Flight attendants claim wrongful dismissal for ‘whistleblowing’
Two former Falcon Air Express flight attendants have filed a lawsuit against the charter airline, claiming they were fired after reporting safety concerns during two flights.
The complaint alleges Karla Aquino and Leidy Garafolo were dismissed after making a complaint that a cabin door cracked open slightly midflight allowing air to rush into the cabin which began to depressurize.
No corrective action was taken by the senior flight attendant during the flight to Aruba, although the pilot was informed at the time,
The complaint states the plaintiffs spoke later with the pilot who downplayed the incident and decided it didn’t warrant an emergency situation as there is "too much paperwork involved."
On the return leg back to Miami, the problem persisted and both flight attendants took their concerns to the airline’s in-flight manager.
Two days later, on October 9 the plaintiffs were fired by the airline.
The reason given for the dismissals was for being insubordinate to the captain and senior flight attendant during the flights.
Attorneys for the former flight attendants said they are seeking back pay and compensation for loss of benefits, damages for emotional distress, humiliation and loss of dignity, and for the cost of legal fees.
"We believe this is a shocking case of retaliation that could have easily ended with a major air disaster," said lawyer Pelayo Duran.
The attorneys are seeking the views of passengers who were aboard Falcon Air Express flights 801 and 802 on October 6, 2013 for their experiences during the incidents.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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