Question
Can an HIV positive person work as a flight attendant?
14 December 2020. Related: All topics, Disclosure.
I am currently a long haul flight attendant and recently found out that I am HIV+. I am deciding if a career might help in the long term fight with the virus.
My flight times are no less then 12 hours and often find it difficult to have any sleep pattern when off work.
I’m also aware that the nature of being around so many people in a enclosed enviroment I have always been at higher risk of catching common diseases.
I have not yet had a second consultation with my doctor and am not on medication at the moment but am also concerned of side affects and my job once I am.
Will changing my job help a lot with my body dealing with HIV?
Answer
Update: This question was first posted in 2007. We have updated it in December 2020 because it might still be relevant for come people.
The biggest change is that HIV treatment (ART) is now taken routinely used by everyone who is HIV positive. This is because it has become so much better and easier to take. In 2020 it would be very unusual for someone to think about changing this job just because they are HIV positive.
Having an undetectable viral load on ART also means that being HIV positive is also not a problem for most jobs, including working as crew or as a pilot (at least in the UK).
There is no reason why an HIV positive person should avoid a job as a flight attendant. In reality, there are many people who are in your position and everything is fine with them (working shifts, not getting enough sleep, etc).
Keeping fit, having a healthy lifestyle and getting enough rest is always better, but this is equally true for HIV negative and HIV positive people.
Whether you should change your job or not is a personal decision. But HIV will not progress quicker just because of your job.
In the past, some companies did not allow HIV positive people to work on some of their routes. This was because the regulations in the destination countries were unfair towards HIV positive people. This might still be the case in the few countries that ban HIV positive people. This is something that you’ll have to check with your employer.
This answer was updated in December 2020 from a question first posted in November 2007.
Hai , im from Srilanaka, since 2019 to 2022 I worked in dubai as a hotelier, my visa renewal they check my medical and say I’m hiv positive I can’t work anymore they sent me back to my home country, they ban me permanently from uae , now I’m recovery ❤️ my viral load is untenable, I wanna work back , I’m jobless Middle East county they not taking hiv positive people, Europe country they not giving visa easily and need to pay lots of money,1 year I’m jobless my country also economic crisis no jobs no can’t live here, anyone can give me job opportunities in any country please let me know.I can’t suicide because my families depend on me otherwise already I’m a death man , this world treat hiv positive people like terrorist, I’m pray for all hiv positive people and who’s negative please take care about yourself , anyone can give me job offer please let me know
Hi Pamela, where are you based? Depending on where the airline is based that you are applying to, they will have different policy about HIV employment – in the UK it would be illegal to prevent employment on the basis of HIV status.
Each airline will also have their own policy with regards to testing and declaration in each country you visit.
Iam doing an online course as a flight attended it has Always been my dream job,But lam scared some of the countries will detect my medication at the airport
Hi Kendy, can I ask why you have not been on medication? Do you know your current viral load and CD4 count?
In the UK your HIV status would not be required to disclose. This is because it is a protected characteristic by law. Though different countries will have different laws. Have you tried contacting them anonymously to ask about their policy with regards to hiring people living with HIV?
Hi Mr Adventure…I have been positive for almost 20 years now…I have never been under any medication…I am very healthy and keep a healthy lifestyle..I want to get into cabin crew job but I’m scared that once they find out my status they will not employ me..
Hi Destiny, unfortunately i-base doesn’t run an open chat forum. We are a treatment advocacy organisation. Are you able to reach out to any airline companies and discuss their policy for HIV positive people. While not commonly known by employers, Nigeria does have the HIV/AIDS anti-discriminatory Act, 2014 which prohibits employers from requiring testing as a precondition to employment.
@Mr Adventure, would like to find out some other things about your status and the job pls. My sister is xyz + too and loves to fly a lot as working as a flight attendant has been her dream. In my our country, Nigeria I don’t know if she can be allowed to get a job and fly as the stigmatization is still on the high side here. Pls reply if you can as it would go a lot way. Thanks
Hi Corki, Australian law prevents discrimination on the basis of HIV status. His status will not prevent him having a job with his current company. This is likely a conversation he needs to have with his company. In general medication in his luggage will not cause a problem. Having only the amount he needs for the trip and keeping it in an unlabelled box will prevent the need to display what the medication is for. Depending on where he will travel for work there may be some complications if he needs to go through security. Traveling to the UAE is known to be difficult for people with HIV and having their medication found at security. I am unsure as to the process of security and flight attendants.
Hi, i wanna ask something simmiliar. My friend is a flight attendant currently and found out HIV+. He will fly back soon in next year but he really stress out if the medicine will be detected in airport screening and his company will knowing this and he would lose his job. Do arv will be detected in airport screening? Btw my friend work in Australia airlines company.
Hey Guys
I’m a long haul flight attendant in the UK & on effective treatment. I fly all over the world full time and have no problem. If anything I’m more healthy now as I look after my body better. My company are amazing and know about my condition. I say go for it if you want to fly it’s the best job in the world. The only thing holding you back is yourself. Long haul for 10 years plus .