Council 19 SEA (pmAS)

Why Do PBS Awards Take So Long?

October 11, 2026 19:00

Written by Virginia Fritz, MEC Scheduling Vice Chairperson—PBS

We often hear: “Don’t they just have to click a button?”

Well, yes, they click the button. But there is a lot of happening after that.

When bids close at 9am PT on the 10th, Crew Planning pulls the most up-to-date information from Crew Access so NAVBLUE is working with the information needed to process the following month and build legal schedules. Once that’s complete, that’s when the AFA Joint PBS Committee gets to work and start processing our bid awards.

Pairing lines are processed first, in Seniority Order

NAVBLUE reads each Flight Attendant’s bid and works through the preferences that were actually submitted. As it processes an award, it is:

Reading and evaluating the Flight Attendant’s bid and preferences.
Looking at available pairings that fit those preferences and their legalities
Looking at coverage needs and determining how much coverage is truly needed so flying isn’t unnecessarily left for coverage when it could be awarded through the seniority-based process.
Using denial mode when a bid cannot be fully awarded, going back through the bid to determine what can be awarded.
Using trip substitution to find another pairing within the Flight Attendant’s bid preferences when possible.
Working through different combinations to find the best possible solution.
Using SLG (Secondary Line Generation) if needed to complete a legal line if one cannot complete after all iterations have been exhausted.

The program is given millions of iterations (attempts) to work through different possibilities. It can try many combinations of pairings and preferences rather than simply taking the first solution it finds.

Why does one run take so long?

The size of the base makes a big difference. At a base of around 500 Flight Attendants, a pairing run might take approximately 3 to 10 minutes. At a base of around 2,700 Flight Attendants, a run can take approximately 2 to 12 hours.

And one run does not necessarily produce a legal or acceptable result. The line average may not be within the required range, or the minimum and maximum line values may not fall within the contractual windows. When that happens, our Joint AFA PBS Committee adjusts parameters and launches a new run.

For the October Bid Month, the first SEA PBS run took 11 hours and 5 minutes and produced only 436 of the 510 reserves needed for the operation. Even if the company wanted 74 fewer reserves, the run still wasn’t legal. The ALV was 77.4 TFP, with windows of 70 TFP Minimum, 80 TFP Threshold, and 90 TFP Maximum. Based on the ALV, the legal maximum was 87.4 TFP making the 90 TFP Maximum 2.6 TFP too high.

Then reserve awards are processed

Once an acceptable solution is determined for line holders pairings, reserve awards are processed. Reserve processing can also require multiple runs to find an acceptable and legal solution.

October was particularly challenging because of Junior Vacation and Junior Recurrent already pre-planned on the schedule, leaving the program less flexibility to work around those activities while finding legal line solutions while it already had less pairings to potentially award.

The number of runs and the amount of time each run takes don’t necessarily go together. The summer months generally had shorter run times, even though some months required more runs.

Bidding Timeline

Bid packets and bidding timelines is covered in §10.J of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. After bids close at 9am PT of the 10th of the month prior to the bid period, bid awards are required to be available to all Flight Attendants by 9am PT of the 13th of the month prior to the bid month, per §10.J.8.

We understand the importance of getting Flight Attendants their schedules and our AFA Joint PBS committee works very hard to make them available as soon as possible. For the bid months of 2026, bid awards have consistently been published well ahead of the deadline averaging 1 day, 18 hours and 37 minutes early. The earliest bid awards were published in 2026 was for the February 2026 bid month which was published on Sunday, January 11 at 10:30am – 1 day, 22 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the contractual deadline. The latest 2026 published to date was for June 2026 bid month which was published on Monday, May 11 around 5:40 pm – 1 day, 15 hours and 20 minutes earlier than the contractual deadline.

AFA vs. Management Goals

The company’s operational goals include estimated reserve needs, open time, and coverage of dates where flying is needed. From AFA’s perspective, we are looking at staying within contractual parameters, reducing coverage, reducing SLG, and maintaining the best possible options for Flight Attendants within the available flying.

