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Building Resilience: A New Year’s Guide for Flight Attendants

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

As a Flight Attendant, resilience is one of your greatest tools. The nature of the profession —long hours, irregular schedules, and dealing with diverse passenger needs—can be taxing. Building resilience ensures you can handle challenges effectively while maintaining your well-being. In addition to prioritizing your physical health, below are some often overlooked strategies to strengthen your resilience as we roll into the new year.

1. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

  • Focus on Growth: View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in perspective can make difficulties feel more manageable.
  • Practice Gratitude: Reflect daily on things you’re thankful for. This simple habit can improve your outlook and emotional well-being.

2. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

  • Embrace Mindfulness: Engage in practices like meditation or deep breathing to stay present and reduce stress.
  • Channel Stress Productively: Turn to hobbies or physical activities that help you unwind and recharge.

3. Strengthen Support Networks

  • Lean on Colleagues: Share your experiences and seek advice from fellow Flight Attendants who understand the unique challenges of the role.
  • Nurture Relationships: Make time for loved ones and build a network of support you can rely on during tough times.

4. Learn from Setbacks

  • Reflect and Adjust: Treat setbacks as learning experiences. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can approach similar situations differently in the future.
  • Stay Persistent: Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about bouncing back stronger each time.

Final Thoughts

Resilience is a skill that can be cultivated over time through intentional actions and habits. By focusing on your mindset, building strong support systems, and maintaining your physical and emotional health, you can navigate the demands of your job with greater confidence and ease. As you step into the new year, commit to these strategies and watch your resilience grow, empowering you to thrive both on and off the job.

AFA EAP is Here for You

AFA EAP is a support service provided by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants, their families, and partners.  Our EAP peer representatives are trained to offer three distinct yet interconnected services: assessment, support, and referral services; professional standards; and critical incident response. You can reach out to us at any time for confidential support by calling (949) 470-0493 or visiting afaalaska.org/eap for more ways to connect.

Southern California Wildfires

Master Executive Council (MEC)

The wildfires in the Los Angeles area are devastating, and the situation is rapidly evolving, including the spread of the fires and connectivity outages. If you are in the area, please stay safe and evacuate if authorities advise you to do so. For live updates, click here.

AFA EAP is on alert and available at 1-800-424-2406. To locate shelters near you, text “SHELTER” & your zip code to 43362.

If you have been affected by the fires or are helping family members evacuate, please contact Crew Scheduling if you need assistance with your schedule. Your AFA Local Councils are available to help if you encounter any difficulties.

Resources to protect you and your family before, during, and after a wildfire can be found at ready.gov/wildfires. 

Flight Attendants Outside of Los Angeles – Our AFA Siblings Need Our Help

One action you can take immediately to help is to donate to the AFA Disaster Relief Fund and share the donation link with family and friends. Together, we can help take care of our LAX Flight Attendant family.

Los Angeles Flight Attendants

If you have been evacuated and need a place to stay, LA 211 has partnered with Airbnb. Anyone evacuated due to the fires can stay in an Airbnb for one week at no charge. Just dial 2-1-1 or visit Airbnb.org for more information.

AFA Disaster Relief Fund

The AFA Disaster Relief Fund is actively monitoring messages for applications. Any AFA member and RAFA member in good standing who is involuntarily displaced from their primary residence for seven or more days because of a natural disaster is eligible for a one-time per calendar year gift of $500. If a member would like to apply for AFA Disaster Relief Funds, they can go to www.afacwa.org/drf and download the Disaster Relief Fund Application. Submission instructions are included on the site.

Additionally, members can apply for FEMA financial relief at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or 800-621-3362.  

FEMA disaster assistance may help with a range of needs including:  

  • Serious Needs Assistance. Money to help one pay for essential items such as food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies.
  • Displacement Assistance. Money to help with housing needs. If one cannot return to their home because of the disaster, this money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends, or other options while one looks for a rental unit.
  • Other eligible expenses. This includes expenses from things like rental assistance, basic home repairs and property losses.

If you have any questions, please contact Linda Foster (lfoster@afacwa.org) with the AFA EAP Department.

AFA Alaska Statement On Recent Severe Turbulence Incidents

Master Executive Council (MEC)

AFA Representatives have been informed that several flights experienced severe turbulence yesterday, resulting in injuries to some Flight Attendants. Since then, various AFA officers and committee members have been actively working with inflight management to ensure that all affected Flight Attendants receive the necessary care and that all contractual provisions are upheld.

