International Flight Attendant Day

It’s International Flight Attendant Day and I want to take a moment to thank the many flight attendants I have encountered over the last year for their kindness and professionalism.

From labor contracts to onboard shenanigans, we discuss flight attendants a lot on Live and Let’s Fly and over the last year I have been privileged to interact with flight attendants around the globe, most of which have provided great service and some who have provided amazing service (as you’ll read about in an upcoming trip report).

I have never reduced flight attendants to glorified waitresses and while I reject that they are “primarily here for our safety” I do recognize the vital role they play in case of an emergency.

In another life, I could see myself as a flight attendant. Not so much as a career, but as a side gig (as is true for many fight attendants). There is something special about flying around the world and the pass benefits and other privileges of working for an airline can be compelling. That said, spending a decade on reserve afraid that I’ll sleep through a middle-of-the-night phone call prompting me to come to work and fly five domestic legs takes the glamour out of flying…

On this day, let’s remember to treat flight attendants the way we want to be treated and understand that they are not slaves, but human beings who are just trying to make an honest living like us.

Thank you flight attendants for so greatly enriching the flying experience.

My 2021 reflections are below.

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.

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:

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