So when we are waiting for PBS awards, there isn’t necessarily one calculation running once and then the awards are ready. There can be many runs, with the program working through different possibilities each time.

So, do they just click a button? Yes, that is one of the steps in the process.

Then NAVBLUE starts working through millions of possible combinations: reading bids, checking legality and coverage, using denial mode when needed, looking for trip substitutions within the Flight Attendant’s preferences, and working through different combinations.

And sometimes it has to do that more than once, many more times.

Meet Our Local Chairpersons – September 2026

September 30, 2026 18:18

We’re excited to introduce our final group of SEA Local Committee Chairpersons for the current LEC Officer term. They officially start their terms on November 1, 2026. Below you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Members at Council 19.

Kathy O’Malley | Local Benefits/Retirement Chairperson

Kathy came to Alaska Airlines in 2004 after working for Nordstrom in Corporate Human Resources as a Benefits Specialist for 18 years. Once she completed probation, knowing she wanted to help Flight Attendants, she served on the SEA EAP/Professional Standards Committee for 8 years.

In 2012, the Local Benefits/Retirement position became available where she has served for the past 14 years. Kathy is committed to helping her fellow Flight Attendants in any way she can and it has personally brought her much joy to have that connection.

She enjoys traveling with her husband in their vintage trailers and cars, gardening, and playing with their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Terry Taylor | Local Benefits/Retirement Vice-Chairperson

Terry has been a Flight Attendant for Alaska Airlines since 1973. She has always been Seattle-based. Although she was a commuter for eleven years, long before the current commuter policy, she has always maintained a home in the Seattle area. She attended Stephens College and Seattle University.

During the first few years of her career, she attended Union meetings, followed newsletters and began her AFA involvement. Over the ensuing years, she has served as MEC/LEC President, LEC President, MEC Vice President, and many other positions. She’s also the longest serving member of the AFA-CWA International Finance Committee.

When she started, she was appalled to hear that Alaska Flight Attendants did not have a Retirement plan, although a few had been employed for over 20 years. When AFA first secured a Retirement Plan, Terry was appointed to the Flight Attendant Retirement Board, where she served for many years. Long before there was a Benefits Committee, she self-educated and worked with ill and injured Flight Attendants to ensure that they received the proper benefits. Once the Committee was formed, she was the MEC Chair for many years. She welcomes the opportunity to continue to support Alaska Flight Attendants.

Andrea Korican | Local EAP/Professional Standards Chairperson

Andrea began her career with Alaska Airlines in 1990 and joined the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in 2011. After more than a decade of supporting fellow Flight Attendants through EAP, she moved into the SEA EAP Vice Chairperson role in 2022 and became Local EAP Chairperson for Council 19 in 2024.

As Local EAP Chairperson, Andrea is committed to advocacy, peer support, and ensuring Alaska Flight Attendants have a trusted place to turn when they need guidance. Whether someone is navigating substance-related concerns, personal or professional challenges, or simply needs help finding answers and resources, she is passionate about helping Flight Attendants feel supported, respected, and connected to the right assistance.

Andrea believes strongly in the value of peer-based support and in meeting Flight Attendants where they are. Her leadership approach is grounded in compassion, confidentiality, education, and service to the Flight Attendant community.

She is a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and she continues to further her education and professional credentials within the EAP field to strengthen the support and resources available to Alaska Flight Attendants.Andrea lives in Kirkland, Washington, and outside of work enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends, as well as wine tasting and traveling.

Jarod McNeill | Local Hotel Chairperson

Jarod McNeill has been an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant for more than 22 years and brings extensive experience in Union leadership, contract advocacy, hotel evaluation, and the travel industry to his role as Local Hotel Chairperson.

Throughout his career, Jarod has been actively involved with AFA and has spent more than 18 years volunteering in support of Flight Attendants, particularly new hires and reserves. His union experience has included serving as Local Reserve Chairperson, MEC Reserve Chairperson, MEC Reserve Vice-Chairperson – New Hire and Probation, and Local Hotel Chairperson. He is also grievance trained, giving him a strong understanding of our contract and the importance of ensuring negotiated protections and standards are upheld.

