passengers are paid only for part of their work!
For years now, the major airlines have not paid their flight attendants boarding pay. I find this ridiculous. The crew should be paid when they arrive at the airport for duty. In an office environment, construction sites etc, employees are paid when they arrive for work. Why not airline crews?
Auwe!
Teachers are the same way when I was a substitute teacher/ you’re not paid for any duties that you do in the classroom before school and after or at night at home.
As a retired flightattendant, I can tell you that we are not pd for any duties prior to pushing back from the blocks at the gate. You’re not pd for pre-flight briefing,you’re not pd for stocking the aircraft with the food and checking to make sure you have all the meals you’re not pd for giving pre-flight cocktails you’re not pd for helping passengers while boarding you’re not pd for assisting them with their bags nothing until the blocks are taken out and you’re pushing back.
It’s also the same on the other end you are not paid when the blocks go in you arrive at the gate you’re not pd for any of the deplaning duties assisting customers with their wheelchairs getting them to the front of the plane helping with unaccompaniedminors Etc.
Only pd for “block to block” flight hours.Safety of pax is what you are pd for inflight.
Aloha LaurieinCa,
Thank you for all you had to put up with while not getting paid. I’m retired from a place where I needed to be on my post at least 15-30 minutes before my shift. I needed to get my briefing as well as set up my stuff for my shift. I did not get paid for that time, but it was a necessity. I can’t imagine doing all you good people do before and after passengers get on/off the plane.
I do have a question of a “delicate” matter and I do not mean any disrespect at all. What is a reasonable tip to give your FA in coach and in 1st class?
Aloha,
Guy F.
Pay should begin as soon as the FA boards the plane. The airlines are charging for everything under the sun, so they can afford to pay once the FA starts helping customers. If not, the last people to board the plane should be the FA. Let’s see how long that would take to start paying up!
Totally agree!
Now, raise ticket prices and pass the cost on to the consumer.
I have never understood airlines not paying boarding pay (except to be cheap). Boarding is a passenger’s first interaction with the cabin crew and you would think the airline would want the crew as happy/pleasant as possible.
I fly pretty often and agree 100% the flight attendants should be paid for the boarding process. They have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders assuring the passengers are seated securely and the cabin is safe for takeoff. Not to mention the flight attendants in first class begin refreshments to those passengers as soon as they are seated and before takeoff. And they seem to always do so with a smile. They deserve compensation, in my opinion.
So glad to hear that they may get boarding pay. Flight attendants have some the most difficult times during boarding. I was actually shocked when I had first learned that they didn’t get paid during this time. HA flight attendants have always been so good during boarding and now they will hopefully be paid.
Interesting I had never thought about it. Always assumed they had a schedule. From the article I assume they get paid from takeoff to landing. My thoughts is they should get paid from the time they walk in the plane until they walk off. They have a hard job
Yes, and not just “Hawaii” flight attendants, but all Flight Attendants. They should be paid from time of “Check In”. Airlines require “behind the scene” work before boarding, then once on board the aircraft it’s alot more work before push back.
Flights attendants are “working” to board passengers. They should be compensated for their work.
If they have to be there, they should be getting paid.
Why this seems to escape people is baffling.