What we witnessed on a First Class Hawaii flight stunned us: a visibly inebriated flight attendant being served multiple drinks while deadheading. With growing scrutiny over inflight conduct and unique safety concerns, should this be allowed?
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I believe deadheading is considered being on company time. I wonder if the airline is aware of this behavior. I wonder if the flight attendant paid for the drinks. Airline policy might allow drinking while deadheading but then again policy might not allow it. Hopefully a flight attendant will respond as to what policy is.
First, we don’t know what which airline this is, so it will be difficult for a response. Second, to clarify, the poster does not say how they knew the person was deadheding. So, we don’t know if that part is true. Third, every airline has different rules !
“technically considered to be on duty” that’s the key phrase. This defines the rule… no they should not be drinking alcohol. Simple , doesn’t matter what anyone’s personal opinion is. The rules apply.
Yes, off-duty crew members, particularly those in roles of public trust, should be held to a higher standard of conduct, as their actions can reflect on their profession and potentially impact the image of the airline company
100% agree with you, Ed
What a load of elitist. It sounds like First Class doesn’t like their lessers enjoying one of the few benefits afforded them. It’s this kind of Karen attitude that is hosting this country. First Class is usually booze drenched because it’s free. There are already rules in place, and nobody is getting hurt, so lay off the help when they are off the clock.
I have absolutely no problem with them drinking if they aren’t in uniform or responsible for passengers.
I just wish there was no alcohol available on flights. People do not know how to behave anymore and we all pay the price. I for one can make a flight without drinking, and on shorter flights, don’t need to eat.
So hoping the FA sobered up before getting into a car!!! Just imagine on shorter trips and get into an accident because they were over served from on duty FAs. Could be a large lawsuit in the making. Just like a bar over serving someone then getting into an accident and killing that person(s). Fault on the bar for not cutting that person off and not calling a ride service or cab.
I’m on the side of “If they’re not on the clock, treat them as any other passenger”. That said, they should not be overserved nor should they be intoxicated upon boarding, both of which I assume applies to all passengers.
Two points, if the Employee is flying on a ‘Deadhead’, it is to work, which the Carrier underwrites. Regardless of being on or off the clock, given all the situations in the air from 2021 forward, one would assume if help were needed, that person would be responsible and pitch in with the team, as the Emergency takes precedence. To being Upgraded to First/Business, it’s more then ironic, with the articles that point out abusive consumption of Alcohol and the Airlines response that they control what fliers consume, that an Associate gets a free pass, regardless of his or her condition, while paying Customer is ignored.
We were very disappointed in our first class flight to Hawaii. Only 1 crew member for the entire section. He didn’t offer drinks, and he spent most of the flight sitting on the metal roller food container against the bathroom door. I felt not right asking him to move, or for drinks, and used the restroom at the back of the plane. He was very unprofessional, and didn’t even look like a steward.
Drink up! For all they put up with they should be allowed to indulge! I don’t have a problem with it
I share your concern about the impaired state of employees at the work site, whether or not they’re on duty. I’d like to add a related thought.
I was a platinum member of the Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer program for years before I retired. It always irked me that crew members were given premium seats, slipped freebies even in the main cabin and provided deferential treatment before recognizing the company’s most senior frequent flyers.
It’s called a job perk. What sort recognition do you require?
Unfortunately this is not a new situation. 55 years ago when I was a Delta stewardess I boarded my flight to work and there in first class was an off duty stewardess passed out in first class. As I was not the senior crew member the decision of what to do with her was not up to me. It was very embarrassing.
As a frequent first class flyer, I have witnessed deadheading flight attendants in the forward cabin drinking like fish! The solution t this is simpe; deadheading flight attendants should not be assigned first class seats. If first class seats are available, they should be filled with passengers who have earned upgrades through their dedication to the airline.
Your comment amplifies why America is falling apart right now. It’s OK for someone to be drunk and belligerent in Economy but not First Class? Let them eat cake!
Duh…if they weren’t in uniform, they weren’t part of the crew.
They were deadheading…so they were getting paid. They shouldn’t have a FC seat and shouldn’t be drinking while on the clock…regardless if they aren’t “working”
I think this is an opportunity to compromise. Limit the drinking to two drinks. It sounds like this flight attendant was hell-bent on getting drunk and, like any passenger, getting intoxicated can only introduce problems.
If paying customers are not allowed to drink Themselves into oblivion … why should aline employees be allowed to do so? Drunks do not belong on a plane. My personal option.
Since all of you seem to be so hell bent on sticking your nose in everyone elses business, I propose No alcohol or happy hours at holiday parties or work functions for any employees or any executives at any time. No alcohol with any meals paid on an expense account at any company either. Get a life.
Works for me!
As much as I think this is wrong, I can certainly understand why …..can you imagine dealing with some of these people daily? As a job?!! Gate lice, seat squatters, drunk passengers I’m not much of a drinker, but I would be having to deal with even just one of these types. Like being a server, takes a special person and I have so much respect for them because it takes such patience! Just sayin’.
They are not passengers in their own jet or auto. They are on public transportation. In Hawaii they can’t even have one glass of wine on a public beach. They drink while waiting at the airport, and more on the plane. Airlines and airports put up with it because it is a huge profit center. It will never be restricted.