Safety & Security
Contact Information
Safety & Security Department Advisories
Cabin LOSA Memorandum of Understanding between AA and APFA
The Cabin LOSA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is now available for view. For those seeking more information on the agreement as well as details about the program you can view the document here.
Read the Cabin LOSA Holtines for More Information: Facts About Cabin LOSA (2.09.23) and An Update on Cabin LOSA (2.27.23)
Cabin Air Reporting: Hot Cabin and SOF (Smoke, Odor, and Fumes)
If ever faced with a hot cabin or SOF event, please follow the outlined procedures in the IFM and file a Cabin ASAP as well as a CERS report. We also encourage that you fill out a Hot Cabin Report Form that may be found here on our webpage or file a Smoke, Odor, Fume Event Report Form.
Please refer to the most recent hotline for more information.
Changes to Departure Procedures
Beginning April 03, 2023, gate agents will be tasked with closing the aircraft door. Should the aircraft door be closed without verbal confirmation that it is safe to do so by the Lead Flight Attendant/ Purser, please report with a Cabin ASAP as well as a CERS as it’s an FAR Violation.
Safety & Security Hotlines
9.26.25 – Updated Fatigue Risk Management Plan
Yesterday, the company announced updates to the Flight Attendant Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP) which will go into effect on October 1, 2025. APFA initiated a Letter of Agreement in 2023 that required the company to meet with the Union to discuss the FRMP
8.13.25 – Hot Cabin Report Form and National Academies Study on Aircraft Cabin Temperature
As Flight Attendants, we are responsible for keeping our passengers—and ourselves—safe. During the summer, aircraft systems like the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) may be overworked, and as a result, inoperative throughout summer flying.
6.30.25 – A 787-9P Staffing Message from Your National President: Take Action Now!
The 787-9P reduced staffing certification, finalized last week, follows similar approvals at our competitors, and results in a first-time ever single American Airlines Flight Attendant at the 4L/4R doors now being responsible for hundreds of passengers
6.26.25 – Call to Action! AA Certifies 787-9P with Seven Flight Attendants
Earlier this month, APFA exposed management’s plan to work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify the new 787-9P with a minimum crew of just seven (7) Flight Attendants. Despite the outpouring of concern from Flight Attendants
6.25.25 – Staying Safe and Vigilant in Today’s World
We are living in a time of heightened uncertainty and unrest—a world that can change instantly. As First Responders, we stand on the front lines of safety, but we are not immune to the dangers that exist on the ground and in the skies.
5.30.25 – Update: CQ Module Length/ Q2 2025 WBT 787-9P Suite Clarification
Update: 2025-2026 CQ Module Length – Earlier this year, Flight Attendants began reporting that the 2025-2026 CQ web-based training (WBT) modules exceed the contractual limit for distance learning.
4.12.25 – 2025-2026 CQ Module Length Documentation Form
Flight Attendants who have started their 2025-2026 CQ web-based training modules are reporting that the time required to complete the training exceeds the contractual limit.
2.20.25 – Upholding the Highest Level of Aviation Safety
APFA commends the incredible professionalism and bravery of the Flight Attendants aboard Endeavor Air/Delta Connection Flight 4819, who successfully evacuated all 76 passengers under extremely adverse conditions after a crash landing
Yesterday, the company announced updates to the Flight Attendant Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP) which will go into effect on October 1, 2025. APFA initiated a Letter of Agreement in 2023 that required the company to meet with the Union to discuss the FRMP
As Flight Attendants, we are responsible for keeping our passengers—and ourselves—safe. During the summer, aircraft systems like the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) may be overworked, and as a result, inoperative throughout summer flying.
The 787-9P reduced staffing certification, finalized last week, follows similar approvals at our competitors, and results in a first-time ever single American Airlines Flight Attendant at the 4L/4R doors now being responsible for hundreds of passengers
Town Halls
Reporting
Fatigue
Fatigue Process and Reporting
Cabin LOSA
Flight Attendant Policies & Procedures
Minimum Crew
Minimum crew violations continue to rise, and these violations usually result in punitive action taken against Flight Attendants. Fines may also be levied against American. If you are involved in a minimum crew violation, always remember to file an ASAP report immediately and contact your base representative.
