On March 18, 2017, I encountered a situation that exemplified the delicate balance we flight attendants must maintain between service and safety. During this particular flight, which lasted a mere 34 minutes, we faced an unexpected challenge.
As we ascended, the rear of the aircraft experienced slight turbulence. In the realm of aviation, turbulence refers to irregular motion of the aircraft, often caused by atmospheric conditions. It's a common occurrence, but as a flight attendant, my primary concern is always the safety and comfort of our passengers. In this case, the turbulence wasn't severe, but it was enough to make me reconsider conducting our usual service routine.
In the brief duration of our flight, just as the turbulence subsided and the aircraft stabilized, we began our descent. The timing was such that initiating our standard service procedure seemed impractical, if not unsafe. However, I was keen to ensure our passengers still had an opportunity to request refreshments. I asked the lead flight attendant, often referred to as the "#1" in aviation parlance, to make a short announcement. This announcement, known as the "short haul call for service" in the industry, informed passengers that they could still request drinks, and I was prepared to swiftly deliver these requests to their seats.
After the flight, the captain inquired about the absence of regular service. It's not uncommon for pilots to check on such matters, as they too are committed to passenger satisfaction. I explained the situation, emphasizing that the decision was made with passenger safety as the foremost consideration. This experience serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of air travel, where adaptability and quick decision-making are key to managing the unexpected.