United Airlines has reportedly warned flight attendants who use their personal devices — including smartphones — while onboard a flight that they could lose their jobs.
A new memo to staff, first reported by Live and Let’s Fly, informs the Chicago-based airline’s flight attendants that they are required to offer “visible and attentive service to customers.” United then reminds its cabin crew that “neither is possible” if a flight attendant is preoccupied with their device.
The airline further warns that using a personal mobile device could prevent staff from missing an onboard security incident — such as the many in-flight “meltdowns” of 2023 — or other safety risks. United notes the specific theoretical scenario of a flight attendant triggering an accidental emergency slide deployment because they were holding their mobile phone while disarming a door.
“Customers look to flight attendants for great service. How comfortable would you be asking someone for help if they were…
