7 airline workers — from baggage handlers to pilots — reveal what it's like to work during this summer's travel chaos

Flight attendants, pilots, and baggage handlers told Insider how this summer's flight chaos has impacted their job — here are their main takeaways.

• Understaffed airlines are struggling to handle the recent surge in travel demand, causing mass delays. 
• 7 airline and airport workers told Insider how this summer's flight chaos has impacted their jobs. 
• Here are our top takeaways from conversations with flight attendants, pilots, baggage handlers, and ramp agents.

For some flight attendants, what was supposed to be a dream job has transformed into a "nightmare" this summer. Two JetBlue flight attendants told Insider they aren't getting assigned enough flights to pay their bills.

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An Air Canada flight attendant said flight crews are jumping through hoops to be paid for boarding and ground time, and are worried that mass delays will cause a resurgence in unruly passenger incidents.

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In over 20 years working for Air Canada, the flight attendant said she's never seen employee morale this low, even after 9/11 and at the peak of the pandemic.

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If a pilot runs out of flight time during a delay, passengers may be asked to get off the plane if they've already boarded. An American Airlines pilot told Insider the policy is "embarrassing" and that pilots "absolutely hate" doing this to passengers.

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An Air Canada ramp worker who loads luggage on and off planes at the Toronto Pearson International Airport told Insider that "everybody's overworked," and some ramp workers are on the verge of quitting.

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He said the airline is facing several issues, including new management and a security clearance backlog that's preventing recent hires from being able to work at the airport.

Two employees at WestJet and Air Canada who handle hundreds of bags each day shared the inside scoop of what they believe is behind the surge in mishandled baggage, and 10 tips for passengers trying to minimize the risk of losing their bag.

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Leah, a flight attendant for a major US airline, described how her job has changed since the pandemic. She said the position consists more of consoling, comforting, and de-escalating passengers than it did previously.

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Are you an airline or airport worker? Have a story to share? Contact this reporter from a non-work address at htowey@insider.com.