Communication between Flight Attendants and agents is the most effective way to ensure minimum crew violations are avoided. If a Flight Attendant needs to leave the aircraft for any reason, the Flight Attendant must “scan-off,” so the agents know that the minimum crew is not onboard. When a Flight Attendant scans off, the system prevents the start of boarding. The scan-off procedure was tested in LAX earlier this year. The Company has now decided to implement the procedure system-wide. This will allow for improved communication between Flight Attendants and agents, and can also protect Flight Attendants from being wrongly charged with departure delays.
Minimum crew violations continue to rise, and these violations usually result in punitive action taken against Flight Attendants. Fines may also be levied against American. If you are involved in a minimum crew violation, always remember to file an ASAP report immediately and contact your base representative.
Communication between Flight Attendants and agents is the most effective way to ensure minimum crew violations are avoided. If a Flight Attendant needs to leave the aircraft for any reason, the Flight Attendant must “scan-off,” so the agents know that the minimum crew is not onboard. When a Flight Attendant scans off, the system prevents the start of boarding. The scan-off procedure was tested in LAX earlier this year. The Company has now decided to implement the procedure system-wide. This will allow for improved communication between Flight Attendants and agents, and can also protect Flight Attendants from being wrongly charged with departure delays.
Recently, a deadheading Flight Attendant boarded before the minimum crew was onboard. American was forced to voluntarily self-disclose (VSD) these violations to the FAA. As a reminder, deadheading Flight Attendants are not considered part of the working crew and are not allowed to board until the minimum crew is onboard the aircraft.
Step 1
Once Boarding Begins
Flight Attendants are not permitted to leave the boarding door’s immediate vicinity unless performing safety-related duties. Flight Attendants should not return to the gate area unless there is a life-threatening emergency. IFM references may be found here:
- In-Flight Manual (IFM) > Staffing Requirements > Minimum Crew Requirements >Stepping off Aircraft with Minimum Crew On Board
- IFM > Security > Security Awareness > Crew Security > AA ID Verification
Step 2
When Leaving the Aircraft Before Customer Boarding
- Notify FA 1 / Purser (or another crewmember if FA 1/Purser is not present) before deplaning the aircraft
- Notify the agent (if they are at the gate) and scan the AA ID at the gate reader, or have the agent manually remove the Flight Attendant
Step 3
Upon Returning to the Gate and Aircraft
- Notify the Gate Agent once at the gate and present ID for verification
- The Gate Agent may require the returning Flight Attendant to scan their AA ID again at the gate reader activated for the flight
- Notify FA 1 / Purser (or another crewmember if FA1 / Purser not present) of the return to the aircraft
iPhone Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) & In Flight Manual (IFM)
Methods to access your IFM
With the latest manual revision came significant changes to missing, inoperative, or out-of-date tablet procedures at non-base stations. There are now two new methods of ensuring you have access to the Inflight Manual (IFM) if you find yourself in this situation.
If you are at a non-base station and your tablet is missing, inoperative, or unable to update, you are now permitted to use a deadheading or non-revenue Flight Attendant’s tablet to access the IFM. The deadheading/non-rev flight attendant must be traveling on your flight and must provide their consent. If you cannot use another Flight Attendant’s tablet to access the IFM, contact Daily Ops, and a Duty Manager will authorize a downloadable version of the IFM that you will be able to access on your PED temporarily. After arriving at a base station and securing a loaner tablet, you will be required to delete the IFM from your PED. Daily Ops can be contacted at (682) 315-7070
If you cannot access the IFM via either of the methods mentioned above, contact Daily Ops and request a printed manual. Upon arrival at a base station, be sure to exchange the paper manual for a loaner tablet so Flight Service can securely dispose of the paper manual.
Flight Service Base Operation’s contacts and operating hours are in the IFM: Work and Conduct Rules > FA Electronic Device Policies > Base Stations.
For more guidelines on the new ways to access the IFM, refer to the IFM > General Policies and Procedures > Inflight Manual and FA Tablet (EFB) > FA Tablet (EFB) Missing, Inoperative, or IFM Unable to Update.
