The Unpaid Work Behind Every Flight: Why Flight Attendants Deserve Better — And Why Travel Agents Still Matter

In the 1970s, I spent fifteen years working for a Canadian airline. Over that time, I lived through two mergers, countless schedule changes, and more than a few weather delays. I left before the second merger was finalized, but those years gave me a front‑row seat to the realities of airline life — especially for flight attendants.

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.

Welcome August

August was named sfter Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emporer.  It's marks the final full month of summer.  Corn is available and blueberries in our area are abundant.  

 

A Visit, a Test, and a Reminder That COVID Isn’t Gone

This week unfolded in a way that reminded me — gently but firmly — that COVID is still very much with us.

On Tuesday, my nephew mentioned that his dad had come down with a bad cold. He was worried, as any son would be. His dad lives in long‑term care, a beautiful private facility with excellent staff and thoughtful routines. Even so, when someone you love isn’t well, the worry settles in.

By Thursday afternoon, my nephew called again, sounding miserable. “I’m so sick,” he said, “and I haven’t seen my dad today.” I told him to rest, and I went to visit his dad myself.

I arrived around 3 o’clock with the protein drink he likes. He devoured it. He was dressed, alert, and happy to see me. We sat together in the common area — a quiet, sunlit space — and had a genuinely lovely visit. He was sniffling and blowing his nose, but his spirits were good. I wore a mask the entire time, just in case.

Yesterday, the care home called to say he had tested positive for COVID.

My own rapid tests were long expired, so I had tossed them out. I phoned my local pharmacy — no free tests anymore, but they had some for $9.99 with a long expiry date. I bought a box, came home, and tested negative.

Later, my nephew stopped by. I tested him outside, and his result appeared almost instantly — the positive line showed up before the negative one. No ambiguity there.

I've had COVID twice and never got very ill. The first time, I just had a sore throat. The second time I was exposed so I tested. The test was positive but I had no symptoms at all. I don't know if I had it, or the test was faulty.

Then, I realized something important: I haven’t had a COVID shot for two years. Life got busy, the urgency faded, and I simply didn’t prioritize it. But this week was a wake‑up call. COVID is still circulating, still unpredictable, and still capable of knocking people flat.

This year, I’ll be getting my shot. No hesitation.

I hope this strain isn’t a bad one. I hope my nephew recovers quickly. And I’m grateful that his dad, even while sick, was able to enjoy a quiet afternoon visit and a favourite drink. I hope his case doesn't get worse. The sad part is he's now confined to his room and we can't visit!

Sometimes the smallest moments — a phone call, a test strip, a shared hour in a common room — remind us how connected we all are, and how much care still matters.

Cruising - 7 things your cabin steward can give you if you request it

Most people don't realize you can request items from your cabin steward:

Pillow options:  most cruise lines have different pillows.  If you don't like the pillows you have ask what else is available.  Some cruise lines have a pillow menu!  

Bed Configuations:  When your agent books your cabin, they request what you want.  However, I've found out many times the cabin stewards don't read the reservation.  Ask them to change to either together or apart if they are not what you want

Power Strips:  You cannot take a power strip on a ship with a serge protector on any ship.  Most have these availalble for your use.  If there are not enough electrical outlets in your cabin, ask for a power strip.  The newer ships have many electrical outlets, but some of the older ships don't have enough.  Check the USB outlets, some don't work!  You won't find out until you wake up and your phone has no charge!

Bath Robe and Slippers:  If you have a suite, they are automatic.  If you are in a regular cabin and you want these, just ask.

Wine Glasses:  If you brought on your own bottle of wine to be consumed in the room, ask for wine glasses.

Hangers:  There are never enough for us, and we always ask for more,  It's never been a problem.

Kettle:  If you like to have tea or instant coffee in your room, most cruise ships have them on board.  If the cruise ship has ever sailed in the UK, they will have them and you just have to ask.

Cruise ports often missed

In the terms and conditions most people never read, the cruise line has the right to cancel a port.  When they do, it usually last minute.  If they do, make sure they refund the port charges you have paid.  It's always disappointing, but when we've been on a cruise that had a port cancellation, it's always been for a good reason.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands:  It's often removed when bad weather or the Drake Passage threatens Antarctica itineraries, so cruise lines protect time in the Southern Continent.  50% of cruises that are expected to visit are cancelled, so know this before you go.

Dutch Harbour, Alaska:  This is a remote, rugged cruise port located on Amaknak Island in Unalaska, Alaska famous as the top US Commercial fishing hub.  Ships usually dock at the Industral City Dock located 4 km from the town center.  Weather is a huge factor for cancelled cruises.

Santorini, Greece:  This port relies on tendering and there is a lot of wind.  Another reason is the number of ships in port.  Caps are put on cruise ship passengers visiting the island.  Some days there are too many ships and the island doesn't want another 5,000 people from a huge ship.  If you want to visit Santorini, go on a small ship, not a mega ship.  Your chances of visiting would be much better.  Azamara cruises stay until late in the evening so the masses of people from the other ship are long gone!  

Tarshavn, Faroe Islands:  I loved this port.  We were fortunate to visit.  Weather would be the problem as it's in the middle of the Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland.

Georgetown, Grand Caymen: Georgetown lacks a cruise pier, so ships anchor offshore and sometimes cancel preemptively if winds or swells could strand passengers ashore.

Isafjordur, Iceland:  This port has frequent high winds and a relatively small dock, leaving larger ships dependent on tendering until planned dock renovations happen.

Lerwick, Scotland:  Depending on the size of ship you are on will either dock or tender.  Winds are a problem with tendering so this port gets cancelled frequently.

