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Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

On Monday, April 13, 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 pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Barry Spitzer (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Hotel and Administration Diane Szubert, and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams.

Our next monthly meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, May 11.

Topics of Discussion

  • Final Hotel Decisions: Management has finalized hotel decisions for PHL, MKE, IAD, and PSP. This information will be communicated in April’s Hotel Informational Bulletin, as we cannot publicly disclose the names of our crew hotels.
  • API Challenges: We spend most of our meeting addressing challenges with our hotel vendor, API. Some of the items are Hotel Committee facing (site visit schedules, hotel bids (RFPs) with incorrect information, sourcing timelines, etc.), and other issues are Flight Attendant facing (missing newly contracted hotels in MyCrewCare, discrepancies with system van times, etc.). Crew Hotels took detailed notes during our meetings and will follow up with API for resolution.
  • Ground Transportation GPS Tracking: We have communicated before that a number of our ground transportation providers have GPS-enabled vans. The MyCrewCare app will eventually have this feature integrated. In the meantime, we have asked for the specific standalone apps or websites where crews can currently get this information. Our goal is to have this information posted with April’s Informational Bulletin.  

Overheard on the Jetbridge

We’re aware of a rumor circulating on social media suggesting that we’re planning to leave one of our key KOA properties. We want to confirm that this isn’t true. In fact, our Hotel Committee has requested the renewal of the contract with this property and has inquired about the possibility of securing higher food discounts for Flight Attendants as part of the renewal negotiations.

We’re unsure of the rumor’s exact origin, though it may have stemmed from a comment made by an individual from another workgroup. Both AFA and ALPA maintain Hotel Committees dedicated to advocating for their Members’ needs. While the committees collaborate closely, preferences for specific properties can occasionally differ between the two groups. Our Hotel Committee always puts Flight Attendants first and will keep pushing for the hotels that work best for us.

Important Reminders

  • Conducting a Site Visit ≠ Leaving a Property: Doing a site visit doesn’t mean we’re planning to leave a property. As we mention each month, conducting a site visit in a market isn’t a sign that we’re getting ready to leave an existing hotel.
  • Positive Feedback Matters: We’ve recently heard a lot of good things about this property. Please keep sharing your compliments about hotels you like via CrewCare—your feedback helps both the Hotel Committee and the hotel know they’re doing a great job.
  • Your Representatives are Available: Your Local Hotel Committee is always here to answer your questions. If you hear rumors, it’s best to skip the gossip and ask us directly.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts site visits on hotels under consideration by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities.  

Pre-Merger Alaska: We have been provided the site visit schedule for 2026, and it’s quite extensive. Additional site visits may be added due to the conditions listed above. The scheduled site visits through June 2027 are:

  • April: DFW, EWR, JFK
  • May: PHX, ATL
  • June: OGG, RNO, BOS
  • July: BWI

Pre-Merger Hawaiian: The scheduled site visits through June 2026 are:

  • April: SYD, LAX
  • June: JFK

2. Hotel Gainshare Update (pmAS): The Gainshare program negotiations are currently stalled because management is concerned about the federal tax implications. AFA International was consulted and provided a legal counterargument. We’re waiting for AFA International to coordinate with Alaska Airlines Labor Relations management on this. Our goal is to reach a consensus and finalize the program’s negotiations. We recognize that many of our Members are interested in this program, and we’re doing everything we can to make it a reality.  

We Want to Hear From You!

Our Hotel Committee relies on your feedback, whether positive or negative. Please report via CrewCare (pmAS) or the FA Crew Accommodations Feedback form (pmHA), which ensures your experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation is addressed. These are the only official way to report issues, as the Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare and feedback form submission is forwarded to our AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska/Hawaiian management), API, and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct or fix the issue for the next crew member. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. Pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants 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! Your 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 + Hawaiian website.

Navigating Acute & Delayed Stress As A Flight Attendant

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for effective stress management.

