Why the Hell Are American Airlines Pilots Sleeping at Airports?

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This just is not right and could put people's lives at risk.

The Dallas Morning News reports pilots and flight attendants for Forth Worth based American Airlines are sleeping in airports according to unions because the company is not booking hotels for them during layovers.

“We have flight attendants sleeping in airports and outside of baggage claim due to the company not providing hotel accommodations in a timely manner,” said a memo to flight attendants from union president Julie Hedrick. “Crew rest is being impacted, and clean, comfortable and quiet rooms are not being provided for required rest.”

The airline responded to the concerns in the story.

American Airlines, which has 13,400 pilots and 24,450 flight attendants, said it is looking into the issues raised by the unions.

“Taking care of our crew members while they are away from home is a priority for American,” said American Airlines spokeswoman Lindsey Martin.

I would hope so. This whole situation sounds like it could end in catastrophe. Pilots need to be well rested when they are flying passengers at 35,000 feet. I would not think they could get a good night's sleep on the floor of an airport.

We could be seeing a shortage of pilots and there is a shortage of airline workers so there is no doubt that airline personnel and pilots are understaffed and overworked as it is. Do we need to compound the problem by denying them their proper rest?

What are your thoughts, your reaction, your opinion on this story? Have you seen pilots sleeping at airports? Maybe you have seen an American Airline pilot sleeping at the San Angelo airport. We would love to hear what you think. Let us know on Facebook or chat with us on our station app.