AFA News Now – Page 2

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 20 – October 2026

October 30, 2026 13:00

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Our JNC met with management this week on October 26 to October 28 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for November 16 to November 18
Our JNC and management completed Interest-based Bargaining (IBB) Training, which was held on October 14 to October 15
Tentative Agreements were reached on Section 6 (Seniority), LOA 14: Legacy Retiree Pass Privileges, and LOA 18: Retiree Health Insurance

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for four days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management from October 26 to October 28 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Ryan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

This week the JNC addressed Section 6 (Seniority), Section 19 (Grievance Procedures), Section 29 (Performance Based Pay and Retirement) and associated LOAs, and Section 30 (Training). We were able to reach a Tentative Agreement on Section 6 (Seniority), LOA 14: Legacy Retiree Pass Privileges and LOA 18: Retiree Health Insurance.

Interest-based Bargaining (IBB)Training

The JNC completed IBB Training with management, including decision makers from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, Crew Staffing and Inflight Products & Experience. The training took place at the Alaska Global Training Center on October 14 and October 15. A mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB) led this training. The sessions gave both the committee and management practical examples of using IBB in negotiations, including an opportunity to apply it during the second day of the training.

Working together in IBB provided an opportunity for us to have a more productive bargaining session this week. The JNC plans to use both IBB and traditional bargaining to work through some of the complex issues we face as we combine our two operations.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA is being used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

Tentative Agreements reached in this session:

Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
LOA 14: Legacy Retiree Pass Privileges
LOA 18: Retiree Health Insurance

Sections discussed in this session:

Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
Performance Based Pay (PBP) and Retirement (AS CBA Section 29, LOA 14 and LOA 18 and HA CBA Section 33 and Section 34-31)
Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4)
Insurance Benefits (AS CBA Section 23 and HA CBA Section 32)
General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

JCBA Negotiations

As a reminder, here’s how JCBA bargaining differs from regular negotiations:

Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process.
Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts.
Different Survey Process: The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections.

For more information about the process please see Understanding JCBA Negotiations

What’s Upcoming

Reserve Survey

Thank you for participating in the Reserve Survey. We received more than a thousand responses. The JNC will continue reviewing and sorting the data to look for trends in feedback received from both Reserves and Lineholders. The JNC will be meeting from November 6 to November 9 to thoroughly review all survey feedback and attend the Local Council 43 Meeting in Honolulu.

Next Session

Our next negotiating session with management is scheduled for November 16 to November 18.

Call To Action: Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3

October 29, 2026 17:00

Our voice. Our vote. Our power.

Throughout September, our AFA Government Affairs Committee highlighted how legislative advocacy impacts our work and daily lives as Flight Attendants. By breaking down the role of AFA Government Affairs, explaining the legislative process, encouraging civic engagement, and demonstrating the vital importance of FlightPAC, the campaign showed how our union’s voice is built at every level of government.

Now, as the 2026 midterm election approaches, we must turn that understanding into action. Every Flight Attendant needs the information and resources to participate, regardless of base or residence. From aviation safety standards and collective bargaining rights to healthcare and workplace protections, elections directly determine who represents us in decisions affecting our careers. With our unpredictable schedules and time away from home, planning ahead is critical to ensuring our collective voice is heard at the ballot box.

Why Elections Matter To Flight Attendants

AFA advocates on issues affecting Flight Attendants, including:

Aviation safety and cabin air quality
Collective bargaining rights and worker protections
Fair wages, benefits, and retirement security
Paid family and medical leave
Workplace health and safety
Federal aviation policy and regulatory oversight

As emphasized during our September Focus Month, Congress and other elected officials make pivotal decisions involving these exact priorities. Understanding the legislative process allows us to evaluate candidates effectively and hold decision-makers accountable. Participating in the 2026 midterm election is a direct extension of our union’s legislative advocacy, ensuring our work in Washington is backed by our strength at the ballot box.

Learn more about AFA’s legislative priorities: https://www.afacwa.org/vote

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE VOTING BY MAIL: Once you receive your ballot, complete it and mail it immediately or drop it off at designated ballot drop-off locations in your county. Do not wait until the last minute—prompt action helps ensure your vote is counted on time.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO VOTE IN PERSON: We strongly encourage you to take advantage of early voting options. Given the unpredictable nature of Flight Attendant schedules, making a plan to vote early ensures unexpected trips or delays won’t keep you from making your voice heard.