As always, consider filing a Cabin ASAP report whenever you find yourself with a missing, inoperative, or out-of-date IFM.
For the purpose of the KCM® Program, authorized crewmembers have been defined by the TSA as: Captains or Pilots in Command, First Officers or Co-Pilots, Flight Engineers, Flight Navigators, Flight Attendants and Load Masters for full all-cargo operations. No other individuals are allowed access in the KCM® program.
Crewmembers must be fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as applicable; currently employed by the aircraft operator holding an approved TSA security program; have successfully completed the Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) process; be authorized to perform crewmember duties on full all-cargo flights, scheduled passenger or public/private charter passenger flights operated under an approved security program; and have completed the aircraft operator’s crewmember security training as applicable. Additionally, authorized crewmembers must not be on a leave of absence greater than 30 days, including furloughs and military duty.
The Company, upon notification of any aircraft accident, Hijacking Incident, Terrorist incident, or Serious incident in which a Flight Attendant is involved shall notify the APFA National President, APFA SSD Chairperson, and APFA EAP Representative. The Senior Manager, Inflight Operations, or their designee, shall contact the APFA Base President when Flight Attendant(s) assigned to their respective base or involved in such accidents/incidents, emergency evacuation, or when a Flight Attendant is injured. If the APFA Base President is unavailable, the Senior Manager, Inflight Operations, or theirdesignee, shall contact the APFA Base Vice President. In the event the APFA Base Vice President is unavailable, the Senior Manager, Inflight Operations, or their designee, shall contact APFA Headquarters. By mutual agreement, the Company and the APFA, may agree upon an alternate notification process. Names, employee numbers, and Inflight Managers of the Flight Attendants will be provided to the APFA. (CBA 34.H.1.)
Known Crewmember (KCM®)
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TSA
TSA Permitted & Prohibited Items
3-1-1 Liquid Rule
Many stations and countries are becoming stricter when it comes to liquids, gels, and aerosols. This affects customers and non-revs, and crew members may also need to comply with these rules. Information for all destinations may found in the “Destination Information” section of the Inflight Manual inside of Comply365. If you have an NIPD layover (or turn) within a domestic sequence or fly anywhere outside of the Continental US, always confirm the rules that apply for that destination.
There are other destinations, including Hawaii, which have agricultural rules and regulations to follow. Please verify these rules before bringing any food or agricultural products in or out of these destinations.
APFA recommends being 3-1-1 compliant, even if you are going through Known Crewmember® (KCM). Crewmembers in uniform are allowed Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs), and other exemptions applicable to uniformed flight crewmembers at TSA Pre✓™ lanes and standard passenger screening lanes.
Crewmembers not in uniform are not allowed LAGs exemptions and other exemptions applicable to uniformed flight crewmembers. Crewmembers not in uniform and randomly selected at KCM for extra screening will be required to comply with the 3-1-1 policy per TSA guidelines.
Image provided by TSA
Many stations and countries are becoming stricter when it comes to liquids, gels, and aerosols. This affects customers and non-revs, and crew members may also need to comply with these rules. Information for all destinations may found in the “Destination Information” section of the Inflight Manual inside of Comply365. If you have an NIPD layover (or turn) within a domestic sequence or fly anywhere outside of the Continental US, always confirm the rules that apply for that destination.
Image provided by TSA
There are other destinations, including Hawaii, which have agricultural rules and regulations to follow. Please verify these rules before bringing any food or agricultural products in or out of these destinations.
APFA recommends being 3-1-1 compliant, even if you are going through Known Crewmember® (KCM). Crewmembers in uniform are allowed Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs), and other exemptions applicable to uniformed flight crewmembers at TSA Pre✓™ lanes and standard passenger screening lanes.
Crewmembers not in uniform are not allowed LAGs exemptions and other exemptions applicable to uniformed flight crewmembers. Crewmembers not in uniform and randomly selected at KCM for extra screening will be required to comply with the 3-1-1 policy per TSA guidelines.
Self Defense
Active crew members of all domestic scheduled carriers are eligible for the Crew Member Self Defense Training Program. The Crew Member Self Defense Training Program provides four-hours of training to prepare active crew members of all domestic scheduled carriers for potential physical altercations both on and off the aircraft.
