Hotel Committee

• On February 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
• The Committee met with management to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
• If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Monday, February 10, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met for our first meeting of the year 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 (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich chairing the meeting. MEC Vice President Brian Palmer and MEC Vice President-elect Brice McGee also joined the meeting.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, March 10.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

• Van Times: It’s been reported that the van times for Flight Attendants and pilots have differed (by an average of 10 minutes) in certain layover cities, even though both workgroups use the same transportation. This discrepancy has caused Flight Attendants to arrive in the lobby earlier than necessary. We believe this issue may stem from an API processing error, as Flight Attendants and pilots have different report times. The Hotel Committee has submitted a list of affected layover cities to the company for correction. The only layover cities that should have separate van times for Flight Attendants and pilots are SLC, DEN, and ATL. If you notice any incorrect van times outside of these locations, please file a CrewCare report so that it can be addressed.
• Hotel Charges: Recently, there was an incident in LAS where a Flight Attendant accidentally spilled coffee on the bed sheets. Although this was obviously an accident, housekeeping erroneously reported it as damage, leading the hotel to charge the Flight Attendant a cleaning fee. The Hotel Committee successfully advocated for the reversal of this charge. Additionally, management has reported an increase in unpaid hotel bills for personal charges. Flight Attendants are responsible for paying any incidental charges incurred during a layover, including meals, beverages, and upgraded internet access. When personal charges are not paid to the hotel upon departure, the hotel contacts management for payment, which is then forwarded to the crew member. As a courtesy, API negotiates contracts that do not require crew members to provide a credit card for incidentals at check-in. Failing to pay your bill jeopardizes this courtesy for everyone and can impact our relationship with the hotel. This is a friendly reminder to please settle any outstanding personal charges before checking out.
• Document Depository: Management has presented a preview of a future cloud storage site for use by Crew Hotels and the Hotel Committee containing all information related to our layover hotels, organized by city. While AFA keeps records of many documents in our own systems (such as hotel bids, destination presentations, and inspection reports), the new hosting platform will allow the Hotel Committee to access company documents relevant to our layover hotels. Additional information will include financial analyses, hotel contracts, and ALPA’s hotel reports. This enhancement will provide a more comprehensive view of our layover hotels and better insight into how final hotel decisions were made.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee visits hotels that are being considered by management, advocating for selections that offer the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Currently, we have site visits scheduled in the following locations for 2025: AUS (February), SAT (February), LIR (February), MCO (March), STL (March), MKE (April), IAD (May), FLL (May), RSW (June), and SEA (June). Contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities are the primary factors that trigger a market review. Depending on the outcome of this review, a site visit may be scheduled in that city. LAS has also been added to the sourcing list.
2. Ad Hoc List Review: The Committee’s review of the ad hoc list is ongoing, with a planned completion date at the end of February. Our crew hotels have been inspected, endorsed, and contracted. Occasionally, crews must be relocated for various reasons, such as known hotel blackout dates, planned property maintenance, fire alarm testing, or irregular operations. When our contracted properties are unable to accommodate crew usage, Crew Hotels and API refer to the ad hoc list for alternative accommodations. The Hotel Committee is reviewing this list to ensure that the listed properties continue to meet our standards.
3. Investigating MyCrewCare Reports: We are reviewing crewmember feedback and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback helps resolve issues and provides the documentation needed to support decisions on whether to continue with current accommodations or advocate for a hotel or ground transportation change.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Hotel Committee

• On January 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
• The Committee met with management to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
• If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Monday, January 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met for our first meeting of the year 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), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, February 10.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

• Final Hotel Decisions: A number of site visits were conducted in the second half of 2024. We are still awaiting a final decision on HNL, SMF, TPA, and SJD. Final decisions have been made in BWI and DEN. Please check the MyCrewCare app (“City and Hotel Information” menu) or the Hotel Hotline on the Inflight Website for specific hotel details and decisions.  
• LIR Travel Time: We know that the van time in LIR has been a significant pain point for our Flight Attendants. The Committee has been engaged with Crew Hotels to find an alternative property. We are actively searching for a property that provides the same level of quality and service, with the intent to significantly shorten the time in transit. In the meantime, the morning van departure has returned to the original, non-padded departure time due to early arrivals to the gate.    
• Other Markets Updates: We are having a challenge in LAS when it comes to crew accommodations, a challenge shared by other carriers. As you may have seen, we have moved properties a few times due to crew member feedback. We greatly appreciate this, as your feedback drives change. We continue to monitor for any opportunities in LAS suitable for crew members. We are also looking at alternative options in FAT. 
• Ground Transportation Issues
  • Safety Reporting: We have seen several instances where our ground transportation providers have contracted an Uber instead of their company van. This has, at times, resulted in an UberX that is not large enough to accommodate a crew of four plus luggage. At no time should a crew’s luggage be forced to be placed on laps or block egress, no matter what transportation you are in. If this happens, inform Crew Scheduling immediately and follow up with a CrewCare complaint, as this is a safety hazard. Furthermore, you may contact your Local Hotel Committee to escalate the issue.      
  • Ground Transportation Wait Times: We would like to remind Flight Attendants of a provision in our CBA that allows for self-help regarding transportation wait times. CBA section 34.B allows a Flight Attendant to submit for reimbursement for the actual expenses incurred if transportation is not provided within 35 minutes from block-in or within 10 minutes from hotel departure time. If you prefer not to pay for and expense the cost of transportation yourself, you can request that Crew Scheduling arrange alternate transportation for you.   

