Latest News – Page 2

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

October 17, 2025 13:00 2 Comments

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 (ASHSC) Chairperson: Seth Heiple
MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairpersons: Brad Young and Kerri Ruiz
MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Air Quality Representative: Deb Wallstrom

These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives will coordinate the activities of their respective merged committees across both airlines. They’ll support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils—both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. Their official term will begin on November 1, 2025. They’ll serve for the remainder of the current MEC Officer election cycle (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), as well as for the upcoming cycle (January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028).

If you have any questions about the MEC Committee Chairperson elections, please reach out to your LEC President.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection Gender Code Requirement

October 15, 2025 13:00

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 required to use to send information about passengers and crew members to CBP before an international flight departs. This includes details like a person’s name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport number. The information is cross-referenced against law enforcement databases for potential risks or problems before travelers arrive in the United States. The goal is to enhance national security by identifying inadmissible individuals before they arrive in the United States, while also speeding up the process for legitimate travelers.

It’s important to note that Flight Attendants do not handle APIS information directly. Instead, Customer Service Agents (CSAs) are responsible for entering the required data into the Passenger Service System, which transmits to APIS.

What Has Changed?

Currently, APIS allows entries of “M” for male and “F” for female to indicate gender. Previously, it also accepted other letters without causing issues. Starting October 13, 2025, the system will only accept “M” or “F” in the gender field. If an airline tries to submit anything else, APIS will return an error, meaning they will have to fix the entry. If a traveler’s document shows a different gender indicator or none at all, the airline or the traveler will need to choose either “M” or “F.”

How Will This Work At Alaska and Hawaiian?

This change will affect Flight Attendants who are operating, deadheading, and traveling for pleasure on international flights to or from the United States. We have reached out to management to find out how they plan to address situations where a passenger’s documents don’t match the new requirements. We are still waiting for their response.

Hawaiian Brand Inflight Service Committee Update – 3rd Quarter 2025

October 15, 2025 09:00

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.

AFA News in Review – October 10, 2025

October 10, 2025 17:00

In This Edition

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025
Government Affairs Committee Update – 4thQuarter 2025
Protecting Yourself From Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025
Next Week’s Events

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

Originally posted October 6, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) recently met to tackle critical issues directly impacting our daily work and safety. From improving the accessibility of paper clips in a decompression to clarifying policies on lap children’s carry-on bags and addressing unattended passengers on jet bridges, they’re working to make our jobs safer and smoother.

Read More >

Government Affairs Committee Update – 4th Quarter 2025

Originally posted October 7, 2025

This quarter, our Government Affairs Committee has been actively advocating for Members through various trainings, congressional engagements, and local initiatives. Read the full update on their efforts, including legislative priorities and community involvement.

Read More >

Protecting Yourself From Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

Originally posted October 8, 2025

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involves using substances to incapacitate individuals, making them vulnerable to assault. Learn more about common drugs like GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamine, their effects, and crucial safety guidelines for Flight Attendants, along with steps to take if assault is suspected and available support resources.

Read More >

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025

Originally posted October 9, 2025

The recent meetings of the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee in Seattle and Honolulu highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in negotiations with management. While there has been advancement on some issues, significant concerns remain. Key topics under discussion include the transfer processes, return options to HNL or LAX, staffing, moving expenses, and safeguarding existing bases. Our committee prepares for the next round of negotiations in Seattle during the week of October 20.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, October 13	Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 14 – Thursday, October 16	Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, October 15	LAX Base Safety Meeting (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025

October 9, 2025 13:00

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 Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Vice President, Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Committee Member	Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Joshua Aoki, Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Committee Member	Keith Schuricht, Managing Director, Financial Analysis, Hawaiian
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Lea Franzoi, Committee Support Representative	Karen 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.

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results