AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News

AFA News in Review – February 20, 2026

In This Edition

  • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026
  • Invitation to Training: What To Do if a Union Member is Detained
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

Originally posted February 16, 2026

From unexpected hotel charges and pest problems to the need for clearer self-help guidelines, our Hotel Committee addressed a range of important issues impacting crew layovers this month. Read more about the discussions that highlight ongoing efforts to ensure safe and comfortable accommodations for all Flight Attendants.

Read More >

Invitation to Training: What To Do if a Union Member is Detained

Originally posted February 18, 2026

Are you prepared to support your fellow Union Members in times of uncertainty? The California Federation of Labor Unions is offering training to equip you with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively if a Union Member is detained.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, February 24 – Thursday, February 26Joint Contract Negotiations
Tuesday, February 24Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Wednesday, February 25Council 39 (PDX) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, February 26Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Friday, February 27Council 15 (SAN), Council 18 (pmAS LAX), and Council 47 (pmHA LAX) Local Council Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Invitation to Training: What To Do if a Union Member is Detained

The California Federation of Labor Unions is offering a series of Union Rapid Response Trainings. The next session, “What To Do if a Union Member is Detained,” will offer practical information and guidance on how to respond if this happens.

Details of the training are as follows:

Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 11:30 AM to 1 PM PT
Location: Zoom

Please register for the training by clicking here.

All Union Members and leaders are welcome. The session will go over response steps and share resources to help Members in these situations.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

On Monday, February 9, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met virtually 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), Brian Sherill (LAX-pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Hotel and Administration Diane Szubert, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams. 

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

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:

Hotel and Ground Transportation Specific Issues (pmAS):

  • BOS- One of our BOS hotels is charging $25 per microwave request. This charge was not conveyed during the site inspection, and Crew Hotels will follow up with the hotel for resolution. 
  • KOA- There were a few reports of white, spider-like bugs in crew rooms in Kona. Although these are not bed bugs, the hotel has enacted hotel bed bug measures to ensure that these rooms are properly treated.  
  • CMH- A crew was relocated to an airport hotel that is not a contracted property, which means that direct billing was not used. The Flight Attendant has since been contacted by the hotel for room payment for their crew’s stay. This was escalated to corporate accounts payable to rectify. 
  • EWR (Transportation)- During the recent winter ice storms on the East Coast, ground transportation was adjusted in a few markets as a precaution to ensure crews arrived on time. In EWR, one crew arrived forty-five minutes earlier than necessary. We have asked that Crew Scheduling be more realistic with their transit predictions so as not to infringe on a Flight Attendant’s layover time.  Furthermore, the Hotel Committee was not notified of transit time adjustments.  

Group Booking Awareness (pmAS):

  • Crew Hotels was asked to be more proactive in relocating crews when there are known group bookings at our layover properties that will result in a significant decrease in crew amenities.  

Self-Help Clarification (pmAS CBA §34.D):

  • To better clarify both Flight Attendant and Company responsibilities when electing hotel self-help, a process plan is being developed for Flight Attendant reference. Additionally, training is being requested so that Crew Scheduling and Base Management feel empowered to authorize self-help when requested. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  • Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts site visits on hotels under consideration by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities.  
    • Pre-Merger Alaska: We have been provided the site visit schedule for 2026, and it’s quite extensive. Additional site visits may be added due to the conditions listed above. The scheduled site visits through June 2026 are:
      • February: CVG, PHL, KEF
      • March: PSP, MKE, FAI, MIA
      • April: LIR, DFW, KOA, JFK
      • May: BOS, PHX, ATL
    • Pre-Merger Hawaiian: The following site visits are confirmed for 2026 so far: 
      • February:  FCO, SMF
      • March: LHR, SJC
  • Hotel Gainshare Update: There is no new update at this time. We are still awaiting further information from our AFA International legal department regarding the tax implications raised by management. We will provide additional details as soon as they are available.

We Want to Hear From You!

Our Hotel Committee relies on your feedback, whether positive or negative. Please report via CrewCare (pmAS) or the FA Crew Accommodations Feedback form (pmHA), which ensures your experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation is addressed. These are the only official way to report issues, as the Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare and feedback form submission is forwarded to our AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska/Hawaiian management), API, and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct or fix the issue for the next crew member. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. Pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants 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! Your Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

AFA News in Review – February 13, 2026

In This Edition

  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026
  • Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – February 2026 Update
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

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

Originally posted February 12, 2026

From clarifying safety procedures for extreme cold-weather catering to advocating for faster-donning POB masks and addressing ongoing cabin air quality concerns, the ASHSC tackled a diverse array of issues at its latest meeting. They’re also pushing to reclassify informational bulletins that affect CRM as required, ensuring all crew members and other work group employees receive important updates that directly impact in-flight safety and coordination.

Read More >

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – February 2026 Update

Originally posted February 13, 2026 | Pre-Merger Hawaiian

The Hawaiian Seattle Negotiating Committee has reached an agreement on the process for the SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding. Additionally, there are 121 permanent positions available for the SEA Domicile effective May 1, 2026, and bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Flight Attendants interested in these positions should use the IFS Vacancy Bid Form and review the Letter of Agreement for further details.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Check out this week’s highlights from our social media! Click on a graphic below to view the original post on Instagram. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates and news as we share it!

