Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Workload; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related
[I have concerns with] the COVID pre-takeoff PA; which now instructs passenger that flight attendants will collect trash during safety compliance checks. Topics of concern:1. Would this action not be a direct conflict with FAR 121.391 (d)? It is understood that collecting a few used cleaning wipes and some cups does not present an issue. Some may even consider it like collecting pre-departure beverage cups prior to takeoff. However; managing empty pizza boxes (and similar bulky items) will require flight attendants to unlock carts (and/or trash cart doors) since the openings are too narrow to accept such items (FAR 121.577 (c).2. The Flight Attendant could offer to return later for bigger items; but would that not require a judgement call during an extremely limited period? This adds a new distraction from more critical safety matters (seat-belts; tray tables; etc.). A Flight Attendant is responsible for (depending upon aircraft) checking for more than 20 items during routine pre-takeoff/landing compliance checks.3. The Flight Attendant must now carry a trash bag during compliance checks leaving only one hand free to steady themselves from a fall. It is confirmed that taxi surface movement is a high-risk period for injuries. Also; the revised policy now adds more time (additional duty) before being able to secure in a jumpseat.Knowing first-hand the history of Flight Attendant injuries related to surface movement; I strongly recommend the company reevaluate and consider changing to a more reasonable expectation of trash collection after takeoff.
Flight Attendant reported concerns regarding the COVID-19 pre-takeoff PA instructing passengers to give the FAs trash during the safety compliance check. Flight Attendant believes this detracts from the main reason for the safety check.