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AFA News in Review – June 26, 2026

In This Edition

  • Save the Date: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6
  • Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026
  • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026
  • Next Week’s Events

Save the Date: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

Originally posted June 23, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Pre-Merger Alaska Reserve Flight Attendants: Have you ever found yourself asking, “Can they do that?” after Crew Scheduling changes your assignment or a Reserve situation leaves you wondering about your contractual rights? Join us for our first Reserve Webinar on Thursday, August 6, where our Reserve Committee will share contractual insights and answer the pressing “Can they do that?” questions that you’ve been wanting to know about.

Read More >

Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

Originally posted June 25, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

This month, our pre-merger Alaska Benefits Committee tackled a host of issues, including clear guidance on Washington Paid Leave, the need for quality-control improvements with The Hartford, and accessible tools for FMLA eligibility and maternity leave. Discover how these focused efforts, coupled with your feedback, are driving meaningful changes so every Flight Attendant receives the support they need and deserve.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

Originally posted June 25, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

At this week’s pre-merger Alaska Scheduling Committee Meeting, management shared that August’s crew planning data shows scheduled block hours down from July to 350,000, with a reserve ratio of 22.15%. In addition to these operational shifts, the Committee tackled deadhead seating challenges, unscheduled layovers, and a push for key improvements to scheduling automation and pay processes.

Read More >

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

Originally posted June 26, 2026

Changes are on the way for inflight service, with issues like elite recognition, Premium Class confusion, and even missing bamboo spoons getting addressed. From new menu cycles to expanded Starlink Wi-Fi, here’s how your feedback is shaping our working environment across both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, June 30 – Thursday, July 2Joint Contract Negotiations

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Thursday, June 11, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met with management to represent our Flight Attendants and advance meaningful improvements in our workplace. Your representatives at the meeting included Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX pmAS), Gary Manoi (LAX pmHA), Andrew Malone (SAN), and Thalia Adachi (HNL). MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons Chase Vandergrift (Alaska Brand) and Bianca McKee (Hawaiian Brand) guided the discussion.

The Committee met with Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Director of Food & Beverage Products Mita Padhi, Manager of Food & Beverage Planning and Programs David Rodriguez, Principal of Food & Beverage Programs Gracie Truex, Food & Beverage Planning Systems Manager Andrea Carns, Senior Food & Beverage Product Manager Gayatri Watwe, Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Megan Low, Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Jesse Starmer, Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Wendy Kong, Cabin Product Director Christopher Dela Rosa, Director of Cabin Experience David Scotland, Principal of Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Product Manager Ryan Williams, Principal Product Manager of Inflight Mobile Alyssa Fornek along with other management representatives from the inflight mobile team, Director of Catering Operations Andrew Moyer, and Manager of Catering Performance Daniel Lluberes, along with other management representatives of the catering operations team.

While this meeting was originally intended to cover both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands, it primarily focused on the Alaska brand. The Committee strongly advocated for expanding future quarterly meetings to two days to enable more comprehensive dialogue. Although management is not willing to extend the meeting duration at this time, they acknowledge the importance of dedicating more time to these discussions. Historically, the pre-merger Alaska Committee has met quarterly, while the pre-merger Hawaiian Committee has held monthly meetings with management. Until additional time is secured for the Hawaiian brand in the merged quarterly meetings, pre-merger Hawaiian Committee Chairpersons will continue holding their own monthly Committee meetings with management to address projects specific to pre-merger Hawaiian aircraft. Given this meeting structure, this update may not cover every issue relevant to pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants, but future communications will provide further details.

The next quarterly committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 24.

Topics of Discussion

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

Elite Recognition

  • Alaska Legacy Brand: The Committee recognizes and understands the importance of elite recognition, however it’s no secret that the current system is flawed. It’s inconsistent and confusing for both Flight Attendants and passengers, and creates uncomfortable interactions when chocolate bar supplies run short, or they’re requested in first class. Management also recognizes the need for a program overhaul. When elite recognition began, there was a single qualifying elite tier and a single main cabin service level. Since then, three additional elite tiers have been added, along with Premium Class and complimentary meals for top-tier elites. The Committee and management have a shared goal of streamlining this process in the cabin and look forward to sharing upcoming changes as they are developed.
  • Hawaiian Brand and Alaska Global Brand: A version of the Elite Recognition Program was launched for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants on April 22 at PSS. Currently, complimentary meal options are not available, chocolates are offered only on 787 domestic flights, and beverage benefits for elites remain unclear. This has created confusion for both crews and passengers. The Committee continues to raise these concerns with management and is advocating for clearer communication and better education moving forward.

