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Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2024

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.

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.

Human Rights Committee Update – 3rd Quarter 2024

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, August 30, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Friday, August 30, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Erika Daniel (SAN), Louise Borras (LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX). Also present was MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

The committee met with Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert and VP Inflight Matt Prainito.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Monday, November 18, 2024. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Discussions of Sept & Oct heritage events
  • Flight Attendant listening sessions. Sept 15th – Oct 15th next month Hispanic Heritage Month ANC Chairperson/Inflight/LCRG BRG Representative will host the next scheduled listening session, date and time TBD.
  • Concern of “Fly” Dress code while traveling – “Tattoos are never acceptable” requesting this be addressed
  • Concern of Medlink on our IMD identifying the guest as Male or Female, seeking if this can be more gender neutral
  • Alaska and Horizon jumpseat dress code has been changed to read more gender neutral

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of Alaska acquisition of Hawaiian, as there may be an overall new design.  
  2. Working on a CBT with SFO Chairperson about understanding transgender people, gender identity, and gender expression 
  3. Resource for Flight Attendants about safety concerns in layover cities (Layover Safety Alerts) on the AFA Website.
  4. Med Link on our IMD. Identifying the guest as Male or Female, seeking if this can be more gender neutral 
  5. CSA manual being more gender neutral. Removal of the use of the identity language of he/she when addressing proper dress attire for non rev travel.
  6.  Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our 6 present domiciles also including HNL
  7. Batok Tattoos visible while in uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska acquisition of Hawaiian.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On August 27, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, August 27, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz. 

The committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Senior Manager Product Management RIck Mitchell, Supervisor of Inflight Crew Scheduling Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Flights facing heat restrictions, blocked seats, and short runways have caused passenger revenue reduction and issues with commuting in multiple locations.  
  • Night rule violations where crews were exceeding 10:30 duty limits. A reminder that the night rule supersedes irregular operations. 
  • Overview of staffing leaves for October. Currently, there is no plan to offer leaves; the company plans to lower line averages instead. 
  • There are issues with Crew Access notifications showing blank schedules. This sometimes occurs when Crew scheduling is working to confirm a hotel on your layover. 
  • Concerns over pairing options due to reduced seasonal flying.
  • Demand for more commutable and longer trips from LAX instead of co-terminals.
  • We resolved some issues regarding trip removals due to jury duty and discussed the need to remind crew schedulers of the process.
  • Hotels in the bid packet.  In some cases, the hotels will relocate the crew due to unforeseen circumstances. In most cases, the hotel in the bid packet will be the location to which you are assigned. 
  • Reminder to review fatigue management protocols. For information, refer to the Letter of Agreement at afaalaska.org. We are seeing an increase in fatigue reports among reserves and line holders.
  • There is a need for improved communication regarding the Flight Attendant website and SharePoint updates. We ask Flight Attendants to report missing or broken links to AAG information technology services (ITS) or AFA.
  • There is a noticeable decline in block hours for October, with a 13% reduction.
  • Year-over-year analysis indicating a mix of sick leave trends across different bases.
  • Crew Scheduling has approximately five (5) new crew schedulers assisting with the operation.
  • Crew Planning is hiring for a few available positions, while pilot crew planning assists until those roles are filled. 
  • Base Sits. We are anticipating a new budget for 2025. The PBS Subcommittee will not do base sits in October, November, or December. If you need assistance with bidding, please get in touch with them directly or reach out to your Local Scheduling or Reserve Committee. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose. The PBS Subcommittee is working with management on PBS base sit budgets.  Management has the committee keep track of how money is being spent to assist flight crews with their bidding.  We appreciate your participation in virtual and in person base sits. 
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion of reviewing bidding data from NAVBLUE to see what kind of pairings Flight Attendants are interested in flying instead of sending out a survey. We will continue to review options. 
  3. Chime Communications. To reduce phone call volumes, Flight Attendants may soon be able to chat with Crew Scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams. The chat will be for Flight Attendant-initiated contact only. The function is currently in the early stages of development and still needs to be discussed with Labor Relations management and our MEC. Testing and implementation are continuing over the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation, which is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  5. Crew Planning. Like Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items. Statistics around teaming continue to be reviewed. Crew Planning continues to maximize pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NAVBLUE, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block2Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases.

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Employee Assistance Program Resources in Uncertain Times

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Between the stress and uncertainty of a merger and the collective bargaining process, it’s essential to remember to take the time you need to care for yourselves. That might mean leaning on your flying partners, taking a moment to recharge, or seeking support from your AFA EAP. Your well-being remains our top priority. We’re just a phone call away.  

Options for Flight Attendants to meet with a counselor: 

  • Flight Attendants each receive 10 free sessions per year through Lyra, the new Company EAP provider. Visit aag.lyrahealth.com for more information.                                                                                                                  
  • Inflight management + Lyra provides 12 virtual sessions each month. The sessions are confidential and virtual. You are able to reserve one by emailing talia.samuelson@alaskaair.com

More Resources to Consider: 

AFA Alaska EAP is available 24 hours a day at: (949) 470-0493

The AFA InternationalEAP helpline is available 24 hours a day at: (800) 424-2406 or (202) 434-0560.

If you have any questions or are looking for support, please get in touch with our AFA EAP Committee. You can also find your Local EAP Committee at afaalaska.org/eap.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, February 24, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Russel Rivinius (PDX), […]

Important Update: Irregular Operations Due to Civil Unrest In Mexico

In response to the significant operational disruptions caused by the civil unrest affecting cities throughout Mexico, particularly Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Guadalajara (GDL), and Manzanillo (ZLO), management continues to operate under an Irregular Operations (IROPS) situation. Our MEC and Committees are actively monitoring the situation and working with management to support our Flight Attendants. Management has […]

Invitation to Training: What To Do if a Union Member is Detained

The California Federation of Labor Unions is offering a series of Union Rapid Response Trainings. The next session, “What To Do if a Union Member is Detained,” will offer practical information and guidance on how to respond if this happens. Details of the training are as follows: Date: Thursday, February 19Time: 11:30 AM to 1 PM PTLocation: Zoom Please register […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

On Monday, February 9, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met virtually 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), Brian Sherill (LAX-pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM […]

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