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        You are here: Home / Latest News

        September 14, 2026 17:00

        On Thursday, August 27, our Seattle Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met with management to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Walstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA pmAS), Kahea Alvarez (LAX/SEA pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX pmAS), Eva Gatus (SAN), Baron Lee (HNL), Kalin Lackey (PDX), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Brad Young, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple. Also in attendance were members of the SEA pmHA ASHSC.

        The Committee met with several members of inflight and safety department management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Matthew Coder (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures), Randy Katz (Managing Director of Inflight Safety Standards and Training), Rhonda Jordan (Safety Standards & Compliance), Jenny Bookert (SEA Director of Inflight), Karen Wook (SEA Inflight Supervisor), Olinga Asress (Manager of Inflight Base Operations), David Stewart (Manager on Security Operations), and Fermin Navarrette (Director of Security)

        The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place virtually October 22, 2026

        Topics of Discussion

        The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

        • Outstation Catering & Fall Protection: The ASHSC raised concerns that some ground catering vendors are fully opening the R2 door at outstations to service the aft trash can, rather than the required partial opening, creating a fall hazard. Management acknowledged the issue, said a bulletin will go out to catering vendors, and noted this has high visibility and continued attention at the executive level.
        • First Class Seat Calf-Rest Stowage: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of first class calf rests failing to stow properly, creating a potential CFR violation and egress hazard. In the meantime, one aircraft with an updated mechanism is being tested, and if the fix is successful, the other aircraft will be retrofitted.
        • Preflight Emergency Equipment (EE) Check Time: The Committee continued pushing for dedicated preflight time for Flight Attendants to complete required safety and security checks, consistent with what pmHA Flight Attendants and most of the industry currently do. Management stated they believe this needs to be addressed through JCBA negotiations, while the ASHSC reiterated their stance that this is an operational safety issue that should not need to be negotiated.
        • Installed Physical Secondary Barrier (IPSB): The ASHSC made several requests related to the IPSB.
        • Crew Van Seatbelts: The Committee raised ongoing concerns about crew vans and shuttles that don’t have enough working seatbelts for every crew member. Seat belts are required for hotel shuttles under CBA Section 34.B.6.
        • Onboard Oven Safety: Flight Attendants continue to get burned while retrieving food from ovens because current gloves protect only the hands, not the forearms. Management will coordinate with the Inflight Service Committee and the ASHSC to evaluate other glove options that provide greater protection.
        • Carry-Ons Checked at the Gate: The ASHSC raised concerns about passengers checking bags at the gate for priority boarding and then removing the bag tag, so the bag never actually gets checked. Management advises Flight Attendants to send those passengers back to the gate podium if this is witnessed.
        • MedLink App Rollout for pmHA: The ASHSC asked for a timeline for rolling out the MedLink app to pmHA Flight Attendants. Management does not have a firm date yet, but is targeting early 2027.
        • Pilot PA Clarity: The ASHSC requested a reminder for flight crews about PA volume and clarity and encouraged consistent use of the interphone when a PA cannot be understood. The FAM should be updated to direct us to notify pilots when the PA is unclear so they can make adjustments to address the problem or document the issue in the logbook.
        • Universal Glassware Durability: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of chipped or sharp-edged glassware creating a laceration risk. Management is working with the vendor and reviewing the dishwashing process.
        • Boarding with “Cabin Lights Only”: The ASHSC raised safety concerns about boarding aircraft without full cabin power.
        • Flight Attendant Inflight Home Page Update: The ASHSC flagged that the company website/app still displays a misleading message stating Flight Attendants are up to date on all bulletins.
        • New Evacuation Commands: The ASHSC raised concerns about the new evacuation commands, which will go into effect next year. Specifically, the addition of “leave everything” between repeated commands like “stay back,” which we used to just repeat. We also question the necessity of changing things for both pmHA and pmAS Flight Attendants when there is already a huge amount of change taking place as a result of the merger.

        Things The Committee Is Working On

        1. Radiation Exposure – NAS Report Findings: The National Academies of Sciences recently released a congressionally mandated study confirming that Flight Attendants rank among the most radiation-exposed occupational groups in the country, with documented health risks, but no enforceable FAA dose limit, monitoring requirement, or tracking system. The ASHSC has met with safety department and inflight management to begin closing these gaps and will participate in a working group on the subject going forward. Safety is already sourcing a potential software product to manage exposure tracking. We’ve asked management to:

        • Provide route-level dose estimates, using the FAA’s CARI model or an equivalent internal tool.
        • Deliver training and education on radiation exposure.
        • Work with the MEC to develop accommodations when appropriate, including for pregnant Flight Attendants.

        We Want to Hear From You!

