Is weight a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) for the position of cabin flight attendant ?

Question

May an employer validly terminate the employment of a cabin attendant for failure to maintain the company's weight standards? This is a legal question which must be answered and not simply brush aside on the mistaken notion that it is politically incorrect to raise this very valid query. The question gains more relevance vis-a-vis flight/air safety. Deleting questions on this matter would be a grave and serious error. Persons who do not understand what BFOQ means need not answer this question.

Considering the limited and severely constricted cabin interior particularly the aisle of the aircraft there a possibility that a heavy- set flight attendant may block the aisle and thus hinder speedy exit in case of emergency. Thus, can flight safety consideration justify BFOQ for flight attendants. I am aware of the U.S courts view of this matter but considering the terrorists scare we are experiencing at present is it not proper and timely for the Courts to review and rethink their decision on this matter? What do you think ?

Sarah what, if any, is your view on this matter? Is this an idiotic question? Is this query again a candidate for deletion?

Answer 1

I am not sure what the legal standing is in the US--- I know at one time weight was considered a condition of employment but I believe that has been done away with. I do not believe weight is a BFOQ nor should it be; the BFOQ should be physical fitness. I don't care if my flight attendant is fat or thin, or what their BMI is, but I do care that they are able to open the exits in an emergency and are able to lift, pull, or move heavy things to help us escape. A person's weight is not a truly accurate representation of their strength and fitness; someone who is heavier may or may not be stronger than someone who is lighter, and the stronger person is more useful in an emergency.

So I think using weight alone as a standard for employment is not effective but the standard of strength is the best guideline.

Answer 2

A US air carrier may not terminate based on weight. This was a discrimination issue that they lost in court. As for safety issues flight attendants are tested every year in order to fly. They have safety qualifications that they have to be able to perform in order to keep their jobs.