Updated: 10/29/2026 17:05 PT

On Thursday, October 22, members of our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), Baron Lee (HNL), Bryce Sarmiento (pmAS LAX), Kahea Alvarez (pmHA LAX/SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), David Lake (pmAS SEA), Eva Gatus (SAN), Brad Young (SFO), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Kerri Ruiz, MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Brad Young, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with several members of management including Managing Director of Inflight Safety, Standards, and Training Randy Katz; Director of Inflight Safety, Standards, & Compliance Rhonda Jordan; Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder; Inflight Duty Program Manager Ken Hawkins; Manager of Inflight Safety Programs Johanna Giese; Director of Inflight Training, Development, and Delivery Jesse Sexton; and Manager of Inflight ANC Base Operations Elias Barrera Lomeli.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place January 28, 2027.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

• Inflight Duty Managers (IFDM): The ASHSC heard from Ken Hawkins on the IFDM program. Six IFDMs, all previous Flight Attendants, now staff the company’s Network Operations Center (NOC) around the clock, building cases, coordinating with Crew Scheduling and EAP, and proactively reaching out to Flight Attendants after significant events. IFDMs are not Crew Scheduling and won’t extend your duty day. The ASHSC asked that information on how and when to reach out to IFDMs go out in a bulletin.
• Aisle Armrest Position for Taxi, Takeoff and Landing: The lowered-armrest requirement for taxi, takeoff, and landing currently applies only to the 737 fleet in the FAM. The Committee believes lowered aisle armrests during taxi, takeoff, and landing is the safest practice across all fleets and is asking the company to expand the requirement and confirm it will be required on all aircraft in the next FAM revision. It’s likely the requirement on pmHA aircraft was removed from the FAM in error.
• Automated Fasten Seatbelt Sign PRAM Announcement: The ASHSC is requesting an automated passenger announcement tied to Fasten Seat Belt sign illumination across all fleets, including the 787 and 737, to reduce task saturation for Flight Attendants and ensure passengers hear the announcement when the fasten seatbelt sign is turned on.
• 787 OFAR Crew Rest Linen Storage: Used linen bags tied to the wall handle in the center well/stair area are blocking the pass-through and compromising egress. Management is forming a working group to find a better storage solution, including possibly using an overhead bin for linens.
• Pulse Oximeter in EE Kits: A finger pulse oximeter is included in the 2027 budget as part of a broader emergency equipment assessment. It’s not yet confirmed whether a glucometer, digital cuff, or enhanced stethoscope will also be added.
• B2B Messaging Misuse: The ASHSC raised concerns that Customer Service Agents are using B2B as a documentation tool rather than for real-time communication, causing time-sensitive messages from Flight Attendants to be lost. Management agrees this isn’t appropriate use and will follow up with Airport Operations & Customer Service (AOCS) about the issue.
• Portable Oxygen Bottle (POB) Policy: The ASHSC is asking management to consider changing the policy to require us to place used POBs in garbage bags, since they may still contain usable oxygen for a decompression event. Instead, we could put a new mask on a used bottle with remaining oxygen.
• Exit Row Criteria for Braces/Boots: FAM and safety card language is no longer clear on whether a passenger wearing a brace or boot can sit in an exit row. The ASHSC is asking that the clarification be restored.
• Uniform Cold Weather Needs: The ASHSC asked Inflight Safety and Compliance management to help us ensure functional hoods, water-resistant outerwear, and adequate cold-weather warmth is maintained in our uniform program.
• Tight Connection Times: The ASHSC raised concerns that connection times as short as 30 minutes are creating anxiety and rushing. Connection scheduling should better reflect realistic deplane-to-boarding-gate transit time.
• ZEP Air Freshener (Formaldehyde): The newer onboard ZEP air freshener carries a formaldehyde warning label. The Committee is asking management to identify an alternative product.
• WHCR Battery Thermal Runaway: The ASHSC asked whether current fire-containment bags are adequate for the larger lithium-ion batteries used in wheelchair/mobility devices, and whether the FAM provides sufficient procedural guidance. A company working group is looking into containment and training.
• WHCR Battery Stowage: The ASHSC noted that current policy requires these large batteries to be stowed in the overhead bin, which appears inconsistent with guidance for other lithium-ion devices. Management is reviewing regulatory guidance on the safest stowage location.
• Personal Air Fresheners Onboard: The ASHSC asked for a reminder that the use of personal air fresheners, including in lavatories, is not permitted per the FAM.
• Cabin Class Divider Head-Strike Hazard: A significant number of head-strike injuries have been documented on the Row 6 class divider on the 737 fleet. The ASHSC is asking management to move the divider forward and to review how new cabin components are assessed for interaction with passengers and crew.
• Evacuation Command Alignment with CEP/QRG: The ASHSC flagged that the new evacuation commands launching in January don’t align with the existing printed CEP and digital QRG. Both will be updated to reflect the new commands.
• Manual Release Tool (MRT): Paperclips, the current workaround for releasing the secondary barrier in a decompression, have proven difficult to use in practice. The ASHSC continues to push for a dedicated tool at every jumpseat.
• Broken Glassware Disposal: New glassware has resulted in increased breakage. A small whisk broom and dustpan will be added to the 737 fleet starting January 2027.
• Inflight Phone Calls Over Wi-Fi: With the Starlink rollout, the ASHSC is requesting a clear policy and a possible passenger announcement stating that voice calls (Teams, Zoom, etc.) are not permitted from the closure of the boarding door until the aircraft leaves the runway after landing.
• Boarding Without Full Cabin Power: The Committee continues to push for clear FAM guidance defining “full power” for boarding and advocates that the definition include power to the PA, interphone, and lavatories.