You can Register online for the training. To register for this no-cost training, search for the training course near you and submit the online registration form. Reporting instructions will be provided upon registration and successful verification of employment.
For more information, please email your inquiry or call (703) 487-3309.
Training
Continuing Qualification (CQ)
Flight Attendants returning from leaves, or who have March or April as their Base Month, will remain plotted in their original scheduled class dates to avoid qualification expiration. If you would like to attend training this month, please contact the Training Support Desk at 800-847-2739, #, 6, 1 for availability and class dates.
Class sizes for CQT is limited to thirty (30) in three (3) groups of ten (10) to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Class size for equipment training classes will be limited to twenty (20) in two groups of ten (10) to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Additional equipment training will be available for MIA (787) and CLT (777).
Flight Attendants with a base month of July will not need to bid in Training Bidding System (TBS). June Base Month Flight Attendants wishing to attend CQT may contact the Training Support Desk after 1200 (CDT) on Saturday, May 23rd to sign up for open training slots. The Training Department is seeking a “grace month” extension from the FAA for the June and July Base Month Flight Attendants comparable to the extension granted for the March through May Base Month Flight Attendants.
If you are currently out on a VLOA or a PVLOA or will be going out on a PVLOA, you will need to contact the Training Support Desk (TSD) or your Flight Service Manager (FSM) to confirm your training requirements and obligations. If you are going out on a Maternity Leave, please coordinate and direct any questions you may have through your Maternity Coordinator.
International
Cabin Air Quality (CAQ) & Smoke Odor Fume (SOF)
What is a Fume Event?
Cabin air contamination events are when heated oils, lubricants, and fluid residue in the engine leak into the cabin air supply. Cabin air must be replenished; therefore, it consists of 50% air that comes from outside air that is pulled from engines into the air conditioning unit (Auxiliary Power Unit-APU) and 50% is recirculated air. This system of aircraft cabin air can cause contamination when air coming in from the outside through the engines is pulled into the air conditioning unit (APU) and then mixes with oil residue from an oil leak.
Due to aircraft using these bleed air filtration systems, fume events can occur on any airplane except the Boeing 787. The 787 supplies air to the aircraft by avoiding the engines and taking air from outside the aircraft by two inlets and then fed to electric cabin air compressors (CACs).
You will most likely “only” notice the odor and physical symptoms. On occasion, there are reports of people having seen a haze, therefore the only consistent detection system on our aircraft is from flight attendants, pilots, maintenance, or ground workers who either smell the odor and/or exhibit symptoms.
Cabin Air Fume Event During Flight
If any of the crew members begin to experience any physical symptoms (headache, metallic taste, coughing, irritated eye/nose/throat, dizziness and/or nausea), notify the Captain and coordinate the appropriate medical response. View the SOF Response Flowchart PDF
Not all injuries require immediate medical attention. If you do not see a doctor right away, be advised that you will need to do so within 24 hours of any lost time. In the event of a medical emergency, do not wait to speak with a nurse - go to the nearest emergency room. You must be removed from work by a doctor to become eligible for Work Comp pay benefits once the claim is accepted.
Symptoms Following an Event
If immediately following the flight, you begin to experience any physical symptoms (chest tightness, profound fatigue, muscle aches, sinus congestion and/or a persistent cough), contact the Flight Service Daily Operations desk at IOC (682-315-7070) to report the event and your illness/ injury in order to receive the necessary assistance in seeking immediate medical treatment at the nearest hospital for proper testing of a possible exposure. Recommended testing should include a blood test to determine exposure. View the Cabin Exposure Medical Information Document
If your injury requires immediate medical attention, go to the nearest emergency room.
File a Report
Each Flight Attendant should file the applicable company report. For all odor/fume events, file an IOD and a CERS Report. Flight Attendants may also consider reporting their specific safety concern regarding the odor/fume event to the Cabin ASAP program for review by AA, APFA and the FAA.
Flight Attendants may also consider reporting their specific safety concern regarding the odor/fume event to:
— Cabin ASAP reports are reviewed by the Event Review Committee (ERC) consisting of individuals from APA, APFA, the FAA, and Company.
