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Health

Contact Information

Hayley Brewer - Health Chair

[email protected]  |  Contact Form
Health Rep on Duty: (817) 540-0108 (press 1, then 2) |  [email protected]

Contact Information

Hayley Brewer - Health Chair

Health Rep on Duty: (817) 540-0108 (press 1, then 2) |  [email protected]

Health Hotlines

9.28.24 – Contract Implementation Update #2- Planning to Retire? RHRA Explained

CBA Section 26.G incorporates a new option to convert your existing sick bank to a Retiree Health Reimbursement Account (RHRA) upon retirement. The RHRA may be used to reimburse a retiree’s and/or a retiree’s eligible dependent’s medical expenses

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8.22.24 – APFA Supplemental Insurance Update

Beginning September 1, 2024, all existing policies with American Public Life will be moving to a new carrier, Colonial Life. The primary driver for this change is another two years of guaranteed rates.

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6.06.24 – Summer Safety Reminders

As temperatures rise and severe weather becomes more common, there is a higher chance of experiencing Cabin Odor/Fume events, Hot Cabin events, and extreme turbulence.

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4.26.24 – Adoption and Surrogacy Programs Enhanced Benefits

On January 1, 2024, American Airlines enhanced its adoption benefit by increasing the lifetime maximum from $8,000 to $30,000. It also expanded the benefit to also include surrogacy expenses.

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12.27.23 – Maternity Leave: What to Expect When You’re Expecting

Being familiar with your rights and responsibilities during a Maternity Leave of Absence is important. Understanding the structure of the leave will help you better navigate your time before and after birth.

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9.28.24 – Contract Implementation Update #2- Planning to Retire? RHRA Explained

CBA Section 26.G incorporates a new option to convert your existing sick bank to a Retiree Health Reimbursement Account (RHRA) upon retirement. The RHRA may be used to reimburse a retiree’s and/or a retiree’s eligible dependent’s medical expenses

Continue Reading

8.22.24 – APFA Supplemental Insurance Update

Beginning September 1, 2024, all existing policies with American Public Life will be moving to a new carrier, Colonial Life. The primary driver for this change is another two years of guaranteed rates.

Continue Reading

6.06.24 – Summer Safety Reminders

As temperatures rise and severe weather becomes more common, there is a higher chance of experiencing Cabin Odor/Fume events, Hot Cabin events, and extreme turbulence.

Continue Reading

Benefits

APFA Supplemental Benefits

American Public Life APFA Supplemental Benefits

If you carry any supplemental benefits sponsored by APFA, we have a website dedicated to answering your questions. Learn more about your policies, file claims, or contact a representative who can assist by clicking the button below to visit apfaservice.com

Plan Coverage*
Group Accident Insurance Group Accident Insurance helps pay costs that arise from covered accidents such as fractures, dislocations and lacerations. This plan provides On and Off Job coverage.
Group Critical Illness Insurance Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant.
Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay the costs associated with a hospital stay including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step- down unit.
Group Disability Insurance Group Disability Insurance helps protect your income in the event that you are unable to work. On and off the job coverage is available. (Maternity Coverage)
Group Whole Life Insurance Group Whole Life Insurance helps provide financial security for your family members. Whole life insurance offers fixed premiums and guaranteed death benefits. The policy builds cash value on a tax-deferred basis.
Group Supplemental Dental Insurance Group Supplemental Dental Insurance provides you with cash benefits for dental care, such as cleanings and preventive care, x-rays and crowns and major services.
Group Cancer Insurance Group Cancer Insurance helps cover medical and non-medical expenses related to the diagnosis, treatment and your recovery.

* This is a brief product overview only. These plans have limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. Refer to the plans for complete details, limitations, and exclusions.

