Back to Life, Back to Reality
Greetings to my flying family all around the world!
Today was a very special day for me because today was my first time operating a flight in 4 months!
Honestly, I didnt sleep at all last night. I was very anxious. I was worried I would sleep-in because my sleep has been all over the map for months now. I go to bed around 2 am and get up around noon. I had to be out the door by 7.
I almost slept in.
It's funny how everything can change and yet nothing changes. This was me before the pandemic. Difficulty sleeping, always in a rush. Hitting snooze too many times and usually forgetting something.
Well, I hit snooze too many times.
There was no way I was making my report time. I thought "great, I have to take an Uber, guess I'll break-even today."
I got to the airport at 7:37 - this was definitely meant to be. I got my usual breakfast and lunch and waved to a few familiar faces. It was nice to catch up.
I was doing ok for time, until I realized I was going to the wrong gate, whistling like an idiot! It was the furthest gate possible, I had to run. I rushed on board with a minute to spare, my mask wrapped around my neck.
Old me.
I'm back!
First impression: It smells awful. The plane smells like socks that were left in a locker. They haven't cracked this door open in ages. I ask the captain to pump the air. I'm wearing my mask. It’s a good thing I had onions for breakfast.
The captain clears the air, and we start with introductions.
I didn't think I missed these people - this is a good crew. Maybe I'm just desperate for some human interaction. Everybody's in a good mood and ready for action.
The flight time is 2hrs. 39,000 ft. We're expecting 60 people. No reports of turbulence. I tell everybody I'm brand new, this is my first flight. They put me in the back - alright, alright, alright!
We're missing the FO, they can’t get a hold of him. I'm like "really?? Man, nothing really ever changes!" They find another guy, he says he can fly.
We're off to the races!
I'm so happy to be back.
"I can't wait for things to go back to normal" I tell one of the girls.
She says "it's never going back to normal." She tells me how service in first class was canceled, and how when it comes back it will be worse than economy. She says to prepare for a second wave. It will be a long time before we do another meal service. She says "you're looking at a future of very basic service, with boxed meals in first class and nothing in economy."
Sounds good to me.
The other girl comes back. I ask her what she thinks. She says we work in such a crazy industry. We always get screwed.
I ask her "Do you think airlines will just fly smaller planes and charge more for the tickets?"
"No. I think you'll see full planes again, it will probably be the budget, or low-cost carriers first. Cheap tickets, full flights, basic service, and I'm sure the airlines are still exploring all their options in regards to cutting cost.
The airline business is a dog eat dog business. In Canada, it's not really a free market. The government has already bailed us out a few times. This girl says it won't be fair if they bail us out again and not the others. She thinks there's a chance air travel will be nationalized as an essential service here in Canada.
It's interesting, but slightly worrying. I don't want to work for the government. It's my first day back, so I change the topic.
"Have you had any issues with people wearing masks?"
"Not really, passengers have been great, they usually want to keep their distance, they don’t want anything during the flight. We had a guy yesterday who took it off, but we asked him and he put it back on"
Top of descent starts and I feel that feeling of weightlessness. Man I've missed flying!
All in all the flights were awesome.
Nobody complained, everybody stayed seated, service was super fast and easy. We deplaned and boarded the return flight quickly.
The flight time home was thirty minutes longer. Similar load, same ride. I read my book and took a nap. I could get used to this "new normal."
I'm back at it again tomorrow.
Tonight I'll sleep like a baby, there's no reason to freak out. A great crew makes all the difference.
Tips:
Wear a cloth mask, not the surgical one. You'll breathe better.
Get good sleep, and drink plenty of water. We all agreed, our skin was so much better after 4 months on the ground.
Get on the same page with your crew, especially when it comes to wearing masks in the galley. Some people wanted to and some people didn't. We settled on wearing it so at least it covers your mouth. Some people will disagree, but who cares? It's a good compromise.
Do a review of Crew Resource Management. One girl said it has been nice and calm this whole time with very light loads, however, she has noticed more difficult situations starting to come up.
Here's hoping you come back, and have a happy and safe flight!