— Please send reports of suspected odor/fume events to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] or file a report with APFA
To read more about the IOD process visit the APFA IOD page.
Download the SOF Event Checklist
We encourage you to file an Injury on Duty claim as soon as possible. If approved, the claim will cover lost time, medical expenses, and lost wages.
If your WC claim involved lost work time (including the use of sick leave) and you receive notice that your claim has been denied, then it is worth contacting the Industrial Commission for the state where you are based to confirm that they have a record of your denied WC claim. You can also ask the Industrial Commission if there is an ombudsman available to guide you through the appeals process.
Each State's Industrial Commissions
BOS (Massachusetts) File a Workers' Compensation Claim (mass.gov)
CLT (North Carolina) NC Industrial Commission Claimant Information
DCA (Virginia) Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission
DFW (Texas) Injured Employee FAQ (texas.gov)
LAX (California) How to File a Claim (ca.gov)
LGA (New York) File a Claim (ny.gov)
MIA (Florida) Help For Injured Workers (myfloridacfo.com)
ORD (Illinois) Resources for Employees (illinois.gov)
PHL (Pennsylvania) Workers' Compensation Claim
PHX (Arizona) Claims Division (azica.gov)
Workplace Safety
Code N*ARR911 and N*DEP911 in DECS/mobileCCI
This is a helpful code that will provide all local emergency contact information for any destination, whether domestic or international. If you ever need to use one of these phone numbers while on layover, please get in touch with AA IOC Daily Operations or APFA Safety & Security to inform them of any unfolding situation or event. This will help us provide additional support and keep everyone informed.
- AA IOC Daily Ops: 682-315-7070
- APFA Safety & Security: 817-540-0108, ext. 8302
On the Plane
- Watch for potential hazards on the aircraft.
- Always look above you before standing, as well as looking in the direction you are moving always looking at ground level for any obstacles in the aisle.
- Be aware of other individuals, activities, and surrounding areas.
- Always close and latch all doors and compartments after using them to prevent items falling out in turbulence.
- Always utilize handrails when possible.
- Always remain vigilant and alert.
- If you see something, smell something, hear something, say something.
Hotels & Layovers
- Use local resources. Ask hotel personnel about safe neighborhoods for you to explore while on a layover.
- Try to avoid consuming mixed drinks. Opt for beverages in a closed can or bottle. Never take a drink from someone you don’t know.
- Accessories such as watches and jewelry might draw unwanted attention. High-cost PEDs should be kept out of sight as well.
- Consider going out with someone or keeping your fellow Flight Attendants aware of your plans should you need assistance.
- Keep your hotel key card in a secure location, and refrain from telling strangers the hotel name or your room number.
- Practice situational awareness. Try to avoid texting or talking on the phone while walking. Check your surroundings for suspicious activity before taking pictures.
- Report hotel issues using the Hotel & Transportation Feedback Form
What to Do When a Crewmember Doesn’t Show Up for Pickup
- Arrival to Layover – FA #1/Purser or FA Designee take down all crew member hotel room numbers and or cell phone numbers for emergency contact only.
- Pickup – If FA(s) are not present in time for pickup/hotel departure, have the hotel front desk call their hotel room(s), and or the provided emergency contact phone number(s).
- If No Answer – Call both AA IOC Daily Ops at (682) 315-7070 as well as the APFA Safety and Security Department at (817) 540-0108 ext. 8302, or you may email at [email protected]. * Please note we recommend that you contact both AA IOC Daily Operations as well as APFA Safety and Security when alerting of a FA no show. When contacting; please provide, Date, Time, departing flight information, affected crew member(s) information, as well as the layover hotel so that we may follow up with hotel security.
- Request Wellness Check from Hotel Security – After you have called and alerted both AA IOC Daily Ops and APFA Safety and Security, please ask that the hotel send up their security staff to conduct a wellness check on the affected crew member(s).
- Call Crew Tracking – After contacting AA IOC Daily Ops and APFA Safety and Security and after advising the hotel to complete the wellness check. Please, contact Crew Tracking to alert of the missing crew member so that operations can take the next steps appropriately with staffing your departing flight.
Andrew Rhinehart - Safety & Security Chair