Acute Stress: Turbulence in the Mind

Acute stress is like sudden turbulence during a flight—an unexpected and intense event that can disrupt the normal flow of operations. Flight Attendants may experience acute stress during emergency situations, unruly passenger incidents, or unexpected flight delays. This type of stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological changes such as a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Physical Symptoms of Acute Stress:

  • Heightened heart rate
  • Nausea or stomach cramps
  • Rapid breathing

Cognitive Impact of Acute Stress:

  • Impaired decision-making
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Emotional reactivity

Delayed Stress: The Quiet Aftermath

Delayed stress, much like a delayed flight, doesn’t manifest immediately but can have lasting effects. Flight Attendants may experience delayed stress after particularly challenging flights, traumatic incidents, or extended periods of high stress. This type of stress can be confusing as it emerges after the initial event has passed, potentially catching individuals off guard. Symptoms of delayed stress include:

  • Persistent feelings of anxiety or unease
  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the stressful event
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Proactive Stress Management Strategies

Flight Attendants can adopt various strategies to manage stress effectively and maintain their well-being amidst the challenges of their profession.

Self-Care Practices:

  • Regular exercise and physical activity
  • Adequate rest and sleep
  • Mindfulness or relaxation techniques

Seek Support:

  • Utilize your AFA EAP
  • Connect with peer support groups or mental health resources

Set Boundaries

  • Establishing work-life balance
  • Learn to say no to additional responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed

Remember, our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee is here to support you. Reach out for confidential assistance, resources, and guidance tailored to your needs at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406.

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline.

Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. 

Alaska’s People Policy says:

Personal Conduct
22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, or gestures, to guests or employees at any time will not be tolerated.
23. Any form of harassment or discrimination based on a Protected Characteristic is prohibited.

Flight Attendants have also faced discipline under the Social Media section of the People Policy.

Alaska Airlines management has disciplined for posts made in Flight Attendant-run social media groups such as Galley Tea, Patriots with Wings, and others, as well as Flight Attendants’ personal pages, even with very little to show that the poster was a Flight Attendant employed by the company.  In fact, an arbitrator upheld discipline, although there was very little evidence on the Flight Attendant’s personal page to identify them as a company employee.  

We know the world feels unsettled right now, and even within our group, people have strong and different opinions. Still, management continues to issue discipline when company policies are broken, no matter what is happening in the news. Depending on the nature and severity of an incident, outcomes may range from a warning to suspension, or even termination. It’s important to be aware that violations of company policy, whether on social media or in other contexts, can result in a wide range of disciplinary actions.

Most Flight Attendants who were disciplined for social media posts were reported by co-workers. Usually, the person reporting did not want anyone fired—they just wanted the post taken down or prevented from happening again. Instead of going straight to management, you can contact AFA Professional Standards for help. You can find their contact information on the EAP/Professional Standards Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website. The Committee can help facilitate resolution between Flight Attendants without management involvement. Sometimes, taking some breathing room and understanding can help the situation.  

We may not always agree, but everyone wants a respectful and positive workplace. Both AFA and Alaska have rules about treating others with respect at work and online. Please think carefully before posting or commenting on social media and be considerate in your interactions with other Flight Attendants and passengers. If you avoid posting or commenting on things that could break company policy, you can avoid problems.

If you have questions, please contact your Local Grievance Committee or LEC Officers.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, 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), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), 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 Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr., Director Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson, and Senior Culture Partner Sarah Keimig.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Interaction With ICE Agents: The Committee requested that inflight Management provide guidance on what to do whenapproached by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The Committee and inflight management agree that Flight Attendants should contact an inflight supervisor immediately. The committee also suggested contacting Alaska Corporate Security. Management will reach out to Corporate Security to establish a clear process for the Flight Attendant to follow.  
  • AFA ICE Report Form: Flight Attendants are encouraged to use the ICE report form to document interactions or issues involving ICE agents. This form can be found on the AFA International website: afacwa.org/icereport.
  • Flight Crew Verification of Employment (VOE) Letter: This documentation would be similar to the COVID-19 letter that was issued by management to all Flight Attendants. The letter would identify the Flight Attendant as an Alaska Airlines employee if approached while on duty, internationally or domestically. As of now, management asks that Flight Attendants keep a copy of their passport on their person or as a photo on their cell phone. 
  • Reminder of Crew Safety: Management issued a reminder in the December 11, 2024, bulletin “Layover And Crew Transportation Safety Reminders.” The committee requests that the reminder be republished for Flight Attendants
  • Cultural Tattoos: Continued discussion surrounding Cultural tattoos. Management hasn’t finalized a decision on this policy. As of now, each pre-merger airline’s policy remains in place.
  • Culture & Belonging: The Culture & Belonging department is developing within. More interaction for and with employees, more recognition programs, and resources. Resources for hosting/suggesting events within or outside of the company, as well as continuing to keep employees updated on events and Heritage months on Team AAG.
  • CSM (Customer Service Manual) Jumpseat Dress Code Verbiage: Verbiage has been updated to reflect gender-neutral language. 
  • SEA Village Inclusivity For SEA-Based Hawaiian Flight Attendants: Asking management to ensure the SEA Village is more welcoming for our SEA-based Hawaiian Flight Attendants with the opening of the new domicile.
  • 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. The Committee is reaching out to Culture & Belonging management to discuss this possibility.
  • Optional ADA Rooms: These rooms would be available to those who self-disclose their disability in PeopleSoft. Management’s stance is that if the Flight Attendant has self-disclosed via PeopleSoft, at the time of check-in at the hotel, the hotel must accommodate the Flight Attendant with an ADA-accessible room. This gives the Flight Attendant with disabilities the ability to request ADA-compliant hotel rooms during layovers. Once signed into PeopleSoft, click “Personal Details” then navigate to “Disability” to complete the form.

