United Airlines Threatens Flight Attendants Over In-Flight Phone Use

 

United Airlines Threatens Flight Attendants Over In-Flight Phone Use

United Airlines is warning flight attendants against using personal devices onboard, threatening consequences, including termination. A leaked memo states that the use of personal electronic devices is only allowed during crew rest, emphasizing the need for visible and attentive service to customers. The memo argues that passengers rely on flight attendants for great service, and being engrossed in a cell phone could affect the quality of service. United highlights safety concerns, such as missing security incidents, causing personal injury, or accidental slide deployment. Violating the policy could result in serious consequences, including termination.

Impact on Service Quality:

• The memo emphasizes that using phones during flights can impact service quality, making flight attendants less approachable and attentive to customers.
• United Airlines declined to comment on the leaked memo.

Safety Concerns:

• Safety issues associated with phone use include missing security incidents, causing personal injury, and accidental slide deployment during door disarming.
• The airline highlights the seriousness of safety concerns, suggesting a strict stance on the issue.

Author's Perspective:

• Matthew Klint, the author of Live and Let’s Fly, notes that the harsh penalty suggests the seriousness of the problem.
• The threat of discipline may lead to reduced use of personal mobile phones by flight attendants.

Public Reaction:

• The measure may be perceived as overzealous in a society accustomed to using smartphones in various settings, including flights.
• The seriousness of the consequences indicates United's commitment to addressing the issue.

United Airlines did not provide a comment when approached by The Post regarding the leaked memo and the potential impact on in-flight phone use by flight attendants.