AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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In This Edition:

  • Happy Holidays!
  • Q4 CBT (Annual Compliance Training) Due 12/31
  • End Of Year Reminders
  • Increase In RODs
  • Communications Committee Update
  • Updating Your Email Address

Happy Holidays!

Whether you’re flying the line or spending time at home with friends and family, we would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

Q4 CBT (Annual Compliance Training)

Annual Compliance Training CBTs are due by Wednesday, December 31st. Please make sure to complete the CBT on time to avoid progressive steps of discipline.

End Of Year Reminders

Current uniform allotment will expire on Wednesday, December 31st and will not roll over to next year. It is best to place orders sooner to ensure they are processed by the deadline. We will be issued a new allotment on January 1st. See Section 13.D of the CBA for details.

The deadline to decide whether to exchange your 2026 Employee Choice Travel Credits for Positive Space Travel (PST) is Tuesday, December 16th. 

Travel Open Enrollment is open now and will close on Tuesday, December 16th.

Remember to convert unused Employee Choice Travel Credits to guest passes. You can print or email the codes to yourself for future use.

Increase In RODs (Records of Discussion)

We have recently seen an increase in Records of Discussion. The leading reasons are reporting for duty without required items, such as Company ID (crew badge) and IMDs, and uniform compliance. Please refer to the FAM, Section 11.100 page 30, for a list of required items and the Uniforms Homepage on Team AAG for uniform compliance guidelines.

Communications Committee Update

We are pleased to announce Russel Rivinius as our new Communications Committee Chairperson.

Russel began his career as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant in early 2017. Initially based in Los Angeles, he has been in Portland for six years. He currently serves on the Council 39 Scheduling Committee and will begin a three-year term as MEC Scheduling Committee Fatigue Review Board Alternate Representative on January 1st.

Prior to joining Alaska Airlines, Russel worked in the service industry and managed several bars and restaurants. He lives in the beautiful city of Portland with his partner, Fabio, and their cats, Moira and Jonni.

Please join us in welcoming Russel to his new position.

Updating Your Email Address

Recently, AFA International made the switch to a new software platform for member engagement. As a result of the switch, some Flight Attendants’ profiles were duplicated. The MEC Communications Committee is actively working on merging duplicate profiles, but please log in to the AFA Membership Hub to verify that we have your preferred personal, not company, email address on file. This will ensure you’re receiving up-to-date communications from both Council 39 as well as our Master Executive Council.

As you’re flying, please encourage your fellow Flight Attendants to log in to the Membership Hub as well.

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

In This Edition:

  • Happy Thanksgiving!
  • Joint JNC/Council 39 Meeting Information
  • Uniform Committee Update/Allotment Reminder
  • Healthcare Open Enrollment – Due November 21st

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether you’re flying the line or spending time at home with friends and family, we would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Joint JNC/Council 39 Meeting Information:

Please join us on Friday, November 21st at 11:30 am for our local council meeting. Members of the Joint Negotiating Committee will also be available to answer questions.

  1. After landing at PDX, exit the secure area and proceed to the landside (baggage claim area) of the terminal.
  2. Follow signs for “Short-Term Parking” or “Long-Term Parking” garage – the meeting venue signage directs to the Long-Term Parking garage. You can go outside and walk across the roadways into the parking garage or you can take the North Tunnel (near baggage claim carousel 8) and walk all the way to the end of the tunnel and follow signs to the Port offices.
  3. If driving to PDX, you can park in the Long-Term Parking garage (or if that’s full, the east side of the Short-Term garage and use the walkway to the Long-Term garage.) 
  4. Take the elevator from the garage lobby (east end) marked “Port Offices” to the 1st floor lobby, then follow signage/elevators up to the 8th floor of the Port of Portland Headquarters.
  5. On the 8th floor, check in with the receptionist and pick up your visitor’s badge, then go to the “Anchor Room” for the meeting.

Uniform Committee Update/Allotment Reminder:

Our current uniform allotment expires at the end of this year. New allotments will be issued in January. However, current funds in your allotment will not roll over. Please remember to place uniform orders by December 31st so you don’t lose out on any leftover funds. 

