Flight Attendant Lawsuit Investigation for Unpaid Wages
Last Updated on April 13, 2020
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
Case Update
- April 13, 2020 – Investigation Closed
- Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to this investigation. At this point, attorneys working with ClassAction.org no longer need to speak to flight attendants who were paid only for block time. For our up-to-date list of investigations, please visit this page. The information below is for reference only and was posted when the investigation began.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects
- Regional airline flight attendants who were only paid for "block time" – the time that passes between the closing and opening of the main cabin door.
- What's Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether paying for block time only is illegal. They're looking into whether class action lawsuits can be started against airlines that pay their workers like this – but they first need to speak with current and former flight attendants to learn more about each company's pay practices.
- How a Class Action Can Help
- If class action lawsuits are filed and are successful, current and former flight attendants may able to collect unpaid wages for work performed outside of block time.
ClassAction.org wants to hear from any regional airline flight attendant who was only paid for “block time” – the time that passes between the closing and opening of the main cabin door.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether only paying for “block time” is illegal and cheats flight attendants out of proper pay.
Skywest has already been sued over this alleged practice, which may actually be an industry-wide problem that could allow for more cases to be filed. Any information you can provide can be a huge help in getting these class action lawsuits started.
What’s Wrong with Paying for Block Time Only?
Under a federal labor law known as the Fair Labor Standards Act, all time spent working must be paid.
Flight attendants perform a number of duties before the main cabin door shuts and after it opens at the flight’s destination.
These tasks may include:
- Checking in before their initial flight of the day
- Clearing airport security in full uniform with all required items (passports, badges, flight attendant certificates, etc.)
- Performing safety checks required by the Federal Aviation Administration
- Helping passengers board and deplane the aircraft
- Cleaning the plane between flights
- Preparing reports regarding any on-board incidents during the flight
- Helping business class passengers with coats and drinks
- Making sure seatbelts are fastened and baggage is stowed properly
- Conducting pre-taxi announcements and flight introductions
- Briefing exit row passengers on emergency procedures
When a flight attendant is only paid for the time between the closing and opening of the main cabin door, all the above tasks are left unpaid.
It's possible that this practice may violate federal and state labor laws. Further, it is suspected that some airlines may be breaking California laws by not providing their employees with proper wage statements.
What About Per Diem? Doesn’t That Count?
We’ve received information that some airlines pay their flight attendants “per diem” on top of block time wages to “make up” for time spent checking in, performing necessary safety checks, greeting passengers and performing other tasks outside of block time.
When the amount of per diem, however, is equal or less to the federal rate, it cannot be counted toward an employee’s wages. This means that the airline can’t count the per diem pay toward wages paid for actual work performed.
Which Airlines Are You Investigating?
Because of the overwhelming response we received to our Skywest investigation, attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking into whether lawsuits can be filed against any regional airline.
Unfortunately, it's suspected that only paying for “block time” is an industry-wide practice.
These airlines include:
- ExpressJet Airlines
- Skywest Airlines
- Mesa Airlines
- Republic Airlines
- Endeavor Air
- Frontier Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Eagle Airlines (Envoy Air)
- Sun Country Airlines
- Xtra Airways
- Arik Air
- Air Wisconsin
This list is not exhaustive.
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