The COVID-19 epidemic has had a major impact on the aviation sector, including flight attendant employment. Travel restrictions and lockdowns were put in place as the virus spread quickly over the world, which caused a dramatic drop in air travel. In this crisis, flight attendants have been at the fore, navigating the ever-changing circumstances and playing a critical part in ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew.
The emphasis on safety and cleanliness is the first significant effect of COVID-19 on flight attendants. During flights, flight attendants are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, and face shields. They also have the extra duty of making sure that all safety rules—like maintaining a safe distance from other people and donning masks—are followed by the passengers.
The epidemic has altered the flight attendant’s employment in a number of ways. Their top priority has changed to making sure that everyone onboard is safe and healthy. To stop the infection from spreading, they must implement stringent procedures like mask use, hand sanitization, and maintaining social distance. In order to make sure everyone complies with the guidelines, they must carefully observe the behaviour of the passengers.
The decrease in the number of passengers and flights is another notable trend. Due to governmental limitations and low demand, airlines have either grounded their fleets or substantially limited their operations. As a result, flight attendants now work fewer hours and have lost jobs. A few airlines provide Flight Attendants with elective unpaid leave.
To deal with COVID-19, flight attendants have also had to adjust to new procedures and protocols. Increased cleaning and sanitization of the aircraft is part of this, particularly in high-touch locations like door knobs, tray tables, and restrooms. Additionally, they need to be trained in COVID-19 screening procedures and equipped to deal with any medical emergencies brought on by the virus.
Flight Attendants’ inflight services have changed as a result of the decrease in passenger numbers. To reduce contact between the personnel and the passengers, some airlines have discontinued the onboard catering services. Instead, it is advised that travellers bring their own food and beverages.
The way flight attendants engage with passengers has also changed as a result of the pandemic. Flight attendants are required to limit their physical contact with passengers and adhere to social distance policies. As a result, in-flight amenities including food and drink selections have been reduced, and travellers are urged to pack their own refreshments. Additionally, flight attendants have had to change how they interact with passengers, using electronic devices or PA systems rather than direct face-to-face interactions.
The training and preparation for flight attendants has increased in addition to the aforementioned modifications. To guarantee that they can properly handle any emergency circumstances, they receive further training on safety standards and protocols. Additionally, airlines have introduced COVID-19-specific training
Finally, the COVID-19 epidemic has had a big impact on flight attendants’ jobs. To secure the safety of everyone onboard while also managing the additional stress and pressure brought on by the epidemic, they had to adjust to new procedures and practises. It is conceivable that some of these modifications may become a permanent feature of a flight attendant’s profession as the world gradually recovers from the pandemic. The challenges of this new era of air travel will, however, be met by flight attendants thanks to their professionalism, tenacity, and commitment to their work.
