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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, June 23, 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), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative Julie Thornton, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones were also present.

The Committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Performance & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy, Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Colin Beard, ITS Technical Product Owner Nathan McFerren, and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, information technology (ITS), and payroll.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, July 21.

Topics of Discussion

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

Local Committee Chairperson Reports

  • PDX (Portland)
    • Delay Reporting: Flight Attendants requested later reports for delays. Questions arose about cut-off times for delays when Flight Attendants were close to reporting for duty. If a delay is posted for more than an hour, Crew Scheduling will attempt to mitigate the impact of a later report. 
    • Deadhead Seating Issues: Flight Attendants expressed dissatisfaction with deadhead seating on recent flights, questioning automation accuracy and practices. We are researching automation for contractual compliance. 
  • SAN (San Diego)
    • Pairing Review: Flight Attendants have questions about legalities and compensation. AFA Grievance Committee Payroll Representative to assist with review of reassignments and stranded pairings. Typically, it takes payroll a week or two to update compensation and pull reports. 
    • Vacation Scheduling: Questions were raised about flying into days off surrounding vacations and compensation. Specifically, how to obtain pay or additional vacation. If you are flown into a vacation day, please contact Flight Attendant Crew Pay. 
  • ANC (Anchorage)
    • Flight Delays: Initial flights were delayed, leading to subsequent flight delays. Reassignment protocols were questioned if flight numbers change. Refer to Section 10.R.4 for applicable compensation. 
    • Mid-Flight Reassignments: Crew was reassigned mid-flight from a SEA turn to later flights and wanted more information about the process Crew Scheduling uses to reassign.
    • Van Delay: A delay for van transportation occurred, with pilots notified but Flight Attendants left uninformed. The Committee asked for a review to determine how management can better communicate about delays. 
  • LAX (Los Angeles)
    • Extended Layover Issues: JNU unscheduled layover resulted in no hotel accommodation for 18 hours, with Flight Attendants on duty paid hotel rates. Crew Planning management is reviewing the situation with API and ensuring we have exhausted all options, as crews were stranded at the airport. 
    • Pre-Boarding Processes: Pre-boarding is not currently offered based on seniority, with no contractual requirements, and suggestions for improved scheduler processes were made. Crew Scheduling management said they would try to make a best effort to offer in seniority order. If you are the senior Flight Attendant and don’t want the pre-board, you can give it to the next junior Flight Attendant, if applicable. 
    • Notification Timeliness: Delays in notifying crews about trip changes were noted, with notifications sometimes occurring at odd hours. Crew Scheduling does its best not to interrupt crew rest and will attempt to notify affected crews typically after 10 hours of consecutive rest. 
    • Crew Pay Notations: Crew pay issues regarding reassignments versus diversions were resolved after initially being classified incorrectly.
  • SFO (San Francisco)
    • Crew Reassignment Confusion: Issues with multiple crew reassignments led to confusion about payment eligibility.
    • Hotel Accommodation Problems: Non-contracted hotel issues reported, with a crew care report filed for follow-up.
    • Trip Structure Changes: Three-day trips are being restructured as two-day trips with premium pay, necessitating a review of efficiency. Crew Scheduling is pulling apart multiday trips around 10 AM based on reserve coverage and availability, so you may see trips that are pulled apart and desirable. 
    • Safety Concerns: Instances of hot airplanes in locations without APUs raised safety questions regarding aircraft readiness for boarding. It is a good idea to file Flight Attendant Incident reports and contact your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) if there are concerns.
  • SEA (Seattle)
    • Monitoring Open Time: Seattle Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson attended the monthly meeting with the ability to track Open Time with Jeppesen and ITS. Most of the open days closed their TSN thresholds within 60 seconds or less
    • Block2Block (B2B) Issues: Ongoing problems with Flight Attendant no-shows. B2B messaging is not considered positive contact. However, all Flight Attendants are required to review their B2B messaging at the end of duty for notifications from Crew Scheduling. 

