How much rest should flight attendants get? New proposal ignites fight in the skies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a nationwide rule that would prevent state and local governments from setting their own meal and rest-break requirements for flight attendants and pilots. 

Instead, federal aviation rules would apply - according to the agency's proposed rule document.

The proposal would affect existing state protections, including meal and rest requirements that have applied to some California-based flight attendants, the document states.

In its proposal, the FAA argues that different state requirements could interfere with airline operations and conflict with the safety responsibilities of flight attendants.

The union said some flight attendants already work for hours without adequate opportunities to eat, drink, use the restroom or take care of other basic needs.

"While we understand compliance with state laws is not without its challenges, we are far more concerned about the safety impacts of flight attendants working under onerous working conditions," the unions wrote in their joint comments to the FAA.

The unions also argued that the proposed protections are "extremely vague" and do not provide enough assurance that airline policies will address both safety and flight attendants' needs.

"The proposed rule does little to ensure protections for flight attendants without specific contractual protections," the unions wrote.

Instead, airlines would have to allow them to meet those needs while ensuring they remain available for safety responsibilities, according to the document.

Boyd is not connected to the rule developments and expressed his opinion based on his experience in the aviation industry.

"They're on duty," Boyd said. "You can't break like that in the middle of the sky."

Boyd said he does not believe flight attendants would see major changes to their day-to-day work if the proposal is finalized.

"Nothing will change," he said. "All they're saying is that state rules do not supersede FAA rules."

Boyd also expressed concern that state break requirements could require airlines to add more flight attendants to provide coverage, raising costs.

Under the current federal system, meal and break arrangements can be addressed through airline policies and collective bargaining agreements, according to the FAA document.

The proposed rule has not been approved or taken effect.

Fox News Digital reached out to the FAA and AFA for comment.