Understanding Minimum Crew Reminders

As a reminder, the FAA requires a minimum of two qualified Flight Attendants to be onboard whenever customers are present—including during both boarding and deplaning. 

One Flight Attendant may briefly step off the aircraft during these times to attend to safety-related or operational duties, provided the following conditions are met:

Boarding

During customer boarding, when staffed with minimum crew, one Flight Attendant may briefly step off the aircraft to perform safety duties related to the flight as long as:

• The Flight Attendant that leaves the aircraft remains within the immediate vicinity of the boarding door, and
• The engines are shut down, and
• One floor level exit remains open to allow for customer egress, and
• The other Flight Attendant is positioned in the aircraft near the boarding door.

Deplaning

During customer deplaning, one Flight Attendant may briefly step off the aircraft for safety-related or operational duties related to the flight, as long as:

• The engines are shut down, and
• One floor level exit remains open to allow for passenger egress, and
• The other Flight Attendant is positioned in the aircraft near the boarding door

IMPORTANT:

During boarding, the Flight Attendant stepping off the aircraft must stay in the immediate vicinity of the boarding door.

During deplaning, the Flight Attendant may go to the gate area if necessary.

Examples of acceptable reasons for a Flight Attendant to step off the aircraft include:

• Assisting with unaccompanied minors (UMs)
• Checking on the status of a requested wheelchair
• Consulting with a gate agent on safety-related matters
• Responding to a safety or security event (e.g., medical emergency, disruptive or intoxicated passenger)

The following are NOT acceptable reasons to step off the aircraft and would violate FAA minimum crew requirements:

• Attempting to catch a commuting flight
• Failing to return after checking on wheelchair or UM status
• Leaving to obtain food or beverages
• Addressing seat duplication issues 
• Exiting the airport at the end of a duty day before deplaning is complete

For more details, please refer to FAM 3-51 through 3-56.