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In This Edition

  • Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon
  • Struggling With A Coworker? Consider AFA Professional Standards.
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026
  • Next Week’s Events

Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon

Originally posted May 25, 2026

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the Crew Meal Survey that will help shape future provisions. Our JNC is eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of crew meals are most meaningful to you, as we strive to improve our support for your needs. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Tuesday, May 26 at Noon PT.

Read More >

Struggling With A Coworker? Consider AFA Professional Standards.

Originally posted May 27, 2026

When workplace tensions rise, there are confidential and supportive alternatives to going to management. Discover how AFA Professional Standards empowers Flight Attendants to resolve issues respectfully—before they escalate.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026

Originally posted May 29, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Crew Scheduling and operational topics took center stage at this month’s pre-merger Alaska Scheduling Committee meeting with management. Discussions included bid protests, fatigue concerns, and strategies to improve our work environment.

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

Originally posted May 29, 2026

Concerns about extreme cabin heat, onboard use of Meta smart glasses, and cold-weather evacuations were among the topics addressed at the May 2026 Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting. The Committee also weighed in on adding Narcan to emergency kits and improving hotel van safety—read on to find out more about upcoming policies and ongoing projects that affect our safety on the job.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, June 2 – Thursday, June 4Joint Contract Negotiations
Thursday, June 4Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

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On Wednesday, May 20, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO), Bryce Sarmiento (LAX pmAS), Kahea Alvarez (LAX pmHA), Eva Gatus (SAN), Randy Rivera (HNL), and Kerri Ruiz (MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson).

The Committee met with several members of Inflight leadership and Safety management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Nicky Sagum (Manager of Safety Compliance), Randy Katz (Managing Director of Inflight Safety Standards & Training), Benito Pasia-Garcia (Director of Inflight Base Operations), Lavesh Bhatia (Inflight Policy & Procedure Specialist), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures), and base management representatives Anu Lippert and Laurel Padure.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place in virtually on Wednesday, July 15.

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):

  • Cabin Heat Events and APU Operations: The Committee discussed recent incidents of prolonged aircraft ground delays due to inoperative APUs during extreme heat. Concerns were raised regarding unsafe cabin temperatures, passenger comfort, and operational delays in returning to the gate. Management confirmed that APUs are expected to be running by D-10, and Flight Attendants were encouraged to use operational pauses and to submit FAIR/SHR reports whenever cabin temperatures become unsafe.
  • Meta Smart Glasses and Privacy Concerns: The Committee discussed concerns about the use of Meta smart glasses while on duty, including passenger privacy, recording capabilities, and operational distractions. Management advised that Revision 75 will prohibit Flight Attendant use of Meta glasses while working.
  • Emergency Equipment Accessibility: Several concerns were raised regarding retrofitted overhead emergency equipment locations on the 737-800 fleet. Flight Attendants reported difficulty accessing halon and water extinguishers, challenges viewing gauges during preflight checks, and improper bracket positioning impacting accessibility. Additional concerns included demo kits and carry-on baggage obstructing emergency equipment. Management requested continued FAIR reporting to establish trend data.
  • Extreme Cold Weather Evacuation Concerns: ANC representatives raised concerns regarding insufficient cold-weather uniform options during potential evacuations in extreme winter conditions. Discussion included FAA limitations on wearing bulky outerwear in jumpseats, lack of galley stowage space, and the need for additional guidance or training regarding cold-weather evacuation scenarios.
  • Hotel Van Safety Procedures: The Committee discussed safety concerns involving hotel transportation vendors requesting crew members to provide flight information before identifying themselves. Particular concern was raised for individual Flight Attendants arriving late at night. Management will coordinate follow-up discussions with hotel transportation providers regarding security expectations and procedures.
  • MAX 9 Trash Bin Design and Galley Trash Procedures: Representatives continued discussions regarding the MAX9 trash bin design, which allows trash and liquids to fall behind bins and creates sanitation concerns. Maintenance & Engineering advised that a retrofit project is planned for later this year. Additional discussion focused on current galley trash-handling procedures, including the operational practice of hanging trash bags in galleys, as well as concerns related to fire suppression and monitoring requirements.
  • Inoperative Seatbelt Sign MEL Events: The Committee reviewed recent events involving inoperative seatbelt sign switches and discussed alternate procedures when signs cannot be activated. Management reiterated that announcements currently serve as the approved mitigation procedure under MEL guidance.
  • Inaudible Flight Deck Announcements: Representatives discussed ongoing concerns about inaudible pilot PA announcements and difficulties hearing critical information while in the cabin. Management noted that this may primarily be a CRM issue, but agreed that additional review may be appropriate.
  • Safety Card Type Placards: Discussion continued regarding inconsistencies and missing safety card type placards onboard aircraft. Management reminded Flight Attendants to report missing placards through standard reporting channels so corrective action can be tracked.
  • Narcan and Overdose Response Discussions: The Committee discussed modernization of EMK/EEMK kits to potentially include nasal Narcan. Management acknowledged that many carriers are moving in this direction and confirmed the topic remains under review with MedAire and Safety leadership. Discussion also included training considerations, accessibility, storage, and maintenance requirements.
  • A330 Lavatory Flush Noise Concerns: Representatives raised concerns regarding excessive lavatory flush noise levels onboard the A330 fleet. Discussion included OSHA exposure thresholds, custom hearing protection programs, and possible reimbursement or support options for hearing protection devices.
  • PPE Use During Fume Events: The Committee discussed Flight Attendant concerns regarding the use of PPE, including carbon-layered masks, during fume events. Management stated there should be no issue with Flight Attendants utilizing appropriate PPE during qualifying exposure events and agreed additional follow-up may be necessary regarding onboard PPE availability and policy clarification.