Things The Committee Is Working On

1. Scout Reporting App Rollout: Management launched Scout, its new AI-based safety reporting system, earlier than planned and describes it as a minimum viable product (MVP). We don’t believe it meets even that standard. Our contract requires that AFA have access to all Flight Attendant safety reports, yet Scout launched without giving AFA that access. Management is working on giving the union groups access to the actual Scout reports, but there is no timeline yet. In the meantime, AFA has been given access to a dashboard that shows most of the information available in Scout. Its main limitation is that it can take over a day for a report to appear. Scout also launched without a basic feature: we cannot view our own reports after submitting them. That is expected to be corrected on November 10, when we should be able to view all of our past Scout reports. The ASHSC is continuing to press management on both issues and is collecting feedback on other problems with the system. If you’ve run into problems with Scout, please let your Local ASHSC know.

2. Transition Training and Cross-Fleet Certification: The Committee is reviewing transition training to make sure it is adequate and effective as procedures are harmonized and new aircraft types are introduced. The goal is to certify pmHA Flight Attendants on the 737 and pmAS Flight Attendants on the 787, A321, and A330, which will allow cross-fleeting post-JCBA. Transition training will first be delivered to a proving group of pmAS Flight Attendants, who will perform the mini-evacuations and dry ditchings needed to certify the 787, A321, and A330 in February 2027. Per our CBA, the MEC ASHSC Chairperson will be present for the certification, supporting the Flight Attendants participating and observing the demonstrations.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report:

• pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
• pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

On Thursday, August 27, our Seattle Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met with management to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Walstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA pmAS), Kahea Alvarez (LAX/SEA pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX pmAS), Eva Gatus (SAN), Baron Lee (HNL), Kalin Lackey (PDX), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Brad Young, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple. Also in attendance were members of the SEA pmHA ASHSC.

The Committee met with several members of inflight and safety department management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Matthew Coder (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures), Randy Katz (Managing Director of Inflight Safety Standards and Training), Rhonda Jordan (Safety Standards & Compliance), Jenny Bookert (SEA Director of Inflight), Karen Wook (SEA Inflight Supervisor), Olinga Asress (Manager of Inflight Base Operations), David Stewart (Manager on Security Operations), and Fermin Navarrette (Director of Security)

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place virtually October 22, 2026