AA Benefits

American Airlines Benefit Resource

Benefits Service Center
Phone: 888-860-6178

Health & Benefits
If you’re looking for information regarding your medical coverage, dental, vision, prescriptions, or spending accounts visit the Health & Benefits page on JetNet. View AA Health & Benefits Information on Jetnet

Accolade is a Healthcare concierge service offered to us by AA. If you need assistance with understanding your coverage or claims, finding a provider, or even if you need to chat with a nurse, Accolade is a great place to start. They also have an app you can download directly to your personal mobile device to access help when it’s convenient for you. View Accolade Healthcare Concierge Services

StayWell Rx
Eligible Medications and Supplies - View the American Airlines Staywell List

Medical Coverage Contact Directory
Medical Blue Cross Blue Shield or UMR contact accolade: (833) 346-3929 (833-FIND-WAY)
Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance (BSWQA): (800) 784-5473
Dental MetLife: (866) 838-1072
Vision EyeMed: (844) 714-5678
Life Insurance, Accident and
Disability Insurance
New York Life: (800) 238-2125
MetLife: (800) 638-6420
MetLife Disability: (888) 533-6287
Post-Pregnancy Disability Insurance: (888) 533-6287
AA Added Benefits (voluntary Offerings) 855-550-0706

MetLife Legal Plan Liberty Mutual, Farmers GroupSelect and Travelers Home & Auto Lifelock Identity Theft Protection Nationwide Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) The Hartford Group Accident Insurance The Hartford Critical Illness Insurance Carrington Discount Dental Plan The Hartford Hospital Indemnity
HMO (California) Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, California: (800) 464-4000
Triple-S: 800-981-3241
Prescription Drug CVS Caremark: (844) 758-0767
Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA): Alight Smart-Choice Accounts: (888) 860-6178
Maternity Post-Pregnancy Post-Pregnancy Disability Insurance: (888) 533-6287
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) AETNA: (833) 721-2322
Virtual Doctor Visits Doctor On Demand: (800) 997-6196
Surgery Support Surgery Plus: (833) 709-2445
AA 401(K) Service Center at
Fidelity Investments
401(k) Service Center at Fidelity: 800-354-3412
Fidelity One-on-One Guidance: (800) 603-4015
AA Flight Services Contacts FA Service Center: (800) 847-2739
Quick Contact Guide
AA Added Benefits (Voluntary Offerings) (855) 550-0706

Disability

AA Disability Information

How to File for Disability

How do I file for short term or long-term disability? Learn how to file for short-term or long-term disability

How to File a Claim
1. Gather your treatment dates, the dates you last worked and were last paid, and your physician’s and supervisor’s contact information.
2. Then call MetLife at (888) 533-6287 and select option 2.

Leaves of Absence

Requesting Leave

Should you need to take a medical leave, FMLA, Leave for a family member, or Maternity leave Absence Tracker is the place to start. This quick guide will walk you through how to create a case and what to expect. Learn About Leaves & Returns

Watch a walkthrough on requesting a leave in Absence Tracker

Unpaid Medical Leave

In the first 12 months of unpaid medical leave, you will pay your current benefit contributions. The company policy is, if you are out longer than 12 months on an unpaid status, you will transition to COBRA. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to continue group health benefits. Learn More Here

Personal, Voluntary, Educational, Medical, Family, Military, and Maternity / Paternity / Adoption

Absence Tracker

You can find the following items in ARC - Jetnet > Team Member Service > Leaves & Returns > Inflight

  • Check status of sick leave request
  • FMLA Certification Form
  • Pandemic Leave- What you need to know
  • Pandemic Leave- Applying for Pandemic Leave
  • Return to work form
  • Summary of Leave Changes
  • Check status of FMLA request

In accordance with CBA Section 9.B.2.A Flight Attendant who is unable to report for duty for twenty-one (21) or more consecutive days following the origination of a sick call will be required to notify her/his Crew Manager. The Company may require a Flight Attendant who is unable to report for duty for twenty-one (21) or more consecutive days to present medical documentation.

With the implementation of Absence Tracker, the Company has utilized the ability to auto-designate FMLA while on a medical leave of absence. Your FMLA will run concurrent with any medical leave(s) that are administratively and medically eligible. Therefore, if the absence extends for twenty-one (21) or more consecutive days, you will be required to create a case within Absence Tracker. You will be prompted to complete the Health Care Provider Form (HCP) to substantiate the leave.

