For todays installment, we spoke with Sharon, a flight attendant.
According to theDepartment of Homeland security, air-transportation employees are considered essential and can continue working right now.
I dont think at this point people are running around vacationing, at least I hope not.
Getty / Stephen Swintek / Morgan Johnson
Now were making up for it.
She also followed up on a few points via email after our chat.
Below is a lightly edited version of our correspondence.
SELF: Tell me about your past month or so of travel.
Sharon:I was traveling for over a week this month.
Im getting all of these trips that I wouldnt normally get, because people dont want to work.
SELF: Talk to me about what work is like right now.
Sharon:I was in denial for a long time.
But holy smokes, theres no denying whats happening now.
Before I left for my trips this month, I wasnt one of those people who was hibernating.
I was going to yoga.
I was trying to get my hair or lashes done.
I wish I wouldve kept a little journal.
These days, theres barely anything for me to do at work.
Were flying mostly empty planes and we just have to be a person on the plane.
Were just trying to take care of each other.
We spread our passengers out as much as possible.
As far as our stock of usual items to offer our passengers, everything has changed.
Starting last week there was no glassware in first class.
Typically when were working first-class, we have all our beautiful service items.
Now its gotten to the point where were only allowed to distribute bottled water.
The snacks we used to sell in the main cabin, thats what were distributing to our first-class passengers.
When we take trash, no hand-to-hand contact.
All items go straight in the bag.
This shouldve started from the very beginning.
SELF: Are the passengers worried or acting any differently?
Sharon:Oh, for sure.
But people still have expectations.
For the most part people have been really understanding.
But theyve definitely been on high alert with their masks.
They dont want me anywhere near them.
They dont want any food.
SELF: What safety precautions have you taken personally?
Sharon:Imsanitizingbefore doing absolutely everything and wearing those gloves.
Im keeping my distance when I can from all people on the plane.
I carry aerosol Lysol, and Im spraying everything in my hotel room, because you just dont know.
Im just trying to minimize stuff in my facial area.
SELF: What does your family think about you working at this time?
Sharon:Ive gotten so many lectures from friends and family asking me Why arent you quarantining?
In my mind Im like, I am considered essential.
Those people, maybe they have husbands, they have kids, they think the risks outweigh the benefits.
If they fly one trip per month, then they can keep their benefits.
Were required to have [a certain number of] flight hours a year to keep our insurance.
SELF: What do you foresee the future looking like?
Sharon:No, and I know that sounds…I dont know.
This is my life.
This is what I do.
This is what I enjoy doing.
