The reducing of travel restrictions is very welcome by pilots, a return to normality for many. But that normality does mean for myself and many of my colleagues, that we spend Christmas away from our families, it’s an inevitable part of our job. For me that means missing out on meeting up with friends in the local pub on Christmas-eve and as my family wake up and open presents, I will be donning my uniform to head off to work. Working Christmas usually entails festive hats donned by the crew and battery-operated lights on the cabin crew’s trolley as we try and get everyone where they need to be.

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for airlines, holiday season travel allows our passengers to unite with their families and friends. This year is a little different though, with the pandemic, for many this will be the first time they will have seen some of their family and friends in 2 years. For others, this Christmas getaway may be their first holiday since the start of the pandemic and lets them leave the stress of the past couple of years at home for a much-needed stress-free break with their family.

So, this year, whilst my family have their Christmas Dinner without me, the fact that others will be able to reunite and enjoy a Christmas with theirs brings some extra festive cheer.

Adam Walker is an NEC member