United Flight Attendant Hospitalized After Drinking Excess on San Francisco–London Flight
A recent incident involving a United Airlines flight attendant on a San Francisco to London flight has raised serious concerns regarding alcohol consumption among airline staff. On October 17, the flight attendant was hospitalized after reportedly exceeding the legal alcohol limit for aviation personnel.
Details of the Incident
The 56-year-old attendant consumed multiple miniature bottles of vodka she had brought onboard. Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, paramedics boarded the aircraft and detected a strong smell of alcohol. Tests revealed her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was remarkably high at 0.216, substantially above the legal limit.
Legal Consequences
The attendant pleaded guilty to performing her duties while under the influence. The UK’s legal limit for aviation personnel is much stricter than that for drivers. The maximum penalty for such an offense could have resulted in a two-year prison sentence. However, the attendant was given a financial penalty totaling £2,130, which includes:
- Fine: £1,461
- Victim surcharge: £584
- Court costs: £85
Considering that the flight landed without disruption, the penalties were relatively lenient.
Company Policies on Alcohol
Interestingly, United Airlines is the only major U.S. airline that allows flight attendants to consume alcohol while on duty, but only under specific conditions. This policy allows drinking during deadheading flights, but not if they are expected to work afterward. Prior to the pandemic, the airline emphasized a “12 hours bottle to throttle” rule, tightening restrictions on alcohol consumption.
Broader Context of Incidents
The incident is not isolated. Reports of impaired flight attendants are rare but have surfaced over the years. For example:
- A British Airways crew member was reported for erratic behavior after using cocaine.
- Another BA crew fabricated a mugging to cover up a wild night in Rio.
In Australia, the regulations around drinking among airline staff may differ significantly, making it harder to terminate employees for alcohol-related offenses.
Conclusion
This incident raises questions about airline safety regulations and the overarching policies governing alcohol consumption among flight attendants. While United Airlines maintains a more lenient policy, the recent event underscores the potential risks involved when alcohol consumption is permitted in a professional aviation environment.
