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CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) is the only major US carrier that permits flight attendants to consume alcohol while technically on duty during specific circumstances.
This unique policy applies exclusively to deadheading situations when crew members travel as passengers on their final segment of the day with no further work responsibilities.
Photo: Clément AlloingUnited Flight Attendant Deadheading Privileges
United (UA) flight attendants can consume alcoholic beverages when deadheading—traveling as passengers while on the company clock—provided they meet specific conditions.
They must be out of uniform, not expected to work another flight that day, and the aircraft doors must be closed before consumption begins.
This policy contrasts sharply with other major US carriers. Delta Air Lines (DL) previously allowed similar privileges but has since discontinued the practice.
Some airlines even require flight attendants to remain in uniform during deadhead segments, regardless of whether they’ll be working afterward.
While many airlines enforce strict restrictions on deadheading employees, United Airlines allows flight attendants to consume alcohol under specific conditions:
- They must be on their final assignment for the day.
- They cannot be in uniform.
- The aircraft door must be closed before they consume alcohol.
This policy ensures that if a deadheading flight attendant is unexpectedly needed to work, they remain fit for duty before departure.
Photo: Clément AlloingHow United’s Policy Compares to Other Airlines
Other major US airlines, such as Delta, once allowed similar privileges but have since removed them. Some airlines even require flight attendants to deadhead in uniform, further restricting their ability to relax while traveling as passengers.
Outside the United States, policies are often more lenient. For example, Air Canada (AC) permits its flight attendants to drink under the same conditions as United.
European and Middle Eastern airlines also tend to have more relaxed rules regarding alcohol consumption for deadheading crew members.
One key reason for stricter policies among US airlines is their extensive domestic networks. Large carriers frequently reassign crew members on short notice to fill unexpected gaps in flight schedules.
Allowing alcohol consumption during deadheading could prevent last-minute reassignments, limiting operational flexibility.
Despite these concerns, United’s policy remains an exception, granting its flight attendants a rare privilege within the industry.
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The post United Flight Attendant Allowed to Drink While on Duty appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
