Air Safety, Health, & Security

Through its advocacy and support efforts, the Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) works to ensure a safer, healthier, and more secure working environment for flight attendants. The committee addresses key concerns such as cabin safety, air quality, onboard security, and health risks, while also advocating for stronger safety regulations and providing incident support. By focusing on both prevention and response, the ASHSC plays a crucial role in protecting flight attendants from physical, environmental, and security-related hazards.

ForEMERGENCIES ONLY:

safety@spiritafa.org

For any and all non-emergent questions, concerns, or issues regarding safety, please contact your local committee representatives to better assist you.

Important Safety Resources

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AFA International Resources

Emergency

CDC Alerts

OSHA Resources

Fumes & Odors

New Year Resolution

Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP)

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ASAP Introduction

ASAP Document

ASAP Safety Flyer

Safety Reporting & Whistleblowing Resources

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FAA Whistleblower

OSHA Whistleblower

Reports: Do I Have to File?

Spirit Safety Reporting System

Your Questions, Answered

The Air Safety, Health & Security Committee receives many questions regarding fatigue, rest requirements, reporting procedures, and workplace exposures. To help clarify common concerns, we have developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions covering topics such as fatigue and fitness for duty, contractual and regulatory rest requirements, fume and odor events, Workers’ Compensation guidance, and how to determine which safety report to file.

These FAQs are intended to provide general guidance and reference materials so you can make informed decisions and take appropriate action when safety or health issues arise. While Committee Representatives can help explain applicable policies and resources, each Flight Attendant is ultimately responsible for determining their own fitness for duty and complying with regulatory and contractual requirements.

Members are encouraged to review these FAQs to better understand their rights, responsibilities, and available resources related to safety, health, and security concerns. If you have continued questions, please contact us! We’re here to help!

Fatigue and Fitness for Duty: As a Representative, we cannot determine if you are fatigued or if a claim will be approved. The Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) outlines the specific criteria for fatigue. Please note that under FAR 121.467, it is a violation to occupy a jumpseat or operate a flight if you are not fit to fly. Fatigue cannot be predicted and must be assessed in the moment; you are expected to take all reasonable steps within your control to combat it. For more details, refer to FAM 9.2.4.1.2 regarding Rejection Criteria and 2.3.1.1 regarding the Causes and Effects of Fatigue.
Rest Requirements and Scheduling Extensions: If your rest is interrupted, the company cannot reset it in the same manner as they do for pilots. Per our CBA, you are entitled to 8 hours of "behind the door" rest. However, the FAR for Flight Attendants is 10 hours of rest from the time of release until you return to duty. We understand that frequent reassignments and extensions are significantly lengthening duty days and reducing rest periods. While many are exhausted, the decision to call out fatigue must be based on your current fitness for duty as outlined in the FAM.
- If you experience symptoms following a fume or odor event, seek immediate medical attention from EMS, an ER, or a clinic. Additional resources can be found here: Fumes & Odors
- All exposure incidents are covered under state-mandated Workers' Compensation. Because these are governed by state law, you are not automatically pay-protected. If you do not meet the state mandate for compensation, the company allows you to use your sick bank.
- Appealing Denied Claims: If your claim is denied while you are still experiencing symptoms, you should appeal the decision. You may wish to consult a Workers' Compensation attorney and reach out to the AFA Benefits Team to discuss other available leave options.
To help clarify which report to submit, please refer to the guidelines below:
- ASAP Reports: Use the ASAP program to report safety concerns regarding passengers or Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), as well as any personal mistakes you may have made. These reports allow you to describe a hazard or safety concern while remaining de-identified. Please note that issues regarding other Flight Attendants should be directed to EAP rather than ASAP.
- Safety Reports: These should focus on observed or perceived hazards, threats, or incidents affecting aircraft operations, equipment, and the work environment. A Safety Report is required for all Safety Stops. AFA recommends filing an ASAP report alongside every Safety Report to ensure both the AFA and FAA can review the de-identified information, allowing the Event Review Committee (ERC) to investigate and provide feedback to the company.
- ROR (formerly Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports): RORs are intended for general operational "hiccups" that the company needs to be made aware of. Be advised that RORs may be sent to the base for investigation (NOIs). For this reason, any report involving a personal mistake should be filed as an ASAP report only.