A United Airlines flight attendant has launched a significant legal battle against the carrier, alleging he faced systemic discrimination and was effectively grounded from his international duties after disclosing his HIV status.
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court, claims the employee was barred from working on flights to certain destinations and denied a promotion to a purser position because the company deemed him a "medical risk." This treatment, the plaintiff argues, is a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A Career Grounded by Disclosure
The flight attendant, who has chosen to remain anonymous in court documents, received a positive HIV diagnosis in 2019. Following company protocol, he disclosed his status to United Airlines' medical department. He was promptly declared "not medically fit" for any flying duties and placed on involuntary, unpaid leave.
Although he was eventually cleared to return to work months later after providing documentation from his doctor, a major restriction was imposed: he was permanently banned from operating flights to countries with entry restrictions for people with HIV.
The 'Reassignment' and Alleged Blacklisting
United's solution was to reassign him to a purely domestic schedule. The lawsuit contends that this reassignment was not a reasonable accommodation but an effective demotion, resulting in a significant loss of potential earnings from international per diems and disrupting his seniority and quality of life.
The case took a further turn when the flight attendant applied for a purser role—a lead position on international flights. Despite his seniority and qualifications, he was allegedly passed over for the promotion. The suit claims a manager informed him that his medical status, specifically the travel restrictions, made him ineligible, as a purser must be able to fly to all of a plane's destinations.
Legal Claims and Broader Implications
The plaintiff's legal team argues that United's actions were based on outdated stereotypes and fears rather than modern medical science. With proper treatment, HIV is a manageable condition that does not impair a person's ability to perform the duties of a flight attendant.
The case accuses United of discrimination, failure to provide a reasonable accommodation, and subjecting the employee to a hostile work environment. It seeks compensation for lost wages and benefits, alongside damages for emotional distress.
This lawsuit shines a harsh light on the intersection of corporate policy, global health regulations, and disability rights. It challenges airlines to modernise their medical protocols and ensure their practices are based on fact, not fear, potentially setting a new standard for how employees with HIV are treated within the aviation sector and beyond.
