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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Monday, September 8, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle 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), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), 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 Hotels and Administration Diane Szubert, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams. 

This was the final meeting of our pre-merger Alaska Hotel Committee, and we’d like to thank everyone who has served on the Committee for their hard work and contributions. Next month, we’ll transition to our newly merged committee, representing the combined Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant groups. Our next meeting for the Hotel Committee is scheduled for Monday, October 13.

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:

  • City-Specific Discussion: The Hotel Committee addressed several city-specific issues. These included concerns regarding our long-stay hotel at JFK, which has experienced a significant increase in rooms not being ready at check-in, issues with cleanliness, and the availability of refrigerators. Additionally, we discussed our long-stay options at MCO and potential alternatives in BZE. We also inquired about increasing the crew discount for our KOA property. Discussions regarding ground transportation focused on the use of shared transportation reports in ATL and MCI.
  • TBD Hotels in Bid Packet: At the end of June, management announced via an Information Bulletin that they would begin using a “TBD” (To Be Determined) indicator for any hotel that may be uncertain for the month. This change was made at the request of the Hotel Committee to ensure hotel accommodations are accurately represented in both the bid packet and PBS. The Committee has requested a report detailing the reasons for the TBD designation (e.g., hotels that have exceeded contracted room caps on specific days, hotels with known blackout dates, newly added hotels that have not yet been finalized, etc.). This will provide greater insight and help us better respond to questions from Flight Attendants.
  • Final Hotel Decisions: A final hotel decision has been communicated for FLL, and a decision regarding SEA is expected soon. For security reasons, the names of the hotels are not published here and will be shared in an Informational Bulletin on Team AAG near the end of the month.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are under consideration by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Crew Hotels has provided the Committee with the remaining cities that will be visited in 2025: SLC (Sept), MSO (Sept), SAN (Oct), CUN (Oct), BNA (Nov), HNL (Nov), MCO – Long Stay (Nov), ORD – Short Stay (Dec), and SJO (Dec). Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: Conversations regarding the program are ongoing, and hopefully, we’ll be finalizing the program details this month. We’ll continue to keep you updated as developments occur.    

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You 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! The 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 website.

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AFA Never Forget Website

United Flight 175

Robert J. Fangman
Amy N. Jarret
Amy R. King
Kathryn LaBorie
Alfred G. Marchand
Michael C. Tarrou
Alicia N. Titus
Captain: Victor Saracini
First Officer: Michael Horrocks
Customer Service Representatives: Marianne MacFarlane and Jesus Sanchez

United Flight 93

Lorraine G. Bay
Sandra Bradshaw
Wanda A. Green
CeeCee Lyles
Deborah Welsh
Captain: Jason Dahl
First Officer: Leroy Homer

American Flight 11

Barbara Arestegui
Jeffrey Collman
Sara Low
Karen Martin
Kathleen Nicosia
Betty Ong
Jean Roger
Madeline Sweeney
Dianne Snyder
Captain: John Ogonowski
First Officer: Thomas McGuinness
Customer Service Representative: Renee Newell

American Flight 77

Michele Heidenberger
Jennifer Lewis
Kenneth Lewis
Renee May
Captain: Charles Burlingame
First Officer: David Charlebois

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

Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working diligently to understand and improve the vacation benefits for our Flight Attendants at Alaska and Hawaiian. Your input is essential in ensuring that the vacation provisions we adopt reflect your needs and preferences.

To gather your perspectives, we invite you to participate in our Vacation Survey. This survey will help us assess which vacation benefits matter most to you, given the significant differences between the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems. The survey is currently open and will close on Tuesday, September 24 at Noon PT. We encourage you to take a moment to click the survey link and share your thoughts, so the JNC can accurately represent your interests.

Our goal is to combine the best aspects of both contracts to enhance your quality of work life. However, we recognize that management may prioritize productivity over flexibility, and it is our responsibility to advocate for your interests.

Please take a moment to review the Vacation Quick Reference Guide, for more detailed information there is a comparison chart included in the survey to help you evaluate the potential improvements for your vacation benefits.

To Access the Survey

  • For pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants, enter your PeopleSoft Number
  • For pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants, enter your Employee Number (without leading zeros)

Some important notes:

  • Once the survey is submitted, your responses cannot be edited. Please ensure your selections are final before hitting ‘Submit’. 
  • For ranking questions, all choices must be ranked. You may skip these questions, but remember to rank all options if you choose to respond.

