Up Up & A Gay | A Flight Attendant Blog

Non-Rev Jinx

June 14th, 2010

Bobby

If you ever find yourself non-revving anywhere (airline employee pass; non-rev meaning non-revenue, you didn’t pay for a ticket) don’t talk about it. Hell, don’t even think about it. Looking at the situation the wrong way will jinx your trip and you won’t go anywhere.

My Mother was supposed to fly from New York to Las Vegas to meet me this morning. We were going to spend a night in Vegas before flying down here to Phoenix where she’d visit for a few days before flying back home to New York. Mom is no stranger to non-revving. She’s been coming to Phoenix to visit me since the day I moved out here and had she became eligible on my flight benefits. She’s sat standby for full flights, connecting flights, and empty flights — but she’s made it on all of them.

In the days leading up to her trip which checked in this morning.. every time I talked to her about it she kept saying “I’ve always been lucky, I’ve always made it. I’m sure the day is coming when I won’t.” Well, she jinxed it.

She didn’t make it this morning. The irony? The flight left with 19 open seats. You see when she checked-in she was told by the ticket agent to remain seated in the boarding area and they would call her up to the gate when they cleared the standbys about 20 minutes prior to departure. This is pretty routine, so she thought nothing of it.

Once at the gate area she took her seat and waited. Boarding began for her flight, but she didn’t get antsy. It’s normal for boarding to begin without standbys having a seat or a boarding position yet. Just when they announced a “final boarding call” 10 minutes prior, she went up to the gate to question obtaining a seat. The agents were confused and shocked there was a standby listed for the flight because “our supervisor didn’t tell us anyone was on standby.” Okay, not a valid excuse as the computer tells you that you have a standby checked-in and waiting but after the agents kept passing the blame they finally told my Mom that it was to late to issue her a boarding pass. The flight left without her.

Now, right when this happened, I jumped out of bed from a dead sleep, here in Phoenix at 6:30am. Called her and heard this story. The first thought I had while she was retelling her experience was that she jinxed it. We both jinxed it. There’s no other explanation for her not getting on a flight with 19 open seats other then to say we messed with karma.

So, take this as a lesson. If you’re flying non-rev 1) make sure the gate agents know you’re there. Even if you’re told to sit and wait in the boarding area to be called and 2) don’t talk about the luck you’ve had in the past non-revving.. it’ll come back to bite you in the seat.. you didn’t get.

June 11th, 2010

Bobby

10 Comments »

Trying to get home from work today was such a hassle. I landed in San Francisco at 10:45am, but there was no way for me to get home. All of the non-stop flights from SFO to Phoenix were sold out, as were the flights from Oakland but there was one flight from San Jose that might get me out of the Bay area.

Now, usually, when I non-rev in uniform I don’t have to adhere to the “1+1″ carry-on rule that the TSA put in place. For those not in the US, all passengers are allotted one personal item (laptop bag, purse, etc) and one carry-on (rollerboard, duffel bag).. this is supposed to apply to off duty crew as well, but no airline enforces it.

When I got to San Jose, I got to the gate and asked for a jumpseat form. The agent looked at her computer and said “well, stranger things have happened” shaking her head no, conveying the message that I wasn’t going to make it. I filled out the form and stood close by anyway.

I got called. Just as they called my name they announced the overhead bins were full and they had to start checking bags. As crew, I hate checking bags. I need my things to go to work and if they get lost.. I’m headed up the creek without a paddle. As she handed me my boarding pass, another agent was printing out checked bag tags for about 20 people. She told me to board and the agent there would “tag your bag.”

So, I walk over to board, and hear “uh uh uh uh.. You didn’t listen to me! I said, no more bags!” As I turned around, she saw my wings.. and quickly said “Oh! I’m so sorry! Let me get you a gate claim tag.” She tagged my bag to be delivered back to me in the jetbridge. Oh course some passengers saw this, and were upset.. to which the agent who issued me my boarding pass said “well, he’s crew — he’s treated differently.” She then turned to me, winked, and said “have a good flight.”

Thanks US Airways for taking care of me today.. and my luggage. With the condition of the airline industry and how our companies are treating us lately, every small perk and “act of kindness” to each other really counts and goes a long way.

