A new contract between Allegiant and its flight attendants inspires a discussion about flight attendant commissions for in-flight sales.
After only 10 months of collective bargaining, Allegiant Air and the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO Local 577, which represents Allegiant's nearly 1,900 flight attendants, have reached a five-year tentative agreement, which is subject to ratification by the union's membership.
The deal raises remuneration improvements for flight attendants, such as a commission from Allegiant goods sold on board, and enhances their quality of life.
Both parties happy
Both Allegiant and TWU 577 expressed their happiness at reaching a tentative deal in a joint statement on June 9. Greg Anderson, the president of Allegiant, said:
"We would like to commend the hard work and dedication of the negotiating teams for both Allegiant and TWU for meaningfully improving our contract on behalf of our flight attendants. This historic deal reflects our shared commitment of fostering a work environment that properly recognizes the invaluable contributions they provide. We look forward to the next step in the process."
TWU 577 also issued thoughts of their own with Christa Gifford, President of TWU Local 577, offering;
"The Tentative Agreement will catapult our workgroup to the top of the Low-Cost Carriers and greatly improve the quality of life for everyone. The TWU 577 Negotiating Team is proud of the work that has been done by both sides to reach this historic second Contract."
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| Photo: Allegiant Air |
Commissions for flight attendants
The contract now allows Allegiant flight attendants to get additional compensation in the form of commissions from items they sell while flying. What does Allegiant actually sell?
On board, Allegiant sells food, drinks, and even alcoholic liquor. Expensive alcohol is available by the bottle, ranging from the $12.99 Aperol Spritz cocktail to the $34.99 Johnnie Walker Blue whiskey.
A choice of potato chips, snack packs, bottled water for $2.99 a bottle, canned juices and sodas for $3.99 a can, and even bottled coffee for $4.99 each are also available for the more family-friendly items.
So it seems sense to give flight attendants a commission. Since passengers on Alaska Airlines receive free water, juices, and sodas while paying for alcoholic beverages and meals, the author can attest to this. In contrast to Ryanair, which, according to The Telegraph in 2017, can cause flight attendants to lose schedule seniority if they don't sell enough extras on board.
The next contract for United Airlines flight attendants is currently being negotiated, according to View From the Wing on February 15, 2023. This is due to the fact that United Airlines' flight attendants sell alcoholic drinks, snacks, and even meals.