PBS Subcommittee Update

  • July Bidding Overview: High activity noted with efforts to understand and plan for coverage amidst holiday schedules.
  • Bid Awards: The bid awards process was smooth, although higher lows were necessary to ensure adequate reserve coverage, with a forecast of 30% coverage awards coming to fruition.
  • Bid Protests: Protests were manageable this month, primarily centered around coverage understanding. Technical issues with the inflight website led to workarounds.
  • Meetings Conducted: Regular meetings held throughout June, including monthly updates and bid award training.
  • Other Updates:
    • Inflight Website Publishing Action Plan: Collaborations with Crew Planning to create a plan for future publishing issues, ensuring access to awards and reports during outages.
    • Software Releases: Ongoing testing of recent updates with positive results expected for a go/no-go decision soon.

Pairing Construction and Crew Planning

  • Pairing Selection: Recent pairing selections have been received, with an emphasis on soft locks. The average line value will be 80 TFP.
  • ITS Update: NAVBLUE testing is progressing well, with improvements noted in automation updates.
  • Crew Planning Analysis: Block hours for August are projected over 350K, reflecting a decrease from July. Reserve ratios are at 22.15%, with no scheduled staffing adjustment leaves (SALs).
  • Redeye Flying Trends: Breakdown of redeye flying percentages across various bases, with notable figures for ANC (34%) and SAN (29%).
  • IRROPS (Irregular Operations)
    • Updates on duty starts and layover durations for various routes specific to San Diego and Newark departures, with increased crew connections in all domiciles noted.
    • Requirements for specific flight starts and rest periods were discussed, with attention to crew teaming (keeping Flight Attendants on the same pairing) and TSA mitigation (DLG-ANC/AKN/ANC).

Crew Scheduling Insights

  • Sick Leave Trends: Sick leave rates reached 13.2%, the highest of the year, with a significant number of daily calls noted.
  • Sick Online Issues: Notable sick online issues affecting operations, particularly in commuter cities, warrant tracking and management attention. There were 96 sick online calls in June.
  • Reserve Utilization: Reserve utilization is trending upwards due to increased absences, with PDX and SEA reporting higher utilization to cover operational needs.
  • Premium Pay Statistics: Premium pay is trending high month-to-date for June. 
  • Reassignments and Fatigue Reports: Total reassignments noted at 538, with deadhead conversions at 386. Fatigue incidents reported at 30 for June, with a notable split between reserves and lineholders.
  • Crew Scheduler Staffing: Anticipation of a new staffing class in two weeks with a new supervisor, aiming to improve scheduling operations.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Discussions are ongoing through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules for over-duty pay and day-off violations. Our Grievance Committee is filing grievances regarding several concerns with pyramid pay. These discussions are still ongoing with Labor Relations management. 
  2. Vacation Bidding: Representatives from the Committee met with management to discuss the new vendor, AI Crew Solutions. It was determined that when a Flight Attendant either doesn’t hold a bid or forgets to bid, they will be allowed to bid in the 2nd round of vacation. The current process assigns slot 1 and slot 2. We will provide educational material and information when bidding begins next year on the new platforms. We have additional meetings to discuss implementation and buddy bidding. We are currently testing and reviewing the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment. 
  3. Flow Charts: These are posted on the AFA website to help guide you through contractual understanding and irregular ops here: 2025-2028 AFA Alaska CBA Reference Documents 01.26.2026
  4. Block2Block (B2B) Contactability: Implemented on February 1, 2026. Please familiarize yourself with the contractual language and bulletin bundle. Every Flight Attendant must check B2B at the end of every duty period (not trip) and make positive contact if a message is sent prior to block-in of the last flight of the duty period per §8.Q.2.e.
  5. Compensation: Follow up on crew pay issues and reassignment policies. Please give FA Crew pay at minimum a week to update compensation on irregular operations. 
  6. Pairings: Continue to address pairing and scheduling concerns with management.
  7. Software: Monitor upcoming software implementations and their impacts on operations. We will have another JCTE update in August 2026. 
  8. Sick Leave Tracking: Continue monitoring sick leave trends and review strategies to mitigate operational impacts.
  9. Notifications: Address communication issues regarding flight changes and notifications.

