If you’re interested in applying for a job with Spirit Airlines, you probably want to know if you are going to have to pass a drug test before you are hired. Many applicants have this same question and want to know more before submitting an application.
Does Spirit Airlines require new employees pass a drug test before they start work?
Yes, Spirit Airlines requires employees pass a drug test. Drug tests are common in the aviation industry and even required by federal law for many positions.
In this article we will look at some of the details surrounding the drug test policies and process for Spirit Airlines.
Background Information
Spirit Airlines is committed to providing a safe flying experience for their passengers and crew members on all of their flights. In order to ensure that all crew members and employees can perform their duties safely, they make sure that none of their employees is under the influence of drugs.
The emphasis on safety within the aviation industry means that there is a zero tolerance policy with airlines for the use of illegal drugs or prescription drug abuse. Nearly any job you can apply for at Spirit Airlines will require you to pass a drug test.
Which Jobs at Spirit Airlines Require a Drug Test?
The combination of FAA regulations and company specific drug policy means that almost every job at Spirit Airlines will require you to pass a drug test. Again, this is to ensure that no employees are performing job duties while under the influence. The list of jobs that will require you to pass a drug test includes:
- Pilot/Co-Pilot
- Flight Attendant
- Ramp Agent
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Customer Service
Please note that there are even more positions that might not be listed above that will also require you to pass a drug test. Spirit Airlines does not want to risk the safety of their crew members or passengers by allowing someone to work who is not able to safely perform their job duties.
What Kind of Drug Test does Spirit Airlines Use?
Like many employers, Spirit Airlines uses a urine test for their pre-employment drug tests.
What Substances Does Spirit Airlines Test for?
Since you will have to pass a drug test to work at Spirit Airlines, you might want to know what substances they will be testing you for. Here is a list of substances that the test will be looking for:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- PCP
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
A positive test for any of the above substances will result in failing the drug test.
When Will You Take the Drug Test?
Spirit Airlines will have you take the drug test late in the hiring process. You will first have to go through the phone/online interviews along with in-person interviews before they offer you a job.
Once you accept the job you will be asked to take the drug test within 24 hours. This will be required to complete the pre-employment hiring process.
Sometimes people will assume that because they were not asked to take the drug test before getting a job offer that they will not have to take one at all. This is not the case. It is common for many employers to do the drug test as the final condition of employment.
What Happens if You Fail the Drug Test?
If Spirit Airlines offers you a job and you fail the drug test you can expect your job offer to be rescinded and you will not be hired. You will no longer be eligible for employment with their organization.
What if you Refuse the Drug Test?
Declining the drug test with Spirit Airlines is no different than failing the drug test. You will not be hired and your offer will be rescinded.
Additional Testing Once Hired
When you are employed by Spirit Airlines you may be subject to additional drug tests. These drug tests can be completely random at their discretion or they can be caused by someone suspecting you of being under the influence.
If Spirit Airlines asks you to take a drug test while you’re employed by them, you’ll have to take the test within 24 hours. Your employment will be contingent on taking and passing this drug test.
If you fail a random drug test while working for Spirit Airlines you’re employment will be terminated immediately.
How to Pass the Drug Test
If you are going through the hiring process with Spirit Airlines (or any other airline) I would strongly recommend that you not use any illegal drugs or use any prescription drugs that aren’t currently being prescribed by a doctor.
There are many techniques promoted online to help you pass a drug test even if you are currently using drugs. These methods are often times ineffective and in some cases illegal. Since the aviation industry takes drug use very seriously you should not be applying for a job with any of the airlines if you are currently using. Your best bet would be to discontinue use and re-apply in the future when you know you can pass the test legitimately.
Legal Marijuana Use
Since marijuana is legal in many states, a common question is how this can affect your employment with Spirit Airlines. If you live in a state where marijuana is legal (meaning you cannot be prosecuted for it’s use) that does not necessarily mean that you can use marijuana and work for an airline. The drug testing policies for the aviation industry are stricter than local laws based on the need for flight safety. If you are currently using marijuana and take a fail a drug test for Spirit Airlines, you will not be allowed to be employed with them.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines takes the safety of it’s passengers and crew members seriously. Because of this, beginning a job with them will require you to take and pass a pre-employment drug test.
