Source: Elines

Considerable confusion continues as it pertains to a Flight Attendant’s ability to travel while on sick leave.  A Flight Attendant does not need to secure permission from their supervisor to travel while on sick leave or out on a medical leave of absence. Flight Attendants are permitted to travel and there is no requirement to obtain prior approval to do so.

As with everything we do, we are ultimately accountable for the decisions we make.  While traveling on sick leave is permissible, in the event the company becomes aware you are doing so, you should be aware that you will be held accountable and will be required to provide management with an explanation as to why, while sick, you were traveling.  The accountability is not for pass travel.  Rather, it will likely be looked at as a potential abuse of sick leave. Traveling while on sick leave may be misconstrued as not consistent with being sick.  

The company reserves the right to investigate any situation where they believe sick leave abuse may be occurring. Therefore, a Flight Attendant may be questioned by management about the use of off pass travel while on sick leave.

While management may require a Flight Attendant to provide satisfactory verification of an illness from an accredited physician should circumstance suggest that sick leave has not been appropriately used, Flight Attendants are not required to discuss the nature of any illness with her/his supervisor. Any such questions should be referred to United Medical.

You should also be aware, once you have asked permission from your supervisor and have been advised you may not travel, you are required to abide by management’s direction.  Contact your Local Council office.