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to David Jelinek for his many years of dedication as the Portland Base Uniform Committee Chairperson. David has recently been appointed as the MEC Chairperson, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved transition.

With this change, we are excited to announce that Bob Moore will be stepping into the local chairperson role. Bob began his career with Horizon Air in 1987, where he played a key role in organizing AFA on the property and served on both the EAP and Inflight Service Committees. In 1996, he joined Alaska Inflight, where he continues to serve today. Over the years, Bob has contributed his leadership as co-chair of the PDX Reserve Committee, and as a member of the Voice Committee, Uniform Committee, LEC and MEC Uniform Committees.

Please join us in thanking David for his service and congratulating Bob as he takes on this new role!

In addition to Bob resuming the chairperson role we would like to introduce new Uniform Committee members:

Diana Berni

Diana was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She began her career as an LA based Flight Attendant in 2007. In 2010 she decided to venture out and transferred to the Portland base she now calls home.  

She has volunteered her time by doing various projects with the Alaska Airlines Special Projects Pool and has also participated in the Grand Floral Parade by marching with the Flight Attendant Drill Team.  

Diana is married, has two children and a golden doodle named Maximus. She spends her off days with her family hiking, going to the movies and driving to the coast. 

She looks forward to working closely with AFA as a Uniform Committee member and assisting fellow Flight Attendants with their uniform needs.  

Lexie Rhodes

Lexie Rhodes has been a proud member of the Alaska Airlines family since 2013. Before joining Alaska, she worked as an executive assistant, where she built a strong foundation in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. She studied European History at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a minor in History of Art and Visual Culture and enriched her studies with several design courses that sparked her interest in how aesthetics and function can work hand in hand. Her time studying abroad in Siena, Italy, and Stirling, Scotland further deepened her appreciation for cultural exchange, inclusive perspectives, and thoughtful design.

Lexie is excited to bring her perspective to the AFA Uniform Committee and support her fellow Flight Attendants in advocating for thoughtful, inclusive uniform choices that honor both Alaska’s and Hawaiian Airlines’ cultures, accommodate diverse body types, and balance comfort with style. When she’s not in the air, you’ll find her reading, hiking, daydreaming about her next adventure, hanging with her nine nieces and nephews, pulling playful pranks, or spending time with her close-knit group of girlfriends.

Tutu Smith

Tutu has loved every chapter of her journey with Alaska Airlines since starting as a CSA in 2001 and moving to Inflight in 2007. She’s passionate about her work, takes great pride in wearing the uniform, and is excited to contribute her experience and perspective as a member of the Uniform Committee.

Tutu has previously served on the Inflight Service Committee and the Mobilization Committee during contract negotiations. When she’s not flying, she enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and their dog or catching a good football game on TV.

Healthcare Open Enrollment:

Don’t forget to complete your elections for healthcare benefits by November 21st at 10 PM PST. You can review/update your coverage by clicking here and using your Team AAG single sign-on.

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

Next week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and several other LEC Officers, Committee Chairpersons, and Committee Members will attend the 53rd Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Convention in Portland, Oregon. They will join representatives from other AFA airlines to address our Union’s business at the international level.

Watch this short video to learn what happens at the BOD Convention and why your engagement matters.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, March 7 Regular MEC Meeting
Sunday, March 8 Executive Board Meeting (MEC Presidents from all airlines)
Monday, March 9Board of Directors Convention begins
Picketing in support of Horizon Flight Attendants @ PDX
Awards presentation
Tuesday, March 10Board of Directors Convention continues
International Officer election
Wednesday, March 11Board of Directors Convention continues

BOD Convention Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and other members of your Local Council on the BOD, casting votes on your behalf during the meeting. Our MEC Officers participate in an ex-officio capacity but do not have voting privileges.

Twelve advance agenda items were submitted for the Board’s consideration. In the weeks leading up to the Convention, each Local Council held meetings to discuss these items, providing your LEC President the opportunity to gather feedback from Members. You can review the full list and language of the agenda items on the BOD Convention page of the AFA International website.