If your leave is less than twenty-one (21) days, and you do not wish to utilize FMLA, you are not required to create a case within Absence Tracker. The absence will be subject to the attendance policy without the usage of FMLA. If your leave is medically substantiated/21+ days and you are not eligible for FMLA, the consecutive absence will be non-punitive.

Below you will find the path to Absence Tracker and how to request a new case. Once you create a case, you will be notified if you are administratively eligible for FMLA via email, the US Postal Service and in the view attachments button in absence tracker. The FMLA forms will be provided with each method of communication. If you are not administratively eligible, the information provided on your HCP form will be used to designate a Medical Leave.

Once you create a case within Absence Tracker, it will remain open for fifteen (15) days. Your case does not have to be created on the exact date you are requesting, but it is important to be cognizant of the timeline Absence Tracker provides you to complete your case. The HCP form used to designate FMLA has a timeline as well. You will have fifteen (15) days from the start date being requested on your HCP form to submit your HCP form. There is a unique bar code, shown below, that is for your individual case request.  It is important to only use the forms provided. Be sure to follow your case in your case notes in case there is additional documentation or clarification needed. You will have ten (10) days to submit the requested information.

When you create a leave request, all documents needed for your case will be included in the “view” attachments link.

The preferable and easiest method for you to submit your HCP form is by uploading them directly to Absence Tracker. You can scan the forms directly to your computer or even upload a clear photo.

Path to the Absence Tracker is through Jetnet > Team Member Services > Leaves & Returns

FMLA

FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) allows time off for their own serious health condition, to care for a covered family member with a serious health condition, the birth, placement with the team member for adoption or foster care, and because of a “qualifying exigency” due to a team members covered family member is a military member on active duty or called to covered active-duty status.

If the team member is not eligible for FMLA or has exhausted all their available FMLA hours and needs to take leave for their own serious health condition, their request will be reviewed under Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA). Go to “My View” in Inflight to check your eligibility.

View the Special Rules for Airline Flight Crew Employees Under FMLA
How to File a Wage and Hour Division Complaint with the DOL

Calling Out Sick for an FMLA Covered Illness

FMLA for Yourself

Contact Crew Scheduling to call out sick for a sequence, standby, or reserve day of availability before submitting a the Intermittent FMLA Recode Form in Comply365.

Go to Comply365 > Forms > AAFA > FA Admin Requests > Intermittent FMLA Recode Request

"Caregiver" FMLA for a Family Member

Call Crew Scheduling or your AFSM/Base Inflight for a Personal Off (PO) when caring for a family member. After the PO is granted, fill out the Intermittent FMLA Recode Request Form.

If your need for the leave is foreseable, submit the Intermittent FMLA Request Form up to 7 days in advance to be removed from a sequence or reserve day so that your absence can be coded to IV or IF.

Please note that requests for FMLA recodes must be made as soon as practicable and within a reasonable amount of time after returning to work, or after the Intermittent FMLA case is approved. Return to work is defined as:

— Flying a trip
— Reserve day or standby, even if you did not fly
— Attending any Company training including CQ
— Special Assignment/Company Business/APFA

If you have questions, you can call 800-VIP-CREW (then press #, 6, Option 2)

Contact Crew Scheduling to call out sick for a sequence, standby, or reserve day of availability before submitting a the Intermittent FMLA Recode Form in Comply365.

Go to Comply365 > Forms > AAFA > FA Admin Requests > Intermittent FMLA Recode Request

Call Crew Scheduling or your AFSM/Base Inflight for a Personal Off (PO) when caring for a family member. After the PO is granted, fill out the Intermittent FMLA Recode Request Form.

If your need for the leave is foreseable, submit the Intermittent FMLA Request Form up to 7 days in advance to be removed from a sequence or reserve day so that your absence can be coded to IV or IF.

