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Hawaiian Brand Inflight Service Committee Update – 3rd Quarter 2025

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee holds regular meetings and discussions with management to receive updates, address Flight Attendant concerns, and advocate for improvements in our workplace. Although our Inflight Service Committee has now merged, meetings with management continue to focus primarily on the Alaska or Hawaiian brands individually. This particular update is centered on the Hawaiian brand.

As we move forward, the Committee remains dedicated to providing comprehensive updates on service for both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands. We aim to present this information in ways that reflect the distinct work being done for each brand, whether individually or collectively.

Representing you in conversations with management is MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Hawaiian Brand Bianca McKee. Representing management are Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Wendy Kong and Principal Product Manager Service Strategy Jesse Starmer.

Development of the Boeing 787-9 Service

The company put together a Medium Haul and Long Haul Focus Group to develop the inflight service prior to putting the 787 into service. Flight Attendant volunteers and AFA Representatives worked to evaluate and provide feedback to marketing and inflight service management. This included testing the service and catering to identify core issues and areas for improvement. The company Focus Groups continue to meet periodically to address continuing issues and to improve the effectiveness of the service. The Committee is actively involved in the Focus Groups while also meeting on a regular basis to address new and ongoing concerns.

Key Highlights for 787-9 SEA International Service

SEA-ICN

  • “Zone” to “Train”: To account for the standard crew of nine Flight Attendants, the main cabin is left with five Flight Attendants to complete main cabin service. The feedback we received was that servicing with an odd number of Flight Attendants resulted in lengthy service times, lopsided delivery, heavy Flight Attendant workload, and overly complicated cart set-up and breakdown. We have worked with management from servicing specific zones to serving from front-to-back in a train-style method. Train service was launched with the inaugural of SEA-ICN. We’ve since found areas for improvement, updates to the service flow are expected to be implemented on October 15. Please check the IFS website SEA-NRT/ICN Onboard Service for updates (HA login required).
  • Main Cabin Mid-Flight Sandwich Service: The Committee was unsuccessful at eliminating this service entirely. We were able to find a compromise with management by removing beverage refills on both SEA-ICN and ICN-SEA to allow for mid-flight service on the SEA-ICN leg. The mid-flight cold sandwich service will only occur on daytime operated departures. Diurnal (red eye) departures will have cold sandwich offerings available in the aft galley upon request.
  • Mid-Flight Sandwich Options: The Committee advocated for a one-option sandwich choice. Similar to our North America Medium Haul Service, vegetarian options are to be served upon request only.
  • Meal Service: Meal carts include racks for entree loading and meals will no longer need to be loaded on to individual TSUs.
  • Main Cabin 1st Meal Service: Starting October 15, TSUs will no longer be double stacked.
  • Main Cabin 2nd Meal Service: We have received numerous reports regarding the ineffectiveness of the quarter-meal tray. The negative feedback included flimsy trays, difficulty to load and reach, did not link to each other, and would get stuck on the cart stabilizer. The Committee has suggested transitioning back to a “bagged” meal service or to source a more effective tray. Management is working with their supplier to source new trays with a delivery date of early 2026.

SEA-NRT

  • Transition from the A330 to 787: Zone-style service will continue on the A330 until the route transitions to the 787 in January (subject to change).
  • Main Cabin 1st Meal Service: Despite evaluating several other options, we were unable to eliminate the double-stacked TSU’s. Primarily due to space constraints.
  • Mid-Flight Ice Cream Service: The ice cream service was moved to mid-flight on daytime operated departures to align with SEA-ICN service flow. In alignment with SEA-ICN, beverage refills were removed.
  • Main Cabin 2nd Meal Service: Parallel to the SEA-ICN, management is working to source a new quarter-meal tray with a delivery date of early 2026. Meal carts include racks for entree loading to alleviate set up time. Meals will no longer need to be loaded on to individual TSU’s.
  • Diurnal (red-eye) Service Flow (NRT-SEA only): With the elimination of the first beverage service, the first meal service is to commence after take-off followed by hand delivered ice cream.

