Airlines Work to Protect Flight Attendants Amidst Political Unrest

Image: PHOTO: Flight crew on the tarmac. (photo via YakobchukOlena/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Flight crew on the tarmac. (photo via YakobchukOlena/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:32 AM ET, Thu January 7, 2021

In response to the political unrest in Washington D.C., airlines serving the region are preparing for potential issues when protestors begin to fly home.

According to CNN.com, American Airlines has increased staffing at three airports in Washington D.C., including Reagan National and Dulles International in Virginia and Baltimore Washington International in Maryland.

In addition, American spokesperson Curtis Blessing revealed the carrier has stopped serving liquor on flights to and from the impacted airports.

"At American, safety is our highest priority," Blessing said. "We are working closely with local law enforcement and airport authority partners to ensure the safety of our customers and team members on the ground and in the air."

Delta Air Lines spokesperson Morgan Durrant told the USA Today that while no specific measures were announced, "there's nothing more important than protecting the integrity of the safety and security measures that keep our employees and customers safe."

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA)-which represents flight attendants from United, Frontier and more than 15 other airlines-said it believes protesters involved in the storming of the U.S. capitol should be banned from flying.

The concerns stem from the violent protests and several incidents taking place already. On Tuesday, a shouting match broke out on a flight en route to Washington D.C. after several supporters of President Donald Trump projected a Trump 2020 logo on the ceiling and walls of the plane's cabin.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...