Exit Row transition to Premium Class

  • Alaska Legacy Brand: Management accelerated the transition with limited notice and without an opportunity to review the service flow. There was not enough time to add key cabin elements such as premium row placards, reserved overhead bin markers, or updated headrest covers. Placard installation will occur from September through December, but headrest updates are not planned. Management acknowledges the onboard service challenges and has committed to testing new options and making adjustments, starting with exploring service flow changes to help crews deliver mid-flight beverage refill service more efficiently on Premium Long Haul flights.
  • Hawaiian Brand and Alaska Global Brand: The transition from Hawaiian’s Extra Comfort to Premium Class took place on April 22 at PSS. With the current Premium Class seat configurations, Flight Attendants are often left explaining to disappointed passengers that some perks don’t come with certain seats. Since the launch, there’s also been confusion about the Premium Class beverage policy. On Legacy Alaska Brand flights, passengers are limited to one alcoholic beverage per scheduled service (double if requested) plus one additional beverage upon request. The Committee has asked management to provide clear communication of these policies to the pre-merger Hawaiian workgroup.

Bamboo Cutlery Packs (Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand)

  • The new bamboo cutlery packs were ordered with only a knife, fork, and napkin, but lacked a spoon. Originally, spoons were intended to be loaded separately; however, due to the opaque brown paper packaging and lack of labeling, this has proven too challenging for kitchens to execute, leading to frequent reports of missing spoons. Additionally, when these products were used for 787 meal service, they required two separate cutlery packs to be loaded onto each meal tray, and any cart movement after loading caused them to shift and fall off, getting lost in the cart and slowing service.
  • New 4-in-1 cutlery packages—including a spoon—have been ordered and will begin appearing systemwide in five to six weeks. On the 787, this transition will be accelerated, so crews may encounter some temporary cutlery substitutions to bridge the gap until the permanent solution arrives.

Large Plastic Lids for Base Plates (Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand)

  • The material for these lids has been improved for greater structure and stability, and they should already be onboard or appearing soon as kitchens use up existing supplies. The new lids are designed to stay securely in place. Additionally, packing changes have been requested to keep Saran-wrapped pilot meals separate from dishes with plastic lids, preventing them from sticking together and sliding food off the plates. If you notice ongoing issues with lids or plates, please let your Local Inflight Service Committee know.

SEA-KEF Packing Changes in effect on June 17

  • Thank you to those of you who have worked the SEA-KEF service since the Inaugural on May 28 and shared valuable feedback with the committee. Several immediate changes have been implemented for these Reykjavik flights as of June 17:
    • An additional bag of First Class tea (5 Portland Breakfast and 5 Chamomile) will be loaded in the forward beverage cart. Please continue to report any missing varieties or shortages. Unfortunately, all the menus for the season were printed before the Committee received a preview, and the tea numbers were omitted and cannot be added. Management has committed to sending menu previews to the Committee for review prior to final printing in the future.
    • The oven gloves and wine opener will be swapped to align with Alaska Airlines’ standard specs.First Class menus will be shrink-wrapped in packages of 17 to prevent shortages.First Class linens will be increased to 2 packs of 10 each (date TBD).
    • Pilot meals will be moved so the Saran Wrap does not stick to the charcuterie platter plastic lids.
    • The five-piece cutlery roll-up will move off the TSU and instead replace the cutlery served with the charcuterie plate. The linen napkin and unused pieces will be retained for the primary meal service.
    • Tomato juice will be removed from the juice drawers. It was shipped to KEF in error.
  • Additional testing will be scheduled to further optimize the service flow. If you have worked these flights and have feedback on the service or suggestions, please send those to mec.inflightservice.chair.as@afaalaska.org so they can be consolidated and forwarded to management. 