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 + Hawaiian website.

Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Wednesday, June 17, our pre-merger Alaska Benefits Committee Chairpersons met with management for their regular meeting. These discussions help ensure that management understands the real-world impact of their decisions on Flight Attendants and that your concerns are addressed directly. 

Your representatives at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), Kathy O’Malley (SEA), Ann LaRue (PDX), Julie Pearson (SFO), Ava McWilliams-Ellington (LAX), and Sonia Quackenbush (SAN). MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson Dianna Ripley also attended and facilitated the meeting. 

The Committee also met with management representatives, including Manager of Leaves, Accommodation, and Disability Tracy Middleton and Leave and Disability Specialist Kelly Washburn. 

The next Benefits Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.

Discussion Topics

The Committee reviewed challenges in leave processing and discussed administrative protocols to improve Member communication, documentation, and consistency. These included:

  • Return-to-Work Scheduling Processes: The Committee and management discussed how return-to-work schedules are calculated using the monthly line average, the timing of outreach to Flight Attendants, and the documentation needed before returning to work. The discussion also included how scheduling is handled for lineholders and reserves, as well as the limited options available when a Flight Attendant is returning from Workers’ Compensation and still has ongoing appointments or physical therapy. 
  • California Leave Protections for Victims of Violence: The Committee and management discussed California leave protections available to employees who are victims of violence, as well as certain qualifying family members or designated persons. This discussion included the types of qualifying reasons for leave, job protection, coordination with FMLA when applicable, and the fact that this California protection does not have a minimum hours-worked requirement. 
  • Hartford Escalations and Quality Control: Concerns were raised by the Committee regarding inconsistent or incorrect information from The Hartford representatives, such as statements that a Flight Attendant’s job may not be protected. Management responded by advising that, when these issues arise, the Committee should collect the representative’s name along with the date and time of the call for proper investigation and resolution.
  • Washington State Waiting Week and Pay Concerns: Discussion focused on Washington State Paid Leave’s mandatory seven-day waiting week, with the Committee and management examining how its impact may differ based on a Flight Attendant’s leave start date. Additional concerns about inconsistent pay experiences for Washington-based Flight Attendants and the need for better guidance on pay calculation and coordination were also addressed.
  • Maternity Leave and Pre-Birth Pay: The Committee and management discussed the pay gap some Flight Attendants may experience when going out on maternity leave at 29 weeks, before state disability or paid leave benefits begin. Management explained that medical documentation, state filing requirements, and denial notices may be necessary to move the process forward, particularly in California, Washington, and Oregon-specific situations. 
  • 480-Hour Lookback in Complex Leave Situations: The Committee and management discussed how the 480-hour lookback applies in more complex situations, including multiple leaves, staffing adjustment leaves, and new-hire pregnancy, maternity, and bonding leave scenarios. The Committee also asked for follow-up to ensure these situations are reviewed consistently and that members receive clear guidance. 
  • FMLA Eligibility Calculator: At the Committee’s request, management was asked to consider adding an FMLA eligibility calculator to the system to eliminate the need for Flight Attendants to manually retrieve their DUTY HOURS from Rainmaker each month. The Committee explained the distinction between DUTY HOURS and TFP to management, noting that the difference can complicate the process for those trying to confirm eligibility.
  • Leave Documentation and Communication Protocols: Emphasis was placed on the need for clear documentation, proper routing of information, and consistent communication when Flight Attendants handle leave or benefits issues. The Committee emphasized the need to identify trends and ensure that concerns are directed appropriately for tracking and resolution.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Maternity Leave and Pre-Birth Pay: The Committee is continuing to address the gap some Flight Attendants experience when going out on maternity leave before state disability or paid leave benefits begin, particularly when state benefits do not start immediately. The Committee is also seeking clearer guidance on what documentation is required, when denial notices are needed, and how those documents should be routed to The Hartford, so Flight Attendants are not left without clear direction during an already stressful time. 
  2. Leave Processing, Hartford Escalations, and Communication: The Committee is working to improve the consistency and accuracy of information Flight Attendants receive when contacting The Hartford or navigating a leave. When incorrect or concerning information is provided, such as statements regarding job protection, the Committee will continue to collect specific details so that management can investigate, correct the issue, and determine whether broader training or quality-control improvements are needed. 
  3. 480-Hour Lookback, FMLA Eligibility, and Complex Leave Situations: The Committee is continuing to seek clearer guidance on how eligibility is calculated in complex situations, including multiple leaves, Special Absence Leaves, new-hire pregnancy and bonding leave, and questions involving DUTY HOURS versus TFP. The Committee also requested that management explore adding an FMLA eligibility calculator to the system, so Flight Attendants have a more accurate and accessible way to determine eligibility without manually pulling monthly information from Rainmaker. 

