International Flight Attendant Day is held on 31st May each year to recognize the achievements of the profession. This year will mark 90 years since the first-ever flight attendant, Ellen Church, began her employment with Boeing Air Transport. The role of cabin crew has changed little over the past nine decades. Yet, no challenge has impacted the role quite like the coronavirus. We take a look at some of the issues facing cabin crew today.

two femal flight attendants near aircraft
What does it mean to be a flight attendant during this time? Photo: United

Flight attendants make flying possible

Undoubtedly, cabin crew have found themselves on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. Classed as essential workers, flight attendants are necessary on the few flights that are operating at the moment. While the coronavirus has not so much shaped the duties of the flight attendant, these days, many are finding their jobs look a lot different from what there were some months ago.

In the US, the coronavirus has caused passenger traffic to plummet more than 90%. Between 1st and 14th May, 2.5 million travelers passed through US checkpoints, according to data reported by CNBC. That number is up from last month. However, it represents just a fraction of the typical number of travelers US airports would see at this time. Only 8% of the regular passenger traffic is flowing through US airports.

Daniel-Martínez-Garbuno-Delta B757
Delta Air Lines plans to restart some European operations on 21st May. Photo: Daniel Martínez Garbuno / Simple Flying

That said, services are slowly starting up again. airBaltic is planning to start up some of its operations on Monday. In the US, Delta is looking to resume select flights to Europe from 21st May. Flight attendants will be instrumental in making these services a success, but what is it like to be a flight attendant in these times?

Risks present during coronavirus

Many flight attendants are now required by their airline to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) when they go to work. Not every policy might be as extravagant as Philippine Airlines', but cabin crew are increasingly required to wear a mask or face covering.

In a statement, Delta Air Lines said:

"Delta has made numerous key changes to ensure safe travel including requiring face coverings for employees and customers, encouraging and expanding space for safer travel, reducing touchpoints on board, and leading the industry to deliver a new standard of clean and more."

Air fogging Delta
Delta has introduced new policies and cleaning rules, but it's having a hard time enforcing them. Photo: Delta Air Lines

However, there have been fears that not enough is being done to protect those flight attendants that still work or those who will soon return. In an open letter, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) appealed to the Department of Transportation (DoT) in the US for more essential protections. It said that the DoT and Department of Health and Human Services should mandate the wearing of masks in airports and on aircraft. It also said:

"In addition to masks, employers must also be required to provide workers clean, properly

provisioned handwashing stations with soap and running water and 60% or better alcohol-based rubs/gels or wipes, and disposable gloves and other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified by CDC..."

The fear is that many airlines have not been properly looking after their staff and, as a result, have enabled flight attendants to be super-spreaders for the virus.

Cabin crew mask
Airlines have mandated that all passengers and crew wear face masks. Photo: Getty Images

Fears around job security

However, there is another issue that's also affecting flight attendants at this time: job security. Many cabin crew in the US are furloughed. Some also fear that they will be dismissed once the regulations currently protecting their jobs expire. United only requires 3,000 of its 25,000 flight attendants in June and has urged all staff members to consider a voluntary separation from the airline.

After the stress that has befallen our cabin crew, some may not get the relief of returning to a stable job.

Flight attendants and pilots in masks
Who will be allowed to return to work and who will lose their jobs? Photo: Getty Images

So, are airlines doing enough to protect their cabin crews? This is a difficult question to answer. There are some precautions in place to keep staff safe. Still, aircraft cabins are closed spaces, and that means cabin crew cannot always be protected from the viral transmission.

Should airlines do more to protect flight attendants? Have your say in the comments.