Confidential Human Factors
Incident Reporting Programme
The Charity
Aviation
Maritime
FC5410
Initial Report
Reported by experienced flight crew member.
Security down to one lane at the staff search in [Location]. Social media post asking crew to allow extra time. Our reporting time is -60/75 (depending on check-in time) at the back of the security queue. New crew/pilots, and more likely cabin crew, may feel pressure to report early due to the security congestion. This could put crew into a new more restrictive FDP period or report before having 12 hours rest. Social media text received by crew was: “Good morning, there is only 1 lane open at security this morning. This is causing long queues please allow extra time. Have a lovely day everyone”
Airline Comment
The incident reported was isolated and was not intended to pressurise any crew member to report early or to compromise required rest periods. The message posted on [social media] was shared purely for situational awareness in response to an unexpected security bottleneck, with the aim of maintaining transparent communication. The intention was to ensure crew were aware of potential delays so they could plan their journeys appropriately, reduce stress on arrival, and avoid last minute congestion at staff search.
At no point was there an expectation or request for crew to report ahead of their official report time, nor to shorten their mandated rest periods. Crew are fully trusted to manage their report times in line with legal FDP limits and required rest, and the communication was intended to support—not influence—those decisions.
Online communication channels are used to promote awareness and wellbeing, not to direct operational behaviour or alter reporting expectations. However, we acknowledge that newer crew or those less familiar with operational processes may occasionally misinterpret such updates as encouragement to arrive earlier. We would like to reassure that the safety and wellbeing of our crew remain our priority, and we do not expect any crew member to report before completing their legal rest (unless an adjustment has been agreed in advance between the crew member). All scheduled report times remain unchanged, and any updates posted by base management teams are for awareness only, not a request for early arrival. Our ongoing goal is to support crew wellbeing by keeping all communication open, clear, and non-directive when sharing any ad hoc operational messages.
CHIRP Comment
When disruption occurs, operators may benefit from using quick methods of communication channels, such as closed social media platforms, to advise crew to allow sufficient time to navigate known issues, including security delays. For some crew members, this will be seen as timely and helpful information. However, from other crew members’ perspective, whilst the airline may be encouraging crew to plan ahead and the messages are well intentioned, care is needed to ensure this does not unintentionally create pressure to report earlier than required. Reporting times are defined for a reason and form part of the wider fatigue management framework, including ensuring adequate rest prior to duty.