With recent events and the evolving situation in Israel, we want to ensure that all Flight Attendants are informed and prepared. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us. Here are some important updates and guidelines to keep you safe during these challenging times:
- Suspension of Tel Aviv Flights: Working with the company, we are closely monitoring developing situations following the recent attacks in Israel. The safety of our crewmembers remains our top priority. As a precautionary measure, the company has announced that Tel Aviv flights will remain suspended until conditions allow them to resume.
- Ongoing Protests and Demonstrations: Multiple rallies connected to the ongoing conflict have taken place, and more demonstrations are likely in the coming days and weeks, especially near Israeli diplomatic facilities. We are actively collaborating with Corporate Security and various teams within the company to ensure the safety of our crew members during layovers in these destinations. We urge all crew members to maintain good situational awareness, avoid all protest locations, and stay updated through Flying Together and local media sources for the latest information.
- Support for Those with Ties to Israel: We understand that some of you may have family and friends in Israel. For U.S. citizens seeking to get in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel, please click here for the link or call +1-833-890-9595 and +1-606-641-0131. You can also view the latest security alert from the U.S. Embassy here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Inflight bases during normal business hours or contact the IFDM after business hours for assistance.
Your safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need during these challenging times. Please stay vigilant, follow the safety guidelines, and know that your Union is here to support you.
Safety Concerns and Layover Hotel Guidelines
Your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities.
In light of recent events and their potential impact on our layover locations, we want to ensure that you have the information and guidance needed to stay safe especially during your overnight stays.
Protests connected to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas are currently taking place around the world. Hamas has called for a day of global unrest and a show of anger this Friday, October 13. Some of the demonstrations this Friday may be large and lead to clashes with security forces and counter-protesters. More demonstrations are likely in the coming days and weeks, especially near Israeli diplomatic facilities—crew members should expect heightened security near all demonstration sites and avoid all rallies in the coming days out of caution.
Please monitor the local news in your destination and check the Israel Security Updates page on Flying Together for the latest list of demonstrations and their proximity to crew hotels around the world. Additionally, you can also refer to the International SOS app that has local alerts and access to representatives 24/7.
Also, as safety professionals, it is crucial to prioritize safety even during layovers. After a long day at work, fatigue can set in, making it easy to overlook essential safety precautions. Our Hotel and Transportation and Safety, Health, and Security Committees have compiled a list of guidelines for layover safety awareness and can be found on our website at www.unitedafa.org. Please review this list carefully and follow these guidelines to stay safe during your layovers.
Our Safety, Health, and Security Committee, as well as our Hotel and Transportation Committee, are committed to ensuring your safety during layovers. Please remain vigilant, stay safe, and do not hesitate to reach out to your Union representatives or United's security team via IFDM, if you encounter any safety concerns or require assistance.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Stay safe and vigilant.