Stumptown Coffee Bags (Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand)

We’ve received many reports about Stumptown brew bags breaking on the 787, along with concerns about poor or inconsistent brew quality. The Committee is actively sharing these concerns with management. We also encourage pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants to report any issues with coffee brew bags or quality on the 737. Your feedback helps us advocate for a better, more comprehensive solution.

787 International (Alaska Global Brand)

  • The Committee is grateful for the wealth of feedback we’ve received from our 787 crews. Your insights directly shaped the final service proposal, which is still under review. At this quarterly meeting, we discussed the following:
    • Incorrect Inflight Guides (IFG) being loaded on the aircraft: Management is working with fleet support to ensure that only 787-specific IFGs are loaded. 
    • Too Much & Not Enough: The Committee is working through B2B feedback to address where catering adjustments are needed.
    • Wrong Menus Frequently Loaded: Effective 7/1, menus will have printed route identifiers.
    • Main Cabin Cutlery Issues: As previously mentioned, 4-in-1 cutlery to replace individual cutlery packs
    • Boxed Water Size Too Small for Service on the 787: Switch to 1.5L Bottled Water began on June 10

Catering Operations

  • Ice quality will continue to be monitored as we move into the hottest months of summer; however, reports in Block2Block are essential to keeping management and our catering partners accountable for poor-quality ice. 
  • Alaska Legacy Brand: A reminder to crews to use the ice catered in drawers first before using any ice stocked in coolers. This includes any extra ice stocked in the aft galley empty cart on medium-haul and long-haul flights that do not receive ice replenishment at the outstation. Ice in coolers should be saved for the downline leg on these flights. 

Bonded Alcohol (Hawaiian Brand and Alaska Global Brand, including SEA-KEF)

  • The bonded alcohol process began with the introduction of SEA-FCO/LHR/ICN/KEF. Bonded alcohol refers to duty-free alcohol products that are stored securely in kitchens (“in bond”) and are exempt from local taxes and customs duties, provided they remain unopened and secured in designated carts until after takeoff. This process is a collaborative effort between kitchens and Flight Attendants. Kitchens are directed to fill out the starting inventory of bonded alcohol within a cart, while Flight Attendants are to fill out the closing inventory of bonded alcohol within a cart. Numerous reports have been submitted of incomplete and/or inaccurate forms, incorrectly identifying bonding alcohol, missing seals, gray areas with procedures, missing forms/seals, small font size on forms, etc. The Committee continues to advocate for a streamlined process for bonded alcohol. Management intends to improve the program by the end of June. The bonded alcohol program is expected to carry over to Hawaiian Airlines’ international flights on August 1.  

Cabin Configuration and Wi-Fi

  • Atmos Rewards verification will begin rolling out on June 10 and should be available on all Starlink-equipped aircraft by mid-July. Login will require last name, seat, and date of birth. Once this information is entered, the passenger will be prompted to join if they are not an Atmos Rewards member.
  • Only 2 of 3 fields must match for a successful login, and it should work for seat swaps.
  • The path for minors will skip the Atmos Rewards membership requirement and direct them online.
  • Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand:
    • Starlink is scheduled to be installed on all 787 aircraft by the end of 2026
    • All 800 NG aircraft are in the 161-seat configuration with new seats. 
    • Three MAX8s remain in the previous configuration and will fly through the summer before the 161-seat reconfiguration in the fall.
    • Calf rests will be retrofitted with a new part to improve functionality. Installation will begin in September.
    • Starlink installation has been paused due to the summer flying schedule but will ramp up in the fall as aircraft availability improves. New deliveries should be able to proceed with Starlink installation prior to entry into service.
    • The existing Wi-Fi network has been experiencing congestion, especially on the East Coast. Please continue to report issues as they arise using the connectivity tool on your IMD.