Things The Committee Is Working On

  1. New Power Bank Procedures: There were several instances last year of power banks going into thermal runaway on Asian carriers. Additionally, UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory), which tracks thermal runaway events on commercial aircraft, has documented an increase in events attributable to power banks. As a result, there are updates to regulatory guidance on how they should be limited, stowed, and used onboard the aircraft. The Committee has been gathering information and working with the company to develop new procedures, which will be rolled out soon at AAG.
  2. MAX 10 Galleys: In coordination with the Inflight Service Committee, we have been working with management and the galley manufacturer on the MAX 10 galley designs. Our focus has been on safety, optimizing workflow, crew stowage location, which can be accessed without being visible to passengers, and easily accessible emergency equipment
  3. Demo Kit Stowage: We are gathering pictures of demo kits that are in overhead bins without dividers, along with tail numbers, and are making a case to have dividers for all demo kit stowage in first class on the 737.

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:

  • pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
  • pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

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 + Hawaiian website.

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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, May 26, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones were also present.

The Committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Performance & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Colin Beard, ITS Technical Product Owner Nathan McFerren and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, information technology (ITS), payroll.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 23.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

Local Committee Chairperson Discussions

  • Pairings Concern: Ongoing issues with pairings. 
  • Block2Block (B2B)- suggested implementing an audible alarm system for check-in to assist Flight Attendants.
  • Charter Operations: Charter timing issues are causing passenger frustration. Recommendations include timely scheduling and rebidding, with a commitment to improve pre-boarding processes. Communication with charter coordinators is planned.
  • Redeye Flights: Mention of numerous redeye flights affecting flight schedules.
  • D Position Flying: Noted aircraft downgrades affecting pairing operations, leading to reassignments rather than pre-cancellations. The contract had an incorrect citation, and our MEC and management are reviewing examples to determine a path forward.  
  • Crew Rest Areas: Concerns about long sits at PAE field; questioning the availability of adequate rest areas for crews.
  • Reassignment Pay Denial: Issues with reassignment pay being denied for specific city pairings. The Committee continues to discuss these issues with payroll. 
  • NAVBLUE Issues: Password reset issues were reported, and the PBS Subcommittee has been designated to assist Flight Attendants.
  • Pairing Preferences: Desire for more turns, specifically one-day trips with only two legs.

PBS Subcommittee Update

  • Bidding Overview June Bidding: High activity was noted even before the bidding period opened. Concerns over high line averages and reserve percentages.
  • Bid Awards: Smooth process despite needing to adjust minimums for reserve coverage. Technical issues with the inflight website caused accessibility problems for Flight Attendants, requiring workarounds.
  • Bid Protests: Record high of over 200 protests regarding bid awards, primarily due to perceived errors linked to website issues and high line averages.
  • Meetings: Multiple meetings held throughout April and May, including low bid research and PBS focus groups.
  • Other Updates: Testing of software updates (26.1-MX-UAT) commenced with plans for implementation in July or August.

