Boeing 787 Seattle International Service Observation Period Update – May 2026

05/16/2026: This post has been corrected to reflect the correct crew-to-load of 85% that was negotiated with the opening of the SEA base. The previous version incorrectly listed it at 80%. The service comparison document linked below has also been updated to reflect the correct number.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Over the past few weeks, Alaska-branded 787 International Service launched with flights on April 25 (SEA-ICN), April 28 (SEA-FCO), and, coming soon, May 21 (SEA-LHR). As many of you know, the Seattle international service has not yet been formally agreed upon. Per the Hawaiian Contract [Section 29.I.4.], AFA agreement is required for any service implemented on the 787-9. AFA negotiated a 30-day observation period, using SEA-FCO as the basis. At the end of this period, we expect to present a final proposal for the Seattle international service. Our next steps will depend on management’s willingness to collaborate.

Service Feedback

Our Inflight Service Committee is continually monitoring your feedback. Thank you to everyone who has submitted input through Block2Block (B2B), filed Intelex reports, or emailed us directly. The insights you share are invaluable and play a key role in our conversations with management.

Use B2B to document catering and service feedback using the Catering & Service Feedback Tab under your respective flight in B2B.

Please note: this feature is only available for 24 hours after your flight concludes. We are actively working with management to extend this window. While the submission text box has a character limit, you can submit multiple reports for the same flight if needed. Simply split your feedback across several entries.

Service Communications

Because this is an evolving service, management is regularly updating available resources.

The latest update, effective May 13, can be found in the Content App: All Files > In-Flight > 5. Onboard Service > 0. Latest Updates > 26-045 787 Alaska-Branded Service Updates #2.

Train Service vs Zone Service

Why are we doing a train service in the main cabin for 787 Seattle international?

There really is no short answer to this question. In September of 2025, when SEA-ICN first launched on the 787 with the Hawaiian Brand, the train service was introduced. Numerous test flights were operated by the Hawaiian Service Team and Inflight Service Committee. As the service flow began to develop, staffing proved to be the biggest challenge. With the Business Class cabin suites now requiring four Flight Attendants, the main cabin was left with five to six Flight Attendants, depending on crew-to-load at 90% (with the opening of the SEA base, AFA negotiated this crew-to-load to 85%). Variable staffing in the main cabin led to many catering and loading complexities, an uneven workload, and inconsistent flow with zone service. Moving to the train service helped alleviate concerns about streamlining service flow, evenly distributing the Flight Attendant workload, and simplifying catering. 

Development of the Alaska-branded 787 International Service was based on the Hawaiian-branded 787 SEA-ICN model. The Hawaiian Service Team and Inflight Service Committee conducted Business Class-focused test flights, with the understanding that no additional elements would be added to the Main Cabin. However, after the test period, management introduced several new products and services in the Main Cabin—such as premium-class offerings, status recognition, expanded beverage options, alcohol for purchase, and both ice cream and warm cookies—without the opportunity for further testing. These last-minute additions reinforced AFA’s decision not to endorse the Alaska-branded Seattle international service at this time, resulting in the current 30-day observation period.

Our Inflight Service Committee remains committed to advocating for a service model that matches current staffing levels. Discussions about increasing 787 staffing prior to the JCBA have reached an impasse. Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) fully understands the challenges associated with our current staffing and will continue to address these concerns with management during negotiations. Meanwhile, the Committee will maintain its focus on ensuring a fair and workable service for everyone.

787 International Main Cabin Service Survey

We’d like to gather your preferences on Main Cabin service delivery. Information will be used to guide the Committee to best advocate for our Flight Attendants. 

To help provide additional context, we’ve created an example comparing train and zone service scenarios. This is not an official service proposal or service resource. This example is intended to provide you with the potential pros and cons of each delivery style.

Click here to see the AFA service comparison ➔

The survey will be available until Thursday, May 28, at 8 PM PT.