I knew many of them well. We shared the kind of camaraderie that only comes from working in aviation. And even back then, they were talking about something that still hasn’t been fixed: flight attendants don’t get paid until the aircraft doors close.
Think about that.
All the Work You See — Unpaid
If you’ve ever boarded a plane during a weather delay, those smiling, patient flight attendants greeting you at the door? They’re not being paid.
When they help parents juggle strollers and toddlers, or assist passengers in wheelchairs, or lift heavy carry-ons into overhead bins — all unpaid.
When they calm nervous flyers, answer questions, manage boarding chaos, and keep everyone safe before the engines even start — still unpaid.
They were frustrated about it fifty years ago. They’re frustrated about it today. And the industry still hasn’t fixed it.
Who else works for nothing?
A Strike That Highlighted the Problem
Air Canada’s flight attendants went on strike last year. It lasted four days before the government stepped in and forced them back to work. They didn’t win everything they fought for, but they did secure some concessions:
Double‑digit first‑year raises (especially at Rouge), followed by three years of smaller increases, plus improvements to benefits, rest rules, and pensions.
The union made it clear: this wasn’t the victory they wanted. But it closed the dispute.
Still, the core issue remains. They are not paid for all the work they do. And it’s time every airline — not just one — fixes that.
A Word to Travellers: Don’t Do It Alone
If you’ve ever been stranded at an airport trying to get home, you already know how stressful it can be. Long lines. Busy agents. Hours on hold listening to tinny music.
There’s a better way.
A travel agency would have rebooked you long before you reached the front of that line. Agencies like Maritime Travel charge a small fee for booking flights (unless you’re booking a cruise or all‑inclusive package), because — just like flight attendants — we don’t work for free either. We don’t earn commission on flights, so the fee keeps the lights on.
But here’s what you do get:
A toll‑free number you can call from anywhere in the world
A real travel agent available 24/7
Immediate rebooking when your flight is cancelled — often before you even know it
No waiting in airport lines
No sitting on hold for hours
When your flight is cancelled, we get the email too. And we start working on your new plan right away.
My Hope for WestJet’s Flight Attendants
WestJet’s flight attendants are currently fighting for fair compensation, and I sincerely hope they don’t settle until they’re paid for everything they do. They’re dedicated, they love their jobs, and they deserve better.
I’m behind them 100%.
For Peace of Mind: Visit a Travel Agent
Travel is stressful enough. You don’t need to do it yourself. A good travel agent can save you time, money, and frustration — and make sure you’re never stranded without support.
And just to be clear: I’m not looking for business. I’m semi‑retired now, working from home, and I only book cruises. I simply believe in the value of the profession — and in giving credit where it’s due.
Flight attendants and travel agents both keep travellers moving. It’s time the industry recognizes the full value of that work.