We encourage you to take the time to participate, as an informed and engaged membership is our strongest asset during these negotiations. Thank you for your continued commitment to our collective success. If you have any questions about the survey, please reach out to the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org.

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This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with management from September 3 through September 5 in Honolulu
  • Our Negotiating Committee is focused on addressing those issues that are important to anyone who may be considering transferring to the new, permanent domicile including: moving expenses, staffing, grouping construction, and the ability to return to your domicile of origin
  • Additional discussions with management will be scheduled soon

Negotiations Update

The SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The SEA NC met with management on September 3 to September 5 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Committee ChairpersonJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations
Martin Gusman, Committee MemberAllen Thieman, Vice President, Inflight
Joshua Aoki, Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations
Jeffrey Fuke, Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations
Lea Franzoi, Committee Support RepresentativeAdriene Tom, Specialist, Labor Relations
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator 

After several weeks of planning, we were able to schedule and hold a week of bargaining with management regarding the proposed Hawaiian Flight Attendant domicile in SEA. During negotiations this week in Honolulu, we exchanged several proposals. Per Section 27.D.2 of our CBA, management must negotiate a supplement before opening a new permanent domicile. These negotiations are crucial for establishing a permanent domicile that effectively supports our Flight Attendants’ interests and addresses the key issues that impact us directly.

Here are some key areas we’re focused on:

  • Transfer Processes – strengthening protective elements of the transfer process for those who may be interested in moving to the new domicile
  • Return to HNL or LAX Domicile – addressing the concern of Flight Attendants transferring to SEA and potentially wishing to return to their Hawaiian domicile before the merging of the Hawaiian and Alaska SEA domiciles
  • Staffing – ensuring that staffing is sufficient to meet operational demands
  • Moving Expenses – advocating for fair and comprehensive compensation related to any necessary relocations
  • Operational Concerns – defining the type of flying and pairings that will be constructed in the domicile
  • Safeguarding Existing Bases – protecting our HNL and LAX domiciles during this transition

The SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee is committed to transparency throughout this process. Together, we will forge a stronger foundation for our careers and ensure an improved quality of life.

Thank you for your support and engagement as we navigate this endeavor. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Communication

Official SEA Domicile Negotiations Updates can be found on the web here, on Facebook, and on Instagram.

What’s Upcoming

Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee intends to schedule additional discussions with management soon.

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In This Edition

  • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—October 2025
  • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—October 2025

Originally posted September 5, 2025

Our first group of MEC committees merged on June 1, and we’re moving forward with plans to merge the next group on November 1. During the October MEC Meeting, we’ll hold interviews for MEC Committee Chairperson and other positions for the merged Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC). Interested candidates should submit an online expression of interest form by October 7, 2025, at 5 PM PT.

Read More >

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025

Originally posted September 5, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Our MEC will soon begin interviewing and electing MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions for the upcoming new MEC Officer term. In October, interviews will be conducted for pre-merger Alaska MEC positions on the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Reserve Committee, and Scheduling Committee. If you’re interested in stepping up, submit your expression of interest by October 7!

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 September 3, 2025

Originally posted September 4, 2025

Next Week’s Events

Monday, September 8Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Tuesday, September 9 @ 5 PM PTExpression of Interest Deadline – September Committee Interviews (Merged and pmAS)
Thursday, September 11Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, September 11Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)
Friday, September 12Monthly Communications Committee Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the terms of office for the MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions align with those of the MEC Officers. Since the current term for the MEC Officers will conclude on December 31, 2025, the MEC will soon review all pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions.

Committees that have already merged or will merge before the beginning of next year go through a separate process for interviews and elections and will not be included in this review. Information about interviews for these positions will be communicated separately.

This review will take place over several months to allow extra transition time for committees that may benefit from it. This approach differs from previous election cycles, where all interviews were conducted simultaneously near the end of the term. Although the interviews will occur well before the current MEC term concludes, those elected to these positions will not assume their roles until January 1, 2026.

