If you’re currently seeking a job with American Airlines, you may want to know if you will have to pass a drug test as part of the new employee hiring process. When applying and interviewing for a new job, this is a common question that comes up.
Does American Airlines drug test employees?
Yes, American Airlines requires employees pass a drug test. Most jobs in the aviation industry require you to pass a drug test due to both strict safety protocols and federal regulations.
This article will go over the details surrounding the drug test policies and procedures for American Airlines.
Background Information
Like most airlines, American Airlines has a strong focus on the safety of passengers and crew members. In order to keep everyone safe, they ensure that everyone is able to perform their job duties safely. Part of this is making sure that employees are not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
The aviation industry has a zero tolerance policy on the use of drugs. Becoming employed with American Airlines will require you to pass a drug test before you start work.
Which Jobs at American Airlines Require a Drug Test?
Federal guidelines as well as company specific policies are going to require new employees of at American Airlines to pass a drug test for nearly every job at the airlines. This includes:
- Pilots/Co-Pilots
- Flight Attendants
- Ramp Agents
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Customer Service Reps and Ticketing Agents
American Airlines does this to minimize risk to crew and passengers by making sure that all employees can safely perform their job duties.
What Kind of Drug Test does American Airlines Use?
American Airlines has all new employees take a urine drug test.
What Substances Does American Airlines Test for?
Now that you know that you’ll have to pass a drug test to work at American Airlines you might want to know what substances they are testing for. Here is a list of substances that the test will be looking for:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- PCP
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
If you test positive for any of these substances you will fail the drug test.
When Will You Take the Drug Test?
Taking and passing a drug test is one of the last things you will do in the hiring process. Typically, you will complete the interview process (both over the phone and in-person) before they extend a job offer. Upon accepting the job offer you will be asked to go take the drug test. They will ask you to go take the drug test very soon after accepting the job, usually within 24 hours. Having applicants take the drug test late in the hiring process is normal and you should not assume that since they offered you the job you won’t have to take the drug test.
What Happens if You Fail the Drug Test?
If you fail the drug test American Airlines will rescind their job offer and you will not be hired.
What if you Refuse the Drug Test?
American Airlines handles applicants refusing to take the drug screen the same way as failing the drug screen. They will rescind your job offer and you will not be hired.
Additional Testing Once Hired
Once you are hired and working for American Airlines you will be subject to further drug tests at their discretion. This includes random drug tests and being asked to take a test if someone at the airline suspects that you are using drugs or under the influence. These tests will be required to be taken right away – usually during the work day or within 24 hours at most.
If you fail a random drug test while working for American Airlines you’re employment will be terminated immediately.
How to Pass the Drug Test
If you are currently applying for or interviewing for a job with American Airlines (or any airlines for that matter) the best advice is to discontinue the use of any drugs immediately. The aviation industry has a strong anti-drug stance and trying to get around these tests will eventually end with you failing a test and losing your job. Also, these tests are here for everyone’s safety and serve a good purpose.
The tricks that are sometimes recommended to pass a drug test are often illegal and go against airline and FAA policy. They are often times also ineffective. The aviation industry takes these tests very seriously so if you think there’s a reason you won’t pass, you should stop the use of any substances and apply again when you think you will legitimately pass the test.
Note: This does not apply to medications that you have a current prescription for. You can continue to take any drugs that are prescribed by your doctor.
Legal Marijuana Use
The use of marijuana is now legal in many states. If marijuana is legal in your state that does not mean that American Airlines or the aviation industry as a whole will allow you to work there if you test positive or it. The substance being legal is very different from you being able to test positive for it and still work in the industry. While marijuana might be legal where you live you still won’t be hired by American Airlines if it’s in your system when you take the pre-employment drug test.
Conclusion
American Airlines takes the safety of it’s passengers and crew seriously. In order to ensure all team members can perform their job duties safely you will be required to pass a drug test before starting your new job with them.
