⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Seventh Circuit hears a United Airlines pilot's challenge to the handling of his religious exemption from its COVID vaccination requirement. John Hassett received the exemption, but United would not let unvaccinated pilots fly. He spent several months on unpaid leave before returning to work. He sued under Title Seven, alleging failure to accommodate his religion and retaliation. The district court dismissed the retaliation claim and later ruled for United without a trial on accommodation. It found that his proposed alternatives would impose an undue hardship on the airline. Hassett will argue that masking and testing could have let him keep flying, and that United's safety concerns lacked proof of substantial costs. United will defend its assessment of cockpit safety and operational risks.

John Hassett v. United Airlines, Inc. (No. 25-3253) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued September 29, 2026.