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Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, December 11, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present were MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton, MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Jarod McNeill, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones. 

The Committee met with the new Director of Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy, and Interim Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Matthew Trujillo.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during both internal AFA-only discussions and meetings with management. Some of the topics discussed include:

  • New Crew Access Errors And How They Affect Reserves: Alaska IT Management is investigating the causes of these errors and exploring solutions to remedy them. These new errors will be added to the known issues document next week. This will provide guidance to Reserve Flight Attendants on what the errors are and how Scheduling can assist with manually processing specific tasks.
  • Out-Of-Order Assignments: If a Reserve Flight Attendant believes they were assigned out of order, they can notify Crew Scheduling. If confirmed by Scheduling, an annotation will be made to pay the out-of-order premium. However, the trip should not be removed and given to another Reserve Flight Attendant, as that also would be a violation of our contract.
  • CBA timeline implementations of outstanding items that will affect Reserves.
  • New update to Crew Access and upcoming updates to Crew Access next year.
  • Crew Scheduling Desk Assignments: A more in-depth explanation of what desks (positions) there are in Scheduling, what duties each desk is responsible for, and staffing updates.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Developing Additional Tools & Resources for Reserve Flight Attendants: Working to update Reserve 101, the Reserve survival guide and flow charts with new CBA provisions.
  2. Assisting Reserve Flight Attendants Through the Reserve Buddy Program: Answering questions from and providing support to Reserve Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Reserve Buddy program.
  3. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns: Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring that management complies with our contract.

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 Reserve Committee is your voice to management. You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

On Thursday, December 4, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work in representing our Flight Attendants and advocating for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX pmAS), and Andrew Malone (SAN). MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson Chase Vandergrift (Alaska Brand) was also present. This meeting was primarily focused on the Alaska Brand; however, the 2026 meetings will jointly cover both brands. 

The committee met with Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Managing Director Inflight Services Training Randy Katz, Director of Food and Beverage Products Mita Padhi, Manager of Food and Beverage Planning and Programs David Rodriguez, Principal Food and Beverage Programs Manager Gracie Truex, Senior Food and Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston, Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Megan Low, Director of Catering Operations Andrew Moyer, Director of Cabin Experience David Scotland, and other management representatives from marketing and IT.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 26.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee discussed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some of the items included:

Alaska Brand Food and Beverage Product

  • Premium Class Snack Basket Launch: The Premium Class Snack Basket is scheduled to launch on December 17 on Premium Long Haul flights.
  • Elite Recognition Chocolate: Management is looking at dynamic loading of chocolate as a long-term goal to help alleviate supply issues on high-demand routes.
  • Premium Long Haul (PLH) Pastry Service Ends: Based on Flight Attendant feedback, the standalone pastry service on PLH flights will end on December 17. The pastry will continue to be served on the breakfast tray on select routes, including Hawaii and JFK/EWR, DCA/IAD, but will be eliminated entirely from all other routes. Biscoff Cookies should replace the pastry and be served with the initial beverage in First Class on all other AM PLH flights.
  • Base Plate Changes: Based on Flight Attendant feedback, the following changes will be made on 12/17 on Medium Haul and Long Haul routes:
    • On Medium-Haul Routes, the dessert in the side bowl and white bean dip with crostini on the base plate will be replaced with a vegetable and hummus crudité in the side bowl and a bagged cookie (see heating instructions below), which should be placed on the base plate. 
    • On Long-Haul Routes, the elevated appetizer (roasted carrots or fennel slaw) on the base plate will be removed and replaced with butter and warm bread. 
  • First Class Cookies: Should be provisioned on an oven rack and transferred to meal trays before serving. The cookies should be placed in a warm oven that is switched off a few minutes before serving to remove the chill. The cookies should never be “baked” or heated for any amount of time at 200° or higher. In a cold oven, the cookies may be warmed on the lowest temperature setting for 5 minutes.

