The ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has led to turmoil for the airline industry.
Business Insider spoke with flight attendants from several different airlines to see how they feel about being on airplanes during the outbreak, now that it's more widespread, and. After all, according to Sara Nelson, head of the Association of Flight Attendants, they're literally "on the front line of any communicable disease."
Are you an airline employee with thoughts on the current situation? Contact this reporter at dslotnick@businessinsider.com. "I wouldn't describe myself as 'anxious' so much as 'aware,'" one flight attendant for American Airlines said. "In my line of work, you always have to be conscientious about your health, so washing my hands frequently, eating healthy, and trying to get enough sleep is always a priority, and in light of the COVID-19 situation, I am trying to be even more dedicated to these precautions.
"I'm not worried at all," a Chicago-based flight attendant for the airline said. "I'm a data person, and more people die from the flu." "I've never experienced the airline industry being as engaged and proactive as they have been with this," Nelson, the flight attendant union leader, told Business Insider. "So I want to really applaud the airlines."
"They have added extra cleaning procedures for international routes and hand sanitizer has been provided for us as well," another employee for the airline added. "A flight to Asia is like a 30-hour, three-day trip," a Chicago-based flight attendant for American Airlines, who, like everyone who spoke with Business Insider for this article asked not to be named, explained. "Those go very senior because you'd only need to work three trips a month to make a living. A comfortable living at that, when you're at top pay."
"I'm worried though as the virus spreads that hours and flights will be cut," the Spirit employee said. "Especially to international destinations that we serve. It's scary that we may lose a lot of flying."
A payroll tax cut will help them if they are laid off...right!
Professionals at risk. While the president and Republican Party plays with all of us