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Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2025

Hotel Committee

  • On January 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee met with management to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
  • If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Monday, January 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met for our first meeting of the year 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), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, February 10.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • Final Hotel Decisions: A number of site visits were conducted in the second half of 2024. We are still awaiting a final decision on HNL, SMF, TPA, and SJD. Final decisions have been made in BWI and DEN. Please check the MyCrewCare app (“City and Hotel Information” menu) or the Hotel Hotline on the Inflight Website for specific hotel details and decisions.  
  • LIR Travel Time: We know that the van time in LIR has been a significant pain point for our Flight Attendants. The Committee has been engaged with Crew Hotels to find an alternative property. We are actively searching for a property that provides the same level of quality and service, with the intent to significantly shorten the time in transit. In the meantime, the morning van departure has returned to the original, non-padded departure time due to early arrivals to the gate.    
  • Other Markets Updates: We are having a challenge in LAS when it comes to crew accommodations, a challenge shared by other carriers. As you may have seen, we have moved properties a few times due to crew member feedback. We greatly appreciate this, as your feedback drives change. We continue to monitor for any opportunities in LAS suitable for crew members. We are also looking at alternative options in FAT. 
  • Ground Transportation Issues
    • Safety Reporting: We have seen several instances where our ground transportation providers have contracted an Uber instead of their company van. This has, at times, resulted in an UberX that is not large enough to accommodate a crew of four plus luggage. At no time should a crew’s luggage be forced to be placed on laps or block egress, no matter what transportation you are in. If this happens, inform Crew Scheduling immediately and follow up with a CrewCare complaint, as this is a safety hazard. Furthermore, you may contact your Local Hotel Committee to escalate the issue.      
    • Ground Transportation Wait Times: We would like to remind Flight Attendants of a provision in our CBA that allows for self-help regarding transportation wait times. CBA section 34.B allows a Flight Attendant to submit for reimbursement for the actual expenses incurred if transportation is not provided within 35 minutes from block-in or within 10 minutes from hotel departure time. If you prefer not to pay for and expense the cost of transportation yourself, you can request that Crew Scheduling arrange alternate transportation for you.   

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Ad Hoc List Review. Our crew hotels have been inspected and endorsed and are contracted properties. Occasionally, crews need to be relocated for various reasons, such as known hotel blackout dates, planned property maintenance, fire alarm testing, irregular operations, etc. When our contracted properties cannot take the usage, Crew Hotels and API reference the ad hoc list for alternate accommodations. The Hotel Committee is reviewing this list to ensure the listed properties still meet our standards.
  2. Conducting Hotel Site Visits. The Hotel Committee visits hotels that are under consideration by management, and we advocate for management to select hotels that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. So far, we have site visits scheduled in AUS, SAT, MCO, and STL for the first quarter of 2025.  Contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities are the primary drivers that trigger a market review. Depending on the outcome of the market review, a site visit may be scheduled in that city.
  3. Investigating MyCrewCare Reports. Reviewing crewmember feedback and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change or ground transpiration change.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. 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 other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The 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 website.

Building Resilience: A New Year’s Guide for Flight Attendants

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

As a Flight Attendant, resilience is one of your greatest tools. The nature of the profession —long hours, irregular schedules, and dealing with diverse passenger needs—can be taxing. Building resilience ensures you can handle challenges effectively while maintaining your well-being. In addition to prioritizing your physical health, below are some often overlooked strategies to strengthen your resilience as we roll into the new year.

1. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

  • Focus on Growth: View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in perspective can make difficulties feel more manageable.
  • Practice Gratitude: Reflect daily on things you’re thankful for. This simple habit can improve your outlook and emotional well-being.

2. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

  • Embrace Mindfulness: Engage in practices like meditation or deep breathing to stay present and reduce stress.
  • Channel Stress Productively: Turn to hobbies or physical activities that help you unwind and recharge.