Voting Resources

AFA-CWA Vote 411: vote411.org/afacwa

ACLU Your Voting Rights: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights#scenarios

Report any election issues:

1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Call or text
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683) (Asian multilingual assistance)

California Important Election Dates

October 24: Early in-person voting begins at vote centers in Voter’s Choice Act counties
October 31: Early voting locations available statewide
November 3: Election Day – polls open 7 AM to 8 PM

Vote-by-Mail Reminder: Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 10. However, PLEASE do not wait until the last minute. Mail your ballot right away after completing. Voters can also use official ballot drop boxes or return ballots in person at their polling location.

California Resources

Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections
Register to Vote: https://registertovote.ca.gov
Check Registration: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
Early Voting Locations: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov

Washington Important Election Dates

October 16 onward: Ballots mailed to registered voters. Please complete your ballots and mail right away or drop off at designated drop-off locations.
October 26: Deadline for online registration and receipt of mailed voter registration applications
November 3: Election Day. In-person registration and voting available until 8 PM.

Vote-by-Mail Reminder: Washington conducts elections primarily by mail. Ballots must be postmarked by November 3 or deposited in an official ballot drop box by 8 PM on Election Day.

Official Washington Resources

Secretary of State: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections
Register, Update Registration, or Track Your Ballot: https://votewa.gov
Election Dates and Deadlines: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/elections-calendar/dates-and-deadlines

Hawaii Important Election Dates

Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail. Active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot.

October 16: Ballots expected to arrive in voters’ mailboxes
October 20: Voter Service Centers open for early in-person voting and same-day registration
October 20 to November 2: Early in-person voting available at designated centers (excluding Sundays; hours vary).
October 26: Deadline for paper voter registration applications
October 27: Deadline to request a ballot mailed to an alternate address
November 3: Election Day. Voter Service Centers open for voting and same-day registration

IMPORTANT: Hawaii ballots must be RECEIVED by 7 PM Hawaii time on November 3. A November 3 postmark alone is not sufficient. Flight Attendants who have not mailed their ballots should consider an official ballot drop box or Voter Service Center to meet the deadline.

Official Hawaii Resources

Hawaii Office of Elections: https://elections.hawaii.gov
Register or Check Registration: https://olvr.hawaii.gov
Voter Service Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes: https://elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit/
Track Your Ballot: https://hawaii.ballottrax.net/voter/

Flight Attendants Residing In Other States

A key takeaway from September’s civic engagement focus is that our strength relies on full participation across every council and domain. We recognize that our members reside throughout the United States and abroad, regardless of where they are assigned for work. The following resources are tailored to support Flight Attendants voting from any jurisdiction:

Your voting deadlines and eligibility requirements are determined by the state and jurisdiction where you are registered to vote, not necessarily where you are based for work. Each state has its own requirements for voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, identification, and ballot return deadlines.

Nationwide Voter Resources

AFA-CWA Vote411 (www.vote411.org/afacwa)

A nationwide, nonpartisan resource to:

Check voter registration information
Find state-specific election deadlines
Research candidates and ballot measures
Find polling locations
Review absentee and early voting options

U.S. Election Assistance Commission (https://www.eac.gov/voters)

Federal election information, voter registration resources, and links to state election offices

Federal Voting Assistance Program (https://www.fvap.gov)

Information for eligible military and overseas voters, including absentee ballot requests and voting while living abroad

Endorsements

AFA Endorsements: https://www.afacwa.org/endorsements

CWA Endorsements: https://cwa-union.org/national-issues/legislation-and-politics/cwa-political/candidates

State Labor Federations/Labor Councils

California Federation of Labor Unions: https://calaborfed.org/labor-2026-primary-election-endorsements/
Washington State Labor Council: https://wslc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-WSLC-election-endorsements.pdf
Hawaii State AFL-CIO: https://www.hawaflcio.org/endorsements/

Flight Attendants residing in other states can also explore state and local labor council resources through the AFL-CIO.

Phone Banking Opportunities

Building on the momentum of our September Focus Month, staying engaged means helping elect leaders who stand with working families. If you have free time and want to get more involved this election cycle, consider volunteering for one of these phone banking opportunities to support labor-friendly candidates!

