NEW YORK- JetBlue Airways (B6) is facing an increase in flight attendants failing federally mandated drug and alcohol tests, raising operational and disciplinary concerns within the airline.
While JetBlue enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for failed tests, the flight attendants’ union suggests some results may stem from legally used products, prompting calls for awareness and caution.
Photo: JetBlue (Representative Image Only)JetBlue Flight Attendants Fail Drug Test
JetBlue Airways has reported a concerning rise in the number of flight attendants failing random drug and alcohol screenings.
According to PYOK, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) attributes some of the failed tests to potential accidental ingestion of banned substances through legally available products, such as CBD items or over-the-counter medications.
Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, random testing is required for aviation professionals in safety-sensitive roles.
Currently, airlines must randomly test 25% of flight attendants for drugs and 10% for alcohol annually.
These screenings detect substances like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), found in marijuana. Even trace amounts of THC, regardless of source, can lead to termination due to JetBlue’s zero-tolerance policy.
Photo: Caden HendersonZero-Tolerance Policy
JetBlue’s zero-tolerance stance on failed drug and alcohol tests leaves little room for leniency. A positive test, even from legal CBD products, results in termination, with no consideration for the context of the failure.
However, the TWU notes that self-disclosure of a substance issue before being selected for a random test may offer a chance to retain employment.
Once notified of a test, self-disclosure is no longer an option, and crew members face severe consequences.
If a flight attendant fails a test, JetBlue must refer them to a substance abuse program. Whether the airline allows the employee to return to work after completing the program depends on internal policies.
JetBlue’s strict approach contrasts with some carriers that may offer second chances, highlighting the high stakes for flight attendants navigating these regulations.
Photo: JetBlueLegal CBD Products
The TWU warns that CBD products, legal and non-psychoactive, could still trigger positive THC results.
Although these items are marketed as safe and legal, their use has already led to disciplinary action in the aviation sector.
United Airlines (UA), for instance, cautioned its crew in 2023 about CBD-infused edibles, drinks, and even topical items such as lotions.
Flight attendants at American Airlines (AA) were also advised that common cold and flu medications like NyQuil, which contains 10% alcohol, could lead to failed alcohol tests.
Such cases demonstrate how legal substances can inadvertently jeopardize aviation careers.
Photo: Clément AlloingFAA and Global Testing
The FAA’s testing program is one of the most stringent in the world. While a failed test results in mandatory referral to a substance abuse program, each airline retains discretion on whether to allow a return to duty post-treatment.
However, JetBlue’s policy does not typically allow such reinstatement unless the crew member proactively self-discloses a substance issue before selection for testing. Once selected, self-disclosure is no longer permitted.
Globally, other countries are adopting similar practices. Since February 2021, European Union regulations mandate random alcohol testing of aircrew.
In one case, Dutch authorities at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) tested 445 flight crew members within three hours, removing two Delta Air Lines (DL) flight attendants from a JFK-bound flight after positive results.
Photo: By Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK – Embraer ERJ190-100IGW ‘N279JB’ jetBlue, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52749112Crew Member Responsibilities
JetBlue’s union has urged flight attendants to exercise vigilance. In a memo, the TWU stated: “We must check on each other and say something if you see something before it is too late.”
The focus is on promoting peer accountability and awareness of potential risk factors, including substances found in everyday health and wellness products.
Education around ingredient labels, understanding FAA testing guidelines, and proactively avoiding substances that may contain alcohol or THC, even in trace amounts, are becoming essential components of a flight attendant’s job responsibility.
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The post JetBlue Flight Attendants Failing Drug Tests appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
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