Cruise lines private islands:  They aren't actually private islands, but pieces of land the cruise ship purchases and locals manage the private beach.  Most are tender ports so again, it depends on the weather conditions.

Summary:  I love the large ships for the different entertainment venues and more activities.  However, the smaller ships get into more ports.  The best example is cruise lines that dock by the Tower Bridge in London!  Only small expedition and boutique cuise ships (58 meters with a shallow draft) can dock at "Tower Bridge Upper".  If you are on one of these ships you will disembark right beside the HMS Belfast.  

Prince Edward

King Charles III and his youngest brother, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh through the years despite their almost 16 years age gap, the brothers easily get along. 

But growing up, Prince Edward was the least popular among the Queen's and Prince Philip's four children.  The press didn't mind him, in fact, he could go out without the media chasing him, unlike his three older siblings: Charles, Anne, and Andrew.  The youngest Edward would just fall behind their shadows. 

When he didn't finish his military training with the Royal Marines, the press called him nasty names.  He seemed to be a disgrace to the royal family as British princes were expected to serve in the military.

But Prince Edward carved a different path.  He would become the only child of Prince Philip to achieve the Gold tier of The Duke of Edinburgh Award.  He is the only one among his siblings whose marriage didn't end in divorce.  And when his older brother ascended to the throne in 2022, he unexpectedly thrust into the center of royal duties.  Eventually, he became one of the hardest working royals of the House of Windsor. 

Prince Edward continues to impress royal enthusiasts for his loyalty to the crown and dedication to royal duties.  He also uphold the legacy of his father through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Ryanair incident on July 10

I read this article about a passenger who was nearly sucked out of Ryanair Jet says crew "Did Nothing" as lawyer accuses them of saving themselves. Here is an update:

The couple have launched legal action against the airline, but standard decompression procedures require cabin crew to remain secured until released by the captain.

The passenger who was partially sucked out of a Ryanair Boeing 737 after a cabin window shattered at 15,000 feet has launched legal action against the airline, accusing cabin crew of standing by as fellow passengers fought to save his life.

Ljubisa Karovic and his wife, Svetlana, claim the crew failed to intervene during the terrifying emergency, while their lawyer has gone even further, alleging the flight attendants were more concerned with saving themselves than helping the injured passenger.

Before looking at those allegations, it's important to understand what cabin crew are trained to do during a rapid decompression. Flight attendants are not trained to immediately rush to an injured passenger following an explosive decompression. Instead, their emergency procedures require them to secure themselves in the nearest available seat, don oxygen if required, and remain restrained until the captain has descended the aircraft to a safe, breathable altitude and releases the cabin crew from their protected positions.

Only then do cabin crew begin moving through the cabin to carry out their emergency duties, including assessing injuries, administering first aid, carrying portable oxygen bottles through the cabin and providing therapeutic oxygen to passengers who require it. Rushing toward a passenger while the aircraft was still undergoing an emergency descent would have been contrary to standard cabin crew emergency training and could have placed both the crew and other passengers at greater risk.

The incident occurred on July 10 aboard Ryanair Flight FR1879 from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. Karovic had fallen asleep in seat 11F when a loud explosion, which he described as sounding "like a bomb," shattered the window beside him. Investigators believe debris from the aircraft's right engine struck the window, causing an explosive decompression.

The force of the decompression pulled Karovic's head, right shoulder and arm outside the aircraft while it was flying at nearly 500 mph. Oxygen masks deployed throughout the cabin as passengers screamed in panic.

The force of the decompression pulled Karovic's head, right shoulder and arm outside the aircraft while it was flying at nearly 500 mph. Oxygen masks deployed throughout the cabin as passengers screamed in panic.

His seatbelt is believed to have saved his life. Sitting several rows behind after the couple chose not to pay the additional fee to sit together, Svetlana rushed forward and grabbed her husband's legs. She was joined by several passengers, including a man who helped pull Karovic back inside during a desperate struggle that reportedly lasted up to two minutes. The passenger later placed a large suitcase against the shattered window opening after another bag was sucked from the aircraft.

Karovic lost consciousness while hanging outside the aircraft and later woke covered in blood. He suffered burns to his face, arm and hand from the intense airflow, severe neck and shoulder injuries, and now faces weeks wearing a neck brace while doctors monitor whether surgery will be required. He spent six days recovering in a Greek hospital before being discharged.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Svetlana recalled the desperate moments inside the cabin.

"When we were battling to hold onto Ljubisa, the crew didn't do anything, they looked more scared than us. It was only the passengers who helped and were brave."

Their lawyer, Vasilis Tsiaras, who is representing the couple in legal proceedings against Ryanair, made even stronger allegations.

"There are also serious concerns about the conduct of the Ryanair crew. They were gripped by fear that the plane was about to crash which prevented them from doing anything to help Mr. Karovic as he was hanging out of the aircraft."

He added:

"It seems that the crew were more interested in saving their own lives. It was only the actions of the passengers that saved my client."

The couple have also criticized Ryanair's communication following the incident.

"All we've had is emails to my son, who booked our flights, asking if we want to rebook and asking how I was. But nobody from the company has contacted me directly, not even a phone call to show any concern."

Ryanair has rejected those allegations, saying its customer care team has remained in contact with the family. The airline also said that once the aircraft had descended to a safe altitude, cabin crew attended to Karovic by moving him to another seat beside his wife, arranging for a doctor onboard to remain with him until landing, and ensuring medical personnel were waiting when the aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki.

The incident remains under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, which is working to determine what caused the apparent engine failure and catastrophic window failure.