Delta takes flight attendant fatigue seriously

Counterpoint

The May 26 article "Many flight attendants dangerously exhausted" examined an issue that Delta Air Lines takes very seriously. We work closely with our flight attendants to help ensure they have adequate rest opportunities.

We believe the vast majority of our flight attendant professionals, who take great pride in their training, customer service and good judgment, would take offense at the assertion that they would choose to fly routes where they would not have the opportunity for adequate rest.

A few key points the article overlooked:

• Delta's rules for flight attendant rest, which exceed Federal Aviation Administration requirements, offer great flexibility for attendants to choose the length and duration of trips they work, and they have the ability to manage their schedules to ensure adequate rest.

• Of all the trips our flight attendants can choose, the long-haul, international flights described in the article are among the most sought-after.

• Delta provides a broad slate of tools to combat fatigue, including rest facilities and opportunities on aircraft and at airports, and hotels that are well-suited for a restful sleep.

It's unfortunate that the article highlighted a tiny number of flight attendants who have had unusual issues in this area, or who may have a hidden agenda.

The vast majority of our flight attendants, who are the best in the world, work hard every day to ensure a safe work environment at all times for themselves, their coworkers and their customers.

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