Proposed Fine Against Southwest Airlines for Follow-up Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration proposes a $304,272 civil penalty against Southwest Airlines for allegedly violating drug and alcohol testing regulations. The airline allegedly failed to conduct required follow-up testing for 11 employees in safety-sensitive positions who had previously tested positive for drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines. The violations occurred between August 2021 and July 2024, during which these employees performed safety-sensitive functions without the required testing.
What changed
The FAA proposes $304,272 in civil penalties against Southwest Airlines for allegedly failing to conduct required follow-up drug and alcohol testing for 11 employees, including pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft mechanics. These employees had previously tested positive for alcohol or drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines, and performed safety-sensitive functions during periods between August 2021 and July 2024 without being subjected to the mandated follow-up testing.\n\nSouthwest Airlines has 30 days after receiving the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the proposed penalty. The airline should prepare a comprehensive response addressing the alleged violations and may need to demonstrate enhanced compliance procedures for drug and alcohol testing programs to resolve this enforcement action.
What to do next
- Respond to the FAA's enforcement letter within 30 days
- Review and document compliance with follow-up drug and alcohol testing requirements
- Implement enhanced procedures to ensure all employees in safety-sensitive positions receive required follow-up testing
Penalties
$304,272 civil penalty proposed by FAA
Source document (simplified)
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FAA Proposes $304,272 in Fines Against Southwest Airlines for Alleged Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations
Friday, April 3, 2026 WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $304,272 civil penalty against Southwest Airlines for allegedly violating drug and alcohol testing regulations.
The FAA alleges that Southwest failed to conduct all of the required follow-up drug or alcohol testing for 11 employees, including pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft mechanics. The employees had previously tested positive for alcohol or drugs including marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines.
During various periods between August 2021 and July 2024, the employees performed safety-sensitive functions when Southwest Airlines did not subject them to the required follow-up testing.
Southwest Airlines has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
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