The next committees to undergo the review process will be the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Scheduling Committee, and Reserve. During the upcoming October Regular MEC Meeting, interviews will be conducted for the following positions:

General Qualifications

Qualifications for all MEC-level Chairperson positions include: 

  • Current Alaska Airlines AFA Member in good standing.
  • Currently qualified Flight Attendant or, if on an approved leave of absence, last qualification must have been within 36 months prior to start of term.
  • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson is preferred.
  • Previous committee-specific training preferred.
  • Strong ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to attend meetings as required, both via videoconference and in person.
  • Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Google Workspace (email, calendar, Drive, and other applications) and Microsoft 365.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, prepare reports, plan meetings (including scheduling, logistics, and agenda preparation), and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Details about each committee’s duties and responsibilities are available on the respective committee pages of afaalaska.org. Additional information regarding MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities is available in this document.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

The time commitment for each position varies and may change based on current workload levels. Specific information about time commitment expectations and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be provided during the interviews. All positions operate in line with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

Term of Service

Candidates who are successfully elected will serve for the upcoming MEC Officer election cycle which begins on January 1, 2026, and concludes on December 31, 2028.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the October Regular MEC Meeting from Tuesday, October 14, through Thursday, October 16. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

Eligible candidates can choose to interview in person in SeaTac, WA, or virtually via Google Meet videoconferencing. 

To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form (link below). The submission deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange specific interview times.

Click here to submit an expression of interest form >

Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson position duties and responsibilities can be directed to MEC Vice President Brice McGee at mecvp@afaalaska.org.

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

The integration of our Master Executive Councils (MECs) is progressing steadily. Our first group of committees successfully merged on June 1, and we are now planning for another group of committees to merge on November 1.

As part of the committee merging process, our MEC will elect a Chairperson for each newly merged committee from among the combined Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant groups. The newly elected Chairperson will coordinate activities across both airlines and support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils— both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. The MEC will conduct interviews during the October MEC Meeting for the following roles:

Other committees will merge later in the process. As we approach those dates, we’ll keep you informed about the integration timeline for each committee, including interview schedules.

General Qualifications

Qualifications for all MEC-level Chairperson positions include: 

  • Current Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines AFA Member in good standing.
  • Currently qualified Flight Attendant or, if on an approved leave of absence, last qualification must have been within 36 months prior to start of term.
  • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson is preferred.
  • Previous committee-specific training preferred.
  • Strong ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to attend meetings as required, both via videoconference and in person.
  • Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Google Workspace (email, calendar, Drive, and other applications) and Microsoft 365.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, prepare reports, plan meetings (including scheduling, logistics, and agenda preparation), and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Details about each committee’s duties and responsibilities are available on the respective committee pages of afaalaska.org. Additional information regarding MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities is available in this document.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

The time commitment for each position varies and may change based on current workload levels. Specific information about time commitment expectations and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be provided during the interviews. All positions operate in line with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

Term of Service

Candidates who are successfully elected will serve for the remainder of the current MEC Officer election cycle (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), as well as for the upcoming cycle (January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028). Their official term will begin on November 1, 2025, and conclude on December 31, 2028.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the October Regular MEC Meeting from Tuesday, October 14, through Thursday, October 16. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

Eligible candidates can choose to interview in person in SeaTac, WA, or virtually via Google Meet videoconferencing. 

To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form (link below). The submission deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange specific interview times.

Click here to submit an expression of interest form >

Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson position duties and responsibilities can be directed to MEC Vice President Brice McGee at mecvp@afaalaska.org.

In this edition:

  • Happy Labor Day! – September 1st
  • Save the date – Local Council Meeting November 21st
  • Volunteer Committee Opportunities
  • Grievance Committee Update – Trending investigations and disciplinary issues
  • Registered Air Commuter Status – D8Y Reminders 

Happy Labor Day! 

Whether you’re working or enjoying Labor Day festivities today, we hope you can take a moment to reflect on the history and successes of Labor in our country, and how far we’ve come in the Labor movement.

Click Happy 80th Birthday, AFA – Association of Flight Attendants-CWA to read about the history of AFA, celebrating 80 years this summer!

Save the date 

November 21, 2025 – Local Council Meeting. Location and time TBD.

Volunteer Committee Opportunities 

Communications Committee

Steve Maller, LECP

The Communications Committee works to maintain regular and timely communication with the membership through relevant channels including print, web, social media, and emerging platforms.