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 Acknowledgment 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 acknowledgments 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 Philippine and holds deep cultural significance. Management hasn’t made a final decision on the policy.  
  4. 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.

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.

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews.

As the work of the merger progresses, we are nearing a monumental milestone. The operation cutover to PSS (Single Passenger Service System) occurs on 4/22. From the perspective of Inflight Service, PSS signifies the beginning of change for our Inflight work routines. Your Inflight Service Committee has been working diligently to represent your interests over the last several months to prepare for the changes that you will begin to see onboard the aircraft.

Who makes up our AFA Inflight Service Committee?

Master Executive Council (MEC) – deals with issues at a combined carrier level

  • Bianca McKee, Chairperson – Hawaiian Brand
  • Chase Vandergrift, Chairperson – Alaska Brand

Local Council – deals with issues at a local (or base) level

  • Thalia Adachi, Chairperson for Council 43 (HNL)
  • Gary Mano’i, Chairperson for Council 47 (LAX & SEA pmHA)

What has the Committee been working on?

  • 787 International – HA Brand
  • 787 International & Domestic – AS Brand
  • SEA Base Immersion Training
  • The Future of Hawaiian Branded Service
  • B2B App & Early Adopter Group
  • Service Resource Update
  • Safety Risk Assessments
  • Cabin Interior Projects

787 International – HA Brand

  • Main Cabin Delivery & TSU Collection Procedures have been updated following Flight Attendant feedback
  • All 787 flights will transition to Alaska Branded Service starting April 25

787 International & Domestic – AS Brand

Starting April 25, all flights operated on the 787 will launch with Alaska branded service.

Planning for these service changes began in late 2025. Management called on the HA Service Team for their onboard expertise to assist in building service procedures that meet the company’s competitive service goals. Our AFA Inflight Service Committee was also included in discussions. The HA Service Team members currently include Kahea Ching, Corynn St. Marie, Joyce Foley, George Thronas, Chason Yamaguchi, Bianca Mckee (AFA), Thalia Adachi (AFA), and Gary Mano’i (AFA).

Details around 787 service changes will be shared in depth at SEA Base Immersion Training. Service resources are being developed by management to be made available to all Flight Attendants.

International:

Four service test flights on SEA-ICN were operated by the service team and AFA Inflight Service Committee for the service model to be used for SEA-FCO/LHR/ICN/NRT. These test flights helped to determine deliverability & service flow.

The Committee continues to express concerns over staffing and heavy Flight Attendant workload. It is important to note that at this time the Committee has not given its full agreement to service changes that management plans to implement. Updates will be shared as we continue to advocate for a manageable workload onboard the aircraft.

Domestic:

Domestic 787 flights will mirror current day Alaska Airlines Premium Long-Haul Service. The Committee has requested that meal options be limited at launch to allow Flight Attendants time to learn the new process.

A brief overview of the 787 Domestic Alaska Brand Service:

  • First Class Pre-Ordered Meals
  • No complimentary main cabin meal
  • Premium Class Snack Basket
  • Limited pre-ordered fresh meal options available for purchase in the main cabin
  • Shelf-stable meal options over boarded to be made available for purchase

Immersion Training for SEA-Based Flight Attendants

On Friday, March 20, Vice President of Inflight Allen Thieman sent a SEA Domicile Update to Flight Attendants including the following information about SEA base Immersion Training:

“The Alaska Global Immersion is an in-person experience at our Global Training Center for our new Seattle domiciled Flight Attendants that is designed to:

  • Set our HA SEA Flight Attendants up for success delivering our global experience from our Seattle gateway
  • Align service flow expectations, onboard service, and guest experience standards
  • Give Flight Attendants direct access to leaders, partners, products, and the broader vision for Seattle as a global gateway”

Immersion training for SEA-based Flight Attendants, who were awarded bids on March 10, will take place from April 7 through 9. Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons will attend all three days of this training to represent you.

