AFA-CWA Survey Reveals Widespread Harassment of Flight Attendants

More than two-thirds of Flight Attendants in the U.S. have experienced sexual harassment during their flying careers, according to a new survey released by AFA-CWA.

More than one in three Flight Attendants say they have experienced verbal sexual harassment from passengers, and nearly one in five have experienced physical sexual harassment from passengers in the last year alone. Despite the prevalence of abuse and the emergence of the #MeToo movement, 68 percent of Flight Attendants say they saw no efforts by airlines to address workplace sexual harassment over the last year.

"While much of the coverage of the #MeToo movement has focused on high-profile cases in the entertainment industry and politics, this survey underscores why AFA has long been pushing to eradicate sexism and harassment within our own industry," said Sara Nelson, AFA President. "The time when Flight Attendants were objectified in airline marketing and people joked about 'coffee, tea, or me' needs to be permanently grounded. #TimesUp for the industry to put an end to its sexist past."

AFA-CWA is calling on the entire airline industry to step up to combat harassment and recognize the effect it has on safety. 

Read more here.