Please note that requests for FMLA recodes must be made as soon as practicable and within a reasonable amount of time after returning to work, or after the Intermittent FMLA case is approved. Return to work is defined as:

— Flying a trip
— Reserve day or standby, even if you did not fly
— Attending any Company training including CQ
— Special Assignment/Company Business/APFA

If you have questions, you can call 800-VIP-CREW (then press #, 6, Option 2)

Recoding

How to Recode a Sick Absence

If you call out sick for a sequence, standby or reserve day, you must now submit the Intermittent FMLA Recode Request Form on Comply365. You may use the Comply365 on your iPhone EFB or on your personal device by going to aa.comply365.net

Go to Comply365 > Forms > AAFA > FA Admin Requests > Intermittent FMLA Recode Request

Complete the form within 2 days of returning to work from that absence. Consider completing the form immediately after you call scheduling.

ODANs, All-Nighter Turns, Double-Ups & Multiple Duty

If you are scheduled to fly multiple sequences in one day, you call out sick for one of the sequences, and you plan to recode the absence with FMLA, the FASC will wait until all legs of your sequences have originated before recoding your absence.

Example
You are scheduled to fly sequence 12345 which reports at 2140 HBT on the 9th of the month and releases at 0500 HBT on the 10th. You are scheduled an ODAN (sequence 54321) reporting at 2300 HBT on the 10th and releases at 0500 HBT on the 11th. You called out sick for sequence 12345 and on the morning of the 10th, requested a recode for that sequence.

The FASC will notate the call and advise you that they will process the recode when all legs of the sequence departing the evening of the 10th are completed to preserve the second sequence.

Calling In Well

With a valid FMLA designation on file and FMLA days available, you may call-in-well to the Flight Attendant Service Center. However, the time you notify the FASC ultimately determines your ability to Call-In-Well (CIW).

You must call the FASC between 0001 to 1430 HBT the day before you intend to be made available. The deadline to request to CIW is 1430 HBT.  You are unable to call in well and fly the same day.If you call the FASC at 1530 HBT or 1802 HBT and leave a voicemail, the company has stated you would be ineligible to be made available for the following day, but depending on the duration of your sequence, you may be made available for 2 days out.

Example

You are on a 3-day sequence beginning, Monday the 28th, reporting at 2050. You contact crew scheduling at 1900 to call out sick. You immediately call the FASC to recode your absence to intermittent FMLA.

Since the FASC is closed at 1800, you leave a voicemail requesting to recode your absence to your FMLA case on file and requests to call in well for the next day (30th) and the following day the (31st). In this example, you are not administratively eligible to be made available tomorrow as you missed the cut off time of 1430 HBT to be made available the following day. However, a FASC Representative will call you back in the morning explaining they were unable to make you available on the 30th as your request was past the 1430 HBT request deadline, but they will make you available the 31st.

Lineholder

You may call in well at any time to pick up a sequence via TTS/UBL on days other than the first day of the sequence you called in sick.

If you call out sick for a trip over a weekend or holiday, and you call in well, you will notbe restricted to the same number of weekend days. You will only need to pick up a trip that includes at least a weekend day or a holiday.

Reserve

You must notify Crew Scheduling prior to 1430 HBT on the day prior to the RSV day to be available for ROTA processing.

If you notify Crew Scheduling after 1430 HBT the day prior, Crew Scheduling will not provide consent for the following day but may provide consent for 2 days out. You will be charged sick for the following day and will not be available to the company. If you call in well, you may pick-up sequences via ETB for a future date.

You may call in well at any time to pick up a sequence via TTS/UBL on days other than the first day of the sequence you called in sick.

If you call out sick for a trip over a weekend or holiday, and you call in well, you will notbe restricted to the same number of weekend days. You will only need to pick up a trip that includes at least a weekend day or a holiday.

You must notify Crew Scheduling prior to 1430 HBT on the day prior to the RSV day to be available for ROTA processing.

If you notify Crew Scheduling after 1430 HBT the day prior, Crew Scheduling will not provide consent for the following day but may provide consent for 2 days out. You will be charged sick for the following day and will not be available to the company. If you call in well, you may pick-up sequences via ETB for a future date.

