American Airlines Passengers Left on Empty Planes After Falling Asleep

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FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) has come under scrutiny after multiple reports of passengers being left behind on empty planes after falling asleep. These incidents, flagged by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have raised concerns about post-flight security checks and adherence to Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).

The airline and its union attribute these lapses to incomplete post-flight checks by crew members, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring all passengers have deplaned before staff exit the aircraft.

Photo: Clément Alloing

American Airlines Passengers Left Asleep

A memo issued by the APFA to American Airlines (AA) flight attendants highlighted a rise in incidents involving passengers being left behind asleep on empty planes.

These occurrences are classified as “minimum crew violations,” as Federal Aviation Regulations mandate a minimum number of attendants on board any aircraft with passengers to manage potential emergencies and ensure aircraft security.

Investigations into recent cases revealed a common pattern: passengers were overlooked because crew members failed to thoroughly inspect window seats, lavatories, or other areas during post-flight security checks.

Common scenarios involved passengers sleeping in window seats or remaining in lavatories, unnoticed during deplaning procedures.

The union stressed the shared responsibility of the operating crew in conducting these checks.

To prevent such lapses, the lead flight attendant is tasked with performing a final walkthrough of the cabin to confirm that no passengers remain onboard.

“These procedures are required to ensure that no passenger is ever left onboard,” the memo stated. “This critical final check is vital to avoid FAR violations and maintain safety standards.”

Photo: Andrew E. Cohen | Flickr

Preventive Measures

Leaving passengers unattended on an aircraft poses significant safety and security risks. Aircraft must remain secure at all times, and unattended passengers could inadvertently access restricted areas or be put in dangerous situations.

One notable incident from 2019 involved an Air Canada (AC) passenger, who made international headlines after being left alone on a parked plane in Toronto.

passenger used a flashlight from the cockpit to signal for help after her phone died and was eventually rescued by a baggage cart driver. This case underscores the potential dangers of overlooking thorough cabin checks.

American Airlines (AA), based in Fort Worth, Texas, has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

The APFA has called on flight attendants to prioritize post-flight checks to prevent future violations and uphold the airline’s safety standards.

To avoid such incidents, the union has emphasized collaborative efforts among crew members. It warned against relying on a single individual for post-flight checks and reiterated that adherence to FAR is a shared duty.

American Airlines has yet to confirm any new measures in response to these reports. However, the airline and union remain united in their message: passenger safety and security must remain paramount.

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