Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors
During boarding (FA) Flight Attendant XX stated that she wanted to work first class because she had a hip problem and could not work coach. Another FA stated he would switch but keep their original jump seats. While I was passing out express trays inflight I saw FA XX drinking from a champagne glass by door two. During the pre-meal service FA XX set a glass of champagne on the top of the cart. I thought it was a mis-poured drink. A few moments later I witnessed FA XX take the glass to the door two area and drink the glass of champagne she poured in the cabin. Then she walked into the galley; and came back with a wine glass. She poured a white wine then did the same thing and left it on the top of the cart. I never saw FA XX drink the second glass. I was about to call the flight deck when a different FA came to me and said she witnessed FA XX drinking alcohol. I called the flight deck; and told the Captain I needed to speak to him right away. In the flight deck I stated to the Captain what I and another FA had witnessed. The Captain asked me to get FA XX so we could all talk in the flight deck about the situation. Captain stated continue everything as normal I will get the company to give us a directive and how to proceed. I was in a galley when another FA told me she just a few moments ago saw FA XX drinking alcohol. I told her to inform the flight deck. I was in the main cabin picking up meal trays when the Captain called for me. The directive from the Captain was remove FA XX from duty; and have her go to the crew bunks; and for her to stay away from the passengers. Also gather the FAs and make them aware of the situation. The Captain wanted me to have a witness to my conversation with FA XX about her being relieved of duty. Another FA stated she would be my witness to the conversation. Taking the directive of the Captain I had all the FA meet in the galley. I informed them of the situation and that the service will continue without her. FA XX was in a different galley with during this time I was talking to the crew. I stated to FA XX in the galley that three people witnessed her drinking; and the decision from the Captain; and with the backing of [Company] was for her to be relieved of her duties; and for her to go to the crew bunks and sleep. FA XX stated she was not drinking and she wanted to speak to the people who are accusing her of what happened. I stated to FA XX that will not happen; that [Company] will conduct an investigation and she can make her case then. However this is not a discussion. FA XX stated she wanted to speak to the Captain. I stated the Captain was very clear; and so was [Company]. The Captain is not leaving the flight deck.FA XX was slurring her words; and had a hard time putting sentences together. FA XX stated she has an accent; and she is in pain. I stated to FA XX my father is from Italy he has an accent; and also I have been in the airlines for a long time and I know the difference between slurred words and an accent. However besides all those people actually saw you drink. This went on for a few minutes. FA XX was refusing to follow the directive. I stated finally I am going to give you 3 minutes to make an adult decision; or I will make it for you; and you will not like the outcome; because it would involve the Air Marshals. One minute later FA XX agreed to go upstairs. The Captain later informed me that [Company] would have a representative meet the plane. I did not want FA XX on the jump seat for landing. I informed the passengers in row 32 that our FA would be sitting in the empty seat 32b because the jump seat was broken. I stated to FA XX she would be sitting in 32b for landing and as far as the passengers knew her seat was broken. I was returning coats to the passengers when FA XX approached me and wanted to speak to me. I stated to FA XX any communication she has for me can be done through [Company] and the unions. FA XX insisted I talk to her. I informed her she was no longer part of the crew so I had nothing to say to her; and for her to go and take the passenger seat.What FA XX did was a violation of FARs; and company policy. With that said FA XX violated my trust in her. FA XX put the safety of my passengers; my crew; my flight deck; and the reputation of [our Company] in jeopardy. I cannot and will not allow anyone to be so reckless with their behavior to be a part of my crew.
[Report narrative contains no additional information.]
Flight Attendants reported witnessing a fellow Flight Attendant drinking alcohol on a flight.