British Airways steward wins £30,000 for unfair dismissal after 'mile-high club' remark got him sacked

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

Charly Mateo, a British Airways steward with six years of service and a clean disciplinary record, was awarded £29,195 at Reading Employment Tribunal after the airline's investigation into allegations against him was found to be insufficiently thorough. He had been dismissed in July 2024 following claims that he asked a female colleague to join the 'mile-high club', touched her leg, and told her sexual stories during a mid-flight break.

The colleague was left 'upset and emotional' and informed investigators that she was unwilling to be rostered with Mateo again.

The tribunal found BA's dismissal was unfair but turned down Mateo's application to be reinstated at the airline.

Before his sacking, Mateo had been on a basic salary of £21,833, supplemented by duty allowances and bar commission.