FMLA and Flight Service Attendance Policy

Attendance points will not be generated for days covered by FMLA. If a banked point was used to mitigate a point generated by a sick absence, the banked point will be restored overnight after the absence is re-coded as FMLA.

Utilization and Eligibility Hours

You may view your current FMLA utilization and eligibility hours by clicking on 'MyView - Attendance/Performance' in the Welcome box of the Flight Service Website.

On Duty Hours are calculated using the following:

  • All time from sign-in to debrief for each day of a sequence, including sit time between flights.
  • Layover time is not counted.
  • Only actual time worked is included - not the greater of schedule or actual.
  • 8:00 (eight hours) is credited for each day of training.
  • Scheduled time (sign-in to debrief) for each trip removal for AP/UJ (APFA Removals).
  • FA on Special Assignment will receive 5 hours.

If you have any questions about anything in MyView, contact the Flight Attendant Service Center.

Total Days Used
The number of FMLA days you have used towards the annual allotment of 72 days.

FMLA Eligible Hours
Eligibility hours are calculated in a rolling 12-month period with the current month’s eligibility hours reflecting through the end of the previous month. For example, November 2019 eligibility hours are a sum of November 2018 through the end of contractual October 2019.

fmla-eligiblehours

Duration & Frequency of FMLA

The duration and frequency of self/caregiver intermittent FMLA leave is only anestimate based on your physician’s recommendation.If the duration of a trip exceeds the duration of your intermittent leave as designated by your physician, your absence can still be recoded as FMLA.

Example 1

Your intermittent FMLA leave is designated as up to 2 episodes per month, lasting up to 2 days per episode. On the 13th of the month, you are scheduled for a 3-day trip and you need to call out sick because of the condition covered under that leave. Although the FMLA is designated as lasting only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 3 days of your trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 3 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Later that month on the 22nd, you are scheduled for a 4-day trip and you need to call out sick again because of the condition covered under the same intermittent FMLA. Although the leave is designated as lasting only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 4 days of this trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 4 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Example 2

Your intermittent FMLA leave is designated as up to 1 episode per month, lasting up to 2 days per episode. On the 13thof the month, you are scheduled for a 3-day trip and you need to call out sick because of the condition covered under that leave. Although the FMLA is designated as lasting only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 3 days of your trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 3 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Later that month on the 22nd, you are scheduled for a 4-day trip and you need to call out sick again because of the condition covered under the same intermittent FMLA. Although the leave is designated as lasting up to 1 episode and only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 4 days of this trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 4 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Your intermittent FMLA leave is designated as up to 2 episodes per month, lasting up to 2 days per episode. On the 13th of the month, you are scheduled for a 3-day trip and you need to call out sick because of the condition covered under that leave. Although the FMLA is designated as lasting only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 3 days of your trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 3 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Later that month on the 22nd, you are scheduled for a 4-day trip and you need to call out sick again because of the condition covered under the same intermittent FMLA. Although the leave is designated as lasting only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 4 days of this trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 4 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Your intermittent FMLA leave is designated as up to 1 episode per month, lasting up to 2 days per episode. On the 13thof the month, you are scheduled for a 3-day trip and you need to call out sick because of the condition covered under that leave. Although the FMLA is designated as lasting only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 3 days of your trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 3 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Later that month on the 22nd, you are scheduled for a 4-day trip and you need to call out sick again because of the condition covered under the same intermittent FMLA. Although the leave is designated as lasting up to 1 episode and only 2 days per episode, it caused you to miss all 4 days of this trip. If requested to recode, and you do not “call in well” and pick up more flying, all 4 days will be re-coded as FMLA.

Changes to Your Intermittent FMLA Frequency

If the frequency and/or duration of your episodes significantly change from what was originally designated by your physician, you should visit your physician again to ensure that your FMLA isproperly capturing your need for intermittent FMLA. You must be available 15 days or more in a contractual month to be eligible to accrue Sick and Vacation.

