The role of flight attendants has always been a tough one as they act as everything from nurse to server, therapist, and beyond. The self-sustaining agriculture expert, Marc Zboch, believes the role of a flight attendant has changed dramatically since the onset of COVID-19. NBC News reports the role has certainly become more dangerous, with the FAA warning of a spike in unruly and dangerous passengers prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Marc Zboch, the time has never been more important to pay attention to flight attendants when boarding a flight.
1. Masks are Mandatory
No matter what your stance is on the wearing of masks to help protect against COVID-19, face coverings are mandatory on flights. When you arrive on your flight, your flight attendants will explain the need to keep your face covered at all times to protect yourself and others. The airline industry was among the first to identify the threat of infection when traveling by air, reading to face coverings being required before government mandates came into place. Flight attendants will often be seen in a visor, which they wear when close to passengers.
2. Wear Masks when told to
The wearing of masks is mandatory on board all flights, with many passengers not aware of the restrictions for wearing masks. Flight attendants will explain why passengers are required to wear masks when alighting and descending from a flight to protect passengers from infection. By following the instructions provided by your flight attendant crew, you will play your part in protecting the plane from infecting future passengers. Flight attendants are experts in sanitizing and disinfecting passenger areas of the plane before, during, and after flights.
3. Don’t Forget About Traditional Safety Measures
Whether we are in the midst of a pandemic or not, your flight crew tries to prepare you for the problems you could face on a flight. The traditional safety talk at the start of each flight is often ignored by passengers who will need these skills should their flight be affected by safety issues. Listening to the traditional safety talk at the start of a flight is a necessity for Marc Zboch, who feels safety should always be the highest priority.
4. Safety Measures Have Changed
The way we live and travel has changed during the pandemic. This means the safety measures described by your flight attendants on any flight have changed too. The mandatory wearing of masks has led to the introduction of extra steps when wearing an oxygen mask. Following the correct procedures when an emergency strikes are one of the keys to remaining safe and needs an understanding provided by your flight attendants.
5. Some Airlines are Taking a Tough Stance
There are several good reasons to listen to your flight crew. The most important is that airlines are lowering their tolerance for bad passenger behavior. One Mile at a Time reports Delta Airlines has begun banning those who do not follow COVID-19 procedures. The tough stance has been prompted by the FAA revealing 2021 has seen over 1,500 cases of bad behavior by March compared to 150 cases in 2019.