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Ad Hoc List Review. Our crew hotels have been inspected and endorsed and are contracted properties. Occasionally, crews need to be relocated for various reasons, such as known hotel blackout dates, planned property maintenance, fire alarm testing, irregular operations, etc. When our contracted properties cannot take the usage, Crew Hotels and API reference the ad hoc list for alternate accommodations. The Hotel Committee is reviewing this list to ensure the listed properties still meet our standards.
2. Conducting Hotel Site Visits. The Hotel Committee visits hotels that are under consideration by management, and we advocate for management to select hotels that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. So far, we have site visits scheduled in AUS, SAT, MCO, and STL for the first quarter of 2025.  Contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities are the primary drivers that trigger a market review. Depending on the outcome of the market review, a site visit may be scheduled in that city.
3. Investigating MyCrewCare Reports. Reviewing crewmember feedback and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change or ground transpiration change.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Hotel Committee

• On September 12, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
• The Committee met with management and representatives from the company’s crew accommodations vendor to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
• If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Thursday, September 12, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met 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), Virginia Fritz (SFO), and Chris Cardenas (LAX), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette, and Managing Director Inflight Ops South (LAX, SAN, & SFO) & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman from management. Representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor, Accommodations Plus International (API), hosted the meeting.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management and API. Much of the conversation during these Quarterly Business Reviews focuses on financials and the state of the hotel industry. Some items discussed include:

• MyCrewCare App Features
  • “News” tab in layover city
  • Tweaking of the crew feedback prompts to make them more user friendly so that feedback can be obtained
• API Process Improvements
  • Phone systems migrating to the cloud for better workflow
  • JetRFP – will be programmed to allow a hotel to bid on a block of business if they are unable to accommodate the full rooms per night request. Will potentially allow for more hotel options for crew accommodation
• Request to improve the timelines when it comes to placing crew hotel information into the bid packets and Crew Access.
• Crew complaints and transportation issues
• Concerns surrounding the utilization of rideshares (Uber/Lyft)
• Unpaid hotel incidentals – reminder for crews to settle their hotel incidentals before checkout

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Ad Hoc list review. Our crew hotels have been inspected, endorsed and are contracted properties. Occasionally crews need to be relocated for various reasons, such as known hotel blackout dates, planned property maintenance, fire alarm testing, irregular operations, etc. When our contracted properties cannot take the usage, Crew Hotels and API reference the ad hoc list for alternate accommodations. The Hotel Committee reviews this list periodically to ensure the properties listed still meet our standards.
2. Conducting hotel site visits. The Hotel Committee visits hotels that are under consideration by management, and we advocate for management to select hotels that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. By the end of 2024, your Hotel Committee will have conducted site visits in 32 cities. For 2025, there are 40 markets that will be reviewed. Contract expirations, crew complaints and cost saving opportunities are the primary drivers that trigger a market review. Depending on the outcome of the market review, a site visit may be scheduled in that city.
3. Investigating MyFeedback (CrewCare) reports. Reviewing crewmember feedback and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change or ground transpiration change.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (AS), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Hotel Committee

• On February 1, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing program of work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
• The Committee met with management and representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
• If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through CrewCare. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Thursday, February 1, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met 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), Cassie Dole (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette, and Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook from management. Representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor, Accommodations Plus International (API), and ALPA also participated in the meeting.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items during the meeting with management and API.  Some items discussed include:

• 2023 hotel and transportation year in review from API.
• Hotel contract expirations and hotel site visit plan for 2024.
• Discussion of the new MyCrewCare app update and what new features will be available to help crews on their layovers.
• Enhanced CrewCare database access for Hotel Committee Chairpersons to better monitor crew compliments and complaints with our hotel and transportation providers.
• Presentation of Alaska’s newly developed IROPS Playbook and what processes have been implemented to better address crew hotels and transportation during IROPS.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Conducting hotel site visits. Visiting hotels under consideration by management and advocating for management to select the hotel that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Our Hotel Committee conducted site visits in over 28 cities in 2023 and have so far scheduled 16 cities for 2024 with more anticipated.
2. Investigating CrewCare reports. Reviewing CrewCare reports and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (AS), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.