Every Wednesday with AFL-CIO: Alaska AFL-CIO Statewide: including AFA- Endorsed candidates Mary Peltola and Bill Hill

Daily: Angie Nixon FL – AFA endorsed candidate for US Senate

Every Thursday in October with CWA: CWA National Phone Banking

AFL-CIO: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays w/ AFL-CIO

If you participate in any of the above phone banks or have been participating in any other election or campaign work for labor-friendly candidates this election cycle, please fill out this Google Form. Our Members are active within and outside of our Union and we would like to know about it! Please contact your Local Government Affairs Committee if you have any questions or need support.

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

October 29, 2026 09:00

Updated: 10/29/2026 17:05 PT

On Thursday, October 22, members of our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), Baron Lee (HNL), Bryce Sarmiento (pmAS LAX), Kahea Alvarez (pmHA LAX/SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), David Lake (pmAS SEA), Eva Gatus (SAN), Brad Young (SFO), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Kerri Ruiz, MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Brad Young, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with several members of management including Managing Director of Inflight Safety, Standards, and Training Randy Katz; Director of Inflight Safety, Standards, & Compliance Rhonda Jordan; Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder; Inflight Duty Program Manager Ken Hawkins; Manager of Inflight Safety Programs Johanna Giese; Director of Inflight Training, Development, and Delivery Jesse Sexton; and Manager of Inflight ANC Base Operations Elias Barrera Lomeli.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place January 28, 2027.

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):

Inflight Duty Managers (IFDM): The ASHSC heard from Ken Hawkins on the IFDM program. Six IFDMs, all previous Flight Attendants, now staff the company’s Network Operations Center (NOC) around the clock, building cases, coordinating with Crew Scheduling and EAP, and proactively reaching out to Flight Attendants after significant events. IFDMs are not Crew Scheduling and won’t extend your duty day. The ASHSC asked that information on how and when to reach out to IFDMs go out in a bulletin.
Aisle Armrest Position for Taxi, Takeoff and Landing: The lowered-armrest requirement for taxi, takeoff, and landing currently applies only to the 737 fleet in the FAM. The Committee believes lowered aisle armrests during taxi, takeoff, and landing is the safest practice across all fleets and is asking the company to expand the requirement and confirm it will be required on all aircraft in the next FAM revision. It’s likely the requirement on pmHA aircraft was removed from the FAM in error.
Automated Fasten Seatbelt Sign PRAM Announcement: The ASHSC is requesting an automated passenger announcement tied to Fasten Seat Belt sign illumination across all fleets, including the 787 and 737, to reduce task saturation for Flight Attendants and ensure passengers hear the announcement when the fasten seatbelt sign is turned on.
787 OFAR Crew Rest Linen Storage: Used linen bags tied to the wall handle in the center well/stair area are blocking the pass-through and compromising egress. Management is forming a working group to find a better storage solution, including possibly using an overhead bin for linens.
Pulse Oximeter in EE Kits: A finger pulse oximeter is included in the 2027 budget as part of a broader emergency equipment assessment. It’s not yet confirmed whether a glucometer, digital cuff, or enhanced stethoscope will also be added.
B2B Messaging Misuse: The ASHSC raised concerns that Customer Service Agents are using B2B as a documentation tool rather than for real-time communication, causing time-sensitive messages from Flight Attendants to be lost. Management agrees this isn’t appropriate use and will follow up with Airport Operations & Customer Service (AOCS) about the issue.
Portable Oxygen Bottle (POB) Policy: The ASHSC is asking management to consider changing the policy to require us to place used POBs in garbage bags, since they may still contain usable oxygen for a decompression event. Instead, we could put a new mask on a used bottle with remaining oxygen.
Exit Row Criteria for Braces/Boots: FAM and safety card language is no longer clear on whether a passenger wearing a brace or boot can sit in an exit row. The ASHSC is asking that the clarification be restored.
Uniform Cold Weather Needs: The ASHSC asked Inflight Safety and Compliance management to help us ensure functional hoods, water-resistant outerwear, and adequate cold-weather warmth is maintained in our uniform program.
Tight Connection Times: The ASHSC raised concerns that connection times as short as 30 minutes are creating anxiety and rushing. Connection scheduling should better reflect realistic deplane-to-boarding-gate transit time.
ZEP Air Freshener (Formaldehyde): The newer onboard ZEP air freshener carries a formaldehyde warning label. The Committee is asking management to identify an alternative product.
WHCR Battery Thermal Runaway: The ASHSC asked whether current fire-containment bags are adequate for the larger lithium-ion batteries used in wheelchair/mobility devices, and whether the FAM provides sufficient procedural guidance. A company working group is looking into containment and training.
WHCR Battery Stowage: The ASHSC noted that current policy requires these large batteries to be stowed in the overhead bin, which appears inconsistent with guidance for other lithium-ion devices. Management is reviewing regulatory guidance on the safest stowage location.
Personal Air Fresheners Onboard: The ASHSC asked for a reminder that the use of personal air fresheners, including in lavatories, is not permitted per the FAM.
Cabin Class Divider Head-Strike Hazard: A significant number of head-strike injuries have been documented on the Row 6 class divider on the 737 fleet. The ASHSC is asking management to move the divider forward and to review how new cabin components are assessed for interaction with passengers and crew.
Evacuation Command Alignment with CEP/QRG: The ASHSC flagged that the new evacuation commands launching in January don’t align with the existing printed CEP and digital QRG. Both will be updated to reflect the new commands.
Manual Release Tool (MRT): Paperclips, the current workaround for releasing the secondary barrier in a decompression, have proven difficult to use in practice. The ASHSC continues to push for a dedicated tool at every jumpseat.
Broken Glassware Disposal: New glassware has resulted in increased breakage. A small whisk broom and dustpan will be added to the 737 fleet starting January 2027.
Inflight Phone Calls Over Wi-Fi: With the Starlink rollout, the ASHSC is requesting a clear policy and a possible passenger announcement stating that voice calls (Teams, Zoom, etc.) are not permitted from the closure of the boarding door until the aircraft leaves the runway after landing.
Boarding Without Full Cabin Power: The Committee continues to push for clear FAM guidance defining “full power” for boarding and advocates that the definition include power to the PA, interphone, and lavatories.