We Want To Hear From You!

We’re focused on ensuring every Flight Attendant receives accurate information, timely support, and clear guidance when navigating complex benefit and leave situations. If you have questions about the leave process, please connect with your Local Benefits Committee as early as possible. Reaching out before issues arise helps us provide timely guidance and ensures you can make informed, confident decisions about your benefits.

Every question, concern, or suggestion you share helps us advocate more effectively with management and ensures that we focus on what matters most to you. If you have questions or ideas, we encourage you to contact your Local Benefits Committee. Our contact information is always available on the Benefits Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Save the Date: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Pre-merger Alaska Reserve Flight Attendants: Have you ever had Crew Scheduling call you with a change to your assignment and wondered, “Can they do that?” Lineholders, have you flown with a Reserve Flight Attendant and found yourself asking the same question? You’re not alone! Our Reserve Committee is excited to launch a brand-new, limited-run series of Reserve Webinars in August to answer your most pressing reserve questions and bring clarity to the topics that matter most to you.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 6, at 1 PM PT for our first Reserve Webinar, titled “Can they do that?” Join us as we answer your questions and share practical, contractual insight into both everyday scheduling situations and those rare curveballs that come your way. This webinar is for everyone: Reserve Flight Attendants and lineholders alike. We encourage you to come ready to learn, connect, and ask anything on your mind. Registration details and a Zoom link will be shared as soon as August bidding opens.

Have a “can they do that?” question of your own? We want to hear from you! Use the link below to submit your questions in advance. While you’ll also have the opportunity to ask live during the webinar, the more questions we receive ahead of time, the better we can tailor the session to what matters most to you.

Click here to submit your question now ➔

Stay tuned—more details coming soon!

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

On Monday, June 8, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person 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), Hilary Streem (SFO), Le’a Tupola (LAX/SEA pmHA), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt Mitchell (HNL), 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, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, and Crew Hotel Support Specialists Tamotsu “Tomo” Hirai and LaFay Williams.

Our next monthly meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, July 13.

