FAA Proposes 1 Nationwide Rule Overriding State Break Laws for Flight Attendants, Pilots
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 21
FAA Proposes 1 Nationwide Rule Overriding State Break Laws for Flight Attendants, Pilots
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 21
Summary
The FAA has proposed barring states and localities from imposing their own meal and rest-break rules on flight attendants and pilots, replacing protections that now apply in places including California.
The agency says conflicting state standards can disrupt airline operations and create safety risks because flight attendants must remain available for emergencies, unruly passengers and evacuations rather than be fully off duty.
Airline unions, led by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, oppose the plan because it would preempt state protections without creating a clear federal guarantee for meal or rest breaks.
Under the proposal, airlines would still have to let crews eat, drink and use the restroom while on duty, while existing federal rules would continue to require 10 consecutive hours of rest between duty periods.
The rule has not taken effect, and the fight now centers on whether federal preemption can balance cabin-crew working conditions with the FAA's safety mandate.