Other Service Updates

Hawaiian Catering to migrate to the Alaska IFX System

  • Catering Change Requests: On hold until February 1, 2026, unless service flow changes are deemed necessary or a safety concern is identified.
  • December Domestic & South Pacific Menu Change: On hold. The current menu will run until January 31, 2026.
  • New Cart Diagram & Carrier Tags: Will go live on November 5 for domestic flights and December 10 for international flights. Please follow the IFS website Catering and Service for details (HA login required).

Pre-Recorded Announcements (PRAM)

  • 787 Pre-Recorded Announcements: in progress, target date early 2026
  • Digital Agriculture Form Announcement: in progress

Extra Comfort to change to “Premium Class”

  • Premium Class: Seats previously designated Extra Comfort will be sold as “Premium Class” starting on October 14. Please follow the IFS website for details.
  • Headrest: All HA metal Extra Comfort headrests will be replaced with a Premium Class headrest.
  • Retrofit Chart: The Committee has requested to have a retrofit chart posted on the Aircraft Initiatives page on the FS website once retrofit begins (HA login required).
  • Premium Class: To launch on HA flights in April 2026. Information has been shared to the public on Alaska Air News Hub and on the IFS website (HA login required).

Beverage Updates

  • Mai Tai Predeparture Box: Options are being explored to have pre-departure mai tais available in a larger format as opposed to individual mini bottles. 
  • Juice Boxes: Will be returning in early 2026.

Turbulence Awareness

  • Safety First: As we enter the winter season, please feel empowered to put your safety first. No onboard service should be held above Flight Attendant safety. Continue to Intelex service deviations and safety concerns.

Continued Discussion with Management

The Committee meets with management monthly to discuss ongoing concerns and new developments. We are actively engaging in conversations with management to address staffing issues, which have been identified as a primary concern by Flight Attendants. 

As we navigate through challenging transitions under new management, it becomes increasingly important to drive changes through reporting. Please continue to submit Intelex Reports regarding any service issues.  Issues with catering can be submitted by email to ha.catering@hawaiianair.com. 

The Committee is committed to advocating for Flight Attendants by driving positive change for inflight services. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC Officers and our Inflight Service Committee at inflightservice@afaalaska.org.

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with management on September 29 and September 30 in Seattle, and on October 6 to October 8 in Honolulu
  • Our next negotiation session is scheduled for the week of October 20

Negotiations Update

Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with the company on September 29 and September 30 in Seattle, and on October 6 to October 8 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for these meetings were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President, Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Joshua Aoki, Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Committee MemberKeith Schuricht, Managing Director, Financial Analysis, Hawaiian
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Lea Franzoi, Committee Support RepresentativeKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
 Adriene Tom, Specialist, Labor Relations, Hawaiian

This was a challenging session. We started the week with reasonable expectations, but management was resistant to discussing some of our most pressing concerns and protections for Flight Attendants. If there had been no progress on management’s part, we were prepared to proceed with the contractual remedies, including arbitration.

We have made progress on some issues, but major concerns remain.  These are significant issues that will impact all of us and flying at the combined airline both immediately and for years to come.  

As a reminder, these are the items being discussed:

  • Transfer Processes – strengthening protective elements of the transfer process for those who may be interested in moving to the new domicile
  • Return to HNL or LAX Domicile – addressing the concern of Flight Attendants transferring to SEA and potentially wishing to return to their Hawaiian domicile before the merging of the Hawaiian and Alaska SEA domiciles
  • Staffing – ensuring that staffing is sufficient to meet operational demands
  • Moving Expenses – advocating for fair and comprehensive compensation related to any necessary relocations
  • Operational Concerns – defining the type of flying and pairings that will be constructed in the domicile
  • Safeguarding Existing Bases – protecting our HNL and LAX domiciles during this transition

What’s Upcoming

Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee will meet with management the week of October 20 in Seattle for the next round of negotiations. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Protecting Yourself From Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

Understanding Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA)

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involves the use of substances to incapacitate someone, making them vulnerable to sexual assault. These substances are often undetectable, having no color, taste, or smell, and can be easily added to drinks.

