Calling out sick between 7/1/26 and 7/7/26?
Know when an Absence Certificate is required, who may complete it, and how to submit it before your next assignment.
During the Fourth of July holiday period, Flight Attendants must submit an Absence Certificate for any sick call, paid or unpaid, that originates between 7/1/26 through 7/7/26.
Under Section 13.C.4 of the 2026–2031 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Flight Attendants who have had no absences in the prior 12 calendar months are not subject to this holiday-period requirement.
Under the new agreement, Health Care Provider is now a specific contractual term, and virtual or telemedicine visits may qualify. The Flight Attendant must actually be seen by the Health Care Provider no later than seventy-two (72) hours after notifying scheduling of the illness or injury.
The Absence Certificate must be completed and signed by the Health Care Provider and submitted to Company Medical through Help Hub before the Flight Attendant’s next assignment whenever possible. This includes a Lineholder’s first trip or a Reserve’s first assignment, including Standby Reserve.
If the Absence Certificate is not submitted before the next assignment, Members have 72 hours after the first trip or Reserve assignment to submit it. Failure to submit the required Absence Certificate may result in disciplinary action.
For Flight Attendants using FMLA: paid FMLA for self requires an Absence Certificate. Unpaid FMLA for self and unpaid FMLA for a family member do not require an Absence Certificate.
To protect your private health information, submit Absence Certificates only to United Medical through Help Hub.
Questions?
Call the Local Council 21 office at (703) 260-0051.