June 6th, 2010

Bobby

1 Comment »

This morning I woke as usual, earlier then I’d like though, checked my Facebook, emails and Twitter account like the good social media ‘internet personality’ that I am. Before going to bed last night I tweeted the link to my article on Examiner.com which has pictures of an aircraft incident in Charlotte, N.C. yesterday in which two US Airways airplanes clipped each other, cancelling both flights, and grounding both airplanes.

This morning I awoke to a tweet from @250Joules with a link to an article on Canada.com about a flight the author had on Russian Airline “S7,” or also known as OJSC Siberia Airlines. Here’s a quote from his experience flying into Sochi:

The flight attendants nonchalantly handing out barf bags just before we took off might have twigged most people to the idea that this was going to be a rough flight.

But I’d already had fair warning. As I took my seat I looked up to see several ceiling air vents askew, and others held up with duct tape.
http://goo.gl/qomu

There’s a few things wrong with this paragraph in my view. Number one, talk about instilling fear in those that don’t fly often, have a fear of flying, or even those seasoned travelers when during boarding the Flight Attendant’s are passing out barf bags (sick sacks). In America a flight crew doing this would probably make the news, or at least YouTube, because of how out-of-the-ordinary it is. As the article goes on the author makes mention that he’s flying with another passenger who says that he wouldn’t fly Aeroflot anymore, after a few rough flights into Sochi, and he thinks the “green machine” is better. So, this brings on two more points: 1) It’s usually pretty bumpy into Sochi if he’s experienced it on another airline and the Flight Attendants on S7 are prepping for a flying tube of HazMat and 2) Is the “green machine” really better?

Apparently not. The aircraft the author was flying on was an Airbus A310, of which, the airline retired seven in their fleet but are still operating one after an accident on July 9, 2006 when an A310 failed to slowdown, over ran the runway, and crashed into a concrete barrier. The A310 still in operation was originally delivered to Hapag Lloyd Airlines on October 9, 1989 and has been with the S7 fleet since January 1, 2006. Needless to say.. it’s showing it’s age and it’s time to retire.

Courtsey of Canada.com | click to enlarge

The author posted this picture during boarding of the A310 to Sochi. If you look closely you’ll notice a few of the air vents are hanging from their hinges, and closer to the left, a few are duct taped together. Needless to say, they weren’t kidding about it being a bumpy flight, but I say, kudos to the Flight Attendant’s for agreeing to work that “monster” in the shape it’s in. I’ve worked on many aircraft which a ton of maintenance issues and flown though quite a lot of turbulence.. but, from the looks of it, the combination of both turbulence and this particular aircraft would have prompted me to not go to work or call in sick.

As the plane landed in Sochi, the author writes that the cabin erupted in applause. Sure it did. Leading the conga line was the flight attendants, I’m sure.

June 4th, 2010

Bobby

9 Comments »

This is a very random post, but on the last trip that I did.. I noticed a lot of these people, enough that it made me think and jot down thoughts. Maybe you’ve seen one. The “wanna-be celebrity” is a breed of airline passenger that always peeks my interest. Usually, they can be found prior to boarding in the terminal, in a seat, alone, with a hat on, huge sunglasses, tight clothes and a sweater/shall covering themselves trying to avoid being seen by their make believe paparazzi. They walk through the terminal with their head down trying to avoid eye contact with you, because, they know that if you do look at them, you won’t know who they are — making them, not important; but because their head is down you’re intrigued and keep looking.

During boarding, they do the same thing. They keep their head down and move along in the shuffle. They didn’t get to pre-board either, because of course, they’re not in first class. As they step foot on to the airplane and we say “Hello, Good Morning!” they look down, ignoring that someone spoke to them, they’re too important to talk to you.

They then walk back to their non-reclining-in front of the exit row- seat, put their garment bag and carry-on into the overhead bin and take a seat. They then pull out the latest issue of “OK!” or “US Weekly,” sunglasses still on, and begin to read.

This breed of airline passenger is hoping they catch attention. They’re hoping someone will be intrigued as to who they are. They are hoping someone will think they’re someone.