Common Drugs Used in DFSA

  • GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate): Available as a clear liquid, powder, or pill. It typically clears from the body within 12 hours.
  • Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam): A pill that is illegal in the U.S. but found abroad. It can be detected in the body for up to 72 hours.
  • Ketamine: Found as a white powder or liquid. Its effects can last for several hours, and it generally clears from the body within 24–48 hours.

Important Note: Alcohol significantly enhances the effects of these drugs, making them act more quickly and intensely.

Physical and Mental Effects

  • Victims of DFSA may experience a range of severe effects, including:
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
  • Slurred speech and impaired movement
  • Distorted perception and hallucinations
  • Memory blackouts
  • Nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, coma or even death

Flight Attendant Safety Guidelines

To minimize risks, consider these safety tips:

  • Control Your Drink: Always open and pour your own beverages.
  • Keep It in Sight: Never leave your drink unattended.
  • Avoid Shared Containers: Steer clear of communal drinks like punch bowls or pitchers.
  • Do Not Share Drinks: Even with acquaintances, avoid sharing sips from your drink.
  • Implement a Buddy System: Stay with trusted crew members.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, remove yourself from it immediately.

If You Suspect You’ve Been Drugged or Assaulted

Your safety is paramount. Take these immediate steps:

  • Seek Emergency Help: Call 911 (in the US) or your local emergency services without delay.
  • Request Testing: Ask for urine and blood tests as soon as possible, as these drugs leave the system quickly.
  • Preserve Evidence: If safe to do so, save the drink or container.
  • Avoid Altering Evidence: Do not shower, change clothes, or clean up before receiving medical attention.
  • Report the Incident: Inform hotel security and the police.

Support Resources

Confidential help is available:

  • AFA EAP: (800) 424-2406 or (949) 470-0493
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE

Government Affairs Committee Update – 4th Quarter 2025

An update on what our Government Affairs Committee has been working on this quarter. Thank you to all our Members who remain engaged and to all our volunteers and Committee Members for dedicating their time representing our Members, advocating for the safety and advancement of our careers while strengthening our labor movement every single day with professionalism and great pride.

Alaska + Hawaiian Government Affairs Committee Members Attend “Reversing Runaway Inequality” Training

Last month, MEC and Council 47 (LAX-pmHA) Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal, Council 19 (SEA) Government Affairs Committee Member Tracy Pettit, and Council 30 (ANC) Government Affairs Committee Member Rebecca Owens participated in a three day “Train-the-Trainer” session on Reversing Runaway Inequality in Chicago, IL. AFA Representatives from United Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, and Frontier Airlines also participated.

Led by CWA’s National Political Field Team—Curtis Hierro and Asa Shaw—the training explored the history of inequality in the U.S., its impact on economic justice, and the vital role of solidarity in the labor movement. It highlighted how wealth has shifted from the working class to the top earners (with the help of Congress), and how collective action and increased political power can reverse this trend.

Tracy, Rebecca, and Bruni are now qualified to lead this important training. The goal is to offer a one-day session at every base and online, expanding access to those who may be interested. The first session will be offered to members in November 2025. Stay tuned for sign-up details at your domicile!

Personal takeaways from the training:

“This training lit a fire in me—it reminded me just how powerful it is to ask the big questions: How did we get here? Why are we still fighting?  We dove into the history of worker exploitation, systemic issues and came together to brainstorm real, creative solutions —as a labor group and union family, realizing that ultimately it takes all of us!  It all starts with asking questions and educating ourselves and each other.  I’m feeling inspired and energized to roll this out with Tracy and Rebecca, so we can bring this momentum to all of you. Let’s keep building our strength, protecting our rights, and securing our future—because as we all know, when we stand together, we win! “

Bruni Agosto-Pinal, MEC and Council 47 (LAX-pmHA) Government Affairs Committee Chairperson

“I think these days can seem especially hopeless. I find myself more worried about the future than ever. The Reversing Runaway Inequality Training taught me that nothing is hopeless. This is not about what side you’re on: It’s about a system that was structured to benefit the mega-wealthy and makes life harder for the working class. This training demonstrates that with enough solidarity, worker power and bold action, we can win the fight against the billionaires and make the United States a much more equitable place.”