Pairing Construction and Crew Planning

  • July Pairing Selection: Discussions around payroll, hotel, and transportation costs. Flexibility in trip distribution and lengths noted, with management using the optimizer for pairing construction.
  • Crew Planning Analysis: July block hours are up to 365K from 347K in June. 20% reserve ratio, 81.1 average line value. Offering no staffing adjustments for July. Pairings are red-eye: ANC 36%, SEA 30%, SAN 27%; lowest is SFO at 12%, LAX/PDX at 20%. The July trip distribution was reviewed for actual and percentages. Commuting SEA/SAN/ANC for 3 days is best; SEA/ANC/PDX for 4 days. PDX/SFO/LAX are the most challenging. 
  • RAVE Language: Discussion on improving four-day trips and TFP in the optimizer through computer data programming. 

IRROPS (Irregular Operations)

  • Updates on various duty starts and operational requests due to construction delays and ATC issues, affecting multiple airports.
  • Crew connections increased due to delays, with specific minimum rest requirements for certain routes.
  • Current IRROPS:
    • SAN start of duty for JFK/BOS/IAD/MCO/DCA – construction delays
    • EWR is still at 12 hours for ATC delays
    • End of duty AM departures for EWR to LAX/PDX/SEA/SFO
    • Increased crew connections due to delays
    • Required duty start for LAS-ANC – Operational request.
    • PHX star flights have 11:30 minimum rest
    • 0500 departure GEG-PDX when operating increased to 12 hours rest
    • End of duty for DLG-ANC and AKN-ANC for summer TSA mitigation.
    • Flight Attendant teaming is still in effect.

Crew Scheduling Report

  • Absence Rates: Sick leave at 12.1%, trending down, with lineholders slightly higher than reserves.
  • Reserve Utilization: System-wide utilization at 92.4%, with SEA highest at 98%.
  • Fatigue Reports: Noted fatigue incidents for both AS and HA, with overall trends of concern.
  • Reassignments and Deadhead Conversions: System-wide reassignments noted, with significant numbers in specific bases.
  • Specific Data:
    • Sick Leave – Absent rate for May is trending about 12.1%. Trending down in the overall count. Lineholder are 12.5%, and reserves are 10.5%.
    • Sick online 80 Flight Attendants and canceled 20 flights
    • Reserve Utilization – System is 92.4%, SEA is highest for May at 98%.
    • Premium Pay – Awarded: 85%; contractual: 15%. Significant days were Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day. For June, we have 24% reserve coverage. Management moved people to reserves instead of offering SALs. They are looking at cost-saving tips for contractual premiums, conversions, premiums, daily last flights, adding more personal drops, increasing TSN, and providing flexibility. They need to perform well in sick leave to help staff the operation. Launching initiatives to reduce over-duty premium. The high cost of fuel and the need for greater efficiency are driving these cost initiatives across all departments.
    • Personal Drops/TSN/Flexibility – Creating goals and incentives to produce flexibility.
    • Reassignments 10.R.4 – System-wide in May was 478, SEA was 191 compared to the other bases.
    • Deadhead conversions 10.X.7 – system-wide at 219
    • Fatigue – Total is 18 for the month. 12 reserves and 6 lineholders. We ended with 21 in April 2026.
    • Crew Schedulers – 2 in July, 1 in August, 3 in late August. 6 awarded positions are on hold due to a 120-day hiring freeze.

