In This Edition
- TSA Mask Mandate Extended Through January
- Being Inclusive: A Reminder About Announcements
- REMINDER: Help End Human Trafficking, Take the Survey
TSA Mask Mandate Extended Through January
Master Executive Council (MEC)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently confirmed that it will extend its federal mask mandate on transportation until at least January 18, 2022. The mandate, which was previously scheduled to expire on September 13, was extended to “minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation,” according to a TSA spokesperson.
AFA International President Sara Nelson released a statement on Wednesday in support of the extension of the mask mandate and said in part, “…the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will help tremendously to keep passengers and aviation workers safe.” The complete statement is available on the AFA International website.
AFA Alaska representatives from the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Inflight Service Committee, and Master Executive Council (MEC) have been in communication with inflight management regarding the extension of the mask mandate. Management has indicated that they do not anticipate any changes to mask/face covering policies at this time and current procedures will remain in effect for the new duration of the mandate.
Mask Mandate in the News
- U.S. will extend COVID-19 transport mask mandate through Jan. 18 (Reuters)
- TSA extends mask mandate for transportation through Jan. 18 (CNBC)
Being Inclusive: A Reminder About Announcements
Human Rights Committee
As Flight Attendants, we are used to certain routines and habitual behaviors when it comes to how we do our job. The processes of performing the safety demo, setting up our galleys and carts for service, and many others are second nature to us, and we often don’t give them a second thought. One of those deeply ingrained habits for many is starting our cabin announcements with the phrase “ladies and gentlemen”.
What you may not know, however, is that “ladies and gentlemen” is no longer part of our announcement scripts. Section 10 of the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and the announcements section of Block2Block no longer include any gender-specific references. Though it may take some effort to drop the habit of using the phrase, doing so is important in creating an inclusive environment for all our fellow Flight Attendants, other co-workers, and passengers.
Our MEC adopted a resolution on gender equality in December 2020. The resolution affirms the MEC’s support of the right to recognition, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities and expressions both in and out of the workplace. As not everyone identifies as male or female, preceding cabin announcements with the term “ladies and gentlemen” does not support a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Let’s work together to create an inclusive environment by using language that is welcoming to all!
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact your Local Human Rights Committee.
REMINDER: Help End Human Trafficking, Take the Survey
AFA International
AFA is partnering with United Against Slavery in a global effort to end the scourge of human trafficking. As Flight Attendants and aviation’s first responders, we are uniquely positioned to identify human traffickers and assist their victims.
Human trafficking is a billion-dollar business, but Flight Attendants can be 100,000 Eyes in the Skies to recognize and report it. We can be the ones to make the difference.
Historical efforts to gather and understand information to implement effective solutions for this crime have been a challenge and success seemed unattainable. Why? They have not involved collecting the knowledge that only those on the frontlines have.
Donna Dacko says
“I have been waiting for AFA to consider the redo of our ‘long lived’ “Ladies and Gentlemen” phrase.
I do think that a list of phrases to use might be in order, especially since the phrase has always been used to get our passenger’s attention.
I am retired now but still an old English teacher. . an an old Flight Attendant I am not even sure that I have a place here on this site to address this concern.
Have there been any suggestions or ideas sent to you all that might be printed as suggestions?
I am also waiting to hear what might be decided for asking folks at a ball game to stand for the Star Spangled Banner. It has alays been “ladies and Gentlemen…Please stand.”
Thank you so much….donna dacko
Brian Palmer (MEC Vice President) says
Hi Donna!
The Human Rights Committee is working with the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Inflight Service Committee in regard to other possible phrases to precede cabin announcements. Once that process is complete, they’ll present their recommendations to management for consideration.