Attending The Convention

If you’ll be in Portland, don’t miss the chance to see our Union’s democratic process in action! Attendance at the Convention is open to any AFA Member in good standing. Registration is required. You can find more information about the logistics of the Convention on the BOD Convention page and register by clicking here.

Learn More About The BOD Convention

Want to know more about the BOD Convention and its impact? Access the interactive module on the AFA Online Learning Academy. This resource provides valuable insights into the BOD’s role in conducting business and making decisions at the international level of our Union. Whether you’re interested in how AFA operates or looking to get more involved, this is a great opportunity to explore our democratic process and expand your knowledge.

Click here to access the “What is the AFA Board of Directors?” module >

Note: If it’s your first time using the AFA Online Learning Academy, you’ll need to register for a free account to access the module.

Feedback or Questions?

Your LEC President is your voice at the Board of Directors meeting, but they can only be as effective as the feedback they receive from you. Your input shapes the decisions made on our behalf—don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns. Reach out to your LEC President today and make your voice heard.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • AFA has filed a grievance disputing the proof of relocation required by management to qualify for the flat rate moving expense
  • Flat-rate moving expenses are taxed as bonus wages and are not grossed up, while actual moving expenses reimbursed with receipts will be grossed up to cover taxes owed

Flat Rate Moving Expense Update

Many of you have come to us with concerns about management’s requirement to provide proof of relocation to be eligible for the flat rate moving expense. AFA’s position is that a Flight Attendant does not have to actually move in order to be eligible for the flat rate payment.  We are in dispute with management over the requirement and have formally filed a MEC grievance on the issue. The grievance process will take some time to resolve the dispute. In the meantime, we would like to clarify the requirements for those who may be interested in securing the flat rate expense under management’s terms.

First, management is requiring that you actually move, but you do not need to move to Seattle – just a location that makes sense for you to be able to commute to SEA. For example, a move from HNL to a location on the continent such as AUS, SMF, PDX, or DEN, is allowable.

Second, there is no requirement that your move be a permanent one. If you move and a group of Flight Attendants decides to lease a home or large apartment together, with the intention of moving from your current place of residence to SEA or to a location closer to SEA than your current residence, the flat rate moving expense is available.

Third, management is requires that you provide two forms of the required proof of relocation within sixty (60) days after the effective date of your transfer in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. Management requires two forms of the documentation below:

  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage or rental payment receipt
  • Insurance documents, like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
  • Driver’s license, State ID
  • Mail from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your address listed
  • Official school documents, including an enrollment form or a school ID
  • Utility bill (including any public utility like a gas, electricity, or water bill) or confirmation of utility service (including a utility hook-up or work order)
  • Statement from a bank or financial institution with the address listed
  • U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation letter
  • Moving company contract or receipt with your address listed
  • Voter registration card with your name and address listed

Finally, if you need the flat rate moving expense before your move, please contact your base manager. Section 5.B.2. of the contract provides that the flat rate moving expense can be provided to you in advance. Please note that the company will not be able to provide you with a cash voucher (the funds will be directly deposited). In addition, flat rate expenses are now taxable under changes in tax laws.

AFA’s position is that you should not need to provide proof of relocation. We hope this information provides additional clarity regarding flat rate moving expenses for those of you who will be able to provide the company-required documentation, while we work through the grievance process for those who will not be able to provide relocation documentation.

If you are unable to provide the company requested documentation:

  • Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
  • Email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org so we may track any potential grievants.

Moving Expenses – Tax Clarification

Actual Moving Expenses

For moving expenses that are reimbursed with actual receipts (actual moving expenses and settling expenses), the company will gross up the payment. This means that the company will be increase the gross payment to cover the taxes owed, to ensuring the Flight Attendant receives the intended reimbursement amount.

Flat Rate Moving Expenses

Lump sum payments (flat rate moving expense and new hire settling expense) will be taxed similarly to bonus wages and will not be grossed up.

For any questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.

Other Information

Pet Moving Expenses

The company will reimburse reasonable expenses associated with moving your pet, including the required pet health certificate. If your pet is unable to travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment and may require specialized handling, please reach out to your duty manager for next steps.

Cargo Information

If you wish to ship your household goods by cargo, you may do so on a space available basis on company aircraft. You will need to complete an SP-28 form, available through Alaska Cargo. Please call 1-800-225-2752 or cargo.capacity@hawaiianair.com for more information.

SEA LOA Resources

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

The Local Officer Election process for the next term will begin on April 1, 2026. If you are interested in running for local office, or know of someone who you believe would be a great candidate, now is a perfect time to review Article III and Article VIII.C of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws. Your LEC Officers are happy to speak with anyone who has interest in gaining an understanding about what these positions entail and whether they are ready to serve. Our contact information can be found at afaalaska.org/sea/officers and on our Council 19 LinkTree. Please feel free to reach out. We hope to hear from you!

Term of Office: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029

Positions to be Elected

  • LEC President
  • LEC Vice President
  • LEC Secretary
  • 2 Council Representatives
LEC Officer Jurisdiction and Duties

New Self-Nomination Process

During the 2024 AFA-CWA Annual Convention, the AFA Board of Directors voted to change the LEC nomination process allowing all members of a Local to self-nominate for any of the LEC Officer positions with at least one endorsement of an active member in good standing. The Self-Nomination Guide provides more information about the process on how to ensure that your name will appear on the election ballot. Self-nominations will be accepted from April 1, 2026 through April 16, 2026. 

Election Schedule

  • April 28: Voting Notices mailed
  • May 1: Polls open
  • May 15: Polls close at 12:00pm PT

Ballots will be mailed with an activation code and voting instructions. To ensure that you receive your ballot, please confirm that your mailing address is up-to-date in PeopleSoft. While all active members will receive a ballot, you must be in good-standing in order to vote, which means you must not have a delinquent dues balance or you must have a payment plan with AFA Membership Services to pay your delinquent balance. Log into your AFA Membership Hub account to check your status and standing and other important dues information. For more information, visit afacwa-elections.org.

AFA Membership HUB

In This Edition

  • Important Update: Irregular Operations Due to Civil Unrest In Mexico
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026
  • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026
  • Reminder: Don’t Miss Next Week’s MEC Town Hall!
  • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026
  • Next Week’s Events

Important Update: Irregular Operations Due to Civil Unrest In Mexico

Originally posted February 22, 2026

Civil unrest in Mexico has led to significant disruptions, with all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo canceled and operations only resuming as conditions allow. Be sure to prioritize safety, review contractual provisions, and utilize available resources as management and AFA Representatives continue to monitor the evolving situation.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

Originally posted February 25, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

From unresolved Crew Access glitches and compensation concerns for stranded crews to the push for more flexible low-bid options, February’s Scheduling Committee meeting addressed a host of issues facing pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants. Key discussions included hotel and pay disputes, ongoing technology challenges, and focused efforts to improve scheduling and bidding processes.

Read More >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

Originally posted February 26, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

At their first quarter 2026 meeting, the pre-merger Alaska Uniform Committee discussed updates affecting Alaska Flight Attendants, including progress on discounted accessories, inventory reductions, and getting ready for the new merged uniform expected in 2028. Highlights include plans to make reporting quality concerns easier, the discontinuation of some uniform pieces, and preparations for wear-testing the new uniform.

Read More >

Reminder: Don’t Miss Next Week’s MEC Town Hall!

Originally posted February 27, 2026

Looking for the latest AFA news and answers to your questions? The upcoming AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3, is your direct line to updates and real-time responses from your MEC Officers.

Read More >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026

Originally posted February 27, 2026

During this negotiation session, we made progress on Sections 15 (Leaves of Absence) and 22 (Expenses). The JNC advocated for positive developments from the Hawaiian CBA to strengthen our proposals. We also introduced our initial proposal for Section 28 (Domiciles) and remain committed to meaningful improvements in all areas of discussion.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, March 2Council 30 (ANC) Local Council Meeting
Monday, March 2Council 19 (SEA) Local Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 3MEC Town Hall (Register Here)
Wednesday, March 4Council 35 (SFO) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, March 5Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

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

  • Our JNC met with management this week on February 24 to February 26 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for March 24 to March 26
  • Progress was made in narrowing issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses)
  • First proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles) was presented to management

