US: Flight attendants face an uncertain future
Flight attendants have taken on various roles in the public imagination over the last century: nurse, companion in the skies, doting provider, glamorous traveler. Though commercial flights have become much cheaper and more frequent since the TWA heyday, there’s still an inherent magic to air travel that rests on the cabin crew providing safety and comfort. The job is far from a traditional 9-to-5. Perks include schedule flexibility, international travel and, in some cases, work uniforms designed by the likes of Zac Posen and Vivienne Westwood. Oh, and an office above the clouds. “It’s hard not to appreciate the moment when the sun shines in through the airplane window,” said Allie Malis, 30, an American Airlines flight attendant. “It gives me perspective on how I want to spend my working hours and my life.” But for the time being, that view is out of reach for many flight attendants. Earlier this month, United and American furloughed more than 32,000 employees. Among them were about 15,000 flight attendants, or close to 12% of the total flight attendant work force. Many flight attendants have been grounded for months, but since the furloughs were announced, the number has shot up. Now they are forced to wait as the government deliberates over a stimulus package. And while the future of travel remains uncertain, some are considering giving up a career that has afforded them stability and adventure, and become a way of life. Story has more.<br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2020-10-23/general/us-flight-attendants-face-an-uncertain-future
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US: Flight attendants face an uncertain future
Flight attendants have taken on various roles in the public imagination over the last century: nurse, companion in the skies, doting provider, glamorous traveler. Though commercial flights have become much cheaper and more frequent since the TWA heyday, there’s still an inherent magic to air travel that rests on the cabin crew providing safety and comfort. The job is far from a traditional 9-to-5. Perks include schedule flexibility, international travel and, in some cases, work uniforms designed by the likes of Zac Posen and Vivienne Westwood. Oh, and an office above the clouds. “It’s hard not to appreciate the moment when the sun shines in through the airplane window,” said Allie Malis, 30, an American Airlines flight attendant. “It gives me perspective on how I want to spend my working hours and my life.” But for the time being, that view is out of reach for many flight attendants. Earlier this month, United and American furloughed more than 32,000 employees. Among them were about 15,000 flight attendants, or close to 12% of the total flight attendant work force. Many flight attendants have been grounded for months, but since the furloughs were announced, the number has shot up. Now they are forced to wait as the government deliberates over a stimulus package. And while the future of travel remains uncertain, some are considering giving up a career that has afforded them stability and adventure, and become a way of life. Story has more.<br/>
