Alaska Airlines has had a great year. In 2024, the airline touted strong financial performance as it capitalizes on a surge in demand for air travel and premium products. Additionally, the Seattle-based carrier, which is the fifth largest in the United States, recently completed an acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines .
The combined carriers aim to create a powerhouse on the West Coast of America. However, despite recent successes, Alaska continues to face strife from its cabin crew. For over two years, the airline has not been able to ratify a new contract with its flight attendants.
These frontline workers, who are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on Alaska Airlines flights, have continued to show frustration with management for offering allegedly inadequate improvements to the existing contract flight attendants have with the company. Alaska failed to make a deal with its flight attendants The job of being a flight attendant is unquestionably hard, especially when considering the difficult circumstances they are forced into as a result of inadequate payment. According to The Seattle Times , some junior Alaska Airlines flight attendants have found themselves in dire financial situations.
In fact, many struggle to make their rent payments and are forced to build up debt to get by. Some even qualify for food stamps. Thus, it seems improvements are necessary for Alaska flight attendants, though the union and Alaska's management team cannot seem to agre.