Remember when they tooted "Replenish supplies in the lavatories and maintain a neat and organized appearance throughout the flight" back in September?

Forgot?  Then read the article.

Anyhow, they seem to be back again with more clarification.  Either we just ain't getting this tidying info, or a bunch of wires are crossed somewhere in the grand old WHQ Halls of exactly what (specifically) 'tidying' is supposed to mean.  Lost in Translation indeed!

I'm sure that there will be another Tidying Version 3.0 out in another few months.  In the meantime, here's the latest Onboard Service Tidying Information:

From Onboard Updates (Nov 10, 2003):

Tidying responsibilities are clearly outlined on Pages 3.150.5 and 3.150.6 of the Flight Attendant Operations Manual. These responsibilities should be reviewed to ensure that all duties are accomplished consistent with the updated procedures in the Restructuring Agreement. Additionally, the following questions and answers should assist flight attendants in meeting tidying responsibilities and clarify misconceptions that may exist:

Q. When am I expected to tidy?
A. Consistent with previous duties, flight attendants tidy during all phases of flight, and when working a “through” trip scheduled less than three hours, continue tidying until tidying is complete. On terminating flights, and flights scheduled more than three hours, tidy until the last customer deplanes.

Q. Does the tidying policy apply only to domestic flights?
A. No, the tidying policy applies to both domestic and international flights.

Q. What am I to do differently with the new tidying responsibilities?
A. Responsibilities include:

• Proactively collecting visible litter and newspapers throughout the flight during cabin walkthroughs.

• Regularly checking lavatories to ensure that they are tidy, and replenish supplies as needed.  Universal ships stores kits have supplies of toilet tissue, facial tissue, paper towels and hand soap available for restocking lavatories. Plastic gloves are also available in the ship stores kits should you choose to wear them.

• Maintaining a neat and tidy cabin appearance by returning pillows, folded blankets and headsets to their proper provisioning location.

Under no circumstances do flight attendants' duties involve “cleaning” of any airplane.

Gotta love that final sentence from the article that you can clip out and waive under an overzealous Purser's nose: