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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, August 13, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), Diana Berni (PDX),  Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), and JP Perina (SAN). MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson David Jelinek was also present.

The committee met with SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis, SEA Fit Center Supervisor Ashley Sentner, Senior Director of Sourcing & Procurement Christine Wakayama, Alaska Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Megan Low, Brand Partnerships and Uniform Manager Janelle Bayne, and Manager of Flight Attendant Experience Dre Gohlke.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 12.

Topics of Discussion 

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

  • Shoe Exemptions
    • Flight Attendants seeking a medical exemption should begin by contacting HR and completing a Disability Accommodation Request form. HR will review each request and provide guidance on next steps.
    • There are a few styles of pre-approved shoes.
    • Management’s ADA team will review the healthcare provider’s recommendations and determine whether the recommended shoe meets the guidelines. If it doesn’t, they will work with the Flight Attendant to find a shoe that meets the guidelines.
  • Uniform Compliance Checks
    • The Committee has observed inconsistencies in how compliance checks are conducted across different bases and among individual supervisors.
    • Management shared reports indicating that the actual number of records of discussion (RODs) issued is not as high as social media comments suggest.
    • The Committee emphasized the importance of consistent understanding and application of policies across all levels of management when conducting compliance checks.
    • Conversations between supervisors and Flight Attendants should remain grounded in established written policies, rather than a supervisor’s personal interpretation.
    • During a compliance check, Flight Attendants should have the opportunity to adjust their uniform before coaching is provided. This is particularly important regarding hem length, as uniforms are known to shift and ride up during normal movement.
    • Management says they are working each month to train supervisors on the policies and on how to conduct compliance checks.
    • Upper management requires supervisors to conduct at least 10 compliance checks per shift. 
    • Management is trying to use a face-to-face “coach to compliance” approach; however, if an in-person conversation is not possible, an email may be sent. 
    • With email coaching, a Flight Attendant has no ability to correct the noted infraction; however, an ROD will not be issued via email. 
    • When speaking with a supervisor, the Flight Attendant should be allowed to address the infraction.
    • The MEC Committee Chairperson discussed with management the need to clarify that “assistance to help” emails are not RODs to minimize confusion.
  • Hosiery (Zappos)
    • Hosiery has been added to the Alaska portal on Zappos.
    • Find the Zappos link on the Team AAG uniform page, and sign in with your company email. Alaska discounts will apply. 
  • Update on Inventory and Backorders
    • Shirts and pants are the most common backordered items. A new shipment of both has just arrived.
    • When pants are ordered, they must be hemmed to the specified inseam before shipping. The pants are hemmed in the US before being shipped to the Flight Attendant. This step takes a few days and creates a longer lead time for pants. 
    • Skirts and A-line dresses are in production, arriving in December (check Unisync site for back order expected date)
    • The Committee expressed concerns about maintaining sufficient inventory for regular orders while supporting new-hire classes arriving in the fall. Management has stated that preparations are in place for the expected demand. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
  • Wings
    • Wings can be ordered through your supervisor. Wings are ordered in packs of two. 
    • Wings are bulk ordered by the supervisor and picked up at base; however, some bases offer direct shipping to the Flight Attendant’s home. When shipped to the home, wings appeared to have less protective packaging and often arrive broken. If you receive broken wings, let your supervisor know and have another set ordered. 
  • New Uniform Timeline update
    • The next information update from management will come out next week.
    • The vendor for the new uniform will be announced soon. 
    • “Meet the Coalition” and “Meet the Designer” videos are planned for Q3 and Q4. These will showcase the progress being made by all workgroups, including Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon. 
  • Alterations
    • The Fit Center has received an increasing number of expense reimbursement requests that exceed the allowable alteration limits.
    • Many of these requests are for alterations that fall outside approved expenses, such as tapering pants, modifying the A-line dress design, or altering the vest.
    • Before submitting an expense request, ensure the alteration is pre-approved and within the allowable reimbursement amount.
    • Alterations are intended to improve fit only and cannot change the design of a uniform piece.
  • Fit Center
    • Flight Attendants who have made an appointment at the Fit Center and need transportation to the GTC may schedule a shuttle using the Alaska Campus Shuttle. The Campus Shuttle App can be found by searching AAG Campus Shuttle in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
    • Fitting Process
      • When a Flight Attendant comes to the Fit Center, they are asked to walk, reach, and bend while wearing uniform pieces. 
      • Sizes are recommended for each piece and recorded. A copy is retained by the fit center that can be referenced later if needed. 
      • If a Flight Attendant comes to the fit center looking for a specific piece, they are asked to try it on to ensure it’s the correct size. 
      • It is the Fit Center’s policy not to sell a piece to a Flight Attendant that they do not believe is a compliant fit. This approach is designed to protect Flight Attendants from potential issues, such as receiving an ROD related to a non-compliant item in the future.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Easier Reporting of Quality Concerns: Management is working to add the ability to report quality concerns directly from your IMD in Comply365. We were getting closer; however, with the ongoing merger-related changes, it was pushed down the queue. 

