A comparative study of international flight attendant fatigue regulations and collective bargaining agreements

We conducted a comparative analysis of flight attendant working and rest hours between the US and other countries by examining the International Civil Aviation Organization member states’ regulations and collective bargaining agreements. The results indicate US flight attendants work longer hours with less time to recover than other flight attendants. Hence, US prescriptive rules to manage flight attendant fatigue are among the least restrictive, representing a greater than typical fatigue risk.

► Identified prescriptive rules used to manage flight attendant fatigue. ► Conducted comparative analysis of flight attendant fatigue rules. ► U.S. flight attendants work longer hours with less recovery time.