Jarod is excited to continue in the role of Local Hotel Chairperson for Council 19, where he has previously worked to evaluate layover properties and advocate for hotels that meet the needs of Flight Attendants. He understands that a crew hotel is more than simply a place to sleep. Safety and security, cleanliness, comfortable rooms and beds, adequate rest, food availability, transportation, location, amenities, and the overall quality of the layover experience all matter.

In addition to his airline and union experiences, Jarod has an extensive professional background in the travel industry. He owns and operates a travel agency, is an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor and currently volunteers in travel focused nonprofits. His work in the travel industry gives him regular exposure to hotels and hospitality brands around the world, and an understanding of hotel operations, service standards, property positioning, amenities, and the overall guest experience.

The combination of perspectives, as a working Flight Attendant, experienced Union representative, Local Hotel Chairperson, and travel industry professional, provides Jarod with a unique foundation for evaluating crew hotels and advocating for properties that provide our Flight Attendants with the safe, comfortable, and restful layovers they deserve.Jarod looks forward to once again representing our Flight Attendants in securing and maintaining the best properties possible.

Ross De Jong | Local Inflight Service Chairperson

Ross began his flying career with Alaska Airlines in 1991, making this year his 35th anniversary with the company. Prior to joining Alaska, Ross spent 10 years in the

restaurant industry, where he held various management and corporate positions. He is also a certified “Train the Trainer” graduate through the American Society for Training and Development.

For over a decade, Ross has been actively involved with the Inflight Service Committee (ISC), serving as the SEA Local Chairperson for the past eight years. He is deeply dedicated to supporting the Flight Attendant workgroup and advocating for onboard service and safety concerns. Additionally, Ross contributes to the Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program as a trained safety observer.

Ross is married to fellow Flight Attendant Chip Hestle, and the couple is also celebrating their 35th anniversary together this year.

Local Committee Appointments – September 2026

September 22, 2026 08:00

During this week’s LEC meeting, our LEC held interviews for our final group of Local Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson positions. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest and willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been appointed:

Local Benefits/Retirement Chairperson: Kathy O’Malley
Local Benefits/Retirement Vice-Chairperson: Terry Taylor
Local EAP/Professional Standards Chairperson: Andrea Korican
Local Hotel Chairperson: Jarod McNeill
Local Infight Service Chairperson: Ross De Jong

These newly appointed Local Committee Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons will carry out their respective roles for Council 19. Their official term begins on November 1, 2026. They will serve for the current LEC Officer election cycle which began on July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your LEC President at sea.lecp@afaalaska.org.

Meet Our Local Chairpersons – August 2026

August 19, 2026 12:50

We’re excited to introduce our next group of SEA Local Committee Chairpersons for the current LEC Officer term. They officially start their terms on October 1, 2026. Below you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Members at Council 19.

David Lake | Local ASHSC Chairperson

David began his career as a Flight Attendant in 1979, initially based in Denver, CO with Continental Airlines. He joined Alaska Airlines in 1982.

He is honored to continue in his role as Local ASHSC Chairperson for SEA. Beyond his primary responsibilities of working to improve health, safety, and security of our Flight Attendants, he works with SEA Base leadership on a variety of areas impacting our workgroup, including ground and flight operations, training, aircraft catering, maintenance, and customer service.

In addition to his current position at the local level, David also serves as the MEC ASHSC LOSA Representative. Passionate about continuous improvement, he previously served as MEC ASHSC Chairperson, and he remains dedicated to strengthening programs to ensure the well-being and operation excellence of his colleagues across the airline.

Jack Espinosa | Local ASHSC Vice-Chairperson

Jack has been a Flight Attendant since 2022 and holds a university degree in Business Management. Bringing a strong foundation in risk management and operational oversight from his background in audio/visual production management, where he served as a production manager and safety coordinator, Jack naturally gravitated towards aviation safety. His active Union involvement began after serving as a guest Flight Attendant speaker at an AFA Safety Base meeting with management and base leadership. Inspired to advocate directly for his flying partners, he served two years as a local ASHSC committee member for SEA.