Topics of Discussion

  • City Specific Issues (pmAS):
    • FAI: We have requested a follow-up on contractual terms regarding acceptable room placement at our incumbent hotel, as crews continue to report ongoing issues. Room placement guarantees were a key factor in our Hotel Committee’s acceptance of the contract renewal.
    • SIT: The incumbent property has committed to installing individual HVAC units in crew rooms by fall 2026. We have requested a contractual “out” clause in the renewal to ensure we can act if this target is not met. The Committee has already approved an alternate property in SIT should this milestone not be achieved.
    • We are awaiting final hotel decisions for SJO (long), JFK (long/short), DFW (short), PHX (long/short), and ATL (long).
  • Ground Transportation Challenges: Pre-merger Alaska crews are permitted to bring guests in company-provided transportation during layovers, space permitting. Recently, some providers in MSY, BOS, and JFK denied guests. Management is proactively following up with providers to reinforce our policy. In certain markets, such as PVR, guest access is restricted by vehicle size; in others, such as CHS, a surcharge applies to cover additional liability insurance. We have also requested follow-up with the ATL hotel regarding shuttle procedures for crews, and asked for the removal of shuttles with broken air conditioning in HNL. Pre-merger Hawaiian continues to address ground transportation challenges, including late transportation at the airport and hotel in FCO, and a van with a broken air conditioner in LHR during 80-degree weather.
  • Outstanding Items (pmAS):
    • Ground Transportation Tracking: We are still waiting for instructions on how to access GPS data for some transportation vendors. Eventually, this information will be incorporated into a MyCrewCare function.
    • TBDs: At our May meeting, we requested an explanation for all the TBDs in the bid packet, but have not yet received any information about the high number of TBDs for July. Management will begin listing the reasons for TBD hotels in each market on the monthly hotel update.
  • Best and Final Hotel Contract Negotiations: Before visiting a market, our Hotel Committee reviews hotel proposals, which commonly include F&B discounts and complimentary breakfast. These offers are carefully considered when creating our short list of hotels for site visits. We have observed that some amenities initially discussed are being negotiated away during best and final rounds with API, resulting in a lower nightly rate but reduced overall value. The Committee bases recommendations on the hotel’s complete offering, and the removal of key benefits after endorsement may impact the Committee’s preferences. Crew Hotels has now requested access to contract drafts during negotiations to ensure that all agreed-upon terms are retained through finalization. If API is unable to join a site visit, the Committee remains committed to advocating for our priorities. Additionally, Crew Hotels aims to have a signed contract in place with each hotel at least 45 days prior to its use.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: Our 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: The Committee is evaluating the need for additional site visits in 2026 and is getting a jump-start on the plan for 2027. The scheduled site visits through September 2026 are:

  • June: LIR, RNO
  • July: BZE, LGB (New Layover), BWI (Short), DEN (Short)
  • Aug: MCI (Short), CHS (Long)
  • Sept: YYC (New Layover), YEG (New Layover)

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

  • June: JFK

2. Hotel Gainshare Update (pmAS): There have not been any new developments in the Hotel Gainshare program since our last update. Negotiations on the Gainshare program 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.

MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – June 8, 2026

Whether you joined us live or are looking to watch on your own schedule, we’re excited to share the full recording of our June 8 MEC Town Hall! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists—now available to you anytime on the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the private link below. Please note the recording is accessible only via this link and isn’t posted publicly on our channel.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

We’ve put together a summary of the questions Flight Attendants asked during the Town Hall, along with answers from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. You can read the Q&A below.

We’ve also already started planning for our next MEC Town Hall in September! Save the date—Wednesday, September 23—and mark your calendar so you don’t miss your chance to join the conversation.

MEC Town Hall Q&A

The following Q&A section from the June 2026 Master Executive Council (MEC) town hall provides a streamlined overview of the questions asked and officer responses:

Q: What should I do if a conflict or situation cannot be handled by Professional Standards?

A: If you are unsure if a situation falls within the scope of Professional Standards, reach out to your LEC Officers for guidance.

Q: Are there any plans to expand routes into Southeast Asia?

A: There have been no official announcements from management regarding expansion into Southeast Asia. While the company has mentioned a goal of 12 international destinations from Seattle, AFA is not involved in those decision-making processes, and management keeps their plans confidential for competitive reasons.

Q: Can an increase in the parking stipend be negotiated, or can commuters get parking at their home city?

A: Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is aware that the current $75 stipend is insufficient due to inflation and is looking into negotiating an increase.

Q: Why does it sometimes take over a month to receive a reply to an AFA Alaska Online Support Center ticket?

A: A month-long delay is not standard. Tickets are assigned to AFA Committee Members and responses are sent via email. If you don’t see a response within a few days, check your spam or junk folder. If you don’t hear back, contact your LEC Officers directly for assistance.

Q: How will the language-qualified program work?

A: While its inclusion in the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) is yet to be determined, the current Hawaiian contract serves as the foundation for discussions about a language qualified program. The current Hawaiian program involves a language proficiency testing process, a small pay premium, and specific bid positions for certain destinations.

Q: When will Alaska Flight Attendants see a pay increase following the United contract ratification?

A: The current Alaska agreement includes a scheduled 3% increase for March 2027. While recent industry raises (like the newly ratified TA at United) are being monitored, they have not yet triggered the contractual market rate adjustment (Letter of Agreement 16) that would exceed the already scheduled 3% increase.