When, in reality, they paid the cheapest coach fare, wearing sunglasses from Canal Street, and found the magazines on the bus on the way to the airport that morning.

I don’t understand why these people think that they deserve first class service in coach? This past trip I had one stop me in the aisle to turn on her reading light. I’m sorry, reach up and do it yourself. Sometimes they ask questions about the main cabin food – “Is the chicken raised with hormones?” I don’t know.. I wasn’t there for their birth.

Everyone wants to feel important, needed and necessary. Whatever happened to just getting on a plane, or going out in public, and being — you? Why aren’t you good enough? Why are you trying to prove to everyone that your “someone” and demand special attention?

I’m sorry, but on a plane, you’re not special. You have to wait in line to use the bathroom and wait to buy food or order a drink. You are like everyone else in every way. Unless, of course, you really are someone and you’re boarding pass says “first class.”

Then, you’ve got my attention.

May 25th, 2010

Bobby

23 Comments »

I’m about the expose one of the dirtiest secrets about being a Flight Attendant. No, we don’t put our finger in cola to help the fizz settle faster, we just wear our uniforms for days on end.

Most of the time, domestic flight attendants work trips that range from 2-4 days, and that can make packing your luggage a challenge. So, in an effort to free up space most flight attendants wear their uniforms for at least two days before changing them out. This allows a little extra room to pack clothes for your layover, work out clothes, pajamas, shoes, etc.

Another reason why we wear the same uniform for a few days is because we might not have enough uniform pieces to change them out everyday. Most airlines require you to purchase a set allotment of uniform pieces after training; and some, issue them to you free of charge. My airline, for example, issued us, 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, a sweater and a coat. No mater what way you look at it, I’m wearing my pants for at least 2 days a piece since I only have two of them.

In the beginning of this month I was interviewed by the New York Times in reference to packing, and we just talked about it on episode 19 of “The Crew Lounge.” The article didn’t reference wearing our uniform for days on end but did mention “re-purposing” them. The writer made reference to the fact that my uniform, because it’s black, can be “re-used” on my layovers to go out to dinner in or to a club. Though true, I’ve never done it. I can’t imagine wearing pants that I’ve been wearing for 12 hours for another 4 to go out to dinner.. and then, put them on the next morning.

This concept of wearing the same uniform for a few days was new to me when I started this job. But, it makes sense. For me, two days is the limit for my shirts (on day two my shirt and I get a spritz of cologne) and sometimes, four days is the limit for my pants.. but if I had done laundry, sometimes 3.

So, to those FAs out there, fess up! How long do you wear your uniforms for?

May 17th, 2010

Bobby

6 Comments »

Well, it’s no secret that I’ve been working on a blog book. I wanted to do something fun, refreshing and entertaining for both you and myself to celebrate my blogs one year anniversary on June 26th.

I want the “blook” to be informative, entertaining, humorous and also resourceful. I’m trying to tell the story of how I get started as a flight attendant, how I ended up where I am now, the crazy things that happen on a daily basis (some of which you’ve read here if you’ve followed me for the past year) and how, you too, can become a Flight Attendant.

Because it has been taking up a lot of my time in the past few weeks I’ve been slacking on updates here.. so, why not show you what I’m working on?

Below is the first half of the first chapter. It’ll give you little background on how I got started, but hopefully, have you coming back to see what happens next!

Excerpt:

Everyone always says that you have to chase your dreams and never settle. I don’t know if “they” meant that literally, but I took that advice to heart after graduating college. I packed my bags and moved from New York to Los Angeles for the possibility of a job.

You see, the entertainment industry, like all of them nowadays, is all “who you know.” Well, at least “who anyone you know might know.” The woman who lived across the street from my Grandmother knew someone.. someone big. Her sister was the Vice President of Production at a huge movie studio in Hollywood. After a few calls were made I jumped on a flight for an interview to see if she could do anything for me. Long story short, she told me she could probably get me a position and ended the conversation with “how quickly can you move to Los Angeles?” Needless to say, I was there five days.

I moved in with a distant cousin whom I didn’t know much about. But, what I did know, was that she was gracious enough to let me live her with until I was able to get on my feet. I moved into her spare bedroom and hit the pavement hard once I arrived. Unfortunately, not much happened.

