Flight attendant reveals the ‘most chaotic and hardest time’ of a flight and they're not even being paid for it

A flight attendant has revealed that the cabin crew don't even get paid for the most 'emotionally draining' part of a flight.

Justine, an Alaska Airlines stewardess, has revealed that the most 'frustrating' part of any flight is before the aircraft has even taken off.

It comes after the revelation that some flight attendants don't get paid by the hour and only while they're up in the air, so any work they do that isn't whilst they're in the air, is rarely paid time.

Boarding is a key part of any flight, and it's a huge responsibility on aircraft staff to make sure everyone feels safe, has the correct luggage on board, and is sitting in the correct seats - yet they don't earn a penny for that time.

Talking to Thrillist, she said: “The most frustrating aspect of it is that I'm there representing the airline, I’m in my uniform, I’m doing my job and I could do something wrong and be disciplined, but I’m not getting paid."

She also described the experience as 'emotionally draining', as a big part of her role is consoling particularly anxious flyers.

Flight attendants don't get paid by the hour. (Getty Stock Images)

She continued: "It's the most chaotic and hardest time in our day. We have to figure out if we need to check bags, if people need to consolidate, and to watch for people with multiple bags.

“We’re not supposed to lift bags because if I’m injured during boarding, I’m not covered, but sometimes people need help.”

And if anything goes wrong with a passenger during boarding, such as a medical emergency, it's on the staff to sort it out unpaid.

This occurs when an airline pays staff using the TFPs (Trip For Pay) system rather than per hour payments.

This means that cabin crew working during a one hour flight will only get paid for the time between aircraft doors closing, and up to 15 minutes after the doors open upon departure.

A member of cabin crew has branded the boarding process the most 'frustrating' time. (Getty Stock Images)

But Justine did share some things that us passengers can do to make the process a little more seamless.

And a large part of it is in the planning.

A helpful tip is to be aware of everyone else's luggage, and place yours in a sensible part of the over-head lockers. This way, cabin crew aren't having to manoeuvre anyones belongings.

Another is to avoid putting smaller items or jackets in the compartments, as staff will just remove them.

Finding your allocated seat and staying in it, would also be a helpful thing to do.