International Flight Attendant Day

May 31st is International Flight Attendant Day. Today, I want to use this space to thank flight attendants, particularly for all they have gone through over the last year.

International Flight Attendant Day

First observed in Canada in 2015 by a flight attendants union, May 31st marks a day in which flight attendants are given praise for their service throughout the year. Known as World Cabin Crew Appreciation Day in other parts of the world, it springs from gratitude for great service and the fact that flight attendants stand ready to assist in the case of emergency onboard.

This year, the gratitude takes on additional meaning, as flight attendants have been tasked with a new duty: mask enforcers. As poor behavior as proliferated on airplanes recently (despite stiff fines for doing so), flight attendants have often been at the receiving end of deplorable passenger misbehavior. For example, I’ve recently covered the following stories:

• Video: Southwest Flight Attendant Brutally Attacked By Passenger
• Passenger Faces $52,500 Fine After Attacking Delta Flight Attendant
• Abusive Passengers Will Pay Fines To Flight Attendants
• Woman Attacks American Airlines Flight Attendant For Refusing To Collect Her Trash
• Pilot Breaks Flight Attendant’s Arm In Lavatory Brawl
• Delta Passenger Faces $27,500 Fine After Striking Flight Attendant
• Intoxicated Passenger Headbutts Flight Attendant When Told To Wear Mask

Throw on top of that the fact that flight attendants are often blamed for poor service onboard when they can only work with the tools presented them.

A New Era Of Uncertainty For Flight Attendants

Much has changed over the last year in the airline industry and the age of social media. The job of a flight attendant is now much more difficult than before. Consequently, flight crews face a new era of uncertainty every time they go to work.

I have still managed to fly quite a bit over the last year and want to thank flight attendants for taking such good care of me. Some I can name my name, others I cannot, but a simple smile and positive attitude makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for the heartfelt and genuine service.

CONCLUSION

Flight attendants make the world go around. If you’re flying today, take a moment to say thanks. I am deeply grateful for the friendly service I’ve received over the last year.

image: Emirates