Senators Press FAA Over Reduced Flight Attendant Staffing On Widebody Jets
Senators Tammy Duckworth and Tammy Baldwin urged the Federal Aviation Administration on May 15, 2026 to study the safety impact of reduced flight attendant staffing on widebody jets.[1]
They sent a letter saying American, Delta and United have FAA approval to operate some widebody aircraft with fewer flight attendants than exit doors under the one-per-50-passengers standard.[1] The senators asked the agency to analyze whether those staffing levels increase risks for passengers and crew during emergencies.[1]
American's 787-9P configuration was certified last year with a minimum of seven flight attendants for eight exits after a June 25 FAA-observed evacuation demonstration.[1] Duckworth also noted that FAA evacuation testing reflecting a real-world passenger mix is nearly two years overdue and she linked that delay to current staffing concerns.[1]
Flight attendant unions, including the Association of Flight Attendants and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, are calling for at least one attendant per exit door on widebodies.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 15, 2026, CBS reported Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Tammy Baldwin sent a letter demanding FAA study the safety impact of reduced cabin crew on widebody flights.
- The senators say American, Delta and United have FAA approval to operate some aircraft with fewer flight attendants than exit doors, under the one-per-50-passengers standard.
- American’s 787-9P configuration was certified last year with a minimum of seven flight attendants for eight exits, after a June 25 FAA-observed evacuation demonstration.
- Flight attendant unions, including the Association of Flight Attendants and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, are calling for at least one attendant per exit door on widebodies.
- Duckworth notes FAA evacuation testing that reflects real-world passenger mix is nearly two years overdue, and she links that delay to current staffing concerns.
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