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Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, February 22 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • The Inflight Service Committee continues to work with management to continuously improve onboard catering and engage in discussions leading to future improved processes. Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!

On Wednesday, February 22, our AFA Local Inflight Service Committee 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 Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Kelly Kochanek (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN). Also present was MEC Inflight Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett. The committee met with Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Inflight Product and Experience Director David Scotland, Senior Catering Operations Specialist Raena Alonzo, Principal ITS Apps Product Manager Ranjita Prasad, Senior Food & Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston, and other management representatives from the food & beverage and catering operations. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include consistent FC Beverage service recommendations, Food and Beverage Changes, and updates on ice for 2023.

Food and Beverage Discussions

In response to both passenger and crew feedback, more variety and choices will be introduced into the food and beverage beginning mid-May.  In First Class, a vegan option will always be available for pre-order only.  On medium haul, long haul, and premium long haul, the Fruit & Cheese Plate will no longer be a standard boarded entrée choice but will continue to be available for pre-order.  For premium long haul and Hawaii routes, printed menus are returning. Changes to the First Class service on premium long haul (Hawaii & transcon) morning flights will include addition of mixed nuts (with the first beverage service) and a heated dessert (to be served after the main meal service).  In Main Cabin, meals will be different eastbound vs westbound and will remain available via pre-order only, up to 20-hours prior to a flight’s departure. 

Hawaii specific changes include the discontinuation of the First Class mid-flight snack test out of Seattle on AM departures.  Testing is underway to resume heated pre-reserved retail meals (one option) on flights to/from Hawaii in Main Cabin.

Early April catering and product changes include the re-introduction of apple juice, a swap out of the current Pilsner, and new First Class wine selections.  On all Boeing premium long haul routes, the First Class empty cart will be moving to the aft galley and the supply cart will move to the forward galley.  This will help ensure that there are extra supplies for First Class.  All empty carts for trash will be in located in the aft galley on the Boeing fleet.  The Airbus 321 currently has trash carts in the forward and aft galleys.  

Catering Operations Discussions

Our Inflight Service Committee is very pleased with the ice solutions provided by the Catering Operations team for 2023 ice support for our flights.   Beginning in March 2023, catering is working with Fleet Service to increase uplift of ice at 10 of our stations and they will be provisioning ice on additional flights, with a focus on medium haul and long haul turns.  As discussions with vendors continue, more contracts will be finalized and additional ice supply locations will be added to the list. The Catering Operations team is also working to find solutions for issues the Committee brought to their attention at our last meeting.  Several ideas were presented and discussed for safe catering of blue service trays and provisioning of trash bags.

Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) News

The IT products team is currently working on improvements to our IMD user interface to make payments easier to process.  The IT team is also working on an inflight mobile refresh program and an update for Block2Block (B2B).  The Committee brought forward comments from Flight Attendants that the types of service designated for each flight (such as premium long haul, short haul, etc.) be included on B2B.  This information would be very helpful in offering the correct service.  

Boeing Updates

The Boeing 737-800 refresh with the removal of the third aft lavatory is on hold.  The installation of 2KU for the 737-800 aircraft type is in progress and about 90% complete; fleetwide it is 97% complete.  The new delivery Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft will be 2KU equipped going forward.  

Service

The participation by Flight Attendants in the survey included in the recent Inflight News newsletter was excellent and very much appreciated.  The Premium Class Tray Service early results show improved scores given by Premium Class passengers.  The Flight Attendant feedback received will be useful in addressing key areas.  Other discussion topics between the Committee and management included possible service flow and service responsibilities testing.   

We Want to Hear from You!

Please continue to report any catering issues or problems with onboard service using the catering feedback function in Block2Block.  If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please submit a report through ReportIt!  Your reports provide the Committee with the data needed to continue pushing management for meaningful improvements in our workplace.

