The flight attendants’ union for Endeavor Air, a regional subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, has issued a notice advising its members against using free travel privileges while on sick leave or other protected leaves. The union reported a recent increase in investigatory meetings linked to misuse of these benefits.
Employees of airlines like Endeavor Air often enjoy pass travel, which allows them and their families to fly free or at a reduced cost on a standby basis. This means they can only board if there are empty seats after all paying customers have boarded. Additionally, crew members may travel in the jumpseat, an extra seat in the aircraft cockpit or cabin.
According to an email circulated by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) chapter at Endeavor Air, there have been multiple cases in recent weeks where flight attendants used pass travel after reporting sick, during family and medical leave, or other approved absences. The union referred to the flight attendant manual, which specifies that crew members are prohibited from using these travel benefits while sick or on protected leave, including days immediately before or after such leave.
However, the union noted that exceptions do exist, such as when flight attendants use their travel privileges to return home after calling in sick, provided they obtain written approval from their managers beforehand. Failure to comply with these rules has resulted in disciplinary action, including written warnings and suspension of pass travel privileges.
Delta Air Lines did not provide a comment when contacted. Representatives for the AFA and Endeavor Air chapter were also unavailable for immediate comment.
This advisory parallels a recent tightening of policies at United Airlines, where the AFA chapter reported heightened scrutiny on sick leave usage, identifying suspected abuses as the leading cause of termination within the system. United Airlines has implemented technology to monitor patterns of sick leave use, particularly in relation to holidays or vacation days, which the company views as potential indicators of misuse. The union cautioned members to maintain thorough documentation to support legitimate sick leave claims.
These developments reflect ongoing efforts by major airlines to enforce policies on the proper use of employee travel benefits and sick leave in order to maintain operational integrity and fairness.