Catering Operations

  • New Alaska Brand First Class Mugs: A problem has been identified with some of the First Class mugs, and kitchens will begin testing mug handles to ensure mugs in the system are not defective. Unfortunately, the response to this issue was slow due to a very low number of reports. If you encounter any issues with the mugs, including broken handles, chips, or cracks, it is very important to report these events in Block2Block using the catering feedback tool, every time, every flight. 
  • Facebook Reporting: Out of roughly 36,000 departures in November, broken First Class mugs were reported on only 16 flights. With so few official reports, Management could not see the true scope of the mug issue—despite many Flight Attendants discussing it on Facebook. While Facebook is great for sharing experiences within our community, it doesn’t get problems in front of management decision-makers. If you notice issues like broken mugs, please take a moment to report them using Block2Block or Safety Reporting every single time. Your report is essential—it is the only way our Inflight Service Committee and management can take swift, meaningful action. Let’s work together to turn feedback into real improvements. Your voice matters most when it’s heard through the right channels!
  • New Alaska Brand First Class Trays: Future trays will be ordered with rubber pads underneath to prevent sliding on tray tables. These trays should begin to slowly appear throughout the system and will eventually replace the existing supply.
  • New Alaska Brand Main Cabin Hot Cups: A revised main cabin hot cup has been selected and is expected on board sometime in late April or May. 
  • Seattle Future Kitchen: Alaska has just started construction on what will become the largest catering facility in North America. The facility is expected to be up and running by the end of next year and will bring much-needed improvements to catering operations in Seattle.

Cabin Product and Aircraft Interiors

  • 737 Fleet Update: 
    • The 737-800 Fleet is still undergoing a dual upgrade program. Cabin refurbishment has been completed on 36 aircraft. Of those, 15 also got new seats and the 161-seat reconfiguration. There are still 23 aircraft awaiting new seats, with a forecasted completion date of June 2026.
    • All 737-900ERs have been refreshed with tablet holders and an additional row of premium class in Row 10.
    • 737-800 Fleet Lavatories: All three 737-800s with the reduced 2 aft lavatory configuration have been retrofitted with the new cabin, and the 3rd lavatory has been reinstalled.
  • Exit Rows with Reduced Legroom: Management is aware that many passengers who are used to extra legroom in Row 17 have been disappointed when they board a reconfigured 737-800 with reduced legroom. These seats should no longer be advertised as having extra legroom, as they are included with Rows 11-15 as Main Cabin Preferred seating, which are simply located closer to the front of the cabin. Please continue to utilize passenger recovery tools, such as miles or a refund request, but also report any passenger satisfaction issues using ReportIt!
  • Starlink Updates: Starlink is currently being installed on the first SkyWest E175, with the first 737 installation scheduled sometime in March.
  • 787 Wi-Fi: The deployment timeline indicates that the 787 will not have Wi-Fi in time for next summer’s flying.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Reykjavik (KEF) 737 Service Testing: Service testing has begun for a new Long-Haul International service level launching on SEA-KEF next May. The Committee will continue to monitor these test flights and recommend changes to improve both the service flow and the passenger experience, as well as ensure the service is realistic for Flight Attendants to deliver. 
  2. Long Haul 787 Service: The Committee is actively monitoring the changes management is making to the long-haul 787 service in anticipation of “Alaska-branded” flying launching early next year. We will also continue to advocate for a service model that not only creates a great passenger experience but is also feasible and practical to execute.
  3. Focus on Simplicity: As our service changes and evolves, the Committee will continue to emphasize to management that more steps and more work for the crew does not create an elevated experience. 

We Want to Hear from You!

Do you have any other feedback for the Committee or items you’d like to bring up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Inflight Service Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Inflight Service Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

On Monday, December 8, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present. 

The Committee met with several members of management, including Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Operations; Jenny Bookert, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations; and Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr., California Director of Inflight Base Operations.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for March 25, 2026.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Concerns regarding female Flight Attendants being alone with a male tester during random drug testing, whether at base or at RON stations, were discussed. 
  • Protections for Flight Attendants on layovers if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Resources for Flight Attendants if this situation occurs. Communication coming from inflight management regarding this subject. 
  • Self-deportees, or people who are voluntarily leaving the country, are treated the same as any other passenger on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights.
  • Alaska Airlines Business Resource Groups (BRGs), which focus on certain business or identity topics, are merging with Hawaiian Airlines Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which support employees who share similar interests or backgrounds.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. The next steps depend on the progress of the merger, which might result in a completely new wing design for everyone.
  2. Land Acknowledgement Signage: The Committee is working to place signs in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations that acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities whose land these workplaces are on. Land acknowledgements are statements that recognize the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by indigenous communities in the Philippines, holding deep cultural significance. The proposal is currently on hold until the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) is ratified.
  4. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions: The company’s BRGs are planning to hold additional listening sessions in 2026. These will be co-facilitated by AFA Local Human Rights Chairpersons and management.
  5. Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace.
  6. Optional ADA Rooms: The Committee is developing a proposal that would enable Flight Attendants with disabilities to request ADA-compliant hotel rooms during layovers. These rooms would be available to those who self-disclose their disability in PeopleSoft.