Things The Committee Is Working On

1. Scout Reporting App Rollout: Management launched Scout, its new AI-based safety reporting system, earlier than planned and describes it as a minimum viable product (MVP). We don’t believe it meets even that standard. Our contract requires that AFA have access to all Flight Attendant safety reports, yet Scout launched without giving AFA that access. Management is working on giving the union groups access to the actual Scout reports, but there is no timeline yet. In the meantime, AFA has been given access to a dashboard that shows most of the information available in Scout. Its main limitation is that it can take over a day for a report to appear. Scout also launched without a basic feature: we cannot view our own reports after submitting them. That is expected to be corrected on November 10, when we should be able to view all of our past Scout reports. The ASHSC is continuing to press management on both issues and is collecting feedback on other problems with the system. If you’ve run into problems with Scout, please let your Local ASHSC know.

2. Transition Training and Cross-Fleet Certification: The Committee is reviewing transition training to make sure it is adequate and effective as procedures are harmonized and new aircraft types are introduced. The goal is to certify pmHA Flight Attendants on the 737 and pmAS Flight Attendants on the 787, A321, and A330, which will allow cross-fleeting post-JCBA. Transition training will first be delivered to a proving group of pmAS Flight Attendants, who will perform the mini-evacuations and dry ditchings needed to certify the 787, A321, and A330 in February 2027. Per our CBA, the MEC ASHSC Chairperson will be present for the certification, supporting the Flight Attendants participating and observing the demonstrations.

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:

pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

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 + Hawaiian website.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

October 21, 2026 09:00

On Monday, October 12, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely to receive an update on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (pmAS SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (pmAS LAX), 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 Specialist LaFay Williams.

Our next monthly meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, November 9.

