Life
A cabin crew members perspective on what its like to fly right now.
Throughout the pandemic, essential workers have borne the brunt of the publics frustrations and fears about COVID.
When things shut down, I kept flying because I didnt want to sit in my apartment alone.
But we had an issue with mask compliance on more than half the flights we worked throughout the pandemic.
Wed kick someone off the plane at least once every three days.
I never applied for that job.
Every time, the best-case scenario is that they will roll their eyes and throw on their face coverings.
The worst-case scenario is that theyre completely defiant and wont do it.
One customer was particularly ridiculous.
Our policy is to remind someone only three times, but we did it four times with this guy.
Finally, I called somebody to get him pulled off the plane before we took off.
His demeanor changed completely.
He started crying and yelling and calling me a b*tch.
One guy kept falling asleep with his mask around his neck and his mouth wide open.
Hed say it didnt fit his face, so Id give him one issued by our airline.
The next thing you know, hed poked holes in it!
Im like, what a clown!
We kicked him off on the connecting flight, and hes now banned from flying with our airline.
Certain kinds of men get mad on the plane and feel like they canintimidateyou into getting their way.
I even got pushed yesterday by someone who wanted me to notice them.
Its rarely a good day anymore; its usually passable or tiring and somewhat bad.
I dont really have a way to handle it.
I would meditate and sage myself, but now I think Im going to have to go on medication.
Im also working more than I normally would, which compounds the issues.
Theres not a lot you might do.
On the plane, Idissociatea little bit.
As a flight attendant, our job is to make people happy.
Were a social group of people that likes to make others feel comfortable.
When I fly other airlines, I bring little individual bath salts and chocolates for their flight attendants.
I feel so bad knowing what theyre going through.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
This article was originally published onSep.
