Yes, Delta Air Lines does conduct drug testing on employees and job applicants. Pre-employment drug screening and random drug testing during employment are common at Delta Air Lines. The airline uses urine drug tests to screen for substance use.

Drug testing policies can vary greatly between companies and even between positions within the same company. Requirements depend on state and federal regulations as well as company policies. With Delta Air Lines, drug testing procedures depend primarily on your role and whether you will be operating vehicles or aircraft.

It’s always a good idea to review current hiring guidelines and job postings on the company’s website. Drug testing policies are updated periodically, so be sure you have the latest information before your interview.

The information in this article comes from the Delta Air Lines website as well as feedback from current and past employees.

What Type of Drug Test Does Delta Air Lines Use?

Delta Air Lines uses urine drug tests to screen applicants and employees for drug use. Urine tests can detect marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other substances.

With urine tests, you provide a urine sample at a collection site or laboratory. The sample is divided into two portions. One portion is initially screened for drugs using an immunoassay test, and the second portion is reserved in case a confirmation test is required.

When Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test?

Pre-Employment Drug Screening

Delta Air Lines conducts pre-employment drug tests on all job candidates once they receive a conditional offer of employment. This applies for all positions including part-time and seasonal roles.

You will need to complete the drug test within 24 hours of receiving your conditional job offer. Some locations may allow you to complete your test after accepting the offer. Failing the pre-employment drug test will rescind Delta’s job offer.

Random Drug Testing

Delta Air Lines also conducts random drug testing on current employees throughout their employment. Testing is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for safety-sensitive positions such as aircraft maintenance technicians and flight crew members.

In addition, Delta Air Lines can test any employee at any time if reasonable suspicion of drug use exists. Suspicion may be based on observed impairment, erratic behavior, changes in work performance, or involvement in an accident. Refusing a drug test is considered the same as a positive test result.

Post-Accident Testing

Employees are subject to mandatory drug testing following any work-related accident or injury that requires medical attention. Delta Air Lines will test both the injured employee as well as any other employees who may have contributed to the incident.

Delta Air Lines Drug Testing Process

How Long Do Delta Air Lines Drug Test Results Take?

Drug test results from Delta’s authorized labs are typically available within 24-48 hours. However, it can take 3-5 business days to receive your official results from Delta Air Lines’ Medical Services team.

Positive drug test results will undergo confirmation testing which can add time to the process. If your test comes back diluted, you may need to retake it which extends the waiting period.

What Happens if You Fail a Drug Test at Delta Air Lines?

Failing a pre-employment drug test will result in Delta Air Lines rescinding their job offer. If you fail a drug test as an existing employee, you may be placed on unpaid leave and required to complete a substance abuse program. You will also face disciplinary action such as a suspension or even termination.

Delta Air Lines has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs in the workplace. Any detectable level of illegal drugs or adulterated urine samples will be considered a failed test.

Does Delta Air Lines Call You if You Fail a Drug Test?

Delta Air Lines will contact you directly if you fail a pre-employment drug test. The Medical Services team handles the results and will call or email you to let you know if you passed or failed.

If you fail a drug test as a current employee, your supervisor will typically notify you of the results. You may also receive confirmation from Delta’s Medical Services team or Human Resources department.

Employee Drug Testing Policies for Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines drug tests employees according to their position, department, and work activities. Safety-sensitive roles face the strictest drug testing requirements.

Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test Seasonal Employees?

Yes. Delta Air Lines conducts pre-employment drug screening on all job applicants regardless of whether the position is full-time, part-time, or seasonal. Seasonal employees are also subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing.

Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test Warehouse Employees?

Warehouse employees are generally subject to Delta’s standard pre-employment and reasonable suspicion drug testing policies. Those operating heavy machinery like forklifts in the warehouse may face additional random testing.

Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test Part-Time Employees?

Part-time employees must pass an initial pre-employment drug test. Beyond that, part-time workers may only face additional screening if reasonable suspicion exists or following an accident. Part-time roles are less likely to face random testing compared to full-time positions.

Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test Current Employees?

Yes, Delta Air Lines drug tests current employees through random testing programs that target specific high-risk roles such as flight crew members and aircraft technicians. All employees may also be tested for reasonable suspicion or after accidents.

Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test for a Promotion?

Drug testing is not required when an employee applies for an internal promotion or transfer to a new position at Delta Air Lines. The exception would be moving into a safety-sensitive role with mandated DOT drug testing.

Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test If You Get Injured on the Job?

Yes. Employees who sustain a workplace injury that necessitates medical treatment will be required to submit to post-accident drug and alcohol testing per Delta’s policy. This helps determine whether intoxication was a factor in the accident.

Marijuana Drug Testing at Delta Air Lines

Recreational and medical marijuana use is still prohibited under Delta’s drug and alcohol policies, even if lawful under state laws.

Does Delta Air Lines Drug Test for Weed?

Yes. Delta Air Lines tests for marijuana and THC as part of their standard 5-panel urine drug tests. Any level of THC in your system will return a positive drug test result. There are no workarounds for medical marijuana use.

Does Delta Air Lines Accept a Medical Marijuana Card?

No, Delta Air Lines does not make any exemptions for medical marijuana use. Employees and applicants may not test positive for marijuana even if they hold a legitimate medical marijuana card. Federal regulations continue to prohibit marijuana use in safety-sensitive transportation jobs.

In summary, Delta Air Lines conducts pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing on employees and candidates. Failing a drug test can rescind job offers or lead to termination. Understand Delta’s policies and avoid prohibited substances to have the best chance at beginning or advancing your career.