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

The Present Is A Gift

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

  • The hustle, bustle, and distractions of modern life can sometimes leave us with feelings of stress, anxiety, and worry.
  • Mindfulness is a practice that can help us to stay present in the moment and feel calmer and more refreshed.
  • AFA EAP is always available for support. Find our contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.

Do you find it hard to stay focused on one task at a time? Do you find yourself daydreaming? In our interconnected world, it is hard to live in the moment. Our technology and busy schedules keep us moving from one thing to the next. Learning how to gently pull your attention towards the present is a unique skill that can help improve both physical and mental health.

Stress and anxiety can be constant distractions from the present, which can include worries about both the past and the future. While these concerns may be valid, it is important to regularly take a few minutes to notice your environment, your breath, and even your posture. Below are two ways to help you stay present through mindfulness and other sensory exercises.

What is mindfulness?

In 1979, mindfulness was developed in a hospital setting for patients with chronic pain. But all of us possess the ability to practice mindfulness in our natural environment and obtain benefits from it. People generally report feeling calmer or more refreshed through mindfulness. It focuses less on control and more on awareness – of our thoughts, sensations, and our breath. Remember, mindfulness is a skill and does take practice. As a result, it might take a few times to get the hang of it. Consider this exercise below:

  1. Find your favorite guided meditation website or app. Widely used apps include Calm and Headspace. YouTube also has great videos such as this one to get started. Here is another good choice.
  2. Sit comfortably in a chair with your hands, palm-side down, and your back and bottom gently supported.
  3. Listen to the prompts in the video. The goal is to become more aware of each breath, the pattern of breathing, and the sensations of your body. Simply notice what is happening around you and inside your mind, without judgement.

How can I use my senses to stay present?

Humans have a very powerful sensory system. It helps keep us alert when we’re anxious, but it can also help us relax. Here are a few sensory exercises for each of your senses, to help you stay present.

  • Smell. Notice and take time to absorb your favorite smells around you. It could be the smell of flowers, fresh-baked cookies, or your oil diffuser.
  • Taste. Find and savor samples of your favorite foods. They could be spicy, sweet and sour, or warm and comforting.
  • Sight. Adjust lighting in your space to warm and soothing tones. Focus your eyes on an object or image that brings joy or calm.
  • Sound. New research is emerging about brown noise. Consider the wonderful genre of Lo-Fi music. 
  • Touch. Clothe or surround yourself with tactile comforting objects, like a favorite sweater or blanket.

AFA EAP is always available for support!

Our AFA EAP Committee is here for you when you need us!  Reach out any time at (949) 470-0493 or find our contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.

February 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, February 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight, crew planning, and marketing management to discuss issues and concerns that are facing our work group and need to be addressed.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 6, and Tuesday, March 7. Please don’t hesitate to contact your LEC President if you have any questions.

The February 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, February 14.  The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee.  Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work. 

Meeting with Management

As part of most Regular MEC Meetings, our MEC meets with management to review current issues and challenges that Flight Attendants are facing.  Attendees from management this month included Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Constance von Muehlen, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow, Director of Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Sangita Woerner, Managing Director of Marketing and Advertising Eric Edge, Associate Vice President of Finance and Resource Planning Ryan St. John, Managing Director of Operation Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, and Vice President of Labor Relations Jenny Wetzel.

Some of the topics that were discussed include:

  • Current company marketing and advertising. Management provided an update on current marketing efforts and media campaigns in key growth markets. Our MEC brought forward questions seeking more information about why management selected some of the talent and characters they did in recent advertising.
  • Timing of upcoming uniform wear tests. Our MEC asked about the timing of the upcoming wear test of the new gender-neutral mock turtleneck and why it was scheduled to take place during the summer months.  Management indicated they wanted to complete the wear testing process quickly to allow the new piece to be introduced as soon as possible.
  • Staffing and growth.  Management provided a review of staffing plans for the year.  The projections are constantly shifting based on anticipated aircraft deliveries and market conditions.
  • iPhone 13 Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) distribution. Management provided an update on the rollout of the new iPhone 13 IMDs. Our MEC brought forward Flight Attendant concerns about long wait times, even for those who have pre-scheduled appointments for pickup. There are also reports of supervisors not offering to make separate arrangements for pickup, including direct shipping, as provided in the iPhone 13 IMD Distribution Letter of Agreement.
  • Longevity PTO assignments. Our MEC shared frustration from Flight Attendants about how longevity PTO has been awarded during the vacation bidding process for those with eligible seniority and then subsequently removed if the 960 TFP threshold wasn’t met. Management was asked to consider a different approach that better honors seniority and preferred awarded vacation dates.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please contact your LEC President.