To streamline reporting, the Committee’s top recommendation is to add a bookmarked link to the IMD home screen. This will make it much quicker and easier to access the Quality Concern Form through Team AAG. Creating a new survey isn’t possible right now because the existing survey questions are necessary for tracking consistent age and manufacturing details. We’ll share an update as soon as the new link goes live.

While we wait for the new IMD feature, please continue submitting quality concerns through the Quality Concern Form (Team AAG > Other Resources > Uniforms > Safety & Quality > Quality [AAG SSO required]). Your reports help Unisync and our AFA Uniform Committee identify patterns and address recurring issues. Remember, change is only possible when we can provide vendors with sufficient data to act.

2. AFA Alaska Uniform Committee Page: The Committee is working to update the AFA Alaska Uniform Committee page with resources to help Flight Attendants, such as the maternity process, sensitivity uniform options, and links to other sites and policies. 

3. New Uniform Wear Testing: The new uniform remains on track for a Q4 2028 launch. Management has selected a vendor and will share that news in the next few days. There will be three wear tests: the first, beginning in Q4 2026, will focus on a variety of fabrics, overall fit, and design. The second will help refine choices and address any issues that surface.

The final look and design of the new uniform will be revealed next year, and a third wear test will take place to ensure there are no issues with the final selections. 

The Committee has raised concerns that the garments used for wear testing will be manufactured in the same factories as the production uniforms. Management will provide more information as contacts with vendors and manufacturing facilities are signed. 

Management has not yet provided information on how many wear testers will be needed. The Committee appreciates the enthusiasm of Flight Attendants who have reached out asking to be wear testers. Until we have the details, we cannot anticipate how many volunteers will be able to participate in the test. Unfortunately, we cannot include everyone who has contacted us, but we will reach out in the coming weeks as more details are shared.

4. Seasonal Boot List: The Committee has asked management for an update to the seasonal boot list. If you find a pair that falls within the policy but isn’t listed, share it with your supervisor for approval. A reminder about guidelines for boots: must be navy; must have a navy or black sole; the top of the boot must fall below the kneecap, and all other shoe policies apply (e.g., heel height, materials, etc.).

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on Team AAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson.

Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know!  Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website. 

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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.

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On Monday, August 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely 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 pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt Mitchell (HNL), 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 Hotel Support Specialist LaFay Williams.

Our next monthly meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, September 14. The Committee will also meet with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, for their Quarterly Business Review (QBR) on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA). If you have any topics or concerns you’d like addressed, please reach out to your Local Hotel Committee Chairperson. Your input is always valued and helps us advocate effectively on your behalf.

Topics of Discussion

  • LIR Update (pmAS): We’ve been actively seeking alternative options in LIR to ease the burden of long van transit times for our crews. In early June, we conducted a site inspection and identified a promising hotel. Unfortunately, another airline was also negotiating with the property at the same time. Due to delays in API’s engagement, that airline secured the last available crew inventory before we could finalize arrangements. We’ve escalated this issue with API management to ensure it doesn’t occur again, as our crews should never be disadvantaged by such oversights. The Committee considers the current transit time unacceptable and believes it violates section 34.A.2.a.2.b.2 (Long Stay transportation allowance) of the collective bargaining agreement. We’ve referred this matter to the Grievance Committee to pursue potential remedies for our Flight Attendants.
  • Rooms Unavailable Upon Arrival (pmAS): In recent weeks, we’ve seen several instances of rooms not being available after redeye arrivals, especially in BOS. To address this, Crew Hotels management promptly coordinated with API and hotel management. The root cause was that the hotel had not held rooms aside the night before, leaving rooms unavailable upon crew arrival. The hotel has now implemented a solution, and the Committee is closely monitoring the situation. If issues persist, we will withdraw approval from the property and advocate for a more reliable hotel. Additionally, there has been an increase in Flight Attendants being asked to share rooms due to booking errors by Crew Scheduling and API. While the CBA provides compensation in these cases, our priority is to ensure that every crew member has a guaranteed room. Compensation should be the rare exception, not the norm. Please continue to report any room availability concerns so the Committee can follow up and seek a resolution.
  • Desert Coach (pmAS): We’ve received reports in several cities that Desert Coach has been combining crew shuttles and delaying departures to wait for additional crews. Crew Hotels management has already followed up and reminded Desert Coach that crews must not be delayed or shuttles combined. This practice not only inconveniences our crews but also raises concerns about potential double-billing when only one shuttle is provided. Management is currently auditing ground transportation billing to ensure accuracy. If these issues are not resolved, the Committee will advocate for alternative ground transportation providers to better serve our Flight Attendants.
  • 2027 Training Hotels in SEA (pmAS): Next year, training for all frontline workgroups (Inflight, Pilots, and CSAs) will be centralized at the Global Training Center (GTC) in Seattle. This will significantly increase the company’s hotel needs in the area. We are working closely with our Inflight Training Committee to inspect and secure additional hotel properties to ensure our Flight Attendants have comfortable, reliable accommodations during training.
  • Construction Disturbances in SEA (pmHA): We’ve received reports of construction disturbances outside the SEA crew hotel for pmHA crews. To prioritize your comfort and rest, crews have been temporarily relocated to an alternate property. The Committee will continue to monitor the situation.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: Our 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 the rest of 2026 are:
    • Aug: OGG, MCI (Short), CHS (Long)
    • Sept: YYC (New Layover), YEG (New Layover), ORD (Long)
    • Oct: JFK (Long/Mid), TUS (Short), OAK (Short/Long)
    • Nov: IND, RDU (Long)
    • Dec: SEA (Mid), TPA (Long)
  • Pre-Merger Hawaiian: The scheduled site visits through June 2026 are:
    • Aug: HNL, OGG
    • Sept: SMF

2. Hotel Gainshare Update (pmAS): At this time, there are no new developments to report on the Hotel Gainshare program. Negotiations remain paused as management continues to express concerns about potential federal tax implications. In response, AFA International submitted a thorough legal counterargument to the company’s Vice President of Tax and their outside tax counsel. Despite our efforts, the company’s attorney maintains that a hotel gainshare program would violate tax laws and has repeatedly advised them not to move forward. Our next step is to retain a tax attorney to provide an independent review of these concerns. Our goal is to reach a collaborative consensus and finalize negotiations of the program. We recognize the strong interest in this program and will continue to keep you updated as we move forward.

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 doesn’t 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.

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This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Seattle Based Flight Attendants

Seattle Membership Recap

Aloha Seattle ‘Ohana,

Mahalo to everyone who joined us for our first ever SEA Membership Meeting on August 15. We were excited to have approximately 30 members in attendance for a day of open discussion, education, questions, and connection.

While we were happy with the turnout, we would love to see even greater participation at future meetings. Membership meetings are one of the best opportunities for us to have interactive conversations, hear directly from you, strengthen our advocacy, and continue building relationships between our members, volunteers, and AFA leadership.

Service Takes Center Stage

Unsurprisingly, 787-9 service and staffing were among the biggest topics of the day.

Members shared their experiences and concerns regarding the current service, staffing levels, workload, and the quality and consistency of onboard food. We also discussed the upcoming LHR test flight of the proposed new arrival service and the importance of ensuring that any service changes are realistic and achievable with the staffing provided.

We provided an update on the MEC grievance regarding the 787-9 service, including the concerns AFA continues to raise regarding the relationship between staffing and the Company’s service expectations.

A major takeaway from the discussion was the importance of documentation. Alaska management places significant emphasis on data and trend tracking, so we need our Flight Attendants to continue submitting detailed reports and feedback through Block 2 Block (B2B). The experiences we hear about in the lounge or on the aircraft are important, but documenting those experiences gives AFA the information we need to identify trends and advocate effectively.

B2B is the best way to report your experience and provide feedback. Know that B2B reports are visible to both management and AFA. Please ensure that you are connected to internet service when you arrive at your destination so that your report gets sent within the 24 hour timeframe. 

Understanding the SEA LOA

We also spent significant time reviewing the SEA Domicile Letter of Agreement.

Rather than simply reviewing the final language, we went through the agreement line by line to help members understand what AFA originally proposed, where the negotiations ultimately landed, and why certain provisions were negotiated the way they were.

Our goal was to give members a better understanding not only of the protections contained in the agreement, but also of the negotiations and considerations that went into creating it.

A member did raise the question on how to find the SEA Letter of Agreement since it lives outside of our contract. You can find both SEA LOAs at www.afaalaska.org/merger

Committee & Workers’ Compensation Updates

Members also heard directly from our local ASHS and EAP representatives, who provided updates on their committees and the work being done to support our SEA membership.

LEC Secretary Beth Hayes provided an important update regarding Workers’ Compensation for our SEA-based Hawaiian Flight Attendants. Because the Washington process differs from what our Flight Attendants may be accustomed to in other domiciles, we want to ensure SEA members understand the appropriate process and know where to turn when assistance is needed. A communication on SEA Workers Comp will come out this week.

Building a Stronger Council 47

All in all, it was a great day of sharing information, receiving feedback, answering questions, and building unity within our Council 47 membership.

Some of the most valuable moments came from the conversations that developed naturally throughout the meeting. Members were able to ask follow-up questions, challenge ideas, share their experiences, and hear perspectives from one another. That type of interaction is difficult to recreate through an email or social media post, and it is exactly why membership participation matters.

Our strength as a union does not come from the officers or committees alone. It comes from an informed, engaged, and connected membership.

Mahalo to everyone who spent part of their Saturday with us. We hope to see even more of you at our next membership meeting as we continue strengthening our relationships, growing participation, and building a stronger voice for Council 47.

Mahalo,

Josh, Paul and Beth
Council 47 Officers LAX/SEA
47@afahawaiian.org
SEA Pulse Form (anonymous)
Council 47 SEA Committee Contact Roster

Missing a handful of members as they needed to leave early to catch flights but mahalo to all who came!

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This message is for pre-merger Seattle-Based Hawaiian Flight Attendants

SEA Inflight Service Committee Update

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Management will be testing a new prior to landing meal on all LONDON flights.


WHAT IS IT?

A new COLD (NO OPTION) meal will be offered prior to landing instead of the 2 hot meals.  The ONLY OPTION will be to EAT or NOT EAT.

(SEA – LHR MEAL) A container of continental breakfast items  
(LHR – SEA MEAL) A container of assorted fruit and cheese


DO WE HAVE TO PUT IT ON THE SMALL TSU?

NO! There will only be the meal container.


WHEN DOES TESTING START?

The first test flight is projected to start on 9/9/26 AS100 SEA – LHR


HOW LONG WILL THEY BE TESTING IT?

30 days


WHEN DOES TESTING END?

The last day of testing is projected to be on 10/9/26


WHY ARE THEY DOING TESTING?

Management is looking for ways to improve guest feedback scores.


WHY ONLY LHR FLIGHTS?

Test flights are logistically challenging on the operation.  Minimizing the kitchens involved in the test minimizes loading error.


WHEN WAS THE COMPANY GOING TO TELL US?

They are planning to send out a communication regarding testing early next month.


WHY ARE YOU TELLING US?

We are in the middle of bidding. “We” (The AFA Inflight Service Committee) wanted to inform you NOW so that you can BID ACCORDINGLY.


WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE TO WORK LHR FLIGHTS THAT ARE BEING TESTED?

Please kokua “help” by sending in your feedback. Here are a few questions to answer if you aren’t sure what to write.

  • Does the new cold meal alleviate workload?
  • Do the guests like the new cold meal? 
  • Are the containers being loaded well?
  • Are the meal containers easy to take out of the cart and serve?
  • How is rubbish collection following the service?
  • How has this test affected overall trash management?

HOW DO I SEND IN MY FEEDBACK?

  1. B2B (using B2B is the first preference to send ALL feedback) CORPORATE MANAGEMENT AND YOUR AFA SERVICE COMMITTEE HAS ACCESS TO YOUR REPORTS
  2. 787.feedback@afahawaiian.org (this would be your second option) 

Mahalo,

Kekai Lum, Hawaiian Airlines Council 47, Seattle
Inflight Service Chair – SEA Focus
kekai.lum@afahawaiian.org

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In This Edition

  • Pre-Merger Alaska Reserve Webinar Video and Q&A Recap – August 6, 2026
  • 787-9 Inflight Service Grievance: Protecting Our Contract and Standards
  • Next Week’s Events

Pre-Merger Alaska Reserve Webinar Video and Q&A Recap – August 6, 2026

Originally posted August 12, 2026

Pre-Merger Alaska

Catch up on highlights from our first pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar, with answers to your questions about reserve-related contractual rights and responsibilities. Watch the session recording now and review the Q&A summary for the latest reserve news and information.

Read More >

787-9 Inflight Service Grievance: Protecting Our Contract and Standards

Originally posted August 14, 2026

Pre-Merger Hawaiian

Management’s answer to our 787-9 service concerns has been to simply tell us to “make it work,” but we’re officially drawing a line in the sand. Read about our new grievance filing and why we’re standing our ground to demand that management either provide the resources required to make their service model work or offer realistic adjustments to actually reflect the staffing provided.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 18 – Thursday, August 20Regular MEC Meeting
Tuesday, August 18 – Thursday, August 20Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) Conference

See the MEC Event Calendar >

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This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

For decades, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants have defined the Spirit of Aloha. We take pride in delivering world-class service, but management’s current Boeing 787-9 service model is threatening that legacy. It isn’t just inefficient—it’s an unsustainable pace that undermines the quality our passengers expect and the professional standards our crews deserve.

The Issue: Management is Ignoring Our CBA

At the onset of Alaska-branded 787 international service in April, management offered a 30-day observation period with promises to gather Flight Attendant feedback and implement service flow improvements. That observation period concluded on May 28. Months later, management has offered no resolutions to ease the demands of an operation they refuse to resource properly, citing claims of needing more data. Yet, management has repeatedly shown they can react swiftly to passenger feedback—highlighting that changes can be made, but they simply choose not to. Instead, management’s response to Flight Attendants has consistently been: Make it work.

This refusal to collaborate is a direct violation of Section 29.I.4 of the Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant CBA, which requires mutual agreement on inflight service requirements. Management has disregarded our Inflight Service Committee’s repeated calls for realistic and fair solutions, leaving us no choice but to take formal action. As of Monday, we have filed grievance #46-99-2-8-26 to ensure our concerns are addressed.

The Reality: A Simple Principle

Current main cabin staffing levels currently make it impossible to deliver on management’s promises. We will not stand by while our professional standards are compromised due to their unwillingness to invest the necessary resources needed to make their service model work.

At its core, this grievance is about one simple principle: If management expects a certain level of service, it must provide the staffing necessary to deliver it. They face a clear choice: increase staffing to meet their service goals, or work with our Inflight Service Committee to establish realistic service standards that actually reflect the staffing provided. Until they choose one, we will not accept being set up for failure.

Take Action: Document the Struggle

We need every Flight Attendant to turn frustration into evidence. Your reports are the vital data we need to prove the daily realities we face on these 787-9 flights and hold management accountable. Keep documenting every challenge you face—your voice matters, and our solidarity is our greatest strength.

Speak up, support each other, and stay informed.

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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. 

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Thank you to everyone who joined our first pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! We created this interactive session to share practical contract tips and help you feel more confident about reserve life. You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel using the link below. Please note that the video is unlisted, so you’ll need this direct link to view it.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Save the Date for Our Next Webinar

Be sure to save the date for our next pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar, titled “Is That Legal?” Plan now to join us on Wednesday, October 21, at 1 PM Pacific Time. More information about registration and how to submit questions in advance will be shared at the beginning of September.

Webinar Q&A

Updated 08/17/2026

The following Q&A section from the webinar provides a streamlined overview of the questions asked and responses from our AFA Representative panel. Please refer to the recording for the full details. If you have additional questions or need clarification on anything discussed, please don’t hesitate to contact your Local Reserve Committee.

1. Is the 118.2 TFP maximum for reserves tied to the standard award of 18 reserve days? Does picking up extra reserve days increase the limit, or does giving away days decrease it?

Answer: No. The 118.2 TFP monthly maximum is independent of the number of reserve days you are assigned; it is a limit on what you are scheduled to fly. You should track this number via the Reserve Assignment List (RAL), rather than the “bubble” display in Crew Access, which is not an accurate tracker for this specific contract limit. If you are scheduled over the 118.2 limit, you may respectfully decline the trip. If you exceed the limit, you can request that scheduling remove your subsequent reserve days; you won’t be paid for them, but you may pick up lineholder trips.

2. Can I be tagged for airport standby upon my return to domicile after working an early report transcon, even if my report time was before 4:30 AM Pacific Time?

Answer: Yes, under specific conditions. Contractually, this refers to 4:29 AM local time of the originating flight. If your flight took off after 4:29 AM local time, you can be tagged for standby upon landing. However, if you are an AM reserve landing back in domicile, scheduling must convert you to ER before assigning airport standby that would end after 12:00 PM.

3. Is there a flow chart for reserve pay, similar to the commuter policy, to help us navigate these provisions?

Answer: A single flowchart covering every scenario is unfortunately not possible due to the highly situational nature of our pay structure. However, we are currently reviewing existing tools and resources with the Communications Committee. The goal is to produce updated guides or a video walkthrough to help Flight Attendants navigate Rainmaker and accurately correlate their activity with their paychecks.

4. I am returning to reserve after a few years away and need a refresher on how things work. Where should I start?

Answer: First, review Section 11 of the contract, which contains all reserve provisions and includes changes from the current contract. For practical, day-to-day guidance, refer to the Reserve Survival Guide on the inflight website (under Admin/AFA) or your IMD. For bidding-specific questions, consult the Bidding Guide (inflight website under Scheduling > Monthly Bidding). If you still have questions, reach out directly to your Local Reserve Committee Chairperson via the Local Council menu on the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

5. What are the specific rules regarding Crew Scheduling holding trips in Open Time? Can they hold trips indefinitely to meet operational needs?

Answer: No, Crew Scheduling cannot hold trips indefinitely. After the self-assignment period (10 AM–2 PM), scheduling can pull trips from Open Time to assign to reserves between 2 PM and 6 PM the day before the trip. If not assigned by 6 PM, the trip must be returned to Open Time. For new vacancies prior to 2 PM the day prior to report, the trip must be visible in Open Time for at least 15 minutes; Crew Scheduling may then withhold it for 15 minutes to determine a like sequence for reassignment or JA. If you believe a trip has been held beyond these parameters, call scheduling to request it; per contract, you may be entitled to the trip on a first-come, first-served basis plus an extra TFP if you fly it.

6. Regarding Section 11.E.1.e, scheduling often claims they can reassign to “meet the needs of the operation” without citing a specific reason. What are the only four valid reasons for reassignment prior to reporting, and can we decline non-compliant reassignments?

Answer: Section 11.E.1.e applies to trips prior to reporting. The only four valid reasons for reassignment are: (1) Cancellation, (2) Operational necessity (where no other legal reserves are available), (3) Aircraft downgrade, and (4) A lineholder calling in “well.” These reassignments must be done in inverse seniority order. Once a reserve reports for duty, they can be reassigned at any point, subject to contractual limitations.

7. If I am an AM reserve called out on a trip, can scheduling tag me for airport standby upon my return to domicile if that standby period extends into the PM hours?

Answer: AM reserves cannot be assigned airport standby ending after 12 PM. PM reserves cannot be assigned standby ending after 11:59 PM. If scheduling needs you to sit standby past these cut-offs, they must first convert you to ER. This conversion counts as one of your ER days for the month.

8. What are the current trends in contract violations regarding reserve operations, and have there been any notable improvements?

Answer:

  • Trends: We are seeing issues with ISA codes preventing self-assignment (manual workaround: call scheduling; they can either remove the code or re-apply the premium); disputes over 3-hour call-out reimbursement; and a grievance filed regarding the company’s refusal to pyramid pay provisions for airport standby and over-duty pay.
  • Improvements: We identified an increase in AM reserves required to sit standby past the last daily flight without being converted to ER. We secured a full audit back to the start of the contract to ensure proper pay. Scheduling is now adding annotations for these situations, and crew pay is conducting weekly audits to prevent misses.

9. I’m new to reserve and confused about using Rainmaker. How can we implement a process to help new hires know exactly when and what information needs to be entered for pay purposes?

Answer: Refer to the “Pay and Benefits” section on the inflight website. Generally, you should only submit a pay query for out-of-order assignment or being contacted outside your contactability period. All other provisions should ideally be automated in Crew Access or caught by weekly crew pay audits. The Committee is actively advocating for increased accuracy and accountability in these automated systems.

10. Can Crew Scheduling deny a request to be released from a deadhead (DHD) on the last leg of a sequence?

Answer: There is a distinction between the two contract provisions. Section 10.X.6 allows reserve Flight Attendants to deadhead home early if the duty period contains no other flying, but the Flight Attendant remains contactable and assignable during their reserve availability period (RAP) upon arrival. Section 10.X.3 allows Flight Attendants to be released from the deadhead entirely with pay, provided no other scheduling obligation exists. If you are specifically asking about being fully released as a reserve, this is a complex issue currently being reviewed by the Negotiating Committee to clarify intent.

11. What are the duty day limitations before I can refuse an assignment?

Answer: Rules differ by where you are. At a domicile/co-terminal, you cannot be required to depart on a flight scheduled to land more than 14 hours from the start of your duty period. At an outstation, you may be required to exceed 14 hours only to complete scheduled flying. If you feel you cannot safely operate, the Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP)—found in Letter of Agreement #6 at the end of the contract—provides the procedure for calling out fatigue.

12. What are the best tips for bidding while on reserve?

Answer: The PBS Subcommittee has published comprehensive documentation on the Inflight website under Scheduling & Bidding > Monthly Bidding > PBS Help. For specific, individual situations (such as commuting needs), email the PBS Subcommittee directly at pbs.qa@alaskaair.com. They are highly knowledgeable and responsive to specific bidding inquiries.