In the days and weeks following my arrival I called Ms. Vice President’s office many times trying to let her know that I was now a California resident and ready to work. Her annoying-Fran Dresher-sounding assistant always told me that she would relay the message and ensured she would call me back, but after four weeks, she never did. The moment finally came where I had to make a decision: do I try to find a job in Los Angeles on my own and make a life for myself, or, do I move back home to New York?

I decided to stay. In the short time that I was there I fell in love with the west coast and I loved the laid back mentality. Not to mention the palm trees (I don’t know what it is about them, but palm trees make me feel at home).

On the hunt for a job, I had some strange interviews. I interviewed at an up-and-coming production company that didn’t even have a name yet, to very popular radio station in the Los Angeles area and even interviewed for a job that stated there was no salary, you were just working for the credit and the experience. I didn’t get hired at any of them.

So, whats a guy to do when he’s in Los Angeles, jobless, and has a ton of free time? Party.

I definitely became a regular at quite a few bars. I was the scary type of regular too, the kind where the bartender knew exactly who I was and didn’t care if I paid for my drinks or not because they knew I would be back. Though it was a low time in my life and I’m not proud of how much of my savings I blew on alcohol, I wouldn’t change my decisions or my actions. I made some of the best friends I could have, and one of which, Jay, changed my life. Though now, I wish I never met him.

I only bring him up because he changed my life by introducing me to his friend Jessica. He did nothing but create drama and angst between the rest of our circle of friends, but his friend Jessica wasn’t like him at all.

Jessica was a flight attendant for a small regional airline based out of Salisbury, Maryland. She was coming out to Los Angeles to visit her boyfriends family, but also took the time to visit with Jay. He and I drove out to Los Angeles International Airport to pick her up and she and I clicked from the start. It was funny, it was obvious to both of us that we had the same opinion of Jay but were just playing nice.

After introducing myself to her and eventually telling her my story about how I ended up in Los Angeles, she blurted out the words: “Did you ever think of becoming a Flight Attendant?” I thought she was crazy. A Flight Attendant? Me? No.

But, the truth was, I had thought about it before but just never acted on it. We’ve all seen them in movies and on television living their “glamorous lives” hopping from city to city, who wouldn’t want to be a flight attendant?

I had done some research online and joined the message boards on FlightAttendants.org to find out what it takes to become a Flight Attendant and what the different kinds of airlines were. But, I never applied or acted on it.

Following a little persuasion and my interrogating Jessica for information, the next day I applied to any airline that had more than one Flight Attendant on board their aircraft and that didn’t fly propellers. I always was scared of those planes, and I still am. You have to be picky, right? I figured that being a Flight Attendant would be a great job to pass the time while I search for a position within the entertainment industry.

May 12th, 2010

Bobby

6 Comments »

As most of you know, my boyfriend of a year and a half and I went out separate ways in January. Well, we kind of went out separate ways. You see, it was determined that we weren’t working well together as boyfriends but we were better as best friends. We decided, amicably, that it was time to break up, but we didn’t want to throw away the friendship we had created and decided to remain roommates. Yes, I know, WHAT!? But, trust me, it’s working out just fine. We got a larger apartment, have our own bedrooms, and between his schedule and mine.. I hardly ever see him. In fact, he’s leaving on May 9th to Dallas for three months. It works.

But, as one of my co-workers put it the other day “so, you’re on the market.” Yes, in fact I am. I’ve done my time reflecting on what I’ve learned from my last relationship and I’m ready to move on to find someone who is more compatible with me than the last. And, as any blogger would do; you’re coming along for the ride as well.

I’m going to warn you, the selection in Phoenix is slim. Very slim. And guys who accept the job of a Flight Attendant, further narrows the selection.

My first date back on the market was with a guy named Jeff. Jeff works as an IT analyst for a financial firm in Phoenix. We met on a dating website and emailed back and forth for a few days. Jeff was the first to communicate between us. He seemed overjoyed with the fact that he “found a quality guy” after only joining the dating website two days earlier. He seemed really nice.. until his text messages got a bit.. weird. You see, he just moved into this new house, which apparently is a lot larger than his previous home, and is having a hard time decorating it. He said he didn’t have the gay gene that could do it. He then asked me, the day before our scheduled date, if I could help decorate his home.. after dinner.