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 7 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible.  Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

On Tuesday, February 7, our AFA Local Uniform Committee 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 Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), and JP Perina (SAN, and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara O’Bryant.  The committee met with Interim Uniform Programs Manager Eric Phillipson, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Day of Travel Experience Manager Kelly Cuthill, PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include:

  • Updated wear test protocol and approved new processes and timelines.
  • Reviewed AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) recommendation sheet and made a commitment to develop a similar wear-test specific recommendation sheet that will be provided to management.
  • Ongoing uniform quality issues (i.e., name bars falling off of wings, pilling, holes in sweaters, seams coming undone).
  • Examined the need for a more diverse pool of wear testers.
  • Unisync sourced a possible option for a packable parka. AFA will review quality and packability and provide recommendations to management.
  • Requested a more robust survey and feedback form after the completion of wear testing.
  • Suggested a checklist sheet for wear testers.
  • Discussed the new “no heel” policy (sole height requirements still exist) reflected in the latest Uniform Policy Guide[AAG sign-in required] update in November 2022.
  • Dismissed rumors about the discontinuation of skirts and the Aura dress. These are core pieces and will remain part of the basic uniform.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Wear Testing. Wear testing for the feminine cardigan and button up shirt began on Monday, February 6th, and will run for 30 days. Wear testing for the feminine vest begins on April 26th and will run for 30 days. Wear testing for a gender neutral mock neck cardigan and a gender neutral “Aura vest” will also take place on a yet-to-be-determined timeframe. Advocating for a uniform that suits all body types requires available wear testers. The Committee is seeking volunteers who have gender neutral, petite, tall, and/or plus sizes to test uniform redesigns and additions.
  2. Pride Scarf Redesign. Redesign is in the works and will hopefully roll out by Summer of 2024.
  3. Warm Weather Shirt. Still in production. More information will be provided once the shirts are shipped from the manufacturer.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please email Unisync directly at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues. In the email, please describe the issue in detail, include photos, if possible, and CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please also consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the uniform wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the Committee or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Celebrating Black History Month

Human Rights Committee

  • February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced a week-long event to build awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals.
  • Read more about Black History Month, learn about the accomplishments of Black Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.
  • Join the celebration by wearing your Black History Month AFA Pin during the month of February.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  The celebration has a long tradition that can be traced back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week”, which sought to raise awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals to society and the world.  It was expanded to its current form in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford when it became Black History Month.

Learn More About Black History

You can learn more about the accomplishments of Black Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of February as Black History Month.   The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of February.

For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee.  Also be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine pin availability.

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2

This session was marked by the Negotiating Committee’s strong advocacy for protections and enhancements that would support the Seattle base as a viable option for transferring Flight Attendants. With insights from Ryan St. John, the Vice President of Finance, Planning, and Investor Relations for Alaska Airlines, the Negotiating Committee highlighted the necessity of combining data-driven strategies with hands-on experience and sufficient resources for long-term success.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025

During our recent negotiations, the Joint Negotiation Committee focused on key sections, particularly reaching a Tentative Agreement on Lodging and Transportation, which improves food availability and transportation safety. We also engaged with Council 19 to clarify negotiation processes and differences between contracts. Stay tuned for our upcoming session with management from November 18 to 20.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

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 […]

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