Sick leave triggers and absence management, how the system actually counts

Most large airlines run trigger-based absence systems: a set number of sickness occurrences in a rolling window prompts a meeting, then stages of formal review. They count occurrences, not days, three separate single days weigh more than one two-week absence. Know your airline's trigger points, follow the reporting procedure exactly (the right phone line, the right notice), get fit notes beyond the self-certification window, and if an absence relates to pregnancy, disability or an on-duty injury, say so formally, those must be counted separately. Never fly unfit to dodge a trigger.