Summer means full flights, heavy bags, hot ramps and long days. Here's a game plan to get through peak season without running yourself into the ground.
For airline crew, summer is the busy season. Families travel, flights are full, bags are heavy and the ramp is hot. Delays from afternoon storms can stretch a normal shift into a long one. At the same time, everyone wants time off for vacations, which makes days off harder to get. Summer can be a great time to earn more, but it can also wear you down. Here's how to get through it.
Summer vacation days go fast. If you want time off in June, July or August, start planning as early as you can. Look at how your vacation bids or requests work, and remember that senior coworkers often get first pick. If you can't hold the days you want, start trading for them early. Our guide to seniority and bidding explains how it usually works.
Summer heat on the ramp is serious. The concrete and aircraft reflect the sun, so it can feel much hotter than the forecast.
Our weather guide covers heat, storms and more.
Summer travelers pack more, and full flights mean more bags per turn. That's more lifting, more time in the bin and more strain on your body. Lift with your legs, ask for help with heavy bags and take a moment to stretch between flights. Our guide to protecting your back and body has the details.
Summer storms can stop ramp work and push flights late. A shift you planned to end at 3 PM might run long. Be ready for it: pack extra food and water, keep your phone charged and let your family know your plans may change. If you have something important after work, try not to schedule it too tightly on a summer day.
Summer is often full of open shifts and extra hours. It's a great chance to earn more, but heat and heavy loads make every shift harder than in spring. Don't stack so many extra days that you're running on empty by August. Our guide to picking up extra shifts without burning out can help you decide which ones are worth it.
Peak season is stressful for everyone. Passengers are anxious about connections, and coworkers are tired too. A little patience and teamwork go a long way. Crews that work together and look out for each other get through summer in much better shape.
Even in the busy season, make time for what you enjoy on your days off. A short trip, a day at the park or just a lazy afternoon with family helps you recharge. You'll come back to work in better shape.
In summer, plenty of coworkers want to give away shifts and plenty want to pick them up. TakeMyShift puts those posts in one place for coworkers in your same position at your base, with text alerts so you hear about them fast. It's free. Read the app guide.
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