Information Technology (ITS) Updates

  • Friendly reminder: Please ask Flight Attendants and AFA Representatives to create Cherwell tickets for all ITS-related issues so we can track them. Use the ITS help desk to file the concerns.
  • NAVBLUE/PBS:
    • Release 26.1.883 UAT Testing – In Progress.
    • Automation Updates:
      • 261 Test cases automated out of 269 [97% completed] – Web automation.
      • 234 Test Cases automated out of 269 [86% completed] – iOS automation.
  • Open Time Trade Analysis: 
    • 93,696 total trades, both legal and illegal
    • 91,940 (98.1%) of the total trades (illegal + legal) had a response time less than 10 seconds
    • 1756 (1.9%) completed in a response time greater than 10 seconds
    • May’s trade volume was higher than April’s.
    • Transaction times remained steady.
  • JCTE Releases:
    • Upcoming Releases
    • JCTE 10.0 MR24 – 6/2
      • FER bug fixes
      • Bid Period Drop Down Menu Selection Replaces Calendar Date Selection for Published Roster.
      • Published Roster for another crew member pulling the current bid period + 2 bid periods in the past.
      • Alert for schedulers to add when a Flight Attendant is contacted more than once during their rest period, and did not receive 10 hours rest prior to the second call, and has not received 10 hours rest since the second call
      • Fix for min/max TFP text messages and min/max duty period text messages.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Discussions are ongoing through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules for over-duty pay and day-off violations. Our Grievance Committee is filing grievances regarding several concerns with pyramid pay. These discussions are still ongoing with Labor Relations management. 
  2. Vacation Bidding: Representatives from the Committee met with management to discuss the new vendor, AI Crew Solutions. It was determined that when a Flight Attendant either doesn’t hold a bid or forgets to bid, they will be allowed to bid in the 2nd round of vacation. The current process assigns slot 1 and slot 2. We will provide educational material and information when bidding begins next year on the new platforms. We have additional meetings to discuss implementation and buddy bidding. We are currently testing and reviewing the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment. 
  3. Flow Charts: These are posted on the AFA website to help guide you through contractual understanding and irregular ops here: 2025-2028 AFA Alaska CBA Reference Documents 01.26.2026
  4. Block2Block (B2B) Contactability: Implemented on February 1, 2026. Please familiarize yourself with the contractual language and bulletin bundle. Every Flight Attendant must check B2B at the end of every duty period (not trip) and make positive contact if a message is sent prior to block-in of the last flight of the duty period per §8.Q.2.e.
  5. Chime (Microsoft Teams): Implemented on February 9, 2026. This will allow Flight Attendants to contact Crew Scheduling for additional resources. Please refer to the letter of agreement and the bulletin bundle.
  6. Compensation: Follow up on crew pay issues and reassignment policies.
  7. Pairings: Continue to address pairing and scheduling concerns with management.
  8. Software: Monitor upcoming software implementations and their impacts on operations.

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

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We all know flying can be demanding—long days, irregular hours, and fatigue are part of the job. It’s natural for tensions to rise. Before you head to management or vent on social media, consider Professional Standards.

In this video, Ava McWilliams-Ellington, pre-merger Alaska LAX EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson, shares how Professional Standards provides a confidential, peer-driven solution when conflicts arise with another Flight Attendant or a pilot.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Why Choose Professional Standards?

  • Conflict Resolution: Provides a path forward for resolving disputes through communication, understanding, and resolution.
  • Peer-Driven Support: It’s a resource where Flight Attendants help fellow Flight Attendants.
  • Non-Disciplinary: This informal process keeps management out of the conversation and focuses solely on finding solutions—not assigning blame or discipline.
  • Relationship Preservation: The primary goal is to protect professional relationships and preserve dignity.

When to Reach Out:

  • Interpersonal conflicts or communication breakdowns.
  • Workplace behavior concerns.
  • Misunderstandings during trips.
  • Situations where peer-to-peer coaching is more effective than escalation.

Note: Situations involving safety, harassment, discrimination, contract enforcement, or disciplinary investigations should be directed to other appropriate resources.

Protect your professional relationships by reaching out early. Every Local Council has a dedicated EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson and Committee Members ready to help. Watch the video to learn more. Find contact information for your Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee on http://afaalaska.org/eap or call us 24/7 at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406.

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This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Crew Meal Survey now open, survey will close on Tuesday, May 26 at Noon PT

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is committed to prioritizing your nutrition during the work day through our crew meal provisions. We are eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of crew meals are most meaningful to you, as we continue to advocate for your needs.

The survey is currently open and will close on Tuesday, May 26 at Noon PT. We strongly encourage you to take part in this brief survey, as your input is invaluable in helping us create a supportive environment for all.

If you have any questions regarding the survey feel free to contact the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org.

In This Edition

  • AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Monday, June 8
  • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026
  • Council 39 (PDX) LEC Officer Election Results
  • Council 43 (HNL) LEC Officer Election Results
  • When the Unexpected Happens in the Skies: How the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) Supports You
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Monday, June 8

Originally posted May 18, 2026

Looking for the latest AFA updates and a direct line to your MEC Officers? Register now for our next AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Monday, June 8—your opportunity to hear what’s going on, ask questions, and connect with AFA Representatives.

Read More >

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026

Originally posted May 18, 2026

From challenges with market sourcing to missing hotel hotlines, the latest AFA Hotel Committee meeting tackled a wide range of issues affecting Flight Attendants. Plus, learn about why most hotels don’t give loyalty program points for crew rooms on layovers.

