American Airlines to lay off up to 410 flight attendants

American Airlines plans to furlough up to 410 flight attendants April 1 unless it can get enough volunteers to take leaves, early departures or other steps to reduce their ranks. The Assn. of Professional Flight Attendants informed its members last week it learned of impending layoffs from Lauri Curtis, American's VP of flight service. An American spokeswoman said the potential furloughs are the result of less attrition than usual. The airline had been hopeful that it attracted enough volunteers in January to avoid any layoffs, she said. American offered leaves of absence, travel privileges for those quitting and job-sharing arrangements.