American Airlines Has Too Many Flight Attendants For September — Asks 1,205 To Take Unpaid Leave

American Airlines intends to offer approximately 1,205 flight attendants the opportunity to take unpaid leave during September. This action represents about 4% of the airline’s total flight attendant population. The decision stems from several converging factors including a shift towards a reduced fall schedule that began earlier than anticipated. Furthermore, American Airlines has recently hired over 2,000 new flight attendants and is responding to schedule adjustments driven by rising fuel costs. The move also addresses a diminished operational buffer following the busy summer travel season, necessitating this strategic realignment within its workforce.