Tracy Pettit, Government Affairs Committee Member (Council 19, SEA)

“Runaway Inequality at AFA Bootcamp last year taught me that our labor history is not just the past — it’s the foundation of our future. It’s how we got to this exact moment. The wealthy have always divided us. They’ve turned workers against each other. Flight attendants have consistently fallen victim to the c-suite and shareholder agenda. I became an instructor so that l could bring this labor history education to all of AFA. Our power comes when we set aside differences, stand as one working class, and make our voices impossible to ignore. Enough is enough.”

Rebecca Owens, Government Affairs Committee Member (Council 30, ANC)

Government Affairs Committee Attends Virtual Labor Roundtable Hosted By Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05)

MEC and Council 47 (LAX-pmHA) Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal and Council 39 (PDX) Government Affairs Committee Member Manda Bednarczyk attended a Virtual Labor Roundtable hosted by Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05). It was a short, 45-minute session with other labor groups, and updates were given to the Congresswoman on what our Union has been working on and overall priorities- including the ongoing contract negotiations at various AFA carriers and specifically our JCBA here at Alaska + Hawaiian. We asked for the Congresswoman’s support on HR 2353 (Safer Skies Act) and HR 4994 (Safe Air on Airplanes Act). We also touched on the importance of protecting the vote-by-mail access for our workgroup, as many of us cannot get to the polls on Election Day. Congresswoman Bynum’s office shared a press release you can read here 

Council 15 (SAN)

Our San Diego Government Affairs Committee has been working closely with the San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council (SDICLC) which is comprised of about 100 local labor affiliates. We’ve had so much fun getting to know the staff of the SDICLC and our union brothers & sisters. We are present at the SDICLC’s round-table every month. Outside of this meeting, AFA has continued to make our presence known in San Diego at various labor events.
In July, we attended a City Council meeting to support hospitality workers of Amusement Parks & hotels with more than 150 rooms in receiving a $25 minimum wage. It is still under discussion by the City Council, but they appear to be favorable in supporting our service workers.

Local Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Rebecca Garcia, MEC and LEC Vice President Brice McGee, and International Vice President Keturah Johnson were all representing AFA during our San Diego Pride march on July 19

Government Affairs Committee Member Eve Seguin Du Haime participated in a Labor Day 2025 event where many unions and people of the public came together for workers’ rights & human rights.
She has also been volunteering at the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council’s (SDICLC) food bank about every other week, since June. It is open to union members and people of the public every Monday and Thursday and serves hundreds of families in San Diego. Here’s a picture at the end of a busy day.
Lastly, Council 15 has been invited to join the SDICLC’s Political Coordinators monthly meetings, where our Labor Council will be finding candidates who support our workers and our causes, and our Unions will be doing everything in our power to support them in turn (phone banking, canvassing, and the like). It’s about to be even busier as we get ready for the mid-terms! San Diego is feeling great being out in the community and strengthening our Union Power!

Council 19 (SEA)

Government Affairs Committee Members Andrew Stinson, Jerry Sinclair, and Local Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Melinda Jorge continued to attend Pierce County Central Labor Council (PCCLC) meetings monthly. PCCLC took the month of August to enjoy the summer break. However, they’re back working for the working class as of September.

Government Affairs Committee Members Tracy Pettit, Andrew Stinson, Melinda Jorge, and Kiersten Larson attended the annual Washington State Labor Council Convention (WSLC-convention). The WSLC consists of all the affiliated AFL-CIO unions in Washington. The convention is when the unions participate in a representative democratic process, voting on the political and legislative agenda for the upcoming year. It’s an excellent opportunity to speak up about our interests as Flight Attendants at the state and local levels. Among the many incredible speakers were Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and AFT-Chicago President Stacey Davis Gates. If you have questions about this convention and our legislative agenda for WSLC, please get in touch with one of our Government Affairs Committee Members.

UNITE HERE Local 8 held an informational picket at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on August 7. Melinda Jorge, Bev Bullock, and LEC President Paula Isla-McGill (as well as Melinda’s adorable grandchildren, Shadi and Mitali-Lucy) showed up to represent AFA and show our support for our fellow aviation siblings. 

