Do u get drug tested as a flight attendant?

DOT - As a flight attendant, a safety-sensitive designated position, you are subject to drug testing developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.



Yes, flight attendants are subject to rigorous drug and alcohol testing in 2026, primarily due to federal safety regulations (like the FAA in the U.S. or EASA in Europe). Testing occurs in four main scenarios. First is Pre-employment: you cannot be hired without a negative result. Second is Random Testing: airlines are legally required to randomly test a certain percentage of their "safety-sensitive" workforce every year (currently 25% for drugs and 10% for alcohol). This can happen at any time, even after a long international flight. Third is Reasonable Suspicion: if a supervisor or coworker reports behavior suggesting impairment, you will be tested immediately. Fourth is Post-Accident: if there is a significant onboard incident or ground mishap, the entire crew is often tested. In 2026, most airlines have a "Zero Tolerance" policy; a single positive test for substances like marijuana, cocaine, or unauthorized opioids results in immediate termination. Even in regions where marijuana is legal for recreation, it remains strictly prohibited for flight crews under federal aviation laws.

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If you aren't sure whether your medication falls into one of these categories, you should check with your AME:
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  • Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin.
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A covered employee who receives one (1) verified positive drug test result on a FAA required test will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties.

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The FAA follows the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations, and those regulations require testing for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates/opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines (which includes methamphetamines and MDMA (“Ecstasy”)).

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Employer Response to a Failed Drug Test The employer is required to immediately remove the pilot from safety sensitive duties, provide a list of Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP), and report the failed test to the FAA within 2 working days. Unfortunately, the employer can also terminate the pilot's job at this time.

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These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

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The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) drug and alcohol testing regulation (14 CFR part 120) requires that each covered employee has an equal chance of being tested each time selections are made.

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It's difficult and can take a long time. Airlines can take 3-6 months to get through the hiring process, that's if your resume makes it through the first cut. Intense Competition. We estimate there are 1 – 1.5 million flight attendant applications for 5,000 – 10,000 jobs.

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Airlines provide a three- to six-week training program for their flight attendants. You will typically attend training for eight hours a day throughout the duration of the program. This training prepares you to use airport codes, make PA announcements, perform routine job duties and handle in-flight emergencies.

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Over-the-counter Medication Flight attendants also have access to many over-the-counter medications, from painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to antidiarrheals, so feel free to request these items.

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As a Flight Attendant, if you test positive for marijuana (THC), regardless of whether it is state approved medical or recreational marijuana and regardless of whether you knowingly smoked a joint or unknowingly ate a marijuana edible, you will be deemed a test violator.

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Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

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While cigarette smoking is not prohibited by the FAA, it has several hazardous side effects and many health conditions caused by smoking are medically disqualifying. A smoker typically carries a carbon monoxide blood level of about five percent.

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Average Flight Attendant Pay vs. Flight Attendants earned an average salary of $62,280 in 2021.

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How often do flight attendants get paid? Many airlines pay flight attendants on a monthly basis. Some airline payment periods can be more frequent, but this often depends on the employment contract flight attendants are working under.

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Typically, flight attendants work 12-14 days and log 65-85 flight hours each month, not including overtime. Flight attendant schedules can change month-to-month and some attendants may work more weeks than others.

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