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

• Outstation Catering & Fall Protection: The ASHSC raised concerns that some ground catering vendors are fully opening the R2 door at outstations to service the aft trash can, rather than the required partial opening, creating a fall hazard. Management acknowledged the issue, said a bulletin will go out to catering vendors, and noted this has high visibility and continued attention at the executive level.
• First Class Seat Calf-Rest Stowage: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of first class calf rests failing to stow properly, creating a potential CFR violation and egress hazard. In the meantime, one aircraft with an updated mechanism is being tested, and if the fix is successful, the other aircraft will be retrofitted.
• Preflight Emergency Equipment (EE) Check Time: The Committee continued pushing for dedicated preflight time for Flight Attendants to complete required safety and security checks, consistent with what pmHA Flight Attendants and most of the industry currently do. Management stated they believe this needs to be addressed through JCBA negotiations, while the ASHSC reiterated their stance that this is an operational safety issue that should not need to be negotiated.
• Installed Physical Secondary Barrier (IPSB): The ASHSC made several requests related to the IPSB.
• Crew Van Seatbelts: The Committee raised ongoing concerns about crew vans and shuttles that don’t have enough working seatbelts for every crew member. Seat belts are required for hotel shuttles under CBA Section 34.B.6.
• Onboard Oven Safety: Flight Attendants continue to get burned while retrieving food from ovens because current gloves protect only the hands, not the forearms. Management will coordinate with the Inflight Service Committee and the ASHSC to evaluate other glove options that provide greater protection.
• Carry-Ons Checked at the Gate: The ASHSC raised concerns about passengers checking bags at the gate for priority boarding and then removing the bag tag, so the bag never actually gets checked. Management advises Flight Attendants to send those passengers back to the gate podium if this is witnessed.
• MedLink App Rollout for pmHA: The ASHSC asked for a timeline for rolling out the MedLink app to pmHA Flight Attendants. Management does not have a firm date yet, but is targeting early 2027.
• Pilot PA Clarity: The ASHSC requested a reminder for flight crews about PA volume and clarity and encouraged consistent use of the interphone when a PA cannot be understood. The FAM should be updated to direct us to notify pilots when the PA is unclear so they can make adjustments to address the problem or document the issue in the logbook.
• Universal Glassware Durability: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of chipped or sharp-edged glassware creating a laceration risk. Management is working with the vendor and reviewing the dishwashing process.
• Boarding with “Cabin Lights Only”: The ASHSC raised safety concerns about boarding aircraft without full cabin power.
• Flight Attendant Inflight Home Page Update: The ASHSC flagged that the company website/app still displays a misleading message stating Flight Attendants are up to date on all bulletins.
• New Evacuation Commands: The ASHSC raised concerns about the new evacuation commands, which will go into effect next year. Specifically, the addition of “leave everything” between repeated commands like “stay back,” which we used to just repeat. We also question the necessity of changing things for both pmHA and pmAS Flight Attendants when there is already a huge amount of change taking place as a result of the merger.

Things The Committee Is Working On

1. Radiation Exposure – NAS Report Findings: The National Academies of Sciences recently released a congressionally mandated study confirming that Flight Attendants rank among the most radiation-exposed occupational groups in the country, with documented health risks, but no enforceable FAA dose limit, monitoring requirement, or tracking system. The ASHSC has met with safety department and inflight management to begin closing these gaps and will participate in a working group on the subject going forward. Safety is already sourcing a potential software product to manage exposure tracking. We’ve asked management to:

• Provide route-level dose estimates, using the FAA’s CARI model or an equivalent internal tool.
• Deliver training and education on radiation exposure.
• Work with the MEC to develop accommodations when appropriate, including for pregnant Flight Attendants.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report:

• pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
• pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

On Wednesday, July 15, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO and MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson), Kahea Alvarez (LAX pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX pmAS), Bryce Sarmiento (LAX pmAS), Bri Shaw (LAX pmAS), Eva Gatus (SAN), Barron Lee (HNL), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Kerri Ruiz, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with several members of Inflight leadership and Safety management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Matthew Coder (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Wendy Kong (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Ken Hawkins (Inflight Duty Program Manager), Nicky Sagum (Manager of Safety Compliance), Lavesh Bhatia (Inflight Policy & Procedure Specialist), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures) and base management representatives Aron Kahn (LAX Manager of Base Operations) and Benito Pasia-Garcia (Director of Inflight Base Operations).

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place hosted by the SEA ASHSC on August 27

