US EditionUS FAA proposes fining American, Southwest over alleged drug, alcohol violations
The FAA said the carriers let employees return to safety-sensitive work without required follow-up tests.
- On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed $255,000 in civil fines against American Airlines for allowing 12 flight attendants who tested positive to resume safety-sensitive duties without completing required follow-up testing between May 2019 and December 2023.
- American's failure to complete mandatory follow-up drug and alcohol tests allowed employees who tested positive to continue performing safety-sensitive functions. Southwest similarly failed to conduct required follow-up testing on 11 employees between August 2021 and July 2024.
- The FAA proposed $304,000 in fines against Southwest for 11 employees including pilots, flight attendants and mechanics who tested positive for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol yet continued performing safety-sensitive duties.
- Facing 30-day response deadlines, American confirmed it is reviewing the FAA notice while Southwest stated it took immediate action more than two years ago to enhance procedures and strengthen oversight.
- The enforcement actions underscore ongoing FAA scrutiny of airline personnel drug and alcohol testing protocols. Both carriers assert that safety remains paramount and pledge continued collaboration with the FAA on compliance.
14 Articles
14 Articles
FAA eyes fines for American, Southwest over employee drug, alcohol testing violations
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines could face fines of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over allegations that the carriers violated drug- and alcohol-testing regulations for employees. The FAA proposed a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines on Wednesday, accusing the company of allowing 12 flight attendants who tested positive…
FAA Proposes Fines Against American Airlines, Southwest Over Drug Testing Failures
The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday suggested a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines, accusing the Fort Worth-based airline of permitting 12 flight attendants to resume safety-sensitive work after testing positive for drugs or alcohol without completing required follow-up testing. The announcement comes days after the agency suggested a civil penalty for Southwest Airlines over similar allegations. The penalty, made publ…
US FAA proposes fining American, Southwest over alleged drug, alcohol violations
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday proposed a $255,000 civil fine against American Airlines , alleging that the carrier violated employee drug- and alcohol-testing regulations.
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