United Accuses More Flight Attendants of Fraud

Earlier this month, it was reported that United had fired employees for selling their travel perks. Now the carrier is launching an investigation into the alleged selling of profitable long-haul routes between its own employees. United says it’s taking a zero tolerance approach to this behavior.

For a second time this month, allegations of fraudulent employee behavior have emerged at United Airlines. Only a few weeks ago, it was reported that a number of employees had been fired for selling their travel passes and now, as Skift reports, some members of cabin crew are allegedly making money by selling profitable long-haul routes to their colleagues.

These allegations were made public via an internal memo seen by the outlet.

United’s crew members can bid for their trips based on their level of seniority with the airline. In the event that a more senior member is unable to work their chosen trip, they are permitted to swap with a colleague.

However, as P. Douglas McKeen, senior vice president for labor relations, wrote in the memo, which was quoted by the outlet, “Those trades are not the issue. What we’re addressing is the growing problem of selecting, trading, or parking a pairing to broker, buy, or sell it to another flight attendant.”

“We have zero tolerance for this prohibited behavior. When we discover that it’s occurring, we will fully investigate and take appropriate action, up to and including discharge,” he added.

It is unclear exactly how many employees are involved in this fraudulent behavior, but McKeen went on to say that, “No flight attendant should have an unfair advantage beyond their seniority rights when it comes to managing their schedule or accessing flying opportunities.”

The airline is in the process of investigating the matter, which has also been raised to the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA).

In a statement made this past weekend, the AFA said, “Over the past few months, we have been aware that many of you have voiced concerns about illicit trip brokering where certain individuals have been improperly “parking” and holding trips for their personal gain.”

The body further reassured its members by saying that, “We support our members who have conveyed to us their aggravation, frustration and concern with the continuing nature of these schemes that take advantage of some flight attendants while disadvantaging others.”

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