Low-Cost Airline Pilots on Exercising Fuel-Loading Policies Designed to Minimize Carrying Extra Fuel during Flight: A Phenomenological Exploration Study

The purpose of this study was to explore low-cost carrier (LCC) pilots’ lived experiences of exercising their airlines’ fuel-loading policies designed to minimize carrying extra (discretionary) fuel during flight. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven Part 121 LCC pilots in the United States. Participants were recruited through purposive snowball sampling, and the data were analyzed using Creswell’s (2013) data analysis spiral. Participants described FAA oversight and the joint responsibility between captains and dispatchers as important aspects of their airlines' fuel-loading policies designed to minimize extra fuel. However, many expressed concerns that such policies reduced the range of options available in unexpected operational situations. Participants also described additional workload and time pressure associated with calculating, requesting, and justifying additional fuel, particularly during delays and disruptions. Overall, the findings suggest that conservative fuel-loading policies may be experienced as a source of psychological stress and highlight the challenges pilots face in balancing fuel-efficiency objectives with operational demands. © 2026, University Aviation Association. All rights reserved.