This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants
Addressing Changes to Flying and Pairings
Over the past few days, your LEC officers have received feedback and concerns regarding recent changes to flying and pairing construction. We want to take a moment to acknowledge those sentiments and provide some clarity.
First, it is important to be clear that AFA does not control pairing construction. Our role is to advocate on behalf of Flight Attendants, and we continue to do so at every opportunity available to us.
Both HNL and LAX are experiencing adjustments in flying. This reflects how Alaska operates. Alaska does not maintain route loyalty in the way we at Hawaiian are used to. Aircraft are assigned where they make the most operational and financial sense, and that can shift at any time.
Flight timing is also a significant factor. We have inherited flying that operates throughout the entire day, which is a departure from Hawaiian’s historical model where most arrivals and departures occurred within a narrow mid day window. Alaska runs a full day operation, and not all flight times can be built as turns. While turns are generally more efficient and preferred, some of the current flying simply does not allow for that structure.
At our last weeks Joint Membership Meeting , the Negotiating Committee discussed the “pairing optimizer” a system Alaska uses. This system builds pairings based on multiple variables, including operational needs and profitability. While we are not fully integrated into that system yet, it is already being used in part, and its influence will grow as integration continues.
We also want to acknowledge that while changes are frustrating, our current schedules, having a mix of turns and a variety of flying, is not forever guaranteed. As we move closer toward a JCBA, flying patterns may continue to evolve and could look very different than what we have today. If current changes feel challenging now, it is important to recognize that things can and likely will continue to shift.
The harsh reality is that flying and pairings will continue to change as integration progresses. AFA will remain engaged and continue advocating for Flight Attendants, but some level of change should be expected.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your feedback and encourage you to continue reaching out to your officers with questions or concerns.
In Solidarity,
Josh, Paul and Beth
Council 47 LEC officers
lax@afahawaiian.org
