CNN
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Federal aviation officials have announced a new rule that mandates increased rest time for flight attendants between flights. This rule, recently approved by Congress and supported by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, will require airlines to provide flight attendants with a 10-hour rest period between shifts instead of the current 9-hour rest period for shifts lasting 14 hours or less.
Flight crew unions have advocated for this change, highlighting the fatigue and overwork that flight attendants face after long shifts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) held public comment periods in 2019 and 2021 to gather feedback on the proposed regulatory change and reviewed over 1,000 comments.
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, this new rule will help flight attendants perform their jobs more effectively, ensuring the safety of passengers and the traveling public.
Airlines were informed of these rule changes by the FAA last week. The final rule will take effect 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, expressed her support for the new rule, emphasizing the importance of well-rested flight attendants as aviation’s first responders and last line of defense.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by flight attendants, with long duty days, short nights, and intense working conditions. Flight attendants have experienced increased sickness and fatigue levels due to the demanding schedules and constant changes.
The year 2022 has been particularly challenging for flight attendants due to a surge in demand as pandemic restrictions eased.
Flight attendants from different countries, such as the United States and the UK, have highlighted the negative impact of unpredictable schedules and constant changes on their mental and physical well-being.
Top image: Passengers and flight attendants aboard a flight from LaGuardia Airport bound for Kansas City International Airport on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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