The implementation of Premium Class service has led to several concerns from AFA members that the Master Executive Council (MEC) would like to address.
Selling upgrades in-flight
AFA has been in contact with the union representing the Customer Service Agents and Reservations Agents, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), regarding the selling of upgrades in-flight. AFA and IAM are in mutual agreement there is no scope of agreement violation in our respective contracts as long as Flight Attendants sell the Premium Class upgrades in-flight. Please do not sell any Premium Class upgrades while on the ground. Although selling Premium Class upgrades in-flight is not a contractual violation, AFA will definitely remember these additional duties the next time we’re at the bargaining table!
Premium Class training
Did you know there is required computer based training (CBT) for the new Premium Class service? If not, you are in good company because this is a surprise to many. Although there have been a few references to the training in various management communications since it was first mentioned in the Inflight Bulletin Bundle (IBB) posted on December, 14, 2016, the actual notice of the training being required and paid has not been adequate in AFA’s opinion.
According to the IBB, training may be completed via the Premium Class app on your Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) or on a computer by going to aspremiumclass.com. Management states the paid training must be completed by Wednesday, January 18, 2017, which is a deadline that AFA is disputing. The training will be paid at 1.0 TFP pursuant to §30.C.4.
More than four upgrades?
As of this writing, management has yet to provide guidance in a situation in which more than four customers wish to move to Premium Class. AFA has requested management to provide direction on this issue.
Alcohol control procedures
Flight Attendants have asked AFA to seek guidance from management with regard to alcohol control procedures in Premium Class. This is the information we have received from management so far:
- All Premium Class (PC) customers receive an alcoholic beverage if they want, including non-revenue. The customer must meet the usual alcohol service protocol according to the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM).
- PC customers receive up to two drinks per cart if requested (F/As should not offer two).
- PC customers may request and be served alcohol in addition to the standard service(s) as long as they do not appear to be intoxicated or in danger of becoming so. [Note: There appears to be conflict between emailed policy clarifications issued by management and the guidance stated in our Emergency Interim Bulletins (EIBs) with regard to how much complementary alcohol is provided in addition to the cart service(s). Do we only serve complementary alcoholic beverages during cart service or do we provide them on request as well? AFA would like management to clarify the policy.]
Important: Report all alcohol-related incidents; include the customer’s seat number and class of service in the report so that we may identify any trends related to PC. In addition, document concerns related to selling upgrades in-flight, more than four upgrade requests at a time and incorrect catering.
We thank all of you who have alerted us to the concerns with new Premium Class service. There appears to be several questions left for management to answer regarding Premium Class. AFA will continue to pressure management to provide Flight Attendants with sufficient supplies and accurate information to ensure that you have the resources you need.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee; MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett; and MEC Air, Safety Health and Security Committee Chairperson Seth Heiple
Tod Hansen says
With the possibility of up to 3 people serving the 30 people in PC, is there any concern over the difficulties in assessing alcohol related behavior. In first class, the A can have a very good scope as to how alcohol is being consumed and when to stop service.
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
Absolutely there is concern! Please document all alcohol-related concerns via Flight Attendant Incident Report (FAIR) with regard to Premium Class so that the AFA Air Safety Health and Security Committee can identify specific trends and concerns.