4.14.20 – FAA Exemption of Oxygen Mask and Life Vest Demo & Double Jumpseat Social Distancing

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

FAA Exemption of Oxygen Mask and Life Vest Demo &
Double Jumpseat Social Distancing

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the FAA was petitioned and expedited relief under 14 CFR § 11.61(b). They have granted the exemption from certain regulations codified in Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 pertaining to passenger briefings, Flight Attendant distribution, and Flight Attendant seat belt requirements.

• Granted relief allowing Flight Attendants to relocate from double jumpseats normally occupied to comply with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning proximity to other people.
• Granted relief from certain requirements of the regulation concerning passenger briefings will excuse crewmembers from the requirement to don the oxygen mask and life vest during the safety demo.
• The FAA has granted relief through June 30, 2020 to part 119 certificate holders conducting operations under part 121.

The concern is that emergency equipment demonstrations exposed personnel to the risk of contracting COVID-19. In particular, the shortages of disinfectant wipes prompted this decision. Also, the Flight Attendant jumpseat configuration on many aircraft is inconsistent with recommendations from the WHO and the CDC when it comes to social distancing.

Carriage of Cruise Ship Passengers and Crew

Effectively immediately, cruise line passengers and employees will be prohibited from traveling on commercial flights and/or public transportation after arriving back in the United States. Cruise line companies will be required to transport their customers via chartered aircraft or private transportation only. Commercial flights on airlines, including American, are now prohibited. Once they arrive home, the CDC recommends cruise ship passengers and employees self-quarantine for 14 days. American has no intention of providing charter transportation to cruise lines at this time.

Rescheduled Training FEB-MAR Base Month and Leaves of Absence

If you were scheduled to attend training in March under the 2019-2020 CQT course curriculum, it will be necessary for you to complete the 2020-2021 WBT before attending CQT or training after April 1, 2020.

Please refer to ‘CQ 20-21 – What to Expect’, as there are additional door drills required for those who were originally scheduled before the April 1st cutover. Please refer to JCBA 25.K.6.a language for questions regarding pay and benefit protection. Please click the link below for more information:

CQ 20-21 – What to Expect

In Safety and Security,

Thomas Houdek
National Safety & Security Department Chair
[email protected]