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on February 24 to February 26 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

 Representing AFA and our Flight AttendantsRepresenting Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

During this negotiation session our JNC continued to make progress in narrowing outstanding issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses). The JNC remains steadfast and is working on enhancing provisions in these sections drawing on positive developments from the Hawaiian CBA. Additionally, the Committee presented our first proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles), with an emphasis on moving expenses and continued to advocate for meaningful improvements across all areas under discussion.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA will be used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

Sections discussed in this session:

  • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
  • Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4)
  • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
  • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 26 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
  • Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

  • Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
  • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
  • Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for March 24 to March 26.

Mark your calendar—Tuesday, March 3, is almost here! There’s still time to register for our Alaska + Hawaiian Town Hall and hear directly from your MEC Officers: MEC President Tim Green, MEC Vice President Brice McGee, and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Ikioka. Join us for the latest updates and get answers to your questions.

The Details

  • What: AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall
  • When: Tuesday, March 3
  • Time: 11 AM – 12:30 PM PT
  • Where: Zoom

What We’ll Discuss

Here’s some of what you can expect:

  • State of the MEC: Updates on AFA at Alaska and Hawaiian, and our MEC Officers’ goals and plans for their new term of office.
  • Flying Schedule Changes: Addressing the Alaska flying reductions in SFO and LAX, and increases in SAN and PDX.
  • Hawaiian SEA Domicile: Information about the soon-to-open SEA domicile for Hawaiian Flight Attendants.
  • Negotiations: The latest on negotiations for a joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA).
  • Questions & Answers: Answers to your questions, whether submitted online in advance or live during the session.

How to Join: Registration Required

Register now to receive your unique Zoom link and secure your spot.

Click Here to Register Now >

Please use your personal email address when registering. Registrations from alaskaair.com or hawaiianair.com will be canceled. Membership status will be verified before the Town Hall.

Shape the Conversation: Submit Your Questions Now

Help shape the conversation—submit your questions in advance using our online form. Even if you can’t attend live, your input helps us focus on the topics that matter most to all Flight Attendants. Every question contributes to a stronger discussion.

Click Here to Submit a Question >

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, March 3, at the Town Hall!

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, February 19, our AFA Local 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), Bob Moore (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), and JP Perina (SAN). Horizon AFA MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Norann Mann and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson David Jelinek were also present.

The committee also met with SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis, SEA Fit Center Manager Ashley Sentner, Director of Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Director of Operations Supply Chain Management Christine Wakayama, Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Megan Low, and Brand Partnerships & Uniform Manager Janelle Bayne.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5.

Topics of Discussion 

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

  • Because of changes in state laws, management and the Committee have not been able to get Occfit tights and shoes covered by insurance. Management is now working to add compression tights to the PerkSpot website so you can buy them at a discount. There has been some progress, and we hope to have an update by the next meeting.
  • You can now buy a selection of compliant shoes at a discount on the Zappos for Work page. The Fit Center is also working to add hosiery to Zappos soon. Flight Attendants can access the Zappos for Work page through the Uniform Subsite on Team AAG and use their AAG SSO to create an account.
  • The Committee discussed the discontinuation of the ¼ Zip Cardigan and Aura Ponte Knit Dress with management.
    • The ¼-zip cardigan and gilet were brought back as limited, one-time items. They were not meant to be permanent because of the existing large inventory. Since the ¼-zip is now gender neutral, it sold out faster than expected. Management knows this item is popular, but producing more would take about 10 months. With a new uniform expected in late 2028, management does not want to cover the cost of an item that would be used for only about a year.
    • The same reasoning applies to the Aura knit dress. Order history shows the dress is not as popular as it might seem. Making more would mean ordering 3,000 to 5,000 dresses, which would leave a lot of extra inventory when we switch to the new uniform. Because the manufacturing process takes a long time, the dresses would arrive close to the new uniform launch. While the Committee thinks the dress was discontinued too soon, management does not want to take on the cost or extra inventory right now.
    • As we move toward the new merged uniform, management is starting to reduce inventory on some items. Once stock runs out, those items will not be restocked. Right now, this only affects the Aura Ponte Dress, Gilet, and Aura Blazer. The Committee has asked management to keep us updated on any more changes so we can help keep Flight Attendants informed.
  • Flight Attendants can wear the Patriotic Tie and Scarf on Honor Flights. The uniform policy guide will be updated soon.
  • The Committee has requested better descriptions for items like pants on the Unisync website. The Fit Center will work with Unisync to add these descriptions.
    • For Aura pants, the Classic fit is roomier in the hips and thighs, while the Modern Fit is slimmer.
    • For Atlas pants, the Classic fit is roomier in the hips and thighs and has pleats. The Modern Fit is slimmer with a flat front.
  • The Committee has raised concerns about the quality of the wings, as some are arriving broken at a weak point. Flight Attendants should inspect their wings when they receive them and fill out a quality report if they are damaged. You can order up to four sets of each type (such as committed to kindness or language speaker) each year through your base supervisor.

