After a mechanical delay Flight Attendant crew runs out of duty time but is instructed to board aircraft so that flight can depart immediately when new cabin crew arrives.
Synopsis
After a mechanical delay Flight Attendant crew runs out of duty time but is instructed to board aircraft so that flight can depart immediately when new cabin crew arrives.
Narrative
I complied with a Direct Order from Crew Scheduling Supervisor who told me to re-board an airplane and help to board passengers for a flight I was not legal to work or fly. Because he wanted the flight to get out as soon as possible. I complied with the Direct Order against my better judgement and against my will since I could be fired for not following his Order and I need this job and I cannot live without this job. I had no choice honestly. Now I find out that this action was in conflict with TSA policies and procedures as I was boarding passengers for a flight I had no intention of working and everyone including the Company knew it. Furthermore our names were never checked off of a list for flight attendants assigned to be working this flight. That is the TSA procedure we are supposed to follow before each flight and only for flights we are working. Supervisor's reason for breaking the rule was he wanted to get the flight out as fast as possible. Well You don't put the cart before the horse and rush things as safety has to remain our first priority at all times and his coercion and actions made me violate this rule. I don't feel good about this; I am concerned about the Safety implications and I was not comfortable with doing something against my will that was not right. Safety and TSA rules were completely ignored and disregarded by the crew schedulers all in the name of getting the flight out. This is not safe and I feel bad for being forced to break rules.
Second reporter narrative
Since crew desk made us board the passengers for the flight as we waited for the relief crew and that we were not part of the working crew I have a few safety-related concerns regarding this incident:1. Not informed of location of PCFA's; if any. 2. Not aware of seat location of FAM's; if any. 3. Exit row verification and/or distribution of infant life vest. 4. Boarding assignments and passenger observations. 5. Any additional special briefings such as location of blind deaf or other handicapped passengers; if any. In closing I would like to know what is the FAA's intent regarding boarding positions?
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.