Okay, what? Was he’s going to put a ring on it too? So, let’s get this straight: You just asked someone you’ve never met before out on a date, for dinner. You then asked this someone to come over to your home and decorate it for you. If that doesn’t scream “get out now” I don’t know what does.

I hope it didn’t come as a shock to him that I “had to work” all of a sudden because I mistakenly answered a call from crew scheduling. I’m sure he didn’t understand that concept, but a long, long text message describing how that works kind of let him down easy.

A week later, I got a text message from him asking me if he’d ever get to meet me, because I’m someone he’d really like to get to know (either that or his house was still bare). And a few days later, I replied that I just got based in Los Angeles and the company was paying my relocation. I had only a week to move. He bought it.

May 4th, 2010

Bobby

2 Comments »

Contrary to popular belief not every flight I work is drama-filled, delay ridden and crazy passenger occupied. Sometimes, things just go the way they’re supposed to.

I just got back from working two 2day trips, back to back. I put them together so that it would make commuting to Los Angeles worth it. Putting my schedule together is almost impossible, usually. I like to “buddy bid” with my friend Aimee, but we don’t have a “buddy bid” feature when it comes to bidding for our schedules so it all comes down to the luck of the draw when the schedules are awarded. Aimee is very senior in Los Angeles, and relatively speaking I’m quite junior. I usually put Aimee’s first bid preference in as my first one as well so at least we’ll get SOMETHING together. Anyway, her and I flew my first 2 day together.. then she backed up a 4 day to it when I went on my second two day. Luckily, she was flying with our mutual friend Sue on her 4 day. Sue just happens to be the nicest woman you’ll ever meet. She lives in Santa Monica and lets Aimee and I stay at her home anytime we’re stuck in Los Angeles for commuting reasons (without allowing us to pay her or anything, all she wants in wine!). So, Aimee & I both overnighted ourselves at Sue’s in between our trips, as she and Aimee went to work the next morning together and I took the bus a few hours later.

My first two day though was to DC. You can never go wrong with DC. Comparatively, the people are usually nicer, the boarding and deplaning process is quick, our hotel is nice.. and the agents in DC are amazing. One in particular is truly amazing and noteworthy, my friend Kat. Hi Kat. Kat has been in DC for as long as I can remember flying there (or at least from when I was senior enough to hold DC) and she’s always been someone I look forward to seeing. She’s one of those gate agents that you hope is working your flight. If there’s a delay and scheduling doesn’t want to tell you, she will. If she can make the last row of the plane free for “crew rest,” she will. She’ll never rush you to board, or pester you to board early — which in my opinion, makes us WANT to board early just because of how nice she is about it. She’s truly amazing and the highlight of going to DC. This past trip she was there on the day we were leaving DC and made mention that she actually reads this blog and saw my article on AOL (when she mentioned it she said “you made the big time!) but I never talk about her — well, hopefully I made up for it and did her the justice she deserves. My flights in and out of DC went perfectly and were uneventful. Weird, for me, right?

My second two day was to Boston. Boston is another one of those cities that the “senior” flight attendants at my airline love to fly to. The passengers are just like DC and its usually low-drama. And it was! The drama I did encounter actually started on our decent into Boston when a passenger told us that she was watching CNN and saw news of a water pipeline break in Boston making all of the water undrinkable. It was all making sense now, because before leaving Los Angeles the company provided each crewmember with 2 liters of bottled water. They don’t usually do this, they usually consider us taking water for our overnights as “stealing” (which of course leaves us to putting the bottled water in our own water bottles). But this time, they gave us water specifically for our layover. Our hotel also gave us bottled water at check in and upon request. I was even leary of showering there because they kept saying it was “contaminated and not drinkable” but it was okay to shower in. I did, anyway, I took the risk and showered in it and I’m still alive. Needless to say, it wasn’t passenger related– no harm done — and I still had a great two day.