3. Strengthen Support Networks

  • Lean on Colleagues: Share your experiences and seek advice from fellow Flight Attendants who understand the unique challenges of the role.
  • Nurture Relationships: Make time for loved ones and build a network of support you can rely on during tough times.

4. Learn from Setbacks

  • Reflect and Adjust: Treat setbacks as learning experiences. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can approach similar situations differently in the future.
  • Stay Persistent: Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about bouncing back stronger each time.

Final Thoughts

Resilience is a skill that can be cultivated over time through intentional actions and habits. By focusing on your mindset, building strong support systems, and maintaining your physical and emotional health, you can navigate the demands of your job with greater confidence and ease. As you step into the new year, commit to these strategies and watch your resilience grow, empowering you to thrive both on and off the job.

AFA EAP is Here for You

AFA EAP is a support service provided by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants, their families, and partners.  Our EAP peer representatives are trained to offer three distinct yet interconnected services: assessment, support, and referral services; professional standards; and critical incident response. You can reach out to us at any time for confidential support by calling (949) 470-0493 or visiting afaalaska.org/eap for more ways to connect.

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2025

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • On January 8, our AFA Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in safety, health, and security.
  • The committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues faced by Flight Attendants onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is crucial in these challenging times. Use ReportIt! to file FAIR, ASAP, and fatigue reports. Contact your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Wednesday, January 8, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Blair Kimball (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Merritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present was MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance Geri Jarrett, Cabin Safety Manager Heidi Stiley, Inflight Services and Data Program Manager Jesse Sexton, Manager of Inflight Safety Programs Johanna Giese, Manager of Inflight Training Delivery Cody Kaifes, Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, and Corporate Security Compliance Ops Program Manager David Stewart. 

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Paper Clips. Recent events showcased that paperclips are hard to find during an emergency decompression. Action: Geri has a solution in the works to wrap up by the first quarter. Looking for a manual release tool to be placed under the jumpseat on Flight Attendant badge or both.
  • Lap Child Carry-On Bag. Discussed an exception for diaper bags for parents with lap children. The current policy is that only infants with ticketed seats have their own one-plus-one carry-on bag allotment. Action: Geri will open this up for exploration. Some carriers do not count diaper bags towards the carry-on bag limit. 
  • Opening Aircraft Doors for Ventilation. Operation is allowed, provided Flight Attendants follow the procedure in the FAM and do not open the aircraft door more than 12 inches without fall protection in place. Action: Management is open to providing additional guidance if needed. 
  • Air Quality CBT. ASHSC requests Inflight add an Air Quality CBT or RT topic on air quality events. Action: The development team is developing an Air Quality video for Flight Attendants. Whether this will become a CBT or RT topic is yet to be determined. 
  • Unsupervised Passengers Waiting on Jet Bridge for Claim-At-Gate Baggage. There is a lack of consistency with CSAs returning to the aircraft ten minutes after arrival. Passengers may not remain unattended in the jet bridge. Flight Attendants have reported having to stay at the aircraft to attend to passengers in the jet bridge beyond the debriefing period. Action: Johanna will continue to monitor Flight Attendant reports and work with AOCS to determine the problem. 
  • Internet and Voice-Over-Internet Call Usage. We have noticed an uptick in passengers attempting to make calls using voice-over-Internet while in flight. This is not allowed per company policy. Action: Matthew noted that this restriction is covered in the inflight guide/menu, which can be used to show passengers the policy. This policy is for passenger experience and comfort. In addition, the outgoing portion of these calls uses too much internet bandwidth on the aircraft. 
  • Pets in Cabin Carriers Do Not Fit in Front of Aisle Seats C and D. Pets in the cabin that do not fit under the passenger’s assigned seat are creating unnecessary boarding delays and requiring additional management by Flight Attendants. We request that passengers with pets in the cabin not be assigned these seats. Action: Matthew will approach AOCS to determine what can be done to address the issue. Changing the booking system is a more challenging ask and not an immediate solution. 
  • Inflatable Mattresses. Passengers continue to bring inflatable mattresses and other items not allowed by the company onboard. We want to ensure the reservations and the Alaska website give passengers the correct guidance. Action: Matthew will take the request back to the web team to see if they can add information about these items to the passenger-facing website and make sure Reservations has updated information on these policies. 
  • Flight Closed and Fully Boarded. During active boarding, agents close the flight while passengers are still lined up in the jetway and incorrectly state that the flight is “fully boarded.” We believe all passengers should be onboard (and seated) before closing the flight. Action: Jesse will take this back to AOCS and continue to monitor the situation. CSA guidance says to close flight when boarding is “complete,” there needs to be direct guidance on what “complete” means. 
  • Passenger Seating Position for Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing. ASHSC is seeking clarification in the FAM about the definition of “seated” for passengers. We want the FAM to clearly state that passengers must be seated upright with their seatbelts low and tight for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Action: Jesse will benchmark other carriers to ensure we have the highest safety standards for our passengers and appropriate guidance for Flight Attendants. 
  • Window Shade Closure by Fleet Service. Fleet Service personnel have recently been closing window shades to signal that they have cleaned the row. We do close the shades when needed to keep the cabin cool. However, we do not support closing them as a general practice as it reduces safety by making it more difficult for passengers and crew to see if there is a danger outside of the aircraft. Action: Jesse will take the concern back to the stakeholders for discussion. Marketing is looking to align window shade procedures year-round.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. Decompression. We are looking at ways to improve our decompression procedures and systems. We would like to see automated PA added before the cabin altitude reaches 14,000 feet so that we can prepare for a possible decompression. By the time the masks drop at 14,000 feet, we are already experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, which degrades our ability to respond to the emergency. We also want to emphasize being and staying seated during decompression events as long as there is communication with the pilots and the aircraft is descending so we are not put at unnecessary risk and can perform emergency duties once at a safe altitude or on the ground.
  2. Turbulence. We are seeing an increase in turbulence-related injuries. We would like to see changes made to improve communication between pilots and Flight Attendant crew about turbulence and to clarify how we need to respond to different turbulence-related communication. We would also like to find ways to improve cabin management and the use of the fasten-seatbelt sign.
  3. Working to change or mitigate the impact of several recent policy changes:
    1. Single door catering
    1. Switching to ground service power with passengers onboard
    1. CSAs leaving the deplaning door after arrival

