3.24.20 – President Update

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Fellow Flight Attendants,

We all know that our lives as we knew them even a couple of weeks ago have changed unimaginably. By now, most of us know someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or sadly, may have succumbed to the virus.

We know that trips are disappearing by the hour and the landscape is changing daily. Most likely none of the schedules we bid and were awarded will look the same. It is for that reason that we have spent the past few days working with the company on an agreement that will reasonably protect most of our members, without having to jump through hoops. The month of April 2020 will be like no other. We will be sharing this agreement later today or early this evening, once it is finalized.

Many of you stood up, spoke up, and guess what? Management listened. Our jobs require us to forego the distancing rule; that, coupled with multiple interactions with our customers, puts Flight Attendants in particular at higher risk than other workers. We asked, requested, and came just short of needing to demand that our company adjust and modify onboard services to protect the health of our members. Here’s what is going on as of this Friday, March 27:

Flights under 2200 miles

• No food will be served or sold in all cabins
• Main cabin service will be by request only
• No alcohol served or sold in MC or MCE

Flights over 2200 miles

• No food will be sold in MC
• Meals will be served on IPD
• Premium cabin meals are served with everything on one tray and covered or wrapped

Delivering beverages

• All elements to be served unopened (alcohol included)
• Ice upon request only
• Continue to pour wine, coffee, water, and juice

Along with those highlights, pre-orders and special meals will be temporarily discontinued with the exception of Kosher meals on flights over 2200 miles. PAs (public announcements) will be adjusted to communicate these changes to our customers.

It is heartening to see all parties working with one another to ensure the safety and health of our members and customers is a priority. Flight Attendants are resourceful, creative and always go the extra mile when it comes to solving problems and helping others in need. Now we need to help each other and ourselves. Make sure you are doing all you can to take precautionary measures and practice common sense guidelines that are critical to get this virus under control. At the end of a trip, we all want to go home to our families and loved ones and know that we are safe.

As always, fly safe and take care of yourselves and your families.

In Unity and Solidarity,

Lori L. Bassani

APFA National President