When FMLA is Considered Paid or Unpaid

If your FMLA is for yourself your absence will be re-coded as “IS” in FOS to reflect “Self-Intermittent Paid FMLA” for the portion paid from your sick bank. If you do not have enough sick time available in your sick bank, your sick call will be re-coded as “MF” in FOS to reflect “Self-Intermittent Unpaid FMLA” for the unpaid portion from your sick bank.

How Vacation Days are Used for Intermittent FMLA

FMLA for Yourself

If your FMLA is for yourself and you do not have enough sick time available in your sick bank, at your option, you may use vacation and/or filler days scheduled for later in the year for pay purposes. Your absence will be re-coded as “IV” in FOS to reflect “Self-Intermittent FMLA Vacation” for the unpaid portion from your sick bank.  Indicate the vacation block to use. (Ex. back of 09FEB21 block)

Check "UNPAID - No Paid Option / Available / Applied" if this absence was for you and:
— You do not have sick time or
— You do not want to apply vacation hours to this absence

In this case, your absence will be recoded Intermittent FMLA, Unpaid (MF).

"Caregiver" FMLA for a Family Member

If your FMLA is “caregiver” for a family member, your vacation and/or filler days will be used, your absence will be re-coded as “IV” in FOS to reflect “Caregiver-Intermittent FMLA Vacation”. You will need to let the FASC know which vacation and/or filler day(s) you want to use.

If your FMLA is “caregiver” for a family member, and you don’t have enough vacation days, your absence will be re-coded as “MF” in FOS to reflect “Caregiver-Intermittent FMLA Unpaid”.

Vacation days bid in the annual vacation process in blocks of seven (7) or more consecutive days will be paid and credited at four (4) hours per day at your current rate of pay. Vacation days in blocks of less than seven (7) consecutive days will be paid and credited at three and one-half (3.5) hours per day. Vacation days used for FMLA will be paid and credited based on your longevity at the time the vacation days are utilized (Vacation pay for FMLA should be based on original block bid - Presidential Grievance Pending).

FOS FMLA Type Sick Bank Used? Vacation Used?
IS Self-Intermittent Yes No
MF Self-Intermittent No Hours Available No
IV Self-Intermittent No Yes
IV Caregiver-Intermittent No Yes
FM Caregiver-Intermittent No No Days Available

Maternity

Getting Started: Information to Know

Maternity Codes

MS: Paid Maternity Sick Time
UM: Unpaid Maternity Sick Time
ZZ: Unpaid Personal Leave prior to birth
M1: Unpaid Personal Leave for adoption
M2: Paid Maternity/Medical Leave of Absence (Paid prior to birth of the baby through 6/8 weeks after delivery.)
M3: Unpaid Maternity/Medical Leave of Absence (Unpaid prior to the birth of the baby)
M4: Unpaid Personal Leave following the birth of the baby (Also applies for miscarriages)
M5: MetLife paid post-delivery disability period (Upon birth of baby up to 10 weeks of short-term disability period) (Also applies for miscarriages)

Contacts

Absence and Return Center (ARC)
1-800-447-2000 and [email protected]
This department receives and processes all medical documents and sends notices to the FASC to code your HI10 correctly.

Flight Attendant Service Center (FASC) Administration
1-800-VIP-CREW #6-3 and [email protected]
This department will recode any maternity absences and will recode your HI10 with your maternity absences and maternity leaves.

