Flight attendantS at American Airways (AA) are pissed. The imply and evil airline introduced that it’ll now not cowl GLP-1 drugs for weight administration for crew members.
American Airways Slashes Advantages for Flight Attendants Weight-Loss Drug
Flight Attendant Union rebels in opposition to profit cuts at American Airways
By Karan Bhatta October 21, 2025
TEXAS – The flight attendant workforce at American Airways (AA) is expressing sharp dissatisfaction after the airline introduced that it’ll now not cowl GLP-1 drugs for weight administration for crew members, just for these with Kind 2 diabetes.
From January 1, 2026 the coverage will apply to all U.S.-based flying crew. The transfer impacts in style weight-loss medication resembling Ozempic and Mounjaro when used exterior of a diabetes prognosis. The airline stays dedicated to masking GLP-1 medication for diabetes therapy.
Protection Change Particulars
American Airways has knowledgeable crew members that beginning in 2026 the corporate’s well being plan will exclude GLP-1 drugs for weight reduction until a person has a documented Kind 2 diabetes prognosis.
Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro will stay lined solely below that indication. This aligns with a broader trade development the place employers cite hovering prices of those medication when used for weight administration.
The service’s union representing flight attendants, the Affiliation of Skilled Flight Attendants (APFA), labelled the choice “unilateral” and argued it undermines the worth of their well being protection, reported Paddle Your Personal Kanoo.
The union stated the change removes a crucial choice for crew members who depend on these drugs for preventive or continual well being functions
Business Value Pressures
The associated fee burden of GLP-1 drugs is substantial and rising. Studies point out annual prices for treating weight problems with these medication can run into the hundreds per affected person, and employers face troublesome choices balancing protection and affordability.
Well being insurers and huge employers have already begun decreasing or eliminating protection for GLP-1 remedies when used for weight reduction reasonably than diabetes.
As an example, one main industrial insurer introduced the exclusion of weight-loss GLP-1 protection beginning January 1, 2026. American Airways’ transfer matches inside this wider development even because the union challenges the logic and argues crew well being is being unduly compromised.
Union Response and Subsequent Steps
The APFA has demanded that American Airways have interaction in negotiations or present different profit design choices, resembling copay caps, generics or tiered protection.
The union emphasises the change reduces the efficient worth of well being protection for members and should affect their broader wellbeing.
The airline has to this point declined to include these options and maintains that its health-benefit technique should tackle value sustainability.
Members have been inspired to hunt particular person help choices, however systemic change stays the union’s goal. The dispute might proceed into contract negotiations or mediation.
Backside Line
American Airways’ choice to limit GLP-1 medicine protection for weight administration amongst flight attendants displays broader value pressures in employer-sponsored well being plans.
Crew members have reacted strongly by means of their union, citing diminished protection and fewer well being therapy choices.
Whereas the airline claims the transfer is fiscally accountable, the union and lots of affected staff see it as a step backward for worker wellbeing.
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SOURCE: American Airways Slashes Advantages for Flight Attendants Weight-Loss Drug – Aviation A2Z