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

• Onboard Wheelchair Stowage: The Committee raised concerns that storing auxiliary supplies (gloves, soap, hand sanitizer) in the wheelchair compartment obstructs the space when the chair is removed, making re-storage difficult. Management is replacing the current wheelchair with a new design and will look at the stowage of other items in the 737 celling bins as part of this process.
• Catering Consistency – Ice in G1: The Committee noted that ice stowed in the drawer in the G1 is leaking into the forward galley and flight deck during descent when no liner is used in the drawer. Management responded that this is a catering error and asked for Flight Attendant write-ups when liners are missing to support the case; a newsletter reminder was also issued recommending that ice be used first, as it causes issues when melted.
• Broken Glass Disposal: With new glassware leading to increased breakage, the Committee discussed the need for a consistent, harmonized policy for safe disposal. Hawaiian carries a dustpan and whisk broom onboard; Alaska’s policy is less defined, though FAM language directs broken glass to be placed in a puncture-resistant bag. Management is working towards adding a dustpan and a whisk broom to the 737 fleet.
• Required Briefings Communication: The Committee discussed instances of required briefings (CRS, UMs, 3-point) being missed prior to door closure. Management agreed to address cleaner cabin-ready communication and area-of-responsibility training through the cabin door closing working group.
• Fumes in the LDMCR: A crew reported chemical fumes both during takeoff and later in flight in the lower crew rest area, with one crew member experiencing chest tightness and headache. Management is following up with Maintenance and Cargo to identify the source; Management emphasized that we can contact MedAire for assessment when we have symptoms.
• Hot Beverage Temperature Safety: The Committee raised ongoing burn-risk concerns related to hot water and coffee temperatures. Management confirmed water temperature is regulated by a thermostatic switch, checked during scheduled overhaul inspections, and cannot be manually lowered without affecting brew quality. A new cup design compatible with tablet/cup holders is being launched; adding lids to cups was discussed, but will not be adopted at this time.
• A321 Pneumatic Lav Door Closer: Reports indicate the pneumatic lav door closer, connected to the lav wall and folding door on the A321, may be being detached by cleaning crews and not reattached, causing the door to swing freely and creating a pinch/cut risk during reattachment. The fleet manager confirmed that cleaning staff should not be handling this mechanism and will send a reminder communication.
• Fish Odor/Cargo Contamination Incident: There has been an uptick in the smell of rotting fish in aircraft cabins this summer, leading to air quality issues. The Committee asked for a standardized process for handling spills of this nature, better tools at all cargo-handling stations (not just HNL/SEA), and improved acceptance criteria for seafood when shipped.
• Intelex Reporting System Issues: Multiple Flight Attendants reported login issues, lockouts, and app glitches, discouraging incident reporting. Management suggested utilizing the desktop version or emailing the crew can email inflightreports@alaskaair.com if the app doesn’t work.
• Jumpseating Guidance (Boeing 737-700 Series Aircraft): The Committee identified unclear FAM language regarding jumpseater seat assignments on 737-700-series aircraft. Management agreed that clarification is needed and will work to update the manual with specific seating guidance.

Things The Committee Is Working On

1. Cabin Secure Procedures: After the addition of the cabin-ready concept for boarding door closure and adding a cabin secure compliance check after door arming, there hasn’t been a clear indicator for the FFA / A Flight Attendant to know that the cabin is secure. We’ve been working with Inflight Policy and Procedure to develop a better system to ensure the cabin is ready for surface movement and to eliminate the current confusion around the process.
2. Bulletins and Alerts Timing: Effective June 24, management changed when Flight Attendants must review bulletins and alerts. Per the manual, Flight Attendants must now ensure that all alerts, bulletins, and FAM revisions/EIBs are updated and read, and that required training is completed, after check-in but prior to boarding the aircraft. We are advocating that management restore the previous policy, requiring bulletins to be checked 24 hours prior to reporting for duty, which gave Flight Attendants adequate time to read and understand this information.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report:

• pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
• pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

On Wednesday, May 20, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO), Bryce Sarmiento (LAX pmAS), Kahea Alvarez (LAX pmHA), Eva Gatus (SAN), Randy Rivera (HNL), and Kerri Ruiz (MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson).

The Committee met with several members of Inflight leadership and Safety management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Nicky Sagum (Manager of Safety Compliance), Randy Katz (Managing Director of Inflight Safety Standards & Training), Benito Pasia-Garcia (Director of Inflight Base Operations), Lavesh Bhatia (Inflight Policy & Procedure Specialist), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures), and base management representatives Anu Lippert and Laurel Padure.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place in virtually on Wednesday, July 15.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

