Our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee recognizes that Flight Attendants may be facing increasing challenges when it comes to accessing affordable food, whether on the road or at home. We want you to know that you are not alone. In response to these difficulties, we have compiled a list of apps to help you save money on food and find practical solutions during these uncertain times. Your well-being matters to us, and we are here to help.

Note: Find these apps using the search function on your device’s app store. Not all apps are available on all devices or operating systems.

Flashfood helps users save up to 50% on supermarket staples, including milk, bread, butter, eggs, and more. The app features items marked down because they are nearing their “use by” date. Instead of sending food to a landfill, Flashfood partners with grocery stores across North America to sell these items at a deep discount. All items are still fresh and safe to eat. Users can browse deals from local chains, including Stop & Shop, Giant Eagle, Meijer, and Tops.

Too Good To Go partners with local grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and cafés to offer special “surprise bags” filled with unsold food at a significant discount. Instead of discarding unsold items, businesses make them available through the app. Users can browse deals, reserve a bag, pay through the app, and pick up their order during a designated time frame.

Basket is a crowdsourced grocery shopping app designed to help users compare prices at stores within a 5-mile radius. After creating a shopping list, the app compares prices across stores and provides real-time pricing updates, including available coupons and discounts. Users report saving both time and up to $100 a month using Basket.

Food On the Table helps users create personalized shopping lists and offers recipe suggestions. The app identifies required ingredients and locates the most affordable sources nearby. Users can add their own recipes, and the app identifies the most affordable stores for those ingredients. Additional features include recipe emailing and organized shopping categories, helping users save both money and time.

Ibotta enables users to earn cash by adding offers, shopping, and uploading a photo of their receipt. By linking a store loyalty card, users can skip uploading photos. The app supports a variety of retailers. Users can withdraw cash from their Ibotta account once they reach $20, with three withdrawal options: bank transfer, PayPal, or digital gift cards (with a minimum of $25 for gift cards).

Understanding Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA)

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involves the use of substances to incapacitate someone, making them vulnerable to sexual assault. These substances are often undetectable, having no color, taste, or smell, and can be easily added to drinks.

Common Drugs Used in DFSA

• GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate): Available as a clear liquid, powder, or pill. It typically clears from the body within 12 hours.
• Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam): A pill that is illegal in the U.S. but found abroad. It can be detected in the body for up to 72 hours.
• Ketamine: Found as a white powder or liquid. Its effects can last for several hours, and it generally clears from the body within 24–48 hours.

Important Note: Alcohol significantly enhances the effects of these drugs, making them act more quickly and intensely.

Physical and Mental Effects

• Victims of DFSA may experience a range of severe effects, including:
• Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
• Slurred speech and impaired movement
• Distorted perception and hallucinations
• Memory blackouts
• Nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, coma or even death

Flight Attendant Safety Guidelines

To minimize risks, consider these safety tips:

• Control Your Drink: Always open and pour your own beverages.
• Keep It in Sight: Never leave your drink unattended.
• Avoid Shared Containers: Steer clear of communal drinks like punch bowls or pitchers.
• Do Not Share Drinks: Even with acquaintances, avoid sharing sips from your drink.
• Implement a Buddy System: Stay with trusted crew members.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, remove yourself from it immediately.

If You Suspect You’ve Been Drugged or Assaulted

Your safety is paramount. Take these immediate steps:

• Seek Emergency Help: Call 911 (in the US) or your local emergency services without delay.
• Request Testing: Ask for urine and blood tests as soon as possible, as these drugs leave the system quickly.
• Preserve Evidence: If safe to do so, save the drink or container.
• Avoid Altering Evidence: Do not shower, change clothes, or clean up before receiving medical attention.
• Report the Incident: Inform hotel security and the police.

Support Resources

Confidential help is available:

• AFA EAP: (800) 424-2406 or (949) 470-0493
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE

As Flight Attendants, we are trained to stay calm in emergencies and act swiftly to protect our passengers and crew. But when terrorism alerts are raised—whether at home or abroad—the anxiety that comes with being away from your loved ones can feel overwhelming. It’s completely natural to feel unsettled or vulnerable in times like these. Here’s how to manage those feelings while staying grounded and resilient.

Acknowledge the Anxiety

The first step in coping is to acknowledge your emotions. You may be feeling nervous, on edge, or hyper-aware of your surroundings. These reactions are normal. You’re not alone and not weak for feeling them.

Lean on Your Training

You are not powerless. You are trained, capable, and prepared. Know the security measures put in place by your airline, airport authorities, and international agencies. Follow your safety checklists, and know that your presence onboard is an essential part of the safety net for everyone flying.

Stay Connected

Being away from home during uncertain times can intensify feelings of isolation. Make it a point to check in regularly with family or friends. Even a quick text or video chat can help you feel more anchored and supported. Let them know where you are and when you’ll next be in touch—it brings peace of mind to both sides.

Control What You Can

While you can’t control global events, you can control how you prepare and ground yourself. Don’t forget to:

• Review emergency contact info and safety procedures.
• Have a plan for communication with loved ones.
• Limit exposure to distressing media coverage and co-worker speculations.   

Use Your Resources

Talking to someone who understands the demands of your job can be incredibly grounding. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your AFA EAP at (949) 470-0493. It’s confidential!!

Protect Your Peace

Finally, prioritize moments of calm. Whether it’s deep breathing on your layover, journaling your thoughts, or listening to music that soothes you—small acts of self-care are powerful. You deserve them.