CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) addresses a growing safety concern where flight attendants leave sleeping passengers on empty planes, violating federal regulations.
The practice, deemed a safety and security risk, has prompted United Airlines to collaborate with its union to investigate human factors contributing to these incidents. Federal rules mandate a minimum crew presence when passengers are onboard, making this a critical issue.
Photo: United Airlines (Representative Image Only)United Leaves Sleeping Passengers
United Airlines (UA) has identified a troubling trend at airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD), where passengers, often asleep in seats or lavatories, are left behind after deplaning, Viewfromthewing reported.
This violates Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which require a minimum number of flight attendants onboard whenever passengers are present.
Such oversights pose significant safety and security risks, as unattended passengers could face emergencies without crew assistance.
The airline is working closely with the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) to pinpoint why these lapses occur, focusing on human factors like distractions or procedural failures.
United has emphasized that all crew members share responsibility for ensuring no passenger is overlooked during post-flight checks.
The AFA, representing United’s cabin crew, argues that external distractions, particularly from cabin cleaners, contribute to these incidents. Cleaners often board aircraft during deplaning, potentially obstructing flight attendants’ views or diverting attention.
In an internal memo, the union noted that even minor distractions can lead to missing a sleeping passenger.
The union has raised concerns about the timing of cleaning operations, suggesting that procedural changes could help flight attendants maintain focus during critical security sweeps.
Despite these challenges, the union acknowledges the importance of thorough checks to comply with FAA rules and ensure passenger safety.
Photo: United AirlinesPast Incidents
The issue has already led to high-profile incidents. In 2019, an Air Canada (AC) passenger flying from Quebec City (YQB) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) was left behind after falling asleep.
She woke up on a dark, locked plane parked away from the gate with no immediate means of escape.
Her mobile phone had no battery, and she was forced to manually open the aircraft door and signal for help from the tarmac.
This type of incident underscores the potential risks of overlooking passengers during post-flight operations. Not only can it cause distress and panic, but it also places airlines at legal and reputational risk.
The FAA can impose penalties for any violation of minimum crew standards, and passengers left alone in an aircraft could face significant danger in emergencies.
Photo: Clément AlloingOperational Reforms Underway
United Airlines is now working closely with union representatives to examine “human factors” influencing this problem.
Operational reforms may include adjusting the timing of cabin cleaning activities, enhancing crew training, and updating deplaning checklists. The airline emphasizes that ensuring no passengers are left onboard is a shared responsibility.
A consistent, final cabin walkthrough must be performed without interference, and crew members are being reminded that failure to comply puts everyone at risk, from passengers to flight crews to the airline itself.
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