        If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report:

        • pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
        • pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

        If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

        Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Tagged With: committee meeting

        September 14, 2026 13:00

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

        • Our JNC met with management last week on September 8 to September 10 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for October 26 to October 28
        • Our JNC and management will be exploring a different approach to traditional bargaining called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB) to address complex contract negotiations, aiming for solutions that benefit all parties
        • The Reserve Survey is being finalized for release in October

        Negotiations Update

        Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for four days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management from September 8 to September 10 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

        Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing 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

        Last week the JNC got the company’s response to Section 19 (Grievance Procedures) and Section 30 (Training).  We also received a new proposal from management for Section 29 (Performance Based Pay and Retirement) and provided our response, which included proposals for LOA 14 (Legacy Retiree Pass Privileges) and LOA 18 (Retiree Health Insurance).

        Most of the remaining sections are complex and will require significant discussion. At this point in negotiations, it is clear that both contracts are very different, well-established and cover different operations and work rules. Finding a solution that works for the combined Flight Attendant group will be challenging. The traditional bargaining approach isn’t always conducive to resolving these types of complicated issues.

        Interest-based Bargaining (IBB)Training

        The JNC and management will be exploring a different way to negotiate called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB). In IBB, both the company and the Association identify issues and develop solutions that will work for both parties. This is different from traditional bargaining where each side negotiates from a fixed position. For IBB to be successful, all parties need to participate in training to learn how the process works and be open to candid discussions.

        The IBB Training will take place in Seattle from October 14 to October 15, led by a mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB). The NMB mediator has experience in contract negotiations and mediation, and has previously worked with AFA International, Alaska, and Hawaiian. Our staff negotiator also has a lot of experience with this process, and the pre-merger Hawaiian JNC members used IBB successfully in their last full Section 6 Negotiations.

        The JNC has strategized to identify sections and concepts that would be best suited for the IBB approach. The most impactful sections of the contract are the most difficult to negotiate because both sides have a significant stake in the outcome. These sections are difficult to tackle even in regular Section 6 Negotiations and merging of our two contracts makes this task significantly more challenging.

        Section by Section Progress

        The Alaska CBA is being 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:

        • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
        • Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

        Sections in ongoing discussion:

        • Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
        • Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
        • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
        • Insurance Benefits (AS CBA Section 23 and HA CBA Section 32)
        • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
        • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
        • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)

        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)
        • Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

        JCBA Negotiations

        As a reminder, here’s how JCBA bargaining differs from regular negotiations:

        • Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process.
        • Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts.
        • Different Survey Process: The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections.

        For more information about the process please see Understanding JCBA Negotiations

        What’s Upcoming

        Reserve Survey

        The JNC is finishing up the long-awaited Reserve Survey, and we expect to release it in October. Thank you for your patience as we collaborated with our MEC Reserve Committee Chairpersons to make sure that the survey questions targeted key issues of concern. To help you understand the differences between the two Reserve programs, we have created extra resources that will be shared with the survey.

        Next Session

        Our next negotiating session with management is scheduled for October 26 to October 28.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Tagged With: Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), pmAS, pmHA

        September 14, 2026 09:00

        As we continue our Government Affairs Committee Focus Month, this week we’re exploring how the legislative process works, why enacting laws strengthens our collective bargaining power, and how to engage effectively with our elected representatives.

        The legislative process may sometimes feel complex or far removed, but it directly shapes our day-to-day lives—from cabin safety regulations to our working environment and job security. By understanding how an idea becomes federal law, we empower ourselves as advocates for our profession, our flying partners, and our passengers.

        Watch: Intro to the Legislative Process

        In our latest short video, Honolulu Government Affairs Committee Member Maria Kahele breaks down the legislative journey into four clear steps and shares why our voices as Flight Attendants are indispensable in Washington.

        Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

        The Four Steps: From Idea to Law

        In the video, Maria walks through the step-by-step progression of a bill:

        1. The Idea: Everything starts with a clear goal—like closing a safety gap or securing stronger rest rules. We ask a member of Congress, either a Representative or Senator, to formally introduce the measure.
        2. Committee Review: Next, the proposal goes to a specialized Congressional committee where members fine-tune the wording and hear directly from key voices. If it earns their approval, it advances to the full chamber.
        3. The Vote: The measure is brought up for debate and a vote on the floor. Securing a simple majority moves it forward to repeat the exact same evaluation and voting process in the opposite chamber.
        4. The Signature: After matching versions pass both the House and Senate, the finalized bill is sent to the President. With their signature, the initial concept officially transforms into binding federal law.

        Flight Attendants Are The Subject Matter Experts

        As Maria emphasizes, lawmakers aren’t airline crewmembers—they rely on “subject matter experts” to explain how regulations will function in the real world. No one understands cabin safety or the realities of our workday better than Flight Attendants. By sharing our firsthand experience, we ensure that legislative decisions don’t just happen to us, but for us.

        Get Involved & Share Your Voice

        Understanding the process is the first step toward active engagement. Throughout Government Affairs Focus Month, we’ll continue sharing new topics on civic participation, voting resources, and FlightPAC to help you stay informed, involved, and empowered.

        Ready to get involved? Visit afaalaska.org/volunteer to see how you can lend your voice to our Union’s legislative advocacy efforts!

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News

        September 14, 2026 07:00

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

        NGP IS COMING TO THE SEA VILLAGE

        Council 47 is excited to welcome National Group Protection (NGP) representatives to the SEA Village October 3–5!

        NGP works in partnership with AFA to provide Flight Attendants access to supplemental insurance that provides additional financial protection beyond your regular Company benefits.

        Depending on the coverage you choose, benefits can provide cash payments directly to you for covered events. Some plans also include wellness benefits that may pay you simply for completing routine care, such as an annual physical or eye exam.

        For our newer Flight Attendants, we encourage you to talk with some of our veteran members who carry NGP coverage. Many have used these benefits firsthand and can share how valuable the additional protection has been when they needed it.

        NGP representatives can help you:

        • Enroll in supplemental coverage
        • Review or adjust your existing plans
        • Understand your benefits and coverage
        • Get answers to your questions

        📍 SEA Village
        📅 October 3–5

        Stopping by before your flight? Please plan to arrive early enough to allow sufficient time to meet with an NGP representative before you need to report for your flight.

        Whether you’re learning about NGP for the first time or already enrolled, we encourage you to stop by and take advantage of having representatives available in person.


        Click on the flyer below to see more details about plans offered…


        Filed Under: Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) Tagged With: Council 47, pmHA

        September 12, 2026 13:01

        This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

        Reserve Webinar – Register Now!

        Join us for our next Webinar:
        Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 1100 HST

        Registration Reminders:

        • Register with a personal email address such as Gmail.
        • Registration will close one hour prior to the webinar,

        DENIED BOARDING: Registration using an alaskaair.com or hawaiianair.com email address will be denied.


        Webinar Panelists

        • Sasha Kahele-Manners, Reserve Committee Co-Chair – HNL Base
        • Joni Pak, Reserve Committee Co-Chair – HNL Base
        • Julie Thornton, AFA Alaska – MEC Reserve Committee Chair

        Joni & Sasha are the subject-matter experts when it comes to our reserve operation. They help Reserve Flight Attendants navigate situations at work in areas such as legal rest, RAP, and reserve assignments.

        As Committee Chairs, they collaborate with Union Leadership & Committees to provide insight, and advocate for our reserve group.

        Contact our Reserve Committee Chairs via email at:

        • sasha.kahele-manners@afahawaiian.org
        • joni.pak@afahawaiian.org

        JCBA Reserve Survey

        MEC Reserve Committee Chairs Julie Thorton (Alaska) and Kela Chong (Hawaiian) will share an update on the Joint Negotiation Reserve survey.

        • Tune in;
        • Ask questions;
        • Ensure you’re well-informed & ready to provide your input!

        The Joint Negotiation is an opportunity for us to combine the best Reserve provisions from both pre-merger contracts.

        The survey will launch soon!


        About This Webinar: Reserves

        • Learn about operational trends and changes at HA;
        • Get answers to questions about our reserve operation;
        • Familiarize yourself with the Reserve section of our Contract!

        Our panelists will update us on the current state of our reserve operation with a presentation. After the presentation, we’ll have time to answer questions that involve our reserve operation.

        If you have a question about our reserve operation, please feel free to submit it during registration.

        We’ll accept live questions during the webinar as well. Use the Q&A feature on the Zoom interface to submit your question.

        We hope to see you there!

        In Solidarity,

        HNL Communications Committee
        AFA Hawaiian – Council 43, Honolulu Base

        Filed Under: Council 43 HNL Tagged With: Council 43, pmHA

        September 12, 2026 09:00

        As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month continues, we’re excited to bring you a direct, face-to-face conversation that goes to the core of our Union’s legislative work. You’ll see how our experiences in the cabin translate into meaningful advocacy that drives real change.

        MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal for a candid video interview exploring the Committee’s work and impact. Together, they unpack what terms like “lobbying” and “PACs” really mean, and highlight why your engagement is crucial to protecting our collective future.

        What You’ll Discover in This Interview

        Our AFA Government Affairs Committee is the critical link between our frontline experience and the lawmakers shaping our profession. In this engaging interview, Bruni reveals how the Committee champions both our careers and our safety:

        • Educating Policymakers: How our operational insights guide aviation law.
        • Remaining Non-Partisan: Why focusing on Flight Attendant safety builds effective partnerships.
        • Unleashing the Power of FlightPAC: How our collective “influence fund” supