Airline Employee Healthcare & Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

According to a Harvard Research Study, airline employees have a higher prevalence of several forms of cancer. These include breast cancer, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, thyroid cancer and cervical cancer. Additional risks were introduced with COVID-19. Airline healthcare policies are extremely strict, so it’s important that your doctor understand these industry specific policies and required documentation to remain healthy while adhering to workplace requirements.

Flight Attendant Medical Requirements

Flight attendants are required to be in excellent health. A medical exam is required to ensure that flight attendants meet the airline’s specific requirements and can endure the physically demanding challenges of the job. Even the healthiest worker may find themselves “grounded” due to workplace injuries or health issues outside of their control. These unexpected and unpreventable health issues may result in lost wages or termination. Our team is experienced in such situations and can help you provide the necessary medical documentation to prove your extenuating circumstance to your employer.

Flight Attendant Medical Leave of Absence

Flight attendants who are unable to perform their duties due to a medical condition and whose medical provider provides medical verification may apply for a medical leave of absence. An employer cannot force you to use FMLA instead of Medical Leave when you meet the guidelines. Further, if you are eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, your employer cannot force you to use company medical leave.

At Intown Primary Care, we treat many airline employees and are familiar with the requirements and documentation necessary for debilitating airline employee healthcare issues.

Flight attendants who are unable to perform their duties due to a medical condition and whose medical provider provides medical verification may apply for a medical leave of absence. An employer cannot force you to use FMLA instead of Medical Leave when you meet the guidelines. Further, if you are eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, your employer cannot force you to use company medical leave.

At Intown Primary Care, we treat many airline employees and are familiar with the requirements and documentation necessary for debilitating airline employee healthcare issues.

Please note that we do not currently offer FAA-regulated Pilot Physicals.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was established in 1993 and is a United States federal law that requires employers to provide employees with unpaid leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. The FMLA ensures that workers are able to take time off from work without fear of job loss or other penalties for up to 12 weeks per year. 

Common cases for FMLA leave include serious health conditions, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, and pregnancy.