Exclusive: Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Speaks Out About Pilot Protest

Thursday hundreds of Delta Airlines pilots in Atlanta refused to board flights and instead picketed outside the south terminal of Hartsfield Jackson International, protesting their flight schedules.

The pilots are fed up with the airline’s current scheduling practices claiming they are being forced to fly for long strenuous trips too often, causing burnout and fatigue.

Baller Alert spoke with Atlanta-based Delta flight attendant Shane, who shared insight in support of the pilots saying that they are “overworked.” He said when travel slowed down at the beginning of the pandemic, the airline faced financial challenges and gave out early retirement packages. As travel began to pick up, the airline started to schedule more flights. However, not having enough workers forced staff and pilots to work fatiguing schedules and more overtime. Shane noted that before the pandemic, the airline was already facing a shortage of pilots and that it takes two months alone to train flight attendants.

In a statement regarding the protest, Delta airlines said Thursday, “This informational exercise by some of our off-duty pilots will not disrupt our operation for our customers. All of our pilot schedules meet or exceed safety requirements set by FAA and those outlined in our pilot contract. As we continue to deliver industry-leading operational reliability and recover our network, we are also balancing ways to improve schedules for our pilots. All of our people, including our pilots, are working hard to restore our airline and deliver for our customers as we emerge from the pandemic. We are grateful for and proud of their efforts.”