I’m writing this post on my Southwest Airlines commute flight home to Phoenix and am just reflecting on the last four days. I’ve come to realize how much of a difference the people you work with makes your experience with your job and company. I love being Los Angeles based. Sure I have commuting issues and have to go to LA the night before (sometimes), but thanks to Sue that’s not a problem. The crews out of LAX are amazing. Everyone knows, likes, supports and helps one another and that just makes going to work less stressful. Additionally, the destinations we fly to from our base like DC and Boston have some of the best employees working there, such as Kat.

Just wanted to say a big “thank you” to all of my fellow FAs based in LAX and to Kat in DC and Katy in Boston. You all are amazing and are the only reason why I’m still working where I am today. You make going to work fun, cheerful and stressless.

April 29th, 2010

Bobby

9 Comments »

It should come as no surprise to those of you that read this blog that I always seem to find the crazy people. I’m starting to wonder if its not “me” per-say but just the cities I always fly between.

I was off of work for a week. Eight days, actually. I went back to work with a nice, easy, three day with long Seattle and Boston layovers. Perfect trip to jumpstart flying again, or so I thought.

The flights to and from Seattle were light, easy, and enjoyable. But then, on the way to Boston we paid for it. And, we paid for it with vengeance.

At the end of the boarding process a family of 5 walked onto the plane. The first thing I noticed was that the mother was crying. She walked over to me and pleaded:

You’ve got to help me! You’re gate agents aren’t! I am traveling with my family and we’re spread out across the whole airplane. This is unacceptable and must be fixed.

Upon further questioning I find that she decided not to pick their seats online when they purchased their tickets. She said she wanted to wait until the day of the flight in hopes “better seats would be available.” Umm.. No. That’s not how that works. But, anyway, before she came on the plane the agents briefed me that she was coming. They spent 40 minutes calling passengers up to the podium to find some that would be willing to change seats to get the family together. No takers.

They had 2 seats in row 13.. two in row 9 and 1 in row 8. The problem here was row 9 in an emergency exit, which means the adults would have to sit there. However, the FAA says that if you have other responsibilities on board the aircraft (such as small children) you are not permitted to sit there. So after much mayhem and a delay off the gate.. we got 3 of them in row 8 and 2 in row 13. I thought that would have been the worst of this flight, but I was way, way wrong.

After we got in the air someone seated in our “premium economy” seats went to the aft of the aircraft. She wanted to complain that we had sold out of our sandwich option. She claimed that because she was seated in premium class she was “entitled to a turkey sandwich.” Seriously? Where on your ticket does it says “guaranteed to purchase turkey sandwich once on board.” Please realize when you buy an airline ticket, the only thing you’re “entitled to” is a flight from point A to B, but even then– there are exceptions to that. Regardless, we told her that though shes in premium and is entitled to a free meal, she must choose from the meals that are available at the time she places her order.. and we do not put food aside to ensure they have a selection.

Next up: the emotional support animal. I really don’t understand this concept, but live and let live. This woman was traveling with an ‘emotional support animal’ because she was afraid to fly (or because she wanted to avoid paying the fee for a cabin pet). I was in the front working on paperwork about my delay out of Los Angeles because of the family of 5 when the phone rang. Bing Bong. It was one of the flight attendants in the back and the first thing out of his mouth: We have an issue. Great. The dog, since it’s emotional support and doesn’t need to be in its carrier, decided to “relieve itself” in the middle of the aisle. Immediately after he said that, the call buttons started ringing and the complaints of the smell soon followed. I told the FA to give the woman gloves, a bag, club soda and papertowels and let her clean up her dogs mess. I’m sorry– but I wasn’t doing it and I’d never ask my crew to do it either. Later, we put coffee grounds over the area to mask the smell.

In a close third place, a little girl got sick on the sidewall in row 13. That’s right, one of the kids from the family of 5. We issued that mother the same supplies the puppy lady used.

Now, here’s something that really baffles me. Row 8 treated the cabin like their personal garbage dump. Yep, that’s right again.. the family of 5. Are you noticing a theme here? Good. The little boy took a full bag of “goldfish” dumped them on the floor.. and made sure to stomp them into the carpet as hard as he could. Additionally, his father was cutting the crust off his kids sandwiches, and throwing them into the aisle. Yes, you read that correctly.. throwing them into the aisle. When asked he said “where else would you like me to put them?” — I walked away. It wasn’t worth it.