The Future of Hawaiian Branded Service

The Committee is in discussion with management as they look to redesign the Hawaiian Brand service model.

For many, our inflight service is the foundation of our identity and who we are as Hawaiian Airlines. Protecting our brand remains paramount as we navigate forward.

Block2Block (B2B) App & Early Adopter Group

The new inflight app Block2Block (B2B) launches April 22. The Committee has been included in the Early Adopter group to provide feedback to management and the app development team. B2B should already be downloaded on your IMDs. Early Adopters will be distributing new card readers in base CROs throughout the rest of March. Roadshows will continue through April for card reader distribution and in person guidance on Status Recognition and Premium Class Offerings. Please complete your 1st Quarter CBT in Cornerstone prior to April 15. Reference the “Q1 2026 CBT” email for details.

Service Resources Update

Service In-Flight Planning Communications are now available for offline viewing on your IMD:

Content App > All Files > 5. Onboard Service > 0. Latest Updates

Safety Risk Assessments

The MEC Inflight Service Committee has been actively engaged in management’s process to analyze safety risks and corresponding mitigations. Data utilized for Safety Risk Assessments are sourced directly from Intelex. Please continue to document any unsafe work practices, experiences, and/or onboard events within the Intelex system.

Cabin Interior Projects

The MEC Inflight Service Committee has established a consistent and collaborative relationship with the planning teams responsible for future aircraft model acquisitions and scheduled retrofit projects. This proactive engagement ensures that the perspectives and needs of our Members are integrated into the decision-making process at the earliest stages.

Important Dates

April 7-9SEA Base Immersion Training
April 151st Quarter CBTs due in Cornerstone
April 22PSS (Single Passenger Service System)
– B2B goes live, New Credit Card Readers to be used with B2B
– Status Recognition begins
– Extra Comfort turns to Premium Class, Premium Class offering begins
April 25All 787 Flights to Transition To Alaska Branded Service
April 28SEA-FCO Inaugural
April 30Pau Hana App removed from IMDs, sync transactions prior to April 30
May 21SEA-LHR Inaugural

Other Updates

Catering Reports

Due to the HA emailing sunsetting on April 23, catering reports will need to be submitted as follows:

  • March 23 – April 21: Flight Attendants are directed to submit catering reports via Intelex
  • April 22: B2B goes live. Flight Attendants will be directed to submit catering reports via the “catering and service feedback” tab found under your selected flight.

AFA Inflight Service Committee Lounge Sits

We’d like to hear from you! Please visit our AFA Inflight Service Committee in the HNL CRO from 9 AM to 1 PM on the following dates: April 14,15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 28.

*Lounge Sits for pmHA LAX and SEA will take place at a later date.

Go In-Depth with Our AFA Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson

Building on the momentum of our Membership Engagement Committee introduction video and this week’s look at the committee’s history, we’re excited to introduce the next feature of our July Committee Focus Month. Today, we’re launching an in-depth interview that offers an inside look at the mission and people powering the Membership Engagement Committee. What You’ll […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants As a follow-up to our June 23 save-the-date announcement, we’re excited to share full details and open registration for our August pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! If you’ve ever wondered, “Can they do that?” when Crew Scheduling calls with a reserve assignment or schedule change—whether you’re a Reserve Flight […]

AFA Committee Focus Month: Membership Engagement

July marks our latest AFA Committee Focus Month, and we’re excited to spotlight our Membership Engagement Committee. In May, we kicked off this initiative by showcasing the exceptional work of our EAP/Professional Standards Committee—illustrating how our committees serve and support us every day. Our Membership Engagement Committee is here to make sure every Member feels genuinely […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 16 – July 2026

The JNC has been actively negotiating key sections of the contract, focusing on vacation, sick leave, and temporary duty assignments. A tentative agreement was reached on Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments), ensuring financial protections and fair treatment for Flight Attendants during temporary assignments. These ongoing discussions demonstrate a commitment to integrating the best benefits from both Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs for all members.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, June 24, 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 were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), […]

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