We want to recognize the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our outstanding crews in handling these challenging situations. These events highlight the role of Flight Attendants as safety professionals and first responders onboard the aircraft. AFA Representatives are providing support to all Flight Attendants affected by these incidents.

As a reminder, detailed information about turbulence and procedures for responding to different levels of turbulence can be found in Section 2.400 of the Flight Attendant Manual. Regularly reviewing this information is beneficial for ensuring your safety and that of your fellow crew members and passengers.

Additionally, our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee is available to provide support whenever needed. Please feel free to reach out at (949) 470-0493 or find contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.

De-Stress Your Holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

The holidays can be fun, but they also can be a source of great stress. Below are some common holiday stressors and suggestions for managing them.  

How Can You Deal With Difficult Family Interactions During the Holidays?

Being realistic is the first step. Family dynamics typically revert to historic patterns when families come back together. You don’t have to pretend that all is well, but, you can sidestep difficulties by anticipating them and planning on ways to temporarily separate and defuse.  

Do Financial Pressures Stress You Out to the Point of Ruining the Holiday Spirit?

Knowing your spending limit is also a way to relieve holiday stress. People believe that they have to go out and buy gifts because it’s the holidays, even if they can’t afford to do so. Not only is it stressful to feel that you have to buy everyone a gift, but you’ll be stressed for the rest of the year trying to pay off your bills. Perhaps this is the year to make a pact not to exchange gifts but to share time together. This could also help someone who isn’t in a financial position to exchange gifts with you.  

How Do Time Pressures Affect You Around the Holidays? 

Putting routines on pause or totally rearranging schedules because of the holidays are the ingredients for exhaustion and chaos.   Prioritize activities that are important and can fit around important replenishing activities like sleep, proper meals and exercise.

How Do You Deal With the Holidays When You Have Just Experienced A Recent Tragedy, Death or Break-up?

If you’re feeling really out of sorts because of a loss or stressor, try to tell those around you what you really need, since they may not know how to help you. Ask for their understanding if you decline an activity or can’t summon up the holiday spirit. Give yourself permission to grieve just as you would any other time of the year.

How Do You Cope With Kids Who Want Everything for the Holidays? 

Parents need to tell their children to be realistic. It is OK to say to your child that a certain toy is too expensive. Even Santa Claus has limited funds and has to choose what most to give because he has a very long list. You can also tell your children that Mom and Dad and Santa Claus will try to choose the suitable present for the child. Children have to learn that their wish is not someone’s command and to curb their desires for instant gratification. 

How Do You Manage the Holidays If They Start Feeling Painful? 

If you are unable to shake what you think are “holiday blues” your feelings may not be just about the holidays, but about other things in your life. If you need help in sorting out or dealing with painful thoughts or feelings, call your AFA EAP for confidential assistance. Call (949) 479-0493 or find contact information at afaalaska.org/eap. 

Adapted in part from the American Psychological Association at www.apacenter.org

Honoring Your Feelings On The Anniversary Of 9/11: A Message For Flight Attendants

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

For Flight Attendants, the anniversary of September 11th holds deep emotional significance. Whether you were flying that day, knew someone personally affected, or joined the profession afterward, the weight of that tragic day is often felt across the industry. The emotions that surface on this anniversary can vary widely—ranging from grief and sadness to pride and resilience. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to honor them.

You’re not alone in how you feel. The aviation community shares a unique bond, and this anniversary is often a time when Flight Attendants, pilots, ground staff, and all those connected to the industry come together in solidarity. Reaching out to colleagues can provide a sense of comfort and shared understanding. Sometimes, simply talking about your feelings with someone who understands can bring relief. By honoring your own feelings and supporting one another, you help carry forward the legacy of resilience and unity that defines the aviation community.

While honoring the memory of 9/11, it’s equally important to care for your own well-being. The emotions stirred on this day can be heavy, so take time for self-care. This might include spending time with loved ones, engaging in activities that bring you comfort, or simply giving yourself permission to step away from any overwhelming emotions.

If you feel the need for more support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Local AFA EAP Committee representative.  You can connect to one through AFA Alaska EAP at (949) 470-0493. You can also find the listing of your Local AFA EAP Committee with their contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2025

On Monday, October 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected: MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee […]

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