We Want to Hear From You!

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

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

It’s Time for a New Generation to Lead

Master Executive Council President Jeffrey Peterson

  • MEC Elections Update: The MEC Officer elections for the merged MEC will occur on January 29th, effective March 1st. The candidate page is updated each workday by the Membership Department at afacwa.org/AlaskaHawaiian.
  • Leadership Transition: After five terms, MEC President Jeff Peterson will not seek reelection, planning to return to the line on February 28th. His focus remains on setting up the new MEC president for success in JCBA negotiations starting in March.
  • Contract Negotiation Goals: The ideal goal is to use a ratified TA2 as a foundation for further contractual improvements during JCBA negotiations.

As has been previously reported, the MEC Officer elections for the merged MEC will be conducted on January 29th with an effective date of March 1st. The Membership Department has been updating the candidate page at the end of each business day at afacwa.org/AlaskaHawaiian. 

Although I have previously posted my intentions on social media a few times in the past many months, I believe it’s important to communicate more broadly via official AFA Alaska channels. This is especially true now that the preferred deadline of January 15th for candidates to make themselves known is just days away. I would have made the announcement sooner, but I was holding off on doing so because my focus has been on bargaining.

After five consecutive terms as MEC president, it’s time for me to step aside and give a new generation the opportunity to lead. Therefore, I am not seeking reelection and plan on returning to the line. I sincerely thank all the candidates who step forward and are willing to serve, and I look forward to the interviews in a few weeks.  

However, this isn’t a goodbye from me quite yet as there is a lot of work to be done between now and my last day in office on February 28th. The next month and a half will be spent closing the books on TA2 and preparing for the new joint MEC administration. My primary goal is to set up the next MEC president to helm Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiations starting in March from the most optimal position possible. 

