The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a rule that aims to standardize meal and rest-break requirements for flight attendants and pilots across the U.S. This proposal has drawn criticism from major airline unions while receiving support from aviation experts.
The proposed rule would prevent state and local governments from enforcing their own rules on meal and rest breaks, relying instead on federal aviation standards. This change would impact existing state protections, including those currently applicable to some flight attendants based in California.
California’s law mandates a 30-minute meal break for employees working over five hours, as per the California Department of Industrial Relations. During this period, employees should be disengaged from all duties for the break to be considered off-duty.
“Requiring a flight attendant to be completely off duty during a break could create a safety risk.”
The FAA argues that varied state regulations could disrupt airline operations and contradict the safety responsibilities of flight attendants. These professionals handle emergencies such as fires, medical incidents, evacuations, and unruly passengers.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) opposes the proposal. They contend that it might eliminate state protections without guaranteeing federal provisions for meal and rest breaks. Flight attendants often work extensive hours without sufficient opportunities for meals, drinks, restroom use, or attending to other basic needs.
The union’s joint comments emphasize their concern over safety impacts arising from demanding working conditions. They criticize the proposal for its vagueness and lack of assurance that airline policies will cater to both safety and personal needs.
The proposal specifies that although airlines must allow flight attendants to eat, drink, or use the restroom, attendants must remain available to address safety duties. Michael J. Boyd, president of Boyd Group International, considers the FAA’s approach reasonable due to the critical safety roles of flight attendants, akin to pilots and firefighters.
“They have to be on duty because they’re a safety function.”
Boyd projects that the proposal, if implemented, would not significantly change the day-to-day operations for flight attendants. He asserts that state rules cannot overrule FAA regulations.
He is also concerned that state break requirements might necessitate hiring more flight attendants to meet coverage needs, potentially increasing airline costs.
The current federal framework allows meal and break arrangements through airline policies and collective bargaining agreements. Flight attendants are required to have a 10-hour consecutive rest period between their duty assignments.
The proposed rule is not yet approved or in effect. Fox News Digital contacted both FAA and AFA for comments on the issue.