When going to the bathroom on an airplane, one often encounters a flight attendant sitting in the jump seat while scrolling on her phone, in part because improved Wi-Fi access on board has allowed some crew members to check their notifications during the flight. Slow moments at work.
While some airlines have no problem with some flight crew members doing this when they are not needed in the cockpit (pilots are prohibited for the obvious reason), others choose to take a tough stance on any use of the device while the passengers are on the plane.
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“The use of personal electronic devices and/or accessories is not permitted while customers are on board the aircraft, with the exception of crew rest,” United Airlines (UAL) – Get a free report said in an internal memo sent to its 26,000 flight attendants that first reported per the airline's website View from the wing.
The airline further said that those who repeatedly violate the newly communicated policy will be “subject to performance discipline up to and including termination.”
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'Customers look to hostesses for excellent service…'
According to United's top brass, this is intended to project a professional image and make customers feel like they can turn to any uniformed flight attendant they see on board their flight.
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“Customers look to flight attendants for excellent service,” the memo reads. “How comfortable would you feel asking someone for help if you were engrossed in your cell phone? What impression would that give you? Even in public, you should always remain approachable in uniform and show courtesy toward customers and other employees.”
While the new policy comes at a time when many travelers are complaining about what they perceive as a decline in service amid the post-pandemic travel rush, airlines have also been struggling to attract workers and keep current ones working for them in the middle of multiple labor actions. movements.
Airlines struggle to meet staffing needs as many flight attendants retire
In May 2023, United promised to hire 15,000 new workers by the end of 2023 and fill a total of 50,000 positions by 2026. United Flight Attendants held a “day of action” at all airline bases in December amid stalled negotiations over pay increases and better working conditions. Negotiations have dragged on for the past 26 months, but the parties have yet to reach an agreement.
“We believe the industry's capacity aspirations for 2023 and beyond are simply unattainable,” United CEO Scott Kirby said of staffing goals during a January 2023 earnings call. “That means that the system simply cannot handle the current volume, much less the anticipated growth.”
Over the past year, several flight attendants have also retired and posted viral videos on social media describing the problems that ultimately pushed them to quit.
“It's aviation, nothing is guaranteed,” says former Australian flight attendant Ashlee Jane in her TikTok video. “Your turn that day isn't even guaranteed. Whatever you have tomorrow isn't guaranteed. You might only go for one day.” shift, the next minute you could be gone for four days.
