Airport Servers: High-Paying Careers In Aviation

Working as a server at an airport restaurant can be a lucrative opportunity, with several sources citing high earnings and good tips. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as a longer commute, the hassle of daily security checks, and demanding customers. While some enjoy the steady business and quick table turnovers, others find the shifts longer and the work more exhausting. Overall, airport servers can make good money, but it may come at the cost of a more demanding work environment.

Airport servers' salaries

Airport Servers Salaries

At JFK Airport, for example, the average hourly pay for servers is approximately $19.90, which is 26% above the national average. This equates to an annual salary of around $41,392 for a full-time position, assuming a 40-hour workweek.

Servers at airport restaurants and bars often benefit from a steady stream of customers, particularly business travellers, who tend to be generous tippers. Some servers at large airports have reported making $500 to $600 per shift, with one server claiming to make $50 per hour. While these figures may be on the higher end, they demonstrate the earning potential in this line of work.

It is important to note that working at an airport can come with its own set of challenges, such as longer commutes due to security checks and transportation from employee parking lots. Additionally, the work can be demanding, with a focus on quick turnaround times for tables. However, for those seeking to maximise their income in the short or medium term, airport server positions can provide a lucrative opportunity.

When considering airport server positions, it is always advisable to research the specific airport, the management, and employee benefits, as these factors can significantly impact the overall experience and income potential.

Tips from business travellers

• If you're a business traveller, you may be used to seeing the same people every week. Build up your relationships with regular customers, and the money will become more predictable.
• Business travellers want speed over quality of service. They want to be in and out, with no fluff. You can still flip tables fast and get good tips.
• Business travellers are likely to be decent tippers. They often pay on corporate cards and their companies may get upset if they don't tip well, as it makes the company look cheap.
• Business travellers are unlikely to be regulars, so if you have a bad table, the odds are you won't have to see them again.
• Business travellers are likely to be less demanding than other customers. People don't expect much at the airport, so they often praise good service as if it's a surprise.

Security and commute

Airport security is a complex system designed to protect passengers, staff, and property from various threats, including terrorism, hijacking, and other crimes. The security measures aim to prevent any dangerous situations, illegal items, or threats from entering aircraft, the country, or the airport itself. These measures include passenger and baggage screening, restricted access areas, and the use of advanced technology such as X-ray machines and explosive detection systems.

For airport servers, understanding and complying with security protocols is essential. They may undergo screening processes similar to those of passengers, including passing through metal detectors and having their carry-on items inspected. Additionally, airport servers should be aware of restricted areas within the airport that require special qualifications to enter.

The commute for airport servers can vary depending on the airport's location and size. Some servers may need to take employee shuttle buses from designated parking lots, which can add time to their commute. In some cases, servers may need to arrive at the airport 30 minutes or more before their shift starts to account for parking, security checks, and transportation to their workplace within the airport.

Large airports may pose additional challenges, with longer distances to walk from parking lots to terminals and concourses. The commute may also be affected by rush hours, with employees needing to navigate heavier traffic when driving to and from the airport.

Despite the potential challenges, some airport employees view the commute as part of the job and are willing to accept it for the benefits the job offers. These benefits can include higher pay, tips, and flexible scheduling.

To ensure a smooth commute, airport servers should plan their routes, allow for sufficient travel time, and be aware of any transportation options available to them, such as employee shuttle services. Understanding the airport's layout and security procedures can also help streamline the commute and ensure a timely arrival for shifts.

In summary, airport servers should be prepared for a commute that may involve additional time and logistics compared to other service industry jobs. Familiarity with the airport's security measures and efficient planning can help mitigate potential challenges and ensure a timely arrival for work.

Steady business

A major advantage of working at an airport restaurant is the steady stream of customers throughout the day. While regular restaurants tend to have busier periods, airport eateries enjoy a more consistent flow of patrons. This is because people often have time to kill before their flights and may stop by for a meal or a drink. Additionally, business travellers who are on expenses accounts are more likely to dine at an airport restaurant, and they tend to be generous tippers.

One server on Reddit commented that "airport restaurants are going to have steadier business all day compared to regular restaurants". They added that "business travellers paying on corporate cards + high price point = some unusually good tips". Another server agreed, saying that "most tables will probably be a fairly quick turnaround because most airport restaurants aren't really comfortable enough to want to hang out at". However, they also noted that "others (like me) might camp out for a bit, especially if there isn't a ton of gate seating at that airport".

The consistency of business at airport restaurants means that servers can build up a solid base of regular customers. One server said that "you can have tons of regulars too. You will see the same people every week. Build up your regulars and the money is so predictable". Another agreed, saying that "there will be very few regulars. People don’t expect much at the airport so they always praise good service as if it’s a surprise".

Airport restaurants also tend to be busy during the week, with one server noting that they are "slow on the weekends. Slow slow slow on holidays. Mon-Fri all business travellers". This means that servers can enjoy a more relaxed pace of work at the weekends and on holidays, which are usually the busiest times for regular restaurants.

High prices and big tips

While working at an airport restaurant may come with its challenges, such as the hassle of daily security checks and a longer commute, many servers report making good money. This is due to a combination of high prices and generous tips from business travellers.

Airport restaurants tend to have steady business throughout the day, with a quick turnaround of tables as most people want to be in and out. Business travellers, in particular, tend to want quick service and are less likely to linger. This means servers can see a high volume of customers in a single shift, which can result in substantial earnings, especially when you factor in tips.

Business travellers often pay with corporate cards, and their companies may have a minimum tipping policy to avoid looking cheap. While the standard tip may be 20%, this can still result in a sizeable sum on expensive airport food and drinks. For example, 20% of a $17 cocktail is a pretty good tip. And with some companies, there is a threshold for when receipts need to be submitted, so there is room for even bigger tips if the total bill is low enough.

Servers at busy airports with lots of business travellers can make hundreds of dollars per shift. For example, one bartender at a major hub airport reported making $500-600 per shift, and a server at another large airport reported making $50 per hour. So, if you're considering a job as an airport server, it may well be worth it for the money, despite the drawbacks.

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