10 Airlines Where Flight Crews Are Overworked and Underpaid
Being a flight attendant can be extremely exhausting and overwhelming, especially if you’re overworked and not compensated accordingly. The experience goes way beyond passport stamps and layovers in Paris. In fact, it isn’t always on the brighter side.
Behind the service smiles, many crews face long shifts with unpredictable schedules. And when the pay doesn’t always match the pressure, it gets even worse. Here are a few airlines where flight crews say the job takes more than it gives.
Mesa Airlines
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Mesa Airlines flight attendants have faced prolonged periods without significant contract improvements. This has led to dissatisfaction over stagnant wages and demanding schedules. As of February 2025, the average hourly wage for a Mesa flight attendant is approximately 34% below the national average. Employee reviews highlight concerns about low pay and long hours.
Alaska Airlines
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In August 2024, Alaska crews turned down a contract offering a raise. Why? It still didn’t include pay for boarding time—something most passengers assume they’re already getting because that unpaid time adds up fast. Flight attendants say respect starts with getting paid for all their work.
United Airlines
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As of November 2024, United Airlines’ entry-level flight attendant salary starts at approximately $28.88 per hour, with experienced attendants earning up to $67.11 per hour. In August 2024, United Airlines flight attendants voted with 99.99% approval to authorize a labor strike, which shows the extent of the ongoing negotiations and dissatisfaction.
Delta Air Lines
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Delta made headlines in 2022 by introducing boarding pay. It was a step forward, but attendants say it’s not the leap they need. Without a union, Delta crews have limited power at the table. Many say they need stronger protections and a compensation structure that reflects reality.
Southwest Airlines
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Southwest Airlines has experienced internal changes, including a reduction in corporate staff affecting departments responsible for maintaining company culture. This has heavily impacted their employee morale.
Frontier Airlines
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Frontier’s low fares come with a cost, and flight attendants say they’re the ones paying it. Crews are currently pushing for a contract that includes better rest rules and more realistic compensation. Many even claim that the current pay doesn’t reflect the physical and emotional labor required for high-volume flights.
PSA Airlines
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PSA is a regional airline under American’s umbrella, but flight attendants say their schedules are just as intense as the big leagues. Crews have demanded contract improvements for years to close the gap between regional and mainline conditions.
Virgin Australia
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Virgin’s crew members often speak up about long shifts and tough passenger interactions. Despite the demands, pay rates haven’t caught up. Attendants say sleep deprivation and stress are constant, especially on overnight routes with minimal layover time. It’s a job that requires resilience and a raise.
Spirit Airlines
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Spirit attendants face packed flights and minimal downtime. They’ve raised concerns about low base pay and intense pressure to stay on schedule. Even as the airline expands, crew members claim that their compensation and support systems haven’t kept up with the company’s pace.
JetBlue Airways
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JetBlue attendants voted to unionize in 2018. Years later, they still don’t have a contract. Crews deal with long shifts, low pay for time on the ground, and frequent scheduling changes. Morale has taken a hit, and many just want the basics: stability and rest.
Ryanair
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Ryanair’s crews across Europe have walked out multiple times while demanding fair pay and reliable scheduling. Some attendants pay out-of-pocket for uniforms and training, which eats into already low earnings. The airline’s ultra-low-cost model may work for passengers—but for crews, it often comes with real sacrifices.
easyJet
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easyJet has exploded across Europe’s skies, but crew conditions haven’t kept pace. Attendants report constant back-to-back shifts and minimal layovers. Many say they’re pushed to move fast with little time to rest or recover. Pay structures haven’t evolved much either, despite growing demands on the job.
Norwegian Air Shuttle
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Norwegian promised affordable long-haul flights and sleek service. But when finances crumbled, so did crew conditions. Layoffs, reduced pay, and unpredictable schedules became the norm. Even now, flight attendants say the job feels uncertain. Many remain hopeful, but the path to better conditions has been long and rocky.
Qantas Airways
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For years, Qantas used labor hire firms to staff short-haul routes. Those crews did the same work as in-house staff—but earned much less. In 2024, over 750 of them secured raises. It’s a major correction after years of pay inequality and public pressure.