• Cabin Heat Events and APU Operations: The Committee discussed recent incidents of prolonged aircraft ground delays due to inoperative APUs during extreme heat. Concerns were raised regarding unsafe cabin temperatures, passenger comfort, and operational delays in returning to the gate. Management confirmed that APUs are expected to be running by D-10, and Flight Attendants were encouraged to use operational pauses and to submit FAIR/SHR reports whenever cabin temperatures become unsafe.
• Meta Smart Glasses and Privacy Concerns: The Committee discussed concerns about the use of Meta smart glasses while on duty, including passenger privacy, recording capabilities, and operational distractions. Management advised that Revision 75 will prohibit Flight Attendant use of Meta glasses while working.
• Emergency Equipment Accessibility: Several concerns were raised regarding retrofitted overhead emergency equipment locations on the 737-800 fleet. Flight Attendants reported difficulty accessing halon and water extinguishers, challenges viewing gauges during preflight checks, and improper bracket positioning impacting accessibility. Additional concerns included demo kits and carry-on baggage obstructing emergency equipment. Management requested continued FAIR reporting to establish trend data.
• Extreme Cold Weather Evacuation Concerns: ANC representatives raised concerns regarding insufficient cold-weather uniform options during potential evacuations in extreme winter conditions. Discussion included FAA limitations on wearing bulky outerwear in jumpseats, lack of galley stowage space, and the need for additional guidance or training regarding cold-weather evacuation scenarios.
• Hotel Van Safety Procedures: The Committee discussed safety concerns involving hotel transportation vendors requesting crew members to provide flight information before identifying themselves. Particular concern was raised for individual Flight Attendants arriving late at night. Management will coordinate follow-up discussions with hotel transportation providers regarding security expectations and procedures.
• MAX 9 Trash Bin Design and Galley Trash Procedures: Representatives continued discussions regarding the MAX9 trash bin design, which allows trash and liquids to fall behind bins and creates sanitation concerns. Maintenance & Engineering advised that a retrofit project is planned for later this year. Additional discussion focused on current galley trash-handling procedures, including the operational practice of hanging trash bags in galleys, as well as concerns related to fire suppression and monitoring requirements.
• Inoperative Seatbelt Sign MEL Events: The Committee reviewed recent events involving inoperative seatbelt sign switches and discussed alternate procedures when signs cannot be activated. Management reiterated that announcements currently serve as the approved mitigation procedure under MEL guidance.
• Inaudible Flight Deck Announcements: Representatives discussed ongoing concerns about inaudible pilot PA announcements and difficulties hearing critical information while in the cabin. Management noted that this may primarily be a CRM issue, but agreed that additional review may be appropriate.
• Safety Card Type Placards: Discussion continued regarding inconsistencies and missing safety card type placards onboard aircraft. Management reminded Flight Attendants to report missing placards through standard reporting channels so corrective action can be tracked.
• Narcan and Overdose Response Discussions: The Committee discussed modernization of EMK/EEMK kits to potentially include nasal Narcan. Management acknowledged that many carriers are moving in this direction and confirmed the topic remains under review with MedAire and Safety leadership. Discussion also included training considerations, accessibility, storage, and maintenance requirements.
• A330 Lavatory Flush Noise Concerns: Representatives raised concerns regarding excessive lavatory flush noise levels onboard the A330 fleet. Discussion included OSHA exposure thresholds, custom hearing protection programs, and possible reimbursement or support options for hearing protection devices.
• PPE Use During Fume Events: The Committee discussed Flight Attendant concerns regarding the use of PPE, including carbon-layered masks, during fume events. Management stated there should be no issue with Flight Attendants utilizing appropriate PPE during qualifying exposure events and agreed additional follow-up may be necessary regarding onboard PPE availability and policy clarification.

Things The Committee Is Working On

1. New Power Bank Procedures: There were several instances last year of power banks going into thermal runaway on Asian carriers. Additionally, UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory), which tracks thermal runaway events on commercial aircraft, has documented an increase in events attributable to power banks. As a result, there are updates to regulatory guidance on how they should be limited, stowed, and used onboard the aircraft. The Committee has been gathering information and working with the company to develop new procedures, which will be rolled out soon at AAG.
2. MAX 10 Galleys: In coordination with the Inflight Service Committee, we have been working with management and the galley manufacturer on the MAX 10 galley designs. Our focus has been on safety, optimizing workflow, crew stowage location, which can be accessed without being visible to passengers, and easily accessible emergency equipment
3. Demo Kit Stowage: We are gathering pictures of demo kits that are in overhead bins without dividers, along with tail numbers, and are making a case to have dividers for all demo kit stowage in first class on the 737.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report:

• pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
• pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.