Tracy Pettit had the unique privilege of being selected as a member of the AFA Honor Guard (along with Brandi Neal – AFA United) for the September 11th Memorial at the World Trade Center. When asked about the experience, she stated, “I realized how fortunate I am to be able to represent my flying siblings. It was a truly profound experience that I will never forget.” Tracy also had the opportunity to meet a Hawaiian AFA sister, Christina Curran, who also attended the event.

Thank You For Participating In The Call To Action Re: PSA Flight Attendants 

Thank you for your action in calling and writing our Senators urging them to sign on to Senator Tim Kaine’s letter to PSA management for a fair contract. On September 16, 14 US Senators signed on to the letter. Read the letter here.

On August 20, seven Members of the House sent letter to PSA CEO. Read the letter here.

Stay Up To Date With AFA International

As we know, there is so much that happens in our industry that affects our daily lives- including issues at other AFA carriers. We encourage you to sign up for the E-Newsletters here, so you can stay in the know of what is happening within our union and action you can take to ensure the protection and advancement of our careers. When we legislate, we do not have to negotiate!

Your Vote Matters! Check Your Voter Registration

Did you move? Change your name? Did your state laws change? Are you registered to vote? Even if you are registered, it’s important you double-check registration status and inform yourself on voter registration deadlines and process for your particular state. Local elections are some of the most important: you may have mayoral, city council, school board races and judicial seats up for election, to name a few. Check registration deadlines and what elections are coming up in your state and districts here

Your vote is your voice; it matters!

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, October 2, 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), Carin Merritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present were MEC Vice President Brice McGee, Hawaiian MEC ASHSC Chairperson Kerri Ruiz, and Alaska MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with the Director Inflight Safety and Compliance Geri Jerritt, Director of Cabin Safety Angela Jones, Cabin Safety Manager Heidi Styley, Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Manager of Inflight Safety Nicky Sagum, Maniging Director of Inflight Services Training Randy Katz, Manager of Inflight Policy and Procedure Kaliko Howell, and Director of Inflight Training & Standards Jesse Sexton

The next scheduled Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place in San Francisco on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

