February 8, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
Effective today, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air has implemented a six month test of a reciprocal jumpseat agreement. That is, Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants may now jumpseat on Horizon Air and Horizon Air Flight Attendants may now jumpseat on Alaska Airlines. This is different than the reciprocal cabin seat agreements we have with several carriers in which one must sit in a customer seat. Alaska Airlines has also implemented changes to the way we are cleared for the jumpseat, which are outlined in Inflight Bulletin 2013-0036 “QX/AS Jumpseat Procedures.”
Your AFA leadership would like to offer some helpful information that will ensure a smooth jumpseating experience on Horizon. Did you know that Horizon Flight Attendants are required to groom their aircraft after the completion of each flight? This includes emptying seat pockets and crossing seat belts. Consequently, there is a culture of expectation and courtesy at Horizon that non-revs stay behind and assist the Flight Attendants when possible.
When you jumpseat on Horizon please keep this culture in mind and if you have time after jumpseating on a flight, we know the Horizon Flight Attendants would appreciate it if you offered to assist them. However, if you find yourself deadheading on Horizon, be advised you are not under any obligation whatsoever to groom the aircraft per our Contract! The Alaska MEC is simply offering this information to you so that you can make an informed decision. The MEC is not taking a particular position except to advise that you are not required to groom aircraft while on duty per the Contract.
Keep in mind that Horizon Air Flight Attendants are also members of AFA and as such should be welcomed as our sisters and brothers when they are jumpseating on Alaska. They are not yet familiar with our jumpseat etiquette, so it will be our responsibility to explain expectations to them—such as when to step out of the galley to facilitate cart movement. The emergency procedures for sitting in the jumpseats are outlined in briefing cards located in the stationery kits. Please be assured these briefing cards have been reviewed and approved by your AFA Safety, Health and Security Committee (SHSC).
The Alaska MEC knows that many are excited about the new jumpseat agreement between Alaska and Horizon, but that some will also have concerns. Alaska Airlines management has indicated that the contact person for this test is Carmen Platt – Carmen.Platt@alaskaair.com so all feedback (positive and negative) should be sent to her. We also urge you to share your comments and/or concerns with your AFA leadership. We will be talking more with management as the test progresses for the purpose of evaluating the reciprocal jumpseat agreement.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
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