Absence Certificate Reminder: Fourth of July Period

During the Summer Holiday period, Flight Attendants must submit an Absence Certificate for any sick call, paid or unpaid, that originates between July 1 - July 7th.

What’s Changed?

It is important to note that under the 2026 - 2031 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), changes have occurred in the application of the absence certificate requirements under section 13.C.4. The new sections are listed below.

A Health Care Provider is a specific contractual term

2.P. - HEALTH CARE PROVIDER Health Care Provider is defined as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Osteopathy (D.O), Dentist, Orthodontist or Oral Surgeon, Clinical Psychologist, Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant.

Virtual or phone visits do qualify

13.C.3. - MEDICAL VERIFICATION The Flight Attendant must actually be seen by the Health Care Provider in a timely manner, but no later than seventy-two (72) hours after notifying Scheduling of an illness/injury. The visit may be to the Health Care Provider’s office or via virtual or telemedicine services. The Absence Certificate must be prepared and signed by the Health Care Provider after an in-person visit by the Flight Attendant to the Health Care Provider’s office or via virtual or telemedicine services. This note must be submitted to Company Medical on or before check-in time of a Lineholder’s first trip or a Reserve’s first assignment including Standby Reserve, following an illness or injury.

How to Comply with the Absence Certificate Requirement

• Flight Attendants must see a Health Care Provider no later than 72 hours of notifying Scheduling of illness/injury.
• The Absence Certificate must be signed by the Health Care Provider and submitted to United Medical via Help Hub before your next assignment (Lineholder trip or Reserve standby/assignment).
• Allow two business weekdays for processing.
• If not submitted by your next assignment, you have 72 hours after that trip or assignment to turn it in. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

If you have had no absences in the past 12 calendar months, this requirement does not apply.

FMLA Reminders

For those with FMLA, the below guidelines will apply:

• Paid FMLA (self): Certificate required.
• Unpaid FMLA (self): Certificate not required.
• Unpaid FMLA (for family member): Certificate not required.

Note: Absence Certificates are not the same as physician notes for point reduction. Submit only to United Medical to protect your private health information. Use Help Hub to send the completed form to the company.