United Flight Attendants Warned After Sleeping Passengers Left Onboard

United Airlines is in the spotlight after several incidents where sleeping passengers were left behind on planes after everyone else had deplaned. While it might sound like a comedy sketch, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) isn’t laughing. Leaving a passenger onboard unattended is a violation of federal safety regulations, which require at least one flight attendant to remain with passengers until the cabin is completely cleared.

What’s Going Wrong?

According to reports from Aviation A2Z, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and United management are now working together to address the pattern. AFA points to factors like distractions during deplaning, especially when cleaning crews enter the aircraft before security checks are complete. That makes it easier to miss someone snoozing in the window seat.

What’s Changing?

United is reviewing its post-flight procedures, including the timing of cleaning crew boarding, the final walkthrough checklist, and additional training for crews. The goal is to make sure everyone—from the frequent flyer to the person who just needed one more nap—is accounted for before the last crew member exits the aircraft.

The Bigger Picture

Though the issue has garnered attention at United, it isn’t exclusive to them—American Airlines has faced similar reports. These incidents shine a light on the critical but often overlooked final duties of flight attendants once the wheels hit the gate.