Topics of Discussion

City-Specific Issues (pmAS):
- LIH: Our incumbent hotel was significantly damaged during recent weather events. As a result, our crews have experienced temporary relocations, which are expected to last through the end of October.
- HNL: We recently began staying at a new hotel in HNL. Since moving properties, we have received almost daily noise complaints. We have asked that Crew Hotels escalate this with the property and place crew rooms away from public areas and events to mitigate noise disturbances.
- PDX: We addressed downtown PDX van times, which were increased due to road construction. Construction is no longer a factor, and the ask was made to readjust the van times.
- JFK: Was recently visited to find a new long-stay property. As part of this visit, our short-stay property was also visited. We have received a number of complaints about the travel time to the short-stay hotel, and we are exploring other options in this market.
- MIA: We have received valuable feedback regarding the cost and availability of food at our long stay hotel. Crew Hotels has worked diligently with the hotel to develop a special crew menu with discounted options (not combinable with F&B discount). Please refer to the Hotel Hotline or MyCrewCare for details.
Flight Attendant Hotel Survey: Our collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) set the minimum hotel requirements acceptable to our Flight Attendants. However, many hotel amenities are absent from the CBA. Our Hotel Committee strives to exceed these minimum standards in any way that we can. We know that Flight Attendants care about certain hotel amenities (such as coffee makers, minifridges, water refill stations, etc.), but we’d like to get more insight into how important these items are to you. For example, how important is an iron and ironing board over a steamer? We have discussed developing a survey so you can tell us exactly this, so we can keep it in mind when we inspect and select our top hotels in each market.
JFK Ground Transportation (pmHA): If you experience a long wait in JFK for your ground transportation, please send us CrewCare feedback so that it can be documented and addressed. We’ve been having problems with our GT vendor that is dispatching only one shuttle. The shuttle is scheduled so that the outbound crew is picked up at the hotel, dropped off at the airport, then picks up the inbound crew. Recently, the inbound crew has been arriving early and forced to wait for the shuttle that brings the departing crew to the airport. This will only get worse when winter arrives, as flight times from HNL to JFK are much shorter during this period.
Hotel Committee Support Representatives (pmAS + pmHA): We’d like to remind everyone of the support that is available if you experience an issue with your hotel or ground transportation. Although the Hotel Committee officially merged in October 2025, certain hotel operations are being handled separately until we ratify a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement. If you need to escalate any item, please reach out to your Local Hotel Committee Chairperson (https://afaalaska.org/hotel) for assistance. For pmHA support, Le’a Tupola was appointed the Local Chairperson for Council 47 (LAX/SEA) in May. If you are a Hawaiian Flight Attendant from one of those bases, Le’a will be your primary point of contact if any issues arise. Matt Mitchell supports the HNL base for Council 43.

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 scheduled site visits through the rest of 2026 are:
- Oct: JFK (Long/Mid), TUS (Short), PHX (Short), OAK (Short/Long), YVR (Long)
- Nov: IND, RDU (Long), SEA (Training Hotels)
- Dec: PVR, SEA (Mid), TPA (Long)
- TBD: ADQ
Pre-Merger Hawaiian: The scheduled site visits through January 2027 are:
- Dec: ATH
- Jan: CDG

2. Hotel Gainshare Update (pmAS): There are no new updates to share on the Hotel Gainshare program this month. Negotiations remain paused as management continues to express concerns about potential federal tax implications. AFA International has already submitted a detailed legal counterargument to the company’s Vice President of Tax and their outside counsel. However, the company’s attorney continues to advise against moving forward, citing tax law concerns. The next step remains to secure an independent review from a tax attorney. We know there is strong interest in this program and will continue to provide updates as soon as there is progress.

We Want to Hear From You!

Your feedback is essential to our work. Please use CrewCare to report your experience with layover hotels or ground transportation, whether your feedback is positive or highlights problems or areas that need improvement. CrewCare is the official channel for addressing your concerns and ensures they are promptly reviewed by the Committee. We are unable to monitor social media, so submitting through CrewCare is the best way to make your voice heard.

Each CrewCare feedback submission is forwarded to our AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska/Hawaiian management), API, and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures that quick action can be taken to correct the issue for the next crew member. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any additional feedback you would like to share with the Committee, or any specific items you would like 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.

Reserve Survey Closing Soon

October 19, 2026 09:00

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Reserve Survey closing on Tuesday, October 20 at Noon PT

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working to secure the best reserve provisions for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). We want to hear from you about which parts of the reserve experience matter most, so we can better meet your needs.

The survey is open now and will close on Tuesday, October 20 at Noon PT. We encourage everyone to participate, even if you do not currently bid for reserve. Your feedback will help us build a more supportive environment for everyone.

If you have any questions regarding the survey feel free to contact the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org.