JetBlue to Offer FAs Six Months of Unpaid Leave

DALLAS — According to a message from the Transport Workers Union, JetBlue (B6) will offer flight attendants (FA) up to six months of unpaid leave in September 2024 and lower the number of crew members working on transatlantic flights as part of an ongoing cost-cutting push at the loss-making carrier.

JetBlue FAs have been instructed to expect a lot more time sitting on reserve, but they will be able to take an unpaid leave of absence rather than being without a schedule.

The document, first published by aviation expert xJonNYC on X, warns flight attendants that flying schedules will be "significantly reduced" as the airline approaches the normally calmer winter season, which lasts from October to March in the airline business.

According to the document, B6 intends to cut the number of flight attendants on transatlantic flights from five to four for "the foreseeable future."

Less Privacy for Fewer Flight Attendants

Additionally, paddleyourownkanoo.com revealed last month that the carrier would disable the personal privacy doors on certain of its Mint Business Class aircraft in an effort to cut down on the number of flight attendants employed on these aircraft.

Because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that it was too much effort for four crew members to lock and unlock the doors during taxi, takeoff, and landing, B6 was forced to roster five crew members on aircraft equipped with these seats.

JetBlue is able to work around the FAA safety guideline and assign just four crew members to work on some of its longest international flights by shutting the doors.