Stepping into his new role as Vice-Chairperson, Jack is focused on supporting and advising the ASHSC Chairperson and LEC, maintaining consistent communication by writing and producing bi-monthly safety newsletter, and actively identifying ways to enhance safety policies and operational procedures.

Outside of flying and safety work, Jack is an avid food enthusiast on layovers, always looking for the best local pizza, burger, or sandwich spots.

Conner Gallagher | Local Reserve Chairperson

Conner began his career as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant in 2017 after previously flying for Horizon Air from 2014 to 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University and has served as SEA Local Reserve Committee Chairperson since 2019.

Conner became involved with AFA because he wanted to help Flight Attendants better understand and exercise their contractual rights, particularly while navigating the unique challenges of reserve life. He has seen firsthand how knowledgeable advocacy can make a meaningful difference for individual members and believes strongly in holding management accountable to the contract.

In his continued role with the Reserve Committee, Conner’s priorities are to advocate for greater flexibility and quality of life for reserves, ensure contractual provisions are applied correctly and consistently, and continue identifying opportunities to improve the reserve experience.

Outside of work and Union advocacy, Conner enjoys skiing, real estate, weightlifting, spending time with his three dogs and family, and going to concerts.

Ian Haywood | Local Reserve Vice-Chairperson

Ian started flying in 2017 and has been an AFA volunteer since passing probation. He served as Local Reserve Vice-Chairperson and Mobilization Chairperson from 2022-2024. In these roles, he worked with Flight Attendants understanding the importance of empowerment, and member engagement. He is passionate in ensuring that more reserves feel supported and able to understand their contract, while developing a relationship with AFA that encourages them to become engaged Members.

He is committed to building a connection between Flight Attendants and Union leadership through education, communication and advocacy. Outside of work and Union activities, he enjoys his travel benefits extensively with his boyfriend and is a cruise traveler, taking five or six cruises a year.

Rita Tillou | Local Scheduling Chairperson

Rita has proudly worn the wings of an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant since 1988. With nearly four decades of dedication to her career and fellow Flight Attendants, she continues to be a passionate advocate for her peers. Rita served as the Local Scheduling Co-Chairperson before transitioning to the Local Scheduling Chairperson, where she remains honored to support our SEA-based Flight Attendants.

Throughout her career, Rita has devoted more than a decade to representing her fellow Flight Attendants through the Scheduling, Benefits, and Inflight Service committees. Her commitment to fairness and service has been a meaningful part of her Union advocacy and career.

Family is at the heart of Rita’s life. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 41 years, and together they have two children and two cats. Her passion for aviation is truly a family affair: her husband is also a Flight Attendant, her son is a Pilot, and her daughter-in-law is a Flight Attendant. Outside of flying and AFA, Rita enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Dena Heath | Local Uniform Chairperson

Dena began her career with Alaska Airlines in 2012. Before becoming a Flight Attendant, she spent 16 years in retail management, specializing in visual display and merchandising. She holds a degree in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

With her passion about uniforms, Dena is excited to continue serving as Local Uniform Chairperson in SEA. She brings her experience, creativity, and attention to detail to the role and looks forward to continuing to support her fellow Flight Attendants.

Outside of work, Dena loves spending tie with her 5-year-old daughter, Charlie, and making the most of their time together.

Local Committee Appointments – August 2026

August 14, 2026 08:12

During this week’s LEC meeting, our LEC held interviews for our next group of Local Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson positions. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest and willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been appointed:

Local ASHSC Chairperson: David Lake
Local ASHSC Vice-Chairperson: Jack Espinosa
Local Reserve Chairperson: Conner Gallagher
Local Reserve Vice-Chairperson: Ian Haywood
Local Scheduling Chairperson: Rita Tillou
Local Uniform Chairperson: Dena Heath

These newly appointed Local Committee Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons will carry out their respective roles for Council 19. Their official term begins on October 1, 2026. They will serve for the current LEC Officer election cycle which began on July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your LEC President at sea.lecp@afaalaska.org.

Why Do PBS Awards Take So Long?