Japan Airlines has banned its 6,000 flight attendants from drinking alcohol on work layovers after yet another alcohol-related crew incident, and now its CEO is taking another 30% pay cut. This is a fascinating story about accountability and culture.
On May 23, 2026, alcohol was detected during a pre-flight test administered to a cabin attendant scheduled to operate JL252 from Hiroshima (HIJ) to Tokyo Haneda (HND). JAL says the crewmember had to be replaced, causing the flight to depart about 40 minutes late. A subsequent internal investigation found that the cabin attendant, along with another cabin attendant, had consumed alcohol the day before departure beyond the limits set by company regulations.
Japan’s transport ministry reprimanded the airline and urged it to come up with preventive measures. JAL responded by banning its more than 6,000 flight attendants from drinking alcohol during work layovers. Now, President and CEO Mitsuko Tottori will also take a 30% pay cut for two months.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