Communications Committee
https://afaalaska.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Communications-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf.

Government Affairs Committee

Colin Weaver, Chairperson

The Government Affairs Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and pursue legislative activities that relate to the AFA-CWA political agenda and to build positive relationships with candidates for office and elected officials.

Government Affairs Committee

Click to access Government-Affairs-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf

Human Rights & Equity Committee

Aaron Miller, Chairperson

The Human Rights & Equity Committee’s responsibility is to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership in order to build the strength of our Union through our common struggles and goals rather than allowing others to divide us by our differences.

Human Rights & Equity Committee

Click to access Human-Rights-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf

Inflight Service Committee

Todd Horn, Chairperson

The Inflight Service Committee represents Flight Attendant interests regarding catering and inflight service/sales and addresses Flight Attendant complaints and concerns regarding catering and inflight service/sales.

Inflight Service Committee

Click to access Inflight-Service-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf

Please take a moment to review the specific Duties and Responsibilities link provided. These are all VOLUNTEER opportunities. Please reach out to the respective chairperson for specific committee related questions. 

If you would like to be considered for one of these volunteer opportunities, please email pdx@afaalaska.org. Please include the committee of interest, and any relevant experience you may have.Grievance Committee Update

Trending investigations and disciplinary issues

The Council 39 Grievance Committee continues to see increased disciplinary actions in the following key areas. Please review and stay informed to protect yourself from preventable violations.

CBT Completion

Discipline for failing to complete quarterly CBTs remains one of the top trends.

  • Flight Attendants returning from leave are given 60 days to complete any missed CBTs.
  • Forgetting or being too busy is not considered a valid excuse and will not overturn discipline.
  • If you experience technical issues, the Grievance Committee may be able to assist. Be sure to document everything and open a ticket with Alaska IT support.
  • Important: Multiple missed CBT deadlines, or any other performance related disciplines, within 18 months will escalate on the progressive discipline scale.
    • Example: Two missed CBTs = Written Warning.

Commuter Violations

Every Monday, management runs a commuter audit focusing on D8Y usage.

  • Ensure you’re using D8Y travel only in accordance with the commuter policy.
  • The correct usage guidelines are listed on the commuter registration form. Read and follow them carefully.
  • Misuse will likely result in disciplinary action, even if unintentional.

Social Media Discipline

Social media remains a significant source of disciplinary investigations, including terminations on first offense.

  • Even with private settings, your content can be screenshot and forwarded to management.
  • If your account has any identifiable link to Alaska Airlines (e.g., uniform photos, employer listed, Alaska-specific group membership), you may be subject to discipline.
  • There is no “free speech” protection or guaranteed privacy when it comes to social media and employer-related content and infractions.

Posting TikTok, Instagram, Facebook videos may very well be seen by management and bring you under scrutiny. Be cautious. Think before you post or comment!

Reserve Violations

Violations related to Reserve requirements are also on the rise.

  • You must be in base and within required proximity for RAPs and airport standby.
  • Leaving the airport while on airport standby is a terminable offense, even on the first violation.

Delays

  • If a delay is coded to a specific Flight Attendant, it will be investigated, with a meeting with Inflight performance management. 
  • If the Flight Attendant’s conduct is found to be the root cause of the delay (most commonly a forgotten required item) it will likely result in a Confirmation of Oral Warning (first step of progressive discipline) unless you’re already in a step of discipline. 

If you have any questions about these topics or need support, please reach out to your AFA Grievance Committee or LEC Officers. Early guidance can help you avoid a formal investigation and potential discipline.

Registered Air Commuter Status – D8Y Reminders 

If you are registered under Commuter Status (D8Y), please review the following important reminders to ensure compliance and avoid potential violations:

Permitted Use of D8Y

  • D8Y may only be used when commuting to or from work at your domicile.
  • Both direct flights and connections are allowed on Alaska metal and other carriers (proof of offline travel is required.)
  • D8Y is not permitted for personal travel or out of base pick-ups under any circumstances.

Update Your Commuter Info If:

You must submit an Update or Removal Request via the Commuter Form on the Inflight website if any of the following have changed since you enrolled:

  • Registered commuter city
  • Primary residential address
  • Permanent domicile
  • Temporary base swap

Keeping your information accurate is essential to maintaining your commuter status.