Read More >

Council 39 (PDX) LEC Officer Election Results

Originally posted May 19, 2026

Portland-based Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have elected their LEC Officers for the upcoming three-year term, with polls closing earlier this week. Meet the team set to start representing the Local Council on July 1.

Read More >

Council 43 (HNL) LEC Officer Election Results

Originally posted May 19, 2026

Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants have elected their LEC Officers for the upcoming three-year term, with polls closing earlier this week. Meet the team set to start representing the Local Council on July 1.

Read More >

When the Unexpected Happens in the Skies: How the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) Supports You

Originally posted May 19, 2026

When a critical event happens in the air or on a layover, AFA EAP is there with immediate, confidential, and compassionate support. Discover how the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) connects you with a caring peer, resources to help, and a safe space—whenever you need it most.

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 May 19, 2026

Originally posted May 22, 2026

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 26Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Wednesday, May 27Monthly Communications Committee Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Navigating the challenges of our profession means looking out for one another, especially when things get tough. That’s where the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) steps in to ensure you never have to face a difficult day alone.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

What is CIRP, and How Does It Support You?

CIRP through AFA EAP is designed specifically for our Flight Attendants and offers support after traumatic events on an aircraft or during a layover. This includes incidents such as:

  • Medical emergencies involving CPR or oxygen use.
  • Traumatic experiences like disruptive passengers or a death on board.
  • Injuries from aircraft equipment, such as burns from coffee makers or hot water.

The Process: Someone From AFA EAP Reaches Out

When a critical incident is reported, AFA EAP initiates a supportive outreach process to check on your well-being:

  • First Touchpoint: You’ll receive an email in your company email account acknowledging the incident and outlining your support options.
  • Second Touchpoint: An AFA EAP Representative—always a fellow Flight Attendant—will reach out via text or phone to ensure you feel heard, supported, and cared for.
  • Professional Debriefings: For severe traumas, CIRP can arrange for professional mental health debriefings.

Supporting Every Flight Attendant

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the reporting chain can break. To make sure you and your crew get the support you need, follow these steps:

  1. Coordinate Onboard: The “A” or First Flight Attendant should connect with the Pilot in Command (PIC) and ask them to report the event to the Network Operations Center (NOC).
  2. Report to the Ground: The PIC reports the incident to the NOC, which then initiates notification to inflight management and designated AFA Representatives at the Master Executive Council (MEC) and local levels.
  3. Speak Up: If you don’t hear from anyone after a traumatic event, please reach out directly to AFA EAP. This helps ensure the incident is tracked and that Inflight management is aware that the crew needs support.

A Safe, Confidential Space

Your privacy is a top priority. EAP operates under strict confidentiality for all matters, including CIRP, professional standards, and personal issues such as substance use.

  • Peer-to-Peer Support: We are Flight Attendants, not management. We receive specialized training to help walk you through difficult situations with empathy and understanding.
  • Limited Company Feedback: The only information shared with management is whether you attended a debriefing or if there was a specific failure with aircraft equipment that needs attention.

Whenever you need a compassionate listener, referrals to helpful resources, or guidance after a difficult day, your AFA EAP Representatives are available 24/7. Reach out at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406—we are always here for you.

Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 43 LEC Officers, representing Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants based in Honolulu. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions:

LEC President: Kela Chong IV
LEC Vice President: Martin Gusman
LEC Secretary: Soon Kim

View the certified election results here >>

These newly elected officers will begin their terms on July 1, 2026, and serve until June 30, 2029.

On behalf of our Master Executive Council (MEC), we congratulate the newly elected officers. We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in the election process, whether by voting or by running for office. 

Polls closed at 11 AM PT today for the election of Council 39 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Portland. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions:

LEC President: Krystle Shae Berry
LEC Vice President: Melodie Anderes
LEC Secretary: Kevin Sharp

View the certified election results here >>

These newly elected officers will begin their terms on July 1, 2026, and serve until June 30, 2029.

On behalf of our Master Executive Council (MEC), we congratulate the newly elected officers. We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in the election process, whether by voting or by running for office. 

On Monday, May 11, 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), 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, June 8.

