ST. GEORGE, UTAH- A SkyWest Airlines (OO) flight attendant has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation after reporting an intoxicated instructor on a United Express flight between San Francisco (SFO) and Sacramento (SMF). The case raises concerns over safety oversight and whistleblower protections.
The complaint claims the airline denied medical leave, threatened job security, and ultimately forced the employee out after she reported safety violations during active duty operations.
Skywest Faces Lawsuit from Attendant
SkyWest Airlines (OO), the largest regional carrier in the United States, operates flights for major partners including United Airlines (UA), Delta Air Lines (DL), American Airlines (AA), and Alaska Airlines (AS). The lawsuit centers on an incident from November 18, 2024, involving a newly hired flight attendant still under supervision.
According to the legal complaint reported by PYOK, the flight attendant was assigned to a United Express (UA) route from San Francisco (SFO) to Sacramento (SMF). She was working alongside another trainee and a lead instructor responsible for oversight and training.
The complaint alleges that the instructor showed visible signs of impairment. These included slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and difficulty performing standard safety procedures. The instructor reportedly mishandled door operations, failed to secure overhead bins, and neglected passenger assistance duties.
The flight attendant detected a strong smell of alcohol and reported the situation to the aircraft captain. The captain also acknowledged the odor but allowed the instructor to continue working, including on the return flight to San Francisco.
Internal Reports and FAA Escalation
The plaintiff filed two irregular operation reports, one for each flight segment. She also contacted SkyWest’s Inflight Support team upon arrival at San Francisco (SFO), requesting that the instructor be removed from further duties.
In addition to internal reporting, the flight attendant escalated the matter to the Federal Aviation Administration. Following the incident, she experienced acute stress and anxiety, leading her physician to recommend medical leave until late December 2024.
The lawsuit claims SkyWest denied this request for protected leave and warned her that an extended absence could affect her employment status.
ALSO READ: United Airlines Faces Lawsuit from Attendant Who Was Fired 3-Years Back
Allegations of Workplace Retaliation
The complaint states that airline management criticized the flight attendant for escalating the issue beyond internal channels. She was reportedly told that involving multiple parties reflected poorly on her reliability as an employee.
By January 2025, the lawsuit alleges that she had lost pay and benefits and was treated as if she had voluntarily resigned. The plaintiff argues that these actions effectively forced her to leave the company.
She is now seeking compensation for lost earnings, along with punitive damages. The lawsuit also claims that the instructor involved in the incident remains employed by SkyWest.
Broader Legal Issues at SkyWest
The case emerges alongside separate legal challenges involving the airline. Recently, SkyWest filed a lawsuit against two pilots accused of accessing internal systems to obtain employee contact details.
One of the pilots admitted to using company data to contact colleagues about unionizing efforts linked to the Air Line Pilots Association. The pilot has argued that the matter qualifies as a labor dispute, which may limit the court’s jurisdiction.
These developments highlight ongoing tensions within the airline’s workforce, including concerns over labor organization, data access, and internal governance.
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