But the delays resulted from turmoil at the union, which replaced its negotiating team and leadership after members rejected the tentative contact. The union refused American's offer of an immediate 8 percent raise in December. But the clock only runs at that rate when Harris is flying or running between airplanes. Harris enjoys the freedom the job offers. She largely sets her own schedule, working as much or as little as she likes.
Flight attendants bid each month on routes, with the most senior ones getting first choice.
Harris works 18 days or more each month. The work can be exhausting and demands a nomadic existence in hotels and airports for most of the month. Harris is trained in CPR, procedures for evacuating six types of jets, how to spot terrorists and deal with bomb threats. Still, she says, passengers treat her like a waitress in the sky. We're trained professionals.