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 are getting closer, and hopefully, this feature will be available in the next couple of months.

To ensure issues are addressed until the new IMD feature is available, please submit quality concerns using the Quality Concern Form on Team AAG > Other Resources > Uniforms > Safety & Quality > Quality > Here [AAG SSO required]. This will enable Unisync and the AFA Uniform Committee to track recurring issues. Changes can only be made if the vendor is provided with sufficient data and evidence of quality concerns.

2. Policy and Standards Expectations of the New Uniform. The Committee and management are aware of the challenges ahead as we move forward with the new uniform and a global look. The Committee raised concerns about the expectation that a single workgroup will represent two brands. It was suggested that the design team for the new uniform meet with Crew Planning to discuss how our pairings are currently built and how Reserves are used for last-minute flights.

Management will begin exploring ways to engage Flight Attendants as we approach the launch of the new uniform. Management talked about things they have tried that have not worked and is asking for ideas as we move forward. It was agreed that it would be easier to get Flight Attendants engaged with changes once the design of the new uniform is officially revealed. 

3. SEA Fit Center has moved to the new Global Training Center (GTC). The Fit Center Website has been updated with the new location, hours, and transportation information. Appointments are encouraged. Drop-ins may not be accommodated if Fit Center employees are working with a new-hire class. 

4. New Uniform Wear Testing. The Committee is working with management to develop the wear testing process for the new uniform. The Committee shared what has worked and what has not in previous wear tests, as well as contractual requirements. 

Management has not yet provided information on how many wear testers will be needed. The Committee appreciates the enthusiasm of the Flight Attendants who have reached out asking to be wear testers. Until we have the details, we cannot anticipate the number of volunteers we will be able to use. Unfortunately, we cannot use everyone who has contacted us, but we will be reaching out in the coming months.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG 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 website. 

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, February 24, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Russel Rivinius (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee—PBS Subcommittee Member Adam Clarey, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones were also present.

The Committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Performance & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Flight Crew System Support Sue Rawlings, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, information technology (ITS), payroll, and inflight performance.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, March 24.

