Narrow-body Purser Requirement to Assist in Economy

Date: March 25, 2022

When fulfilling the role of a Purser on domestic narrow-body aircraft, in addition to being responsible for coordinating emergency procedures and all services on the airplane, other responsibilities such as coordinating with the flight deck, greeting passengers, and taking meal orders, there are times when our duties take us outside of the forward cabin.

When we fly a pairing, we are part of a crew. Aside from the requirements to assist each other, it is just the right thing to do. For any of many reasons a service in either cabin can take longer than anticipated, and offering to help by working a cart, helping pick up or anything else that helps balance the workload to support and assist your flying partners should be our “go-to” in every situation.

On specific aircraft, as outlined in the ESG and on staffing sheets, it is also a requirement.  Two examples from current staffing sheets in effect at this time are:

On a Domestic 73C/37X/37K, guidelines for the FM01 position include:

• With a tray service, work UF/UB until the last tray is delivered, then assist in economy until service is complete
• If no tray service with an entrée dish and side dishes is scheduled, work economy beverage aisle

On a Domestic 75B the FM01 position includes:

• With a tray service, work UF/UB until the last tray is delivered, then assist in economy until service is complete
• If no UF/UB tray service, works UE beverage Aisle.

We all acknowledge that our service procedures have changed, and we all had to adapt and evolve to the changes related to the pandemic.  As we move forward and look toward more “normal times” ahead, it is important to be sure we are helping one another out and making sure each of us receives the assistance we may need.  This is also a great time to share these expectations with many of our new-hire Flight Attendants who may not be as aware of how we always help each other in every situation.