Topics of Discussion

  • Market Sourcing: Market sourcing continues to present challenges, and we’re proactively working with Crew Hotels and API to address our needs. Both the AFA and ALPA Hotel Committees are actively monitoring this process, understanding that the options presented for site visits directly influence where our crews will ultimately be placed. We are committed to advocating for the best possible accommodations for Flight Attendants.
  • Missing Hotel Hotlines (pmAS): Occasionally, Hotel Hotlines have been missing from the inflight website—most often at month’s end, when the current hotel expires and the next month’s hotline has not yet been uploaded. To address this, we’ve requested that the expiration date for the previous month’s hotline be extended to the 7th, ensuring continuity of information during the transition. Crew Hotels has indicated that updating the Hotel Hotline is an overly burdensome process and is considering eliminating it entirely. While MyTravel was introduced as a replacement, it remains a generic platform rather than being customized for each air carrier. Crew Hotels also lacks admin rights, so updates require API involvement. We’re working to make this platform more useful for Flight Attendants and have asked management to advocate for direct access for Crew Hotels. Your feedback on this process is always welcome.
  • Bid Packet TBDs (pmAS): To increase transparency in layover bidding, we asked Crew Planning last year to include a “TBD” in the bid packet whenever a hotel has not yet been confirmed for the bid month. API typically has three days to assign all our crew hotels after receiving the flight schedule from Crew Planning. Because flight schedules fluctuate each month, there are times when we find ourselves in an overcapped market, where the number of rooms needed exceeds the number the hotel is required to provide under their contract. While our crew hotels can usually accommodate the extra rooms, it’s not always certain before assignments are finalized and imported into NAVBLUE. This is the primary reason you may see a TBD. We’ve also requested that Crew Hotels provide explanations for each month’s TBDs, so we can answer your questions with clarity and confidence.

Hot Topics

  • FAI (pmAS): We recognize that our Fairbanks hotel has received numerous complaints this year. In response, we expedited our site visit from July to March to quickly evaluate alternative options. As many of you know, contractually compliant hotels in Fairbanks are extremely limited, and crew rooms often compete with peak tourist demand—cruise passengers in the summer and northern lights tours in the winter—making it challenging for hotels to prioritize crew business. Given these constraints, we have, for now, remained at the current crew hotel. The hotel is undergoing a rebrand and a $30 million renovation over the next four years, with work progressing during the off-season. We’re hopeful that the new brand standards will drive meaningful improvements in service, attention to detail, and infrastructure. In the meantime, we’ve asked Crew Hotels to address the most frequent concern—housekeeping. We appreciate everyone who has submitted CareCare feedback, and want you to know that the Hotel Committee reviews your experiences closely and advocates on your behalf. Thank you for your candor and engagement.
  • Hotel Points: We know hotel points are important to many of you, and we’re often asked why crew rooms typically don’t earn them. Loyalty programs operated by major hotel chains—including Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt—explicitly exclude airline crew rates from earning points for room bookings, as outlined in their loyalty program terms. Crew rates are heavily discounted, directly billed, and the cost of awarding points is significant for the property. Occasionally, some hotels may allow incidental points on personal expenses, even when the room rate is not eligible. The Hotel Committee requests hotel points for Flight Attendants as a benefit at every site visit, although properties are not required to provide them. We always advocate for your interests and will continue to pursue this wherever possible.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. 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: The scheduled site visits through July 2026 are:

  • May: SIT, PHX, ATL
  • June: OGG, RNO
  • July: BZE, BWI

Pre-Merger Hawaiian: The scheduled site visits through June 2026 are:

  • June: JFK

2. Hotel Gainshare Update (pmAS): There have not been any new developments in the Hotel Gainshare program since our last update.The Gainshare program negotiations are currently stalled because management is concerned about the federal tax implications. AFA International was consulted and provided a legal counterargument. We’re waiting for AFA International to coordinate with Alaska Airlines Labor Relations management on this. Our goal is to reach a consensus and finalize the program’s negotiations. We recognize that many of our Members are interested in this program, and we’re doing everything we can to make it a reality.  

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.

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

On Wednesday, May 20, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO), Bryce Sarmiento (LAX pmAS), […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, May 26, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Struggling With A Coworker? Consider AFA Professional Standards.

We all know flying can be demanding—long days, irregular hours, and fatigue are part of the job. It’s natural for tensions to rise. Before you head to management or vent on social media, consider Professional Standards. In this video, Ava McWilliams-Ellington, pre-merger Alaska LAX EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson, shares how Professional Standards provides a confidential, […]

Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is committed to prioritizing your nutrition during the work day through our crew meal provisions. We are eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of crew meals are most meaningful to you, as we continue to advocate for […]

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