Topics of Discussion

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

Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson Reports

  • Downtrade Errors: Flight Attendants reported that attempts to downtrade are resulting in errors related to open time calculations. An investigation by the IT department is essential to identify the root cause of these errors and implement a fix.
  • Scrolling Issues: Crew members have reported difficulties scrolling on Crew Access interfaces when using iPhones. This issue is hindering their ability to access schedules and make necessary adjustments. A follow-up with IT is required to find a solution. They suggest trying a different browser at this time. 
  • Low Bid Options: Feedback from Flight Attendants indicates a strong preference for low bid options rather than the current Staffing Adjustment Leaves (SAL). This shift could improve crew satisfaction and operational flexibility, so further discussions with Crew Planning are necessary to explore viable options.
  • DHD Bookings: DHD (Deadhead) bookings are currently made well in advance when pairings are loaded.  However, crew scheduling only gets visibility to the deadheads in their systems seven (7) days in advance, which limits crew flexibility and may lead to operational challenges. A review of this process is needed to enhance scheduling flexibility.
  • Stranded Crews: Crews at BOS, JFK, PVR, and EWR have been stranded, raising significant concerns about pay discrepancies. They are expecting issues related to compensation due to the extended delays. A thorough audit is requested to ensure fair compensation for affected crew members. Payroll is aware of the strandings and will audit. 
  • Concerns About Communication: The response from the pay department raised concerns about the thoroughness of their review process. A follow-up with the team is needed to ensure responses are comprehensive and take into account all relevant communications when Flight Attendants submit inquiries. 
  • Hotel Compensation Request: A request for compensation for hotel wait time was denied for a Flight Attendant. However, it is believed that compensation is justified due to the circumstances of having to self-arrange accommodations after a flight. The issue will be escalated for further review.
  • Hotel Conditions: A serious issue arose when crew members were moved to a hotel without heating during a winter storm. This situation poses both safety and comfort concerns. A follow-up is needed to obtain a resolution.
  • Travel Adjustments: Due to a lack of hotel availability on the island of Kona, crews were moved to an alternate city (OGG) for their layover. Confirmation from payroll regarding these adjustments is awaited, as it impacts crew compensation.
  • Reimbursements for Stranded Flight Attendants: A discussion on whether reimbursements for flight attendants stranded on the East Coast can be processed is needed. Historically, a standard reimbursement of $25 has been provided, but current discussions will determine if this amount remains consistent across all bases.
  • Premium OT Review: A reassignment involving premium Open Time pickup was discussed, and the Committee conducted a review of the Premium OT and reassignment pay policies. If you are on a premium Open Time trip and reassigned, you are only paid reassignment for the flying above scheduled, not the entire sequence. 
  • Schedule Accessibility Issues: A Flight Attendant reported that her schedule had disappeared from the Crew Access system. This issue is preventing her from trading or picking up shifts, and it has been escalated to IT for urgent resolution. Discussions regarding potential compensation for the inconvenience, especially considering her status as a high-time flyer, are ongoing.

PBS Subcommittee Updates

  • Bidding Assistance: For the March bidding cycle, there has been a high volume of requests for individual assistance, indicating that many Flight Attendants are struggling with the bidding process. However, engagement in virtual assistance sessions has been low, suggesting a need for better outreach. Common issues include cache clearing and password resets, which are causing significant barriers to accessing the bidding system.
  • Bid Awards: The results of the March bid awards show that higher averages led to better alignment with reserve numbers. Most bases exceeded their reserve requests, prompting adjustments to templates to ensure feasible solutions could be implemented. This balance is crucial for maintaining operational stability.
  • Bid Protests: An increase in SLG (Secondary Line Generation) emails this month has been noted due to a high SLG rate. Despite this, the overall number of protests has not been overwhelming, suggesting that concerns are being addressed efficiently.
  • Scheduled Meetings : Several meetings have been scheduled, including:
    • Monthly NAVBLUE call on February 5, 2026.
    • In-person bid awards on February 10, 2026.
    • Conversations with Crew Staffing to better understand the differences between SAL and low bid offers on February 10, 2026.
    • Focus group discussions related to NAVBLUE on February 19, 2026.
  • Upcoming Changes: The shift to Single Sign-On (SSO) is anticipated after March bid awards, pending additional testing to ensure functionality. The 25.7 Maintenance Release is currently being tested, with a note that it will not be implemented until the new 26/7 rule is rectified.
  • Collaborations with Other Airlines: The Subcommittee has met with representatives from Jazz, Air Canada, Breeze, and JetBlue to share best practices and explore features to advocate for in JCBA negotiations.
  • Low Bid Testing: The Subcommittee is currently conducting tests to demonstrate the positive impacts of low-bid awards in the bidding process. The objective is to encourage management to consider these options more broadly in future bidding cycles.

Pairing Construction Update

  • April Pairings: The April pairings have been finalized, with the “B” run selected. There is a significant focus on minimizing the number of hotel stays for crews, which has led to an increase in deadheads. This approach is intended to reduce overall costs associated with hotels and transportation.
  • Challenges Faced: The planning of April runs has been complicated by incomplete launches; discussions with Jeppesen regarding the analysis are needed to ensure future runs are optimized.
  • Line Average: The current line average is 78 TFP (Trips For Pay), reflecting the crew’s workload and scheduling efficiency. Ongoing efforts to analyze and update pairing programs are essential for maintaining optimal operations.