D8Y Is Not Permitted When:

  • Picking up a trip outside your base.
  • Choosing to be released from a deadhead segment that was scheduled to return you to your domicile.

Improper use of D8Y, even unintentionally, may result in disciplinary action. Be sure you’re using this benefit appropriately and only for its intended purpose.

If you have questions or need clarification, please reach out to your LEC Officers or Grievance Committee. We’re here to help!

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

Steve Maller, LEC President, steve.maller@afaalaska.org
Krystle Berry, LEC Vice President, krystle.berry@afaalaska.org
Bethany Badalamenti, LEC Secretary, bethany.badalamenti@afaalaska.org

In This Edition

  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025
  • Next Week’s Events

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025

Originally posted August 28, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

This month’s Scheduling Committee Meeting recap highlights a focus on mitigating fatigue and working together with ALPA to address shared concerns. Discover how local issues across various bases are being addressed to improve the overall experience for our Flight Attendants.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Wednesday, September 3 – Friday, September 5SEA Domicile Negotiations (pmHA)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, August 26, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives met 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). Also present were Council 35 (SFO) Hotel Committee Chairperson Hilary Streem, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Senior Crew Planning Analyst Christopher Potts, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Hotels and Crew Scheduling

The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, September 23.

Topics of Discussion

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

Crew Backlog Review: The Committee thoroughly analyzed the crew backlog as of August 7, 2025. They identified critical areas where contractual changes are needed, bugs must be fixed, JIRAs updated, and priorities renumbered in our system operations to enhance functionality, automation, and contractual compliance. The Committee stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent further disruptions and ensure crew members’ systems are correctly programmed.

Crew Bi-Monthly Review with ALPA: The outcomes of the bi-monthly review with ALPA on July 23, 2025, were discussed in detail. Key topics included collaborative strategies to address ITS system conflicts, improving communication between management and crew members, and aligning system needs with the crew member experience. The Committee highlighted the significance of these discussions in fostering a cooperative environment that prioritizes both parties’ contractual and programming needs.

Fatigue Review Board Meetings: The Committee outlined the agenda for the upcoming Fatigue Review Board meetings scheduled through December 2025. These meetings will focus on addressing the increasing concerns regarding crew fatigue reported by members. The Committee plans to collect data on fatigue incidents, discuss mitigation strategies, and evaluate current policies to enhance crew well-being. The importance of these discussions lies in their potential to lead to actionable changes that prioritize safety and crew health.

Local Chairperson Reports:

PDX (Portland)

  • Day Room Issues: Flight Attendants have reported difficulties securing day rooms after long international flights, often facing delays and inadequate communication regarding accommodations. The Committee will investigate these incidents to enhance support systems for crew members during layovers and ensure that hotel arrangements are handled efficiently.
  • Banking Challenges: Increased passenger volumes at the airport have led to operational strain, particularly during peak hours. The Committee is aware of the challenges crew members face in navigating airport facilities and is exploring logistical improvements to ease congestion and enhance the flying experience at PDX.

SAN (San Diego)

  • Double Out Rest Clarification: The Committee discussed the nuances of contractual provisions regarding double-out rest for flight attendants. 
  • Jumpseat Assignment Policy: A review of the jump seat assignment process highlighted the need for more straightforward guidelines regarding seniority-based assignments. The Committee will work with management on developing a transparent policy that ensures fairness in the allocation of jump seats, addressing concerns raised by Flight Attendants.

ANC (Anchorage)

  • Open Time Reporting: The Committee reviewed Open Time reporting metrics and operational challenges faced by crew members. Addressing this system outage is crucial for maintaining crew flexibility. The Committee is working on resolutions with Alaska ITS and Jeppesen, the vendor.

LAX (Los Angeles)

  • IT Concerns: Ongoing IT issues were addressed, including delays in release times and hotel accommodations. The Committee is working closely with IT support teams to resolve these issues, aiming to improve the overall experience for crew members during layovers and operational changes.

SFO (San Francisco)

  • Communication Protocols: The need for clearer communication regarding crew transitions from working to deadheading was emphasized. The Committee plans to establish protocols that ensure timely notifications to crew members, reducing confusion and improving operational efficiency.

