FMLA Reminders

Stay Informed  With FMLA Procedures

FMLA Protections, Common Pitfalls, and Important Reminders

Flight attendants work demanding schedules, irregular hours, reserve assignments, and extended duty days that can make managing medical and family issues especially difficult. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) exists to protect employees during serious medical and family situations — and every flight attendant should understand their rights and responsibilities.

Too many attendance disputes begin with paperwork delays, coding mistakes, or misunderstandings about procedures. Protect yourself by staying informed and organized.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Eligible employees may qualify for protected leave for:

• Your own serious health condition
• Caring for a spouse, parent, or child
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Bonding leave
• Certain military family situations

Approved FMLA leave is federally protected. Qualifying absences generally cannot legally be counted against you under attendance policies.
 

FOLLOW PROCEDURES — EVEN ON FMLA

One of the biggest misconceptions is that FMLA removes all procedural requirements. It does not.

You are still generally responsible for:

• Following call-out procedures
• Contacting crew services properly 
• Contacting Aflac within 3 days
• Using the correct absence codes when you call CS, (RPL)
• Meeting documentation deadlines

Failure to follow procedures can still create disciplinary issues, even when the absence itself qualifies for protection.

Document EVERYTHING.
 

KEEP RECORDS OF EVERYTHING

We strongly recommend maintaining copies or remembering where you can find the following in your portal

• Medical certifications
• Approval notices
• Recertifications
• Messages in your portal
• Call-out confirmations
• Case numbers (noted in portal)
• Names of representatives you spoke with or your case manager

If a dispute arises later, your records matter.

WATCH YOUR CERTIFICATION DATES

A lapse in certification can quickly turn protected absences into a sick call if not handled properly or disciplinary reviews if you are over your fourth sick call

Do not wait until the last minute to:

• Schedule appointments
• Renew paperwork
• Submit recertifications

If your medical condition changes, update your certification immediately.

INTERMITTENT FMLA REQUIRES EXTRA ATTENTION

Flight attendants using intermittent FMLA should:

• Know approved frequency/duration limits
• Monitor usage carefully, which is located in the portal
• Ensure absences match certification parameters
• Keep personal records of every FMLA occurrence

Coding errors happen. Protect yourself by tracking your own leave.

YOU HAVE PRIVACY RIGHTS

Supervisors and scheduling do not need detailed medical information.

Medical documentation should only be provided to:

• Approved leave vendors/administrators

Keep conversations professional and limited to operational needs.
 

IF SOMETHING DOESN’T LOOK RIGHT — SPEAK UP EARLY

Do not ignore:

• Incorrect attendance 
• Denied claims
• Missing paperwork
• Improper coding
• Payroll discrepancies related to leave

Address issues immediately and involve your union representative when necessary.

Waiting too long can limit available remedies.

REMEMBER

FMLA is not a favor from the company. It is a federally protected right for eligible employees.

Understanding the process, following procedures, and maintaining documentation are the best ways to protect yourself from unnecessary attendance disputes.

Check your messages in your portal.

Stay informed. Stay organized. Protect your rights.