Payroll Subcommittee Update

  • Training Completion: Recent training sessions with key personnel have provided insights into the coding system and how JCTE imports function. Understanding when analysts override or change inputs is crucial for minimizing errors in pay processing.
  • Error Reduction Focus: There is a concerted effort to reduce errors and enhance clarity in the responses of payroll analysts. Feedback indicates that many analysts could benefit from additional guidance and training to improve their response accuracy.

ITS Update

  • NAVBLUE Testing: There have been no new updates from NAVBLUE, which is awaiting test cases and validation under the UTA (User Testing Agreement).
  • TFP Calculators: Deployment has been postponed until March. This tool is expected to improve the accuracy of pay calculations for Flight Attendants.
  • Performance Metrics: OT trading has increased significantly by 20% compared to last month. Transaction times for system interactions are notably efficient, with 98.6% occurring in less than 10 seconds.
  • User Experience Improvements: Ongoing issues with scrolling on iPhones have been reported, suggesting that switching to alternative browsers may alleviate some of the problems. Recognizing this issue is critical for improving user satisfaction.

Payroll Updates

  • Query Management: A significant reduction in total queries has been observed, from 2,593 in January, indicating improved efficiency in handling inquiries. 
  • Dispute Protocols: It is essential for Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons to promptly communicate with payroll analysts about any disputes to ensure timely resolution and prevent further complications.

Crew Planning Updates

  • April Block Hours: Block hours for April are slightly elevated compared to previous months, with line averages around 78 TFP and 18% of crews designated as reserves. This adjustment reflects an ongoing effort to optimize staffing levels.
  • Trip Distribution Review: A comprehensive review of trip distributions indicates that the best commutability is found for certain routes, such as SEA/SAN/ANC for three-day trips. In contrast, PDX/SFO is identified as more challenging.
  • IRROP Mitigation Strategies: Several strategies have been implemented to mitigate delays and improve layover rest times across various routes. Adjustments to connection times and layover durations are being made to enhance crew scheduling and reduce fatigue.

Crew Scheduling Updates

  • Absence Rates: The sick leave absence rate has improved, with a notable decrease in overall figures. The absence rate was approximately 10.8% in January and 10.6% in February, with pmHA-specific metrics reflecting lower rates due to differing scheduling practices and contractual provisions. 
  • Reserve Utilization: System-wide reserve utilization is over 90%, with SEA at 95% and ANC at 83%. These figures highlight the need for strategic adjustments to effectively manage reserve levels.
  • Tracking Reassignments: The total number of reassignments for the current month remains low, reflecting operational stability and effective scheduling strategies.
  • Fatigue Management: Ongoing monitoring of fatigue levels shows a decline in reported fatigue incidents. This is crucial for ensuring crew wellness and operational efficiency.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Discussions are ongoing through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules for over-duty pay and day-off violations. Our Grievance Committee is filing grievances regarding several concerns with pyramid pay. 
  2. Vacation Bidding: Representatives from the Committee met with management to discuss the new vendor, AI Crew Solutions. It was determined that when a Flight Attendant either doesn’t hold a bid or forgets to bid, they will be allowed to bid in the 2nd round of vacation. The current process assigns slot 1 and slot 2.  We will provide educational material and information when bidding begins next year on the new platforms. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2026. 
  3. Ground Commuting: The Committee wants to remind Flight Attendants that contractual provisions are available for review under Section 37.B.  
  4. Flow Charts: The Committee is internally reviewing flow charts with management and will update once the parties agree. Stay tuned for an update soon. 
  5. Block2Block (B2B) Contactability – Implemented on February 1, 2026. Please familiarize yourself with the contractual language and bulletin bundle.
  6. Chime (Microsoft Teams) – Implemented on February 9, 2026. This will allow Flight Attendants to contact Crew Scheduling for additional resources. Please refer to the letter of agreement and bulletin bundle.

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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