MetLife
1-888-533-6287
Administers the post-delivery maternity paid disability

Contractual Information

Section 25 (G)

  1. The status of a pregnant Flight Attendant shall be as provided in Paragraph E.9.
  2. A Flight Attendant who does not qualify for a Medical Leave of Absence shall, upon request at any time during the pregnancy, be granted an unpaid Personal Leave of Absence. If the Flight Attendant subsequently provides written verification from her physician that she is not able to perform Flight Attendant duties, the Flight Attendant shall be placed on a Medical Leave of Absence.
  3. After the birth of a child or termination of pregnancy, a Flight Attendant may request and shall be granted an unpaid Maternity/Paternity Leave of Absence for up to one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days. This leave shall commence upon the date of birth or termination and shall continue until no later than one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days after that date. Additional leave will be considered by the Company due to extenuating circumstances.
  4. If eligible according to the terms of the disability program, a Flight Attendant may use disability benefits while on Maternity Leave. A Flight Attendant will be required to use sick hours. Use of sick, vacation accrual and disability benefits shall be as provided in Sick Leave, Section 9, Vacation, Section 8, and Insurance, Retirement, and Other Benefits, Section 26. The chart in Paragraph N contains additional rules and benefits that apply to a Maternity/Paternity Leave.

MS: Paid Maternity Sick Time
UM: Unpaid Maternity Sick Time
ZZ: Unpaid Personal Leave prior to birth
M1: Unpaid Personal Leave for adoption
M2: Paid Maternity/Medical Leave of Absence (Paid prior to birth of the baby through 6/8 weeks after delivery.)
M3: Unpaid Maternity/Medical Leave of Absence (Unpaid prior to the birth of the baby)
M4: Unpaid Personal Leave following the birth of the baby (Also applies for miscarriages)
M5: MetLife paid post-delivery disability period (Upon birth of baby up to 10 weeks of short-term disability period) (Also applies for miscarriages)

Absence and Return Center (ARC)
1-800-447-2000 and [email protected]
This department receives and processes all medical documents and sends notices to the FASC to code your HI10 correctly.

Flight Attendant Service Center (FASC) Administration
1-800-VIP-CREW #6-3 and [email protected]
This department will recode any maternity absences and will recode your HI10 with your maternity absences and maternity leaves.

MetLife
1-888-533-6287
Administers the post-delivery maternity paid disability

Section 25 (G)

  1. The status of a pregnant Flight Attendant shall be as provided in Paragraph E.9.
  2. A Flight Attendant who does not qualify for a Medical Leave of Absence shall, upon request at any time during the pregnancy, be granted an unpaid Personal Leave of Absence. If the Flight Attendant subsequently provides written verification from her physician that she is not able to perform Flight Attendant duties, the Flight Attendant shall be placed on a Medical Leave of Absence.
  3. After the birth of a child or termination of pregnancy, a Flight Attendant may request and shall be granted an unpaid Maternity/Paternity Leave of Absence for up to one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days. This leave shall commence upon the date of birth or termination and shall continue until no later than one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days after that date. Additional leave will be considered by the Company due to extenuating circumstances.
  4. If eligible according to the terms of the disability program, a Flight Attendant may use disability benefits while on Maternity Leave. A Flight Attendant will be required to use sick hours. Use of sick, vacation accrual and disability benefits shall be as provided in Sick Leave, Section 9, Vacation, Section 8, and Insurance, Retirement, and Other Benefits, Section 26. The chart in Paragraph N contains additional rules and benefits that apply to a Maternity/Paternity Leave.

Online Resources

AA's Maternity Leave Information: Flight Service website.
MetLife’s Post-Delivery STD Plan: New Parent Resources
MetLife: Medical Substantiation Form for Post Pregnancy Short Term Disability
Order a maternity uniform (Optional): Visit the Lands' End Website

Maternity Leave Process

Maternity leaves typically consist of three different portions: Maternity Medical, Maternity Disability, and Maternity/Paternity Personal Leave

You are entitled to approved time off prior to the birth of your baby. You will either need to call out intermittently as you continue to fly, or your doctor will remove you entirely prior to birth. For both scenarios, there is a process for this.

  1. Submit proof of pregnancy from your doctor to the Absence and Return Center (ARC) via Absence Tracker. (JetNet>Team Member Services>Leaves & Returns>Flight Service) You’ll create a Pregnancy/Maternity case.
  2. To recode any intermittent Maternity related absences, use the “Maternity intermittent sick recode request” form in comply365. If you don’t have your tablet on hand, you can utilize the Comply365 web address. (aa.comply365.net)
  3. If your doctor wishes to remove you from duties prior to delivery, you’ll create a Medical Leave case within Absence Tracker with the official date of removal through the birth date. Flight Attendants are responsible for managing schedules while ARC processes the leave. Once approved, FA Admin will recode the medical leave to M2/M3 depending on your pay status. (*Please note: if you’re administratively eligible for FMLA, it will run concurrently with your medical leave.)