When we finally landed — it didn’t come quick enough — I had prepared a list for the gate agent of things that needed to be fixed/cleaned. She walked aboard the aircraft, smiled — and said “I heard you had a shitty flight.” I said, “Oh, you have no idea. Here’s a list of things to fix before this aircraft can depart again.” She then called in a delay to operations — before my flight had even deplaned.

April 23rd, 2010

Bobby

9 Comments »

I know I’ve written about carry-on bags before. In fact, I write about them a lot. But the recent news of Spirit Airlines’ new carryon fee and an article by ABC News is making me write about them again.

First, let me say that I think that I’m the only person for the carry-on bag fee. I think that charging for carry-on bags is genius and whoever thought of it needs a pay raise (or as much of one as a “ultra-low-cost-carrier can afford). Now, before you jump me, hear me out. While I am for the fee because it’ll speed up boarding, reduce flight attendant injuries lifting bags, guarantee that you won’t have to “gate check bags” and stop the constant monitoring of the bins I think the fee should be charged only if checking bags remains free.

Seriously, who goes on vacation without luggage, especially to the destinations that Spirit flies to, and travelers without luggage are also deemed a “security risk” because it looks weird that they aren’t traveling with anything. The carry-on bag fee should be a fee-of-convenience. You’re paying for the ability to bring your bag on the aircraft and walk off the plane, with all of your belongings, when the flight terminates. That’s worth $30.

For those travelers who aren’t in a rush (do they exist?), they can check their bags, for free, still keeping the boarding process moving since they aren’t bringing baggage for the overhead bins onto the aircraft.

I think the industry currently has it backwards, charging for checked bags but not carry-ons. Look at what they’ve created. Passengers are now cramming more and more into their carry-ons because they don’t want to pay the $20 to check a bag. They pack so much into them that they, themselves, can’t lift them into the overheads. They then turn to the Flight Attendant’s and ask them to put the bag into the overhead for them.

Flight Attendant’s are not on board to put baggage into the overhead bins for you. This is seems to be a very big misconception in the United States and possibly globally. In fact, most airlines don’t want their flight attendant’s to lift bags because they become a liability. Additionally, a lot of flight attendants are too afraid to lift bags for you. If we become injured lifting your luggage and are out of work on disability/workers compensation, we only receive a percentage of our pay until we return to work. Further, the percentage, in the United States, is based upon your airlines base or “guaranteed” hours for the month. My previous three airlines all had the “guarantee” hours set at 70. On disability, we would receive roughly 60% of that, or 42 hours of pay. So, if my base rate of pay is $20/hr and I flew 70 hours for the month(which not many people do, we usually fly more) I would be paid $1400 (this isn’t including working purser, per diem, etc). If I was on disability, because of lifting a passengers bag, I’d be paid $840. Losing $560 for lifting a bag is not worth it in my book.

There is an exception though. I, of course, would lift bags and place them into the overhead for a disabled passenger or an elderly passenger. That goes without question. ABC News ran a story about a disabled woman with a spinal injury who posted a blog post about her experience on United Airlines. She claims that she asked the Flight Attendant in economy to help her with her luggage and explained her disability. This Flight Attendant responded with “If I helped everyone do that all day then MY back would be killing me by the end of the day!” Wrong answer in my book. After reading this woman’s blog post its obvious she came on board in a wheel chair, and needed assistance. I would have been happy to help her get settled into her seat and ensure she was okay.

Now, if a regular, healthy, person walks on board and asks me to put their bag up. I will respond with: “Sure I will assist you. Once you initially lift the bag, I will then assist you with placing it into the bin.” That is what my airline tells us to say. The initial lift is what causes the most injury to flight attendants. If the passenger is annoyed with that response, or refuses to make the initial lift, I’ll offer to check the bag to his/her final destination, free of charge.

In the end, if you bring it, be prepared to ‘sling’ it into the overhead bins yourself. With the cost of living rising and flight attendant’s salaries remaining where they are disability and workers compensation doesn’t us enough money to live if we’re injured lifting your luggage.

Non-Rev Jinx

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