Yes, most major airlines in 2026 perform credit checks as part of their comprehensive background screening process, particularly for sensitive roles like pilots, flight attendants, and corporate management. Airlines view a candidate's credit history as an indicator of personal responsibility and reliability. Furthermore, because many airline employees are issued corporate credit cards for travel expenses or have access to high-value assets and sensitive areas of the airport, the "Department of Transportation (DOT)" and "TSA" standards require carriers to mitigate the risk of financial desperation, which could theoretically lead to security compromises or theft. While a "poor" credit score isn't always an automatic disqualifier, a history of significant unpaid debts, bankruptcies, or tax liens can raise red flags during the vetting process. For 2026 applicants, it is standard practice to be asked for a signed release allowing the airline to pull a consumer credit report alongside their criminal and employment history.