The Maternity Disability period is 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of delivery. However, paid disability can be expanded up to 10 weeks based on the information provided by your health care provider.

Examples:

  • Normal delivery- 6 weeks recovery + 4 weeks of STD based on information from your health care provider
  • Cesarean Section-8 weeks recovery + 2 weeks of STD based on information from your health care provider

You should begin contacting MetLife 60 days prior to birth.

When Your Baby Arrives
Contact MetLife and ARC to advise of baby’s birth and give your actual delivery date so the Maternity Short-Term Disability Plan payments can begin.

Call the FASC to let them know so they will be on the lookout for the delivery notice from ARC.

If FMLA days are available, the company will use them concurrently with your MetLife Maternity Disability claim, as this provides enough medical substantiation for the purpose of Family Medical Leave.

This PLOA period is taken within the first 180 days from birth, following your disability period, if you wish to take it. *Please note, per the JCBA, Flight Attendants are responsible for paying inactive rates for health coverage while on a PLOA if continuing health coverage with AA.

To request this portion of your leave, you may submit a “Maternity/Paternity Personal Leave of Absence” form via Comply365.

Returning To Work

Should you go out on a Medical Leave prior to birth and return to work prior to birth, you will need to submit a RTW form via Absence Tracker.

Otherwise, your RTW period will be following Maternity Disability period OR Maternity/Paternity Personal Leave of Absence period if you elect to take the PLOA following disability.

Maternity Intermittent Sick

Pregnancy/Maternity case must be approved prior to submitting recode request.  You can view your Maternity Leave status in Absence Tracker. Call out sick with Crew Scheduling for a sequence, standby, or reserve day before submitting the Maternity Intermittent Recode Form

Pandemic Policy (COVID-19)

Beginning July 5, 2022, flight attendants who test positive for COVID-19 will get no attendance point for absences lasting up to five (5) days. You will need to present a positive proctored COVID-19 test with your name and date of testing clearly visible. Accepted COVID-19 tests include PCR or antigen (“rapid”) tests administered by pharmacies, local testing centers, or health care provider offices. At-home tests must be completed under the supervision of a health care professional via doctor on demand or similar virtual doctor visit. The positive test result must be submitted within 7 days of testing positive by using your iPhone EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) to take the picture, then submit through Comply365 so they can recode your absence. Read more about the Flight Attendant COVID Policy.

State Specific Entitlement Programs

Return to Work

Returning to Work

If your leave requires a return-to-work form, it can be found in your Absence Tracker case management file under “view attachments” link.

Need Help?

For specific questions related to returning to work from a Leave contact the APFA Scheduling or Contract departments

Contract Department Contact Form
Contract Rep on Duty Contact Form
Scheduling Department Contact Form

APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040

M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108

Call APFA

Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108

Chat APFA

After-Hours Live Chat
Weekends / Holidays: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)

APFA Events

2024 APFA Board of Directors Fall Meeting

October 16 @ 8:00 am - October 17 @ 5:00 pm

Safety/Security Virtual Town Hall

November 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040

M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108

Call APFA

Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108

Chat APFA

After-Hours Live Chat
Weekends / Holidays: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)

APFA Events

2024 APFA Board of Directors Fall Meeting

October 16 @ 8:00 am - October 17 @ 5:00 pm

Safety/Security Virtual Town Hall

November 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040

M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108

Call APFA

Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108

Chat APFA

After-Hours Live Chat
Weekends / Holidays: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)

APFA Events

2024 APFA Board of Directors Fall Meeting

October 16 @ 8:00 am - October 17 @ 5:00 pm

Safety/Security Virtual Town Hall

November 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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