Q: Can we expect language-qualified positions on Mexico and Central America flights once cross-flying begins?

A: Alaska already has language in its contract for voluntary foreign language training, but management has chosen not to implement it. The JNC will need to work on ensuring language qualified positions are negotiated for these routes similar to the existing program at Hawaiian.

Q: Does the Hawaiian contract allow Flight Attendants to approve or deny proposed service changes?

A: The Hawaiian contract states service changes must be approved by AFA, but it also specifies that approval cannot be “unreasonably withheld.” Our JNC is pushing to incorporate similar language into the JCBA to ensure Flight Attendants have a say in practical service implementation.

Q: Is it true that the Anchorage base will be receiving fewer turns?

A: This is likely related to the upcoming retirement of the Boeing 737-700 aircraft, which is well-suited for the Alaska market. While changes are expected once those planes retire, it is too early to determine if turns will be replaced by larger aircraft or regional flying.

Q: How can AFA assist with contractual questions on Facebook in real time to prevent misinformation?

A: Our MEC is working to expand Committee Members in social media groups. You may see official AFA Representatives with specific profile photo frames to identify them. However, for official answers, you should still contact your LEC Officers or Local AFA Representatives directly.

Q: Can we negotiate higher pay for international flights due to the upscale service and extended time?

A: This topic is on the JNC’s radar for future negotiations, as they recognize that our Flight Attendants often have prescribed service levels above and beyond industry standards on these routes.

Q: Why are two-day pairings in San Francisco being moved to other bases?

A: Reductions in transcontinental flying out of SFO have made it difficult to build these trips. Management is data-driven and will move aircraft to routes that make the most financial sense, regardless of how full a flight appears to be.

Q: Has AFA considered negotiating increased assistance for Flight Attendants who become sick on a layover and cannot fly home?

A: This is a new suggestion. While management often handles these as “one-off” approvals, our JNC will look for ways to incorporate this into negotiations to ensure all Members are protected.

Q: Why is it important to use Crew Care for positive feedback and not just complaints?

A: Management is data-driven. Without positive data to show which hotels or services are liked, our Hotel Committee has little leverage to fight to keep them when management wants to make changes.

Q: Is it true that company work groups must vote on a joint contract before they are truly merged?

A: Yes. A joint contract must be ratified before seniority list integration can occur and cross-flying together can begin.

Q: Why should I vote in a Union election if a candidate is running unopposed?

A: High voter turnout, even in uncontested races, signals to management that our Members are unified and engaged. This engagement provides leverage during contract negotiations.

Q: Are there plans to increase the Hawaiian Los Angeles base as Flight Attendants move to the Seattle domicile?

A: There are no current plans to increase the LAX base. Management believes current staffing levels (roughly 100-125) are acceptable for their current flying needs.

Q: Are there plans to open a Las Vegas base?

A: There have been no discussions regarding opening any new bases at this time.

Q: Who holds Local Executive Council (LEC) officers accountable for their duties?

A: Ultimately, the Local Council Members hold them accountable through the election process. There are also internal processes through AFA International outlined in the AFA Constitution & Bylaws if needed.

Q: What can AFA do to hold management accountable for ongoing payroll issues?

A: Flight Attendants must continue to file AFA Alaska Online Support Center support tickets (pre-merger Alaska) or contact their LEC Officers (pre-merger Hawaiian) for every discrepancy to provide our MEC with the data needed to help build our case to substantiate the extent of the problem to management.

Q: Should Hawaiian Flight Attendants at LAX be concerned about the long-term stability of their base?

A: Our MEC negotiated a provision that the LAX domicile for Hawaiian Flight Attendants cannot be closed as part of the SEA domicile opening. While the base may shrink in size based on flying needs, it is not at risk of closing.

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), […]

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Thursday, June 11, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met with management to represent our Flight Attendants and advance meaningful improvements in our workplace. Your representatives at the meeting included Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX pmAS), Gary Manoi (LAX pmHA), Andrew Malone (SAN), and […]

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