This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants
- Bidding has opened for 121 permanent vacancies available at the SEA Domicile effective May 1, 2026. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on February 16
- The Negotiating Committee has reached an agreement on the SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding process, which offers additional relocation options for April and May bidders
- The Committee is addressing the company’s requirement for proof of relocation for flat rate payments, and advises affected Flight Attendants to document their interactions and contact union leadership if denied the flat rate
SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting
The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM HT on Tuesday, February 17. Please use the IFS Vacancy Bid Form if you are interested.
| Date | Time | Event |
| Monday, February 16 | 11:59 PM HT | Close of bids Email confirmation of vacancy bid sent to hawaiianair.com email |
| Tuesday, January 17 | 12:00 PM HT | Post of awards/Recission Period Begins Email (hawaiianair.com) to successful bidders |
| Wednesday, January 18 | 11:59 PM HT | Rescission deadline for successful bidders |
| Thursday, February 19 | 12:00 PM HT | Post of backfill awards (if any) / 2nd Recission Period Begins |
| Friday, February 20 | 11:59 PM HT | 2nd Recission Period Ends |
| Monday, February 23 | 12:00 PM HT | Final Awards Posted |
SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding Letter of Agreement
The Negotiating Committee has reached an agreement on the award process for the SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding. Any provision not addressed in the Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be handled in accordance with the CBA. Please review the full text of the LOA here:
Here are some highlights of the agreement:
- As an alternative option for Relocation Days and Travel Time (for April and May bidders only), the provisions of Section 5.G (Relocation Time) will still apply and are an available option for Flight Attendants.
- April bidders may elect to receive pay and credit of 4.50 hours per day for a total of 27 hours for April 1 to April 6, or April 2 to April 7, or April 3 to April 8
- May bidders may elect to receive pay and credit of 4.50 hours per day for a total of 27 hours for May 1 to May 6, or May 2 to May 7, or May 3 to May 8
- A response to the company email is needed within 15 calendar days to accept, reject, or slide relocation days.
- If Flight Attendants wish alternate moving days, but do not know the exact days, they still must inform the company within 15 calendar days that they will mutually arrange the days later
- Low Time for the month of May will include 9 Low Time positions.
- There will be 1 Reduced Time position for the month of April per Section 13.B. and 13.D of the CBA. Bids will open March 1 and close March 7 for that position.
SEA LOA Resources
Flat Rate Moving Expenses
Thank you very much for reaching out to us to share your concerns and frustration about management’s 11th-hour notification of the requirement to provide proof of moving in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. This is the first time that AFA is aware of this requirement and it was not discussed during the negotiations for any HA-SEA Domicile Letters of Agreement or in any prior contract negotiations. We feel blindsided.
AFA does not agree with management’s demand for documentation for the flat rate payment.
There is no justification either in long-standing practice, or in the CBA, of requiring Flight Attendants who opt for the flat-rate payment to supply proof of relocation. The negotiated SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding LOA contains no requirement for relocation to receive the flat-rate payment.
Hawaiian has a long-standing practice of requiring receipts for the actual moving expenses, but not for the flat rate. The flat rate was created as an option for Flight Attendants and to assist those who are not actually moving to establish themselves at the new base. This would include the opportunity for Flight Attendants to secure housing (i.e. crash pads) and transportation.
In fact, the only instance in the CBA in which documentation demonstrating relocation for a flat rate payment is required is if a Flight Attendant is on a leave of absence.
As a reminder, Flight Attendants have 12 months from the date of their report to the domicile to elect the flat rate payment.
Next Steps
For the Negotiating Committee:
- The Negotiating Committee continues to seek a resolution with management. If the disagreement remains unresolved the Committee will seek to file a timely grievance.
For Flight Attendants seeking the Flat Rate:
- Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
- Please contact your local union leadership to inform them of your denial, Council 43, Martin Gusman (martin.gusman@afahawaiian.org), or Council 47, Josh Aoki (josh.aoki@afahawaiian.org) so we may track any potential grievants.
Taxes and Moving Payments
Moving Payments (including Flat-Rate and Actual Expense Reimbursement) are currently treated as taxable income under federal law. This change was introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which required these payments to be taxed starting January 1, 2018. Although this provision was originally set to expire in 2025, subsequent legislation has extended the taxation of moving benefits indefinitely. This information is provided for general awareness only. For questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.
