MEC Safety Health & Security Committee
International Alcohol Testing Standards (October 9, 2026 Safety Alert)
As you know, the company's policy prohibits Flight Attendants from consuming alcohol while on duty or during the 12 hours before reporting for duty. This policy also applies to Flight Attendants who are jumpseating. Under United policy, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 or higher is considered under the influence.
The 12-hour period is a minimum requirement, not a guarantee that alcohol has cleared your system. Processing alcohol varies based on factors such as metabolism, food and water intake, health conditions, and the amount consumed. And alcohol consumed before the 12-hour cutoff may still produce a positive test when you report for duty.
Additionally, Flight Attendants may be tested for alcohol by United or a host-country authority before or after operating a flight, and requirements, alcohol limits, and penalties vary by country.
International requirements may be stricter than U.S. requirements. The Netherlands is an example of active host-country enforcement. Dutch authorities conduct unannounced testing of flight deck and cabin crews at AMS (Amsterdam).
Bottom line:
Comply with United’s alcohol-related SOPS and applicable local laws
Report fully fit for duty and below the most restrictive limit that applies.
If you receive a positive alcohol or drug test in a host country, notify the company immediately - or as soon as local authorities permit.
Remember that a positive result may lead to removal from duty, a temporary operating ban, fines or other legal action under local law. Depending on the country and circumstances, it may also result in company discipline, up to and including termination.
A future eFAOM revision will be updated to include the additional international testing information included in this alert.
References: eFAOM > SOP > Flight Attendant Responsibilities > Alcohol and Drug Policies | Alcohol and Drug Testing | Consumption of Alcohol
