Fatigue Reporting: Know the Who, When, What & Why

WHO should report fatigue?

Any Flight Attendant who is not fit for duty due to fatigue and cannot safely perform required safety duties.

Signs of fatigue may include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest
• Lack of energy
• Heavy eyes
• Headache accompanied by other fatigue symptoms

WHEN & WHERE do I report fatigue?

Fatigue exists when you are experiencing it—it cannot be anticipated (forecasted) or called in ahead of time.

If you become fatigued after your trip has started:

• Call Crew Services by phone.
• Clearly state you are calling in fatigued.
• Do not email Crew Services.
• Do not have another crew member call for you.

If you're away from base, the Company will arrange a hotel, and Crew Services will determine when you return to duty.

Remember: Your required 10-hour rest begins when you call Crew Services. Call:

• After passengers have deplaned if you're scheduled to continue flying.
• If you wake up and are fatigued.
• Never call Crew Services while passengers are still onboard the aircraft.

Example: Feeling tired heading to your hotel is not when you call in fatigued. Get your rest. If you wake up and are still experiencing fatigue symptoms, that's when you should call.

WHAT should I do after calling? 

• Get the rest you need.
• Submit your Fatigue Report within 24 hours using the Safety Reporting Forms page (the same location as ASAP and FIR).
• Provide as much detail as possible about the company controllable factors that contributed to your fatigue.  *Reminder commuting and personal events are not considered company controllable.

Every report is reviewed by the Fatigue Review Board (FRB), consisting of an AFA representative and a Company representative, to identify trends and improve safety.

• Company Controllable: Pay protected. No discipline will be issued.
• Not Company Controllable: Not pay protected, but you may use sick time if eligible. The event may also be referred to Base Management for review under the Attendance & Reliability Policy.

WHY does reporting matter?

Fatigue reporting is a critical safety tool—not just paperwork. Every report helps identify trends involving scheduling, operations, hotels, delays, and other factors that contribute to fatigue. Those reports help the Fatigue Review Board address systemic issues, improve safety, and reduce fatigue risks across the operation.

Remember

If you're not fit for duty, make the call. Safety always comes first.

Questions? Contact your MEC ASHS Committee Chair or ASAP/Fatigue Chair at [email protected] or [email protected].