2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Summary
Two Democratic senators have asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study the effects of airlines reducing the number of flight attendants on long flights. They are concerned that having fewer attendants than emergency exits could put passengers at risk during evacuations.Key Facts
- Senators Tammy Duckworth and Tammy Baldwin sent a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford about airline evacuation testing delays.
- They worry that some planes have more emergency exit doors than flight attendants on board.
- Airlines like American, Delta, and United have FAA approval to reduce flight attendant numbers under rules requiring one attendant per 50 passengers.
- For example, American’s 787-9P jets are certified to fly with seven attendants despite having eight exit doors.
- Airlines argue minimum staffing allows flexibility if a flight attendant falls ill or cannot work during a flight.
- Flight attendant unions warn that fewer staff per exit can cause chaos and increase danger in emergencies.
- Unions want laws requiring at least one attendant per emergency exit on large planes.
- Senator Duckworth wants the FAA to perform evacuation tests that include children, elderly, and disabled passengers to better reflect real situations.
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