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 & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Staying Balanced During The Holidays

Let joy, not pressure, lead the way.

The holiday season is a special time for joy, connection, and celebration. But let’s be honest—it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, even for the most grounded among us. With family gatherings, work commitments, and financial worries, finding balance isn’t always easy. Here are some practical tips to help you stay centered and truly savor this season.

1. Protect Your Time

Give yourself permission to say “no” when you need to. Not every invitation or request needs your “yes.” It’s okay to protect your time and energy—you deserve it!

2. Keep Healthy Routines

Try to stick with your usual sleep, nutrition, and movement routines as much as possible. Even a short walk or ten minutes of stretching can lift your spirits. Remember, skipping meals or sacrificing rest to “fit everything in” can make things harder—so give yourself permission to pause and recharge.

3. Manage Expectations

Let go of the idea of a “perfect” holiday. Plans may change and things might not always go as expected—and that’s okay! Focus on creating little moments of connection, laughter, and meaning, rather than chasing perfection.

4. Budget with Intention

Financial stress is a common holiday challenge. Setting a spending limit ahead of time can help you relax and focus on what matters most. Thoughtful gestures or shared experiences often mean more than costly gifts—and the memories last longer, too!

5. Build in Quiet Moments

Balance your social activities with moments of stillness. Even a few quiet minutes can help you reset and recharge. Remember to show yourself the same kindness and care that you so generously give to others.

6. Reach Out for Support

If this season brings up feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety, please know you’re not alone. Reach out to a friend or someone you trust—it’s always okay to ask for support. Our AFA EAP Committee is here for you with confidential help whenever you need it at (949) 470-0493. You can also connect with your Local EAP Committee Members at afaalaska.org/eap.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairpersons

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few weeks and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Flight Attendant group.

Dianna Ripley, MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson

Dianna Ripley has been a Flight Attendant since 2014. Prior to joining the airline industry, she gained extensive leadership and customer service experience, serving as an Optical Manager for Costco Wholesale and managing Alaska’s first Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa.

Following an on-the-job injury in 2022, Dianna became actively involved with the Council 30 (ANC) Benefits Committee, focusing on Workers’ Compensation. Motivated by her own experience navigating complex processes, she is dedicated to making benefit information clear, accurate, and accessible for all Flight Attendants. In her current role, she works to improve communication around FMLA, medical and maternity leave, Workers’ Compensation, and annual benefits enrollment.

Outside of work, Dianna enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, walking, and appreciating nature. She has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1995, and they will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in January. They have two daughters, a son-in-law, and their family dog, Deshka. Dianna and her family enjoy fishing, camping, riding side-by-sides/ATVs, and gathering around a backyard fire with friends and family year-round.

Melanie Buker, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson

Melanie began her aviation career with Horizon Air in 1986, based in Boise, Idaho. During her tenure, she joined the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP), an experience that later guided her transition into the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when she joined Alaska Airlines in 2002.

She was elected AFA Council 30 Anchorage President in January 2011 and currently serves her fourth term as Vice President of AFA Council 15 San Diego, where she has also held the role of Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson. With more than 23 years of dedicated EAP service, Melanie remains committed to strengthening the program and enhancing support resources for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants—and, in the future, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants as the merger progresses.

Melanie resides in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys the natural beauty of her home state, spending time with her longtime friends, reading, and cherishing time with her two grandsons.

Elizabeth Dillon, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Vice Chairperson

Elizabeth Dillon has been a LAX-based Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines for 35 years and has been involved with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee (including CIRP Critical Incident Response) since 1996. She holds three certificates related to drug and alcohol abuse: NCAC-I (National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 1), LAP-C (Labor Assistance Professional), and SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). Elizabeth conducts assessments, organizes inpatient treatment for addicted Flight Attendants, and monitors incoming EAP, Critical Incident, and Professional Standards cases for Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines.

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, especially the grandkids, traveling, and scrapbooking.

Deb Wallstrom, MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson

Deb Wallstrom has held several Union roles since she joined Alaska Airlines in 1998. Based in Anchorage, Deb currently also serves on both the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and the Benefits Committee. She is dedicated to assisting and guiding Flight Attendants through retirement options and information. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, hiking, and curling up with a good survival book.

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 […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Wednesday, January 28, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO & MEC ASHSC Vice […]

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