I’ll leave you with this thought for your consideration: If the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) were able to use a ratified TA2 as a stepping stone to build upon in the JCBA, then we would all benefit from a proverbial second bite at the apple for additional contractual improvements. In the meantime, stay tuned for developments as we work through the TA2 ratification process. 

In Solidarity,

Jeff

AFA Alaska News in Review – January 10, 2025

In This Edition

Southern California Wildfires

Originally posted January 9, 2025

The wildfires in the Los Angeles area are devastating, and the situation is rapidly evolving, including the spread of the fires and connectivity outages. If you are in the area, please stay safe and evacuate if authorities advise you to do so. For live updates, click here.

Read More >

TA2 Mediation Session 3

Originally posted January 9, 2025

Our Negotiating Committee and management reached an Agreement in Concept (AIC), marking a significant step toward achieving TA2. The Negotiating Committee will prepare materials, including the finalized text, to present to the Master Executive Council (MEC). The voting members of the MEC (Local Executive Council Presidents) will conduct a thorough review and vote whether to release the agreement for membership ratification.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Mobilization Volunteer Profile Pics

Originally posted January 6, 2025

Do you have questions about negotiations? While scrolling through conversations about negotiations on social media, look for your peers with a Mobilization Volunteer profile pic frame to ensure you’re getting accurate and up-to-date information.

For more information about negotiations, visit https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/

Merged MEC Officer Elections Update

Originally posted January 9, 2025

As reported last month, the MEC Officer elections for the merged MEC will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with an effective date of March 1, 2025. Local Council Presidents from Alaska and Hawaiian, along with the MEC Officers from each airline, will gather in San Francisco for these elections.

The process of merging the councils is being managed by the International Office. AFA’s Membership Department is currently gathering Willingness to Serve forms and resumes from those interested in three officer positions. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the Willingness to Serve form online and email your resume to International Secretary-Treasurer Dante Harris at dharris@afacwa.org.

On Tuesday, January 7, the names of candidates who completed this process were shared on the AFA International website. If more Flight Attendants express their interest and submit a willingness to serve form, the Membership Department will update the candidate list daily at afacwa.org/AlaskaHawaiian. It’s highly recommended that candidates declare their interest by January 15 for consideration by the Local Council Presidents from both Alaska and Hawaiian. Interviews will take place during the meeting on January 29. Candidates are highly encouraged to appear in San Francisco; those unable to attend in person may request a virtual interview.

As of now, the following individuals have submitted their names for consideration in the election. If a candidate submitted a resume, a link is posted for viewing on the AFA International website.

MEC President

  • Jacob Billig
  • Timothy Green
  • Thresia Raynor

MEC Vice President

  • Brice McGee
  • Martin Monteblanco
  • Andrew Stinson
  • Ty Tufono-Chaussee

MEC Secretary-Treasurer

  • Linda Christou
  • Paul Ikioka

Next Week’s Events

Monday, January 13Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 16Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, August 13, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), Diana Berni (PDX),  Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – August 2026

On Monday, August 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely 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 pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt […]

787-9 Inflight Service Grievance: Protecting Our Contract and Standards

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants For decades, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants have defined the Spirit of Aloha. We take pride in delivering world-class service, but management’s current Boeing 787-9 service model is threatening that legacy. It isn’t just inefficient—it’s an unsustainable pace that undermines the quality our passengers expect and the professional […]

Pre-Merger Alaska Reserve Webinar Video and Q&A Recap – August 6, 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Thank you to everyone who joined our first pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! We created this interactive session to share practical contract tips and help you feel more confident about reserve life. You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel using the link below. Please note that […]

Wrapping Up Membership Engagement Focus Month: Stronger Together

July was a remarkable month for our Membership Engagement Committee. We set out with a clear purpose: to bring our Flight Attendant community closer together, share valuable resources, and build authentic connections throughout our system. Over the past four weeks, we explored what it means to be engaged in our AFA family. We kicked things […]

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