4.30.26 – Critical Changes to the 2026-2027 CQ Program

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Critical Changes to the 2026-2027 CQ Program

Starting April 1, 2026, changes imposed by American Airlines Inflight management to the Flight Attendant Continuing Qualification (CQ) program sharply reduced any margin for error.

Under the current program, a single difficult CQ experience can quickly escalate into Final Targeted Training, even for the most seasoned Flight Attendants. This advisory is not intended to alarm, but to make sure you are fully prepared for the new CQ program. We want to ensure you clearly understand the CQ requirements to protect your qualifications and career.

What has changed?

Reduced Attempts

In addition to the voluntary ‘You Know the Drill’ prior to CQ start on Day 1, you will have three (3) total attempts at CQ. If you are unsuccessful, you will have one final fourth attempt when you return to DFW for Final Targeted Training.

• First and second attempts: If you do not successfully complete a drill during the voluntary ‘You Know the Drill’, you will have two attempts to complete your drill during the drill rotation on Day 2.
• Third attempt: If a third attempt is needed, it will be completed at the end of Day 2.
• Fourth attempt: If unsuccessful on the third attempt, you will need to return to DFW for Final Targeted Training, which is the fourth and final attempt. This must be accomplished within seven (7) days. If you are unsuccessful in this fourth and final attempt, you will be involuntarily separated from the company. If you are eligible for retirement, that would be an option.

No changes to the ‘First Look’ drill

• If you successfully complete the ‘First Look’ drill on your first attempt, you’ll receive credit for the drill and will not need to complete it on Day 2.
• If you do not successfully complete your drill on the first attempt during First Look, you will have five minutes to successfully complete it immediately following the unsuccessful attempt.
  • If you are unsuccessful within the 5-minute allotment, you will have an opportunity to successfully complete the drill at the end of Day 1.
  • If the end-of-day attempt is unsuccessful, a final attempt will need to be accomplished within seven days. Your qualifications will be inactive until you successfully complete your fourth attempt.

What has changed with Final Targeted Training?

Reduced Time and Attempts

• You must return to DFW within seven (7) days after your third unsuccessful CQ attempt.
• Fifteen minutes of practice are allowed prior to testing.
• One (1) final attempt for each unsatisfactory component, when previously, Flight Attendants were allowed two (2) attempts.

Passing reinstates your qualifications for six (6) months, after which you must return to complete a satisfactory attempt a fifth time under a Special Tracking Program. 

Failing results in your involuntary separation from the company. If you are eligible for retirement, that would be an option.

In short, once we enter Final Targeted Training, there is no remaining margin for error.

Why does this matter?

The current CQ model is far less forgiving of:

• Being unprepared
• Rushed or last-minute preparation
• Distraction, overload, or difficulty processing information
• Fatigue, illness, or unresolved stress.

Practical steps to lower risk

• Prepare deliberately and do not rely solely on experience.
• Speak up early if something is affecting your performance.
• Take physical and mental warning signs seriously.

Rescheduling, reaching out, or asking for help can feel uncomfortable. However, those options are often far easier for us to recover from than unsatisfactory CQ outcomes.

Knowing who to contact and when can help preserve options when something does not feel right. The resources below are provided to support informed decision-making before, during, or after CQ.

Rescheduling CQ or general training inquiries 

Five or more days before scheduled CQ 

• Submit a Training Enrollment Request Form at Comply365 → My Forms → AAFA Training → Training Enrollment Request Form.

Less than five days before scheduled CQ

• Contact the Training Support Desk at 800-VIP-CREW (800-847-2739), extension 6, then 1.
• Please note that rescheduling within five days may result in a missed assignment.

After hours: faportal.aa.com → Departments → Training→ Irregular Operations (IROPS) and Flight Cancellations.

If you become ill or injured at CQ

• Immediately notify any available instructor.
• Ask to speak with a Training Department Manager. They can address all your needs, including coordinating medical care, travel home, and CQ rescheduling.

Need additional support?

APFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
(833) 214‑2002
[email protected]

American Airlines Member Assistance Program (MAP)
(833) 721‑2322
my.aa.com/map

APFA Safety Department
[email protected]

APFA Base Representatives
www.apfa.org/bases/