Originally posted February 9, 2026

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, February 19Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Bidding has opened for 121 permanent vacancies available at the SEA Domicile effective May 1, 2026. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on February 16
  • The Negotiating Committee has reached an agreement on the SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding process, which offers additional relocation options for April and May bidders
  • The Committee is addressing the company’s requirement for proof of relocation for flat rate payments, and advises affected Flight Attendants to document their interactions and contact union leadership if denied the flat rate

SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting

The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM HT on Tuesday, February 17. Please use the IFS Vacancy Bid Form if you are interested.

DateTimeEvent
Monday, February 1611:59 PM HTClose of bids Email confirmation of vacancy bid sent to hawaiianair.com email
Tuesday, January 17    12:00 PM HTPost of awards/Recission Period Begins Email (hawaiianair.com) to successful bidders
Wednesday, January 18    11:59 PM HTRescission deadline for successful bidders
Thursday, February 1912:00 PM HTPost of backfill awards (if any) / 2nd Recission Period Begins
Friday, February 2011:59 PM HT2nd Recission Period Ends     
Monday, February 2312:00 PM HTFinal Awards Posted

SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding Letter of Agreement

The Negotiating Committee has reached an agreement on the award process for the SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding. Any provision not addressed in the Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be handled in accordance with the CBA.  Please review the full text of the LOA here:

Here are some highlights of the agreement:    

  • As an alternative option for Relocation Days and Travel Time (for April and May bidders only), the provisions of Section 5.G (Relocation Time) will still apply and are an available option for Flight Attendants.
  • April bidders may elect to receive pay and credit of 4.50 hours per day for a total of 27 hours for April 1 to April 6, or April 2 to April 7, or April 3 to April 8
  • May bidders may elect to receive pay and credit of 4.50 hours per day for a total of 27 hours for May 1 to May 6, or May 2 to May 7, or May 3 to May 8
  • A response to the company email is needed within 15 calendar days to accept, reject, or slide relocation days.
    • If Flight Attendants wish alternate moving days, but do not know the exact days, they still must inform the company within 15 calendar days that they will mutually arrange the days later
  • Low Time for the month of May will include 9 Low Time positions.
  • There will be 1 Reduced Time position for the month of April per Section 13.B. and 13.D of the CBA.  Bids will open March 1 and close March 7 for that position.

SEA LOA Resources

Flat Rate Moving Expenses

Thank you very much for reaching out to us to share your concerns and frustration about management’s 11th-hour notification of the requirement to provide proof of moving in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. This is the first time that AFA is aware of this requirement and it was not discussed during the negotiations for any HA-SEA Domicile Letters of Agreement or in any prior contract negotiations. We feel blindsided.

AFA does not agree with management’s demand for documentation for the flat rate payment.

There is no justification either in long-standing practice, or in the CBA, of requiring Flight Attendants who opt for the flat-rate payment to supply proof of relocation. The negotiated SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding LOA contains no requirement for relocation to receive the flat-rate payment.

Hawaiian has a long-standing practice of requiring receipts for the actual moving expenses, but not for the flat rate. The flat rate was created as an option for Flight Attendants and to assist those who are not actually moving to establish themselves at the new base. This would include the opportunity for Flight Attendants to secure housing (i.e. crash pads) and transportation.

In fact, the only instance in the CBA in which documentation demonstrating relocation for a flat     rate payment is required is if a Flight Attendant is on a leave of absence.

As a reminder, Flight Attendants have 12 months from the date of their report to the domicile to elect the flat rate payment.

Next Steps

For the Negotiating Committee:

  • The Negotiating Committee continues to seek a resolution with management. If the disagreement remains unresolved the Committee will seek to file a timely grievance.

For Flight Attendants seeking the Flat Rate:

  • Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
  • Please contact your local union leadership to inform them of your denial, Council 43, Martin Gusman (martin.gusman@afahawaiian.org), or Council 47, Josh Aoki (josh.aoki@afahawaiian.org) so we may track any potential grievants.

Taxes and Moving Payments

Moving Payments (including Flat-Rate and Actual Expense Reimbursement) are currently treated as taxable income under federal law. This change was introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which required these payments to be taxed starting January 1, 2018. Although this provision was originally set to expire in 2025, subsequent legislation has extended the taxation of moving benefits indefinitely. This information is provided for general awareness only. For questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

System Board of Adjustment Interviews – June 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Our Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for one (1) Member to serve on the pre-merger Alaska AFA System Board of Adjustment. Scope Members are to serve on the System Board of Adjustment for the purpose of arbitrating any disputes or grievances that may arise […]

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Update – May 2026

With three domiciles now operated by pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants, the Seattle Domicile Negotiating Committee would like to clarify how out-of-domicile pickups and trades work. Trips in the ETCH folder must be cleared in their home domicile before they are available for pickup or trade by Flight Attendants from other bases. Additionally, if you wish to pick up a SEA 787-9 pairing but are not based in SEA, you must order the Dreamliner uniform through Affinity Apparel.

AFA Committee Focus Month: EAP/Professional Standards

We’re excited to launch our first AFA Committee Focus Month this month. This program will help you get to know the different AFA Committees, all made up of volunteer Flight Attendants, the work they do for us, and the resources available to you. We’re starting by highlighting our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee, which lines […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

The JNC continued its thorough review of both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems, engaging in productive discussions with key company stakeholders. A collaborative approach was proposed to address the complex provisions, ensuring that all parties’ needs are considered. Looking ahead, the committee is preparing to gather feedback through a Crew Meal Survey and anticipates further sessions with management from June 2 to June 4.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance […]

Recent Posts

News By Month

News By Category

AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX (pmAS) Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 43 HNL Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska + Hawaiian news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
Sign Up for Emails
Sign Up for Text Updates