SEA (Seattle)

  • Reassignment Clarification: A significant number of reassignments and pre-cancellations have raised questions about pay and provisions. The Committee seeks more straightforward guidelines and support mechanisms to assist crew members in navigating these changes effectively.

PBS Subcommittee

  • Bidding Process: The Subcommittee reported on the current bidding trends for August and September, noting minor fluctuations in awards. Adjustments were made to ensure compliance with labor agreements, and efforts are ongoing to address any discrepancies.
  • NAVBLUE Issues: Ongoing meetings with NAVBLUE have focused on addressing technical failures and functional requests. The Subcommittee is committed to resolving these issues to enhance the bidding and scheduling process for crew members.
  • Releases Timeline: Upcoming software releases are planned for September and November, emphasizing incorporating Member feedback into system improvements. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience and address existing pain points.

ITS Update

  • Testing and Automation: The automation initiative is progressing, with the introduction of new test cases aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the PBS system. The Committee is prioritizing robust testing to ensure reliability before implementation.
  • Crew Calendar Development: The crew calendar and personal drop form are undergoing user acceptance training, with a targeted rollout by early October. Ensuring a smooth transition to the new system is a priority for the Committee.
  • JCTE Issues: The committee continues to collaborate with vendors to address recurring issues with the JCTE system, focusing on improving reliability and minimizing disruptions for crew members.

Flight Attendant Crew Pay Update

  • Inquiry Management: The committee is actively addressing the increase in crew pay inquiries, emphasizing the importance of submitting queries judiciously to avoid system overload. Educational resources will be provided to help crew members navigate the pay inquiry process effectively.
  • Trend Analysis: An upward trend in pay inquiries has been observed, prompting a comprehensive review of existing processes to improve efficiency. The Committee aims to streamline communication regarding pay issues to serve crew members better.

Flight Attendant Crew Planning Update

  • Staffing Metrics: The Committee is analyzing planned reserve staffing levels and block hours to ensure alignment with operational demands. Adjustments will be made as necessary to optimize crew utilization.
  • Irregular Operations Mitigation Strategies: The Committee is focusing on enhancing connection times and scheduling practices to minimize delays and improve operational reliability. Specific strategies include analyzing connection times and addressing known issues at key airports.

Flight Attendant Crew Scheduling Update

  • Sick Leave Monitoring: The Committee is closely monitoring sick leave trends, focusing on improving reserve utilization rates and addressing fatigue-related concerns. Strategies will be developed to ensure adequate staffing while prioritizing crew members’ health.
  • Policy Review: Ongoing reviews of policies regarding deadheading and hotel accommodations aim to provide more straightforward guidelines and enhance crew support. The Committee is committed to ensuring crew members have access to the resources they need while on duty.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Crew Access Issues: Crew Access challenges significantly affect how well operations run, influencing how Flight Attendants feel about their work. It’s crucial to tackle these problems to create a better working environment. The committee will set up a review process to pinpoint the specific access difficulties faced by Flight Attendants, including technology problems and policy gaps. Flight Attendants will have the chance to provide their feedback through direct communication. A preliminary report outlining the findings and suggestions is expected by early September 2025, and actions to address these issues will begin soon after.
  2. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Finding a solution to the pay dispute related to pyramiding is vital for maintaining fairness in how Flight Attendants are compensated. Disagreements about over-duty pay and day-off violations can seriously affect crew morale and operational integrity. The committee will keep discussing the matter through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules and ensure they are followed. They will gather information from Flight Attendants affected by these issues to guide their discussions. An update on the progress and any resolutions will be shared with Members by the end of September 2025, aiming for a settlement soon after. Management and AFA will explore other options, like mediation or arbitration, if an agreement cannot be reached.
  3. ISA for Reserves Implementation: The ineligibility for self-assignment (ISA) for Reserve Flight Attendants is an important step toward fairer and more transparent scheduling practices. This change is crucial for boosting crew satisfaction and efficiency. The Committee will work quickly to finalize this new system by working with the IT department and other relevant management to implement the necessary changes to the scheduling system. They will also develop ways to keep Flight Attendants informed about the updates. The next Crew Access release, which will include ISA implementation allowing Reserve Flight Attendant to Reserve Flight Attendant trading, is expected to be available in early October 2025, after all testing has been completed.

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 website.

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