  • Paper Clips Hard to Find and Use in a Decompression: Flight Attendants have difficulty quickly locating paper clips in the Flight Attendant Kits. Management is looking for solutions, including installing a Manual Release Tool (MRT) under each jumpseat.
  • Do Lap Children Get a COB? The Carry-On Bag (COB) allotment is for each “ticketed passenger.” However, our contract of carriage says a diaper bag for a lap child is exempt from the limit. This does not align with the FAM, which says it counts toward the parent’s carry-on limit. Management will align the FAM with the Contract of Carriage.
  • Unattended Passengers Waiting on Jet Bridge for Gate-Checked Baggage/Items: Passengers cannot be left unattended on the jet bridge while waiting for gate-checked items after deplaning. Unfortunately, Customer Service Agents have not always returned to the aircraft when Flight Attendants are ready to deplane. Management has been asked to audit to determine if Agents are able to comply with the requirement to return to the aircraft 10 minutes after the door opens.
  • Two-Way Voice Communication: Passengers are violating the rules against using apps like Zoom and Teams for two-way communication during flights. Management will review and determine if more explicit instruction in the FAM and/or an announcement to passengers is needed. Note that listening only to meetings, etc., is permitted.
  • Many Pet Carriers That Don’t Fit Under the Main Cabin Aisle Seats: Pet carriers weren’t fitting under the Main Cabin aisle seats (C and D), causing seating delays. Management updated the carrier size during the single operating certificate (COB) integration process. When this is followed and the requirement for carriers to be soft-sided is met, they should fit under aisle seats in the main cabin.
  • Inflatable Item Restrictions: Passengers think they can use these items on board the aircraft. Management will ensure reservations agents know about the restrictions and will work to get the public-facing website to provide information on these prohibited items.
  • Flight “Closed” with Passengers in Jet Bridge: Flights are being marked “closed” in Block2Block (B2B) while passengers are still lined up in the jet bridge. Inflight management will discuss this practice with Airport Operations & Customer Service (AOCS) to see if they can wait until the last passenger boards to close flights.
  • Passenger Seating Position for Takeoff and Landing: The FAM lacks clear verbiage about the required passenger seating position for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Management will look at clarifying the policy to specify that passengers need to be seated upright and cannot be lying down during these phases of flight.
  • Commingling Demo Kits with COBs in Overhead Bins: Forward demo kits on some aircraft are located in overhead bins without dividers, causing them to become buried behind passengers’ carry-on bags. Management will look at the possibility of adding dividers or moving the location of the demo kits to address this issue.
  • Boarding Without Pilots: An aircraft must have power and lights to board without pilots. However, this is not well defined in the FAM. Can we board using ground service power, which does not provide power to interphones, etc.? Management will seek to align on a definition with Airport Operations & Customer Service (AOCS) and update manuals to reflect the shared understanding.
  • Minimum Amount of Potable Water for Safety: There is no clear, standardized policy on the minimum amount of potable water required onboard for safety purposes. The Committee would like there to be a minimum required for dispatch.
  • Add Absorbent Material to UPK: The Universal Precaution Kit (UPK) needs an absorbent material (powder or similar) to handle liquid biohazards effectively. A small broom and dustpan would also be helpful. Management will investigate what other carriers, including Hawaiian Airlines, use as absorbent material.
  • Cleaners and Pilots’ Bags at the R1 Door: Bags left in front of the L1 door during deplaning can create a tripping hazard, interfere with the girt bar, and make it difficult to verify that the door is disarmed. Inflight management will coordinate with Flight Operations and Fleet Service to find alternative locations for trash bags and Pilots’ luggage.
  • Seatbelt Extension in Exit Row: There is no procedure to verify a passenger’s seat location when a seatbelt extension is requested to ensure they are not in an exit row. Inflight Policy and Procedure will look at adding this to the FAM.
  • CRS Booster VS. Medical Device: The FAM lacks clear guidance on the difference between Child Restraint System (CRS) booster seats and medical devices that function as boosters. Management will work to provide more explicit guidance about assistive devices (FAM Section 12.100, pgs. 107 & 108).
  • CSA’s Pushing to Close the L1 Door When the L2 Door Is Opened and Being Catered: Customer Service Agents (CSAs) are pressuring to close the L1 door while the L2 door is open for catering, disrupting Flight Attendant door arming and creating safety procedure errors. Management will look at adding language to the FAM clarifying that “ready to close” also means catering is complete and all aircraft doors, other than one boarding door, are closed.
  • Lack of Information in the FAM about Care Attendants: The “care attendant” section needs to be returned to the FAM. 
  • Megaphone Preflight Check: Megaphones are frequently found with dead batteries because a preflight check is not required. Inflight Safety and Compliance is working on adding testing of the megaphone by pressing the button and listening for an audible click.
  • MAX 8 Headrests: The policy states that headrests should be lowered, but we wouldn’t want them lowered as low as they will go on the new Recaro seats, as the exposed headrest track could cause injury if the headrest ended up lower than the passenger’s head. The Committee has requested that the FAM make it clear that the headrest only needs to be lowered to be flush with the top of the seatback.
  • Safety Announcement Updates (Crossbody Bags and Tablets with Keyboards): Safety announcements need to be updated to include specific instructions for stowing fanny packs and crossbody bags and clearer wording for tablets with detachable keyboards. Management is receptive to making these changes and will work to add language with the next announcement update.

Things The Committee Is Working On

  1. Working on integrating safety programs (ASAP, FRB, and LOSA) and Committee meetings and management.
  2. Reviewing and providing feedback on Recurrent Training (RT) content for 2026.
  3. Offering ongoing feedback on the MAX 10 galleys and various other cabin interior projects.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report. You can use ReportIt! to submit Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports. If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2025

On Monday, October 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected: MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee […]

U.S. Customs & Border Protection Gender Code Requirement

Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced changes to the rules surrounding how airlines report information about passengers and crew before flights. This system is called the Advance Passenger Information System, or APIS. These changes are in response to a Presidential Executive Order. What is APIS? APIS is a system that airlines are legally […]

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