Upcoming Changes

  • Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand:
    • Menu cycle change for domestic First Class and Main Cabin on September 2 
    • Jetsetter’s Jam optimization and testing
    • Stumptown Cold Brew launched on 737s (please report any stock-outs in Block2Block)
    • Pirates Booty Packaging Rebrand: same product, different packaging 
    • Chef Jew Program ending on June 30
    • 787 International Menu Cycle Change October 21
    • SEA-NRT Transition to the 787 and will adopt the 787 SEA-International service on October 25
    • Explore the 12-oz beverage can transition and options to increase retail.
    • IMD iPhone 17 rollout Q3 with a newly designed case
    • Offline tap-to-pay and sunset of card readers target Q1 2027
  • Hawaiian Brand:
    • Hawaiian Onboard Service Enhancements launch July 1. The complimentary sandwich will be removed on Domestic Medium-Haul Flights (Hawaii to all mainland destinations, excluding JFK). The service transition will be pre-order only and will only affect the main cabin on the A330 and A321. Pau Hana Cart Items will still be available for purchase. A more elaborate communication to follow.
    • Expansion of the International Business Class wine offering on August 1 
    • Expansion of the International Main Cabin alcohol offering on August 1
    • Inflight guides to be created for the Main Cabin with Starlink Information, Atmos Rewards, Beverage Offerings, and more.
    • Domestic and International Business Class menu cycle change on September 30
      • Featured Chef Keaka Lee on flights departing from Hawaii
      • Chef Del on flights departing to Hawaii
    • Pau Hana Snack Box Changes – Wet Nap will be removed from the snack boxes.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Elite Recognition Overhaul: We are actively developing a proposal to present to both our MEC and management for a new, streamlined elite recognition program. Our goal is to create a system that is simple, consistent, and easy for Flight Attendants to deliver, ensuring a positive experience for both crew and passengers.
  2. Committee Involvement: In recent months, our MEC has not been included in several service changes and product rollouts, primarily due to management workload and turnover. Our Inflight Service Committee Representatives have strongly reiterated the importance of early and frequent Committee involvement in future projects. We remain committed to advocating for our continued participation to provide meaningful insight and feedback to management at every stage of development.
  3. 787 International Proposal: The Committee has submitted a final service proposal to management for consideration, following the 30 day observation period that ended. We are persistent in creating long term solutions for a fair and deliverable service.
  4. Hawaiian Onboard Service Transition: The Committee is actively involved with management and the Hawaiian Service Team to support launch and post launch support efforts. We will actively be collecting Flight Attendant feedback and working flights alongside you to ensure our voices and concerns are effectively communicated to management.

We Want to Hear from You!

Do you have any other feedback for the Committee or items you’d like to bring 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 + Hawaiian website.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, June 23, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative Julie Thornton, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones were also present.

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

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

Topics of Discussion

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

Local Committee Chairperson Reports

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

PBS Subcommittee Update

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

Pairing Construction and Crew Planning

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

Crew Scheduling Insights

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

What The Committee Is Working On

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

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

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

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

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

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

Discussion Topics

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

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

What The Committee Is Working On

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

We Want To Hear From You!

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

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

Save the Date: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

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

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

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

Click here to submit your question now ➔

Stay tuned—more details coming soon!

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants As a follow-up to our June 23 save-the-date announcement, we’re excited to share full details and open registration for our August pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! If you’ve ever wondered, “Can they do that?” when Crew Scheduling calls with a reserve assignment or schedule change—whether you’re a Reserve Flight […]

AFA Committee Focus Month: Membership Engagement

July marks our latest AFA Committee Focus Month, and we’re excited to spotlight our Membership Engagement Committee. In May, we kicked off this initiative by showcasing the exceptional work of our EAP/Professional Standards Committee—illustrating how our committees serve and support us every day. Our Membership Engagement Committee is here to make sure every Member feels genuinely […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 16 – July 2026

The JNC has been actively negotiating key sections of the contract, focusing on vacation, sick leave, and temporary duty assignments. A tentative agreement was reached on Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments), ensuring financial protections and fair treatment for Flight Attendants during temporary assignments. These ongoing discussions demonstrate a commitment to integrating the best benefits from both Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs for all members.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, June 24, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), […]

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

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

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