13. Is it legal for AM reserves to be tagged for a redeye after already working a trip?

Answer: Yes, it can be legal, even if it is exhausting. You can be assigned a trip late in your AM reserve availability period and subsequently tagged for additional flying, such as a redeye. If you reach your limit and can no longer operate safely, you may elect to utilize the Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP).

14. When am I required to be at base if I’ve been released from contactability?

Answer: If you’ve been released from contactability, you are not required to be at your base until the report time of your actual assignment. However, if you are a registered air commuter and wish to be protected under the air commuter policy, your second flight must be scheduled to land at least 30 minutes prior to your report time. Refer to Section 36 for details on commuter policies and recovery options.

15. Can I preemptively call out sick for a single reserve day during a block to attend an appointment?

Answer: Yes. You should call scheduling the day before your block starts to inform them that you will be unavailable for a specific date due to an appointment. They will adjust your schedule accordingly.

16. Am I required to answer Crew Scheduling calls while on a layover?

Answer: No. While on a layover, you are not contractually required to answer calls from Crew Scheduling. However, if you do answer, you are required to accept any reassignment they provide. You are back on duty 45 minutes prior to departure (D -45), at which point you must acknowledge and return any calls.

17. Why do some days show as “closed” in the ARC even before Open Time?

Answer: The ARC is a live document affected by many variables, including late medical leaves, resignations, terminations, or incorrect initial calculations by management. Additionally, Flight Attendant-to-Flight Attendant trading can inadvertently lower availability if the trade results in a Flight Attendant being left with only a single reserve day, which does not count toward the ARC minimums. This is an area where the Committee is pushing for more transparency and flexibility.

18. Why are “Release from Contactability” forms often not approved?

Answer: The Committee has noticed that approval rates for these requests are lower than expected. We have requested data from management to understand the rationale behind these denials. Once the data is analyzed, the Committee intends to discuss potential improvements to ensure this contractual provision is being utilized as intended.

19. How do I know if I was tagged after my debrief?

Answer: Per Section 11.D.6, reserves must make positive contact with scheduling within 15 minutes following the conclusion of the 15-minute debrief period (a total of 30 minutes after block-in). Note that Block2Block messaging alone is not considered “positive contact”—if you receive a message, you must call scheduling to confirm.

20. Do I get extra pay if I am reassigned after self-assigning a trip?

Answer: Generally, no. Being reassigned is a standard aspect of reserve life. Unless other specific provisions are triggered, standard reassignments after check-in are legal and do not automatically result in extra pay. If you believe your specific situation warrants extra pay, contact your Local Reserve Committee Chairperson for a review.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Seattle Based Flight Attendants

Final Reminder:
SEATTLE MEMBERSHIP MEETING
August 15th

Aloha Seattle Flight Attendants,

Our Council 47 Seattle Membership Meeting is just a few days away, and I wanted to send one final reminder before we see everyone this Saturday.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

⏰ Time: 11AM – 2PM PT

📍 Location: 18000 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188 Earhart Room, Lower Plaza Level
🚗 Parking validation will be provided.
🍱 Lunch will be catered by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.

I’ve attached a short video with a few thoughts about why I hope you’ll join us.

This meeting is an opportunity to hear important updates on Seattle, our SEA Letter of Agreements, inflight service, committee work, and other issues impacting our members. Along with a number of our Council 47 leaders, we’ll also be joined by our MEC Inflight Service Chair Bianca McKee, who will be discussing inflight service and answering your questions.

Whether you’ve attended many membership meetings or this would be your first, I encourage you to come. Your voice, your questions, and your perspective make our union stronger. Staying informed and engaged is one of the best ways we can advocate for ourselves and for one another.

Lunch will be provided, and we look forward to spending the afternoon with you.

If you haven’t registered yet, please click this link. We hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

Joshua Aoki
LEC President
Council 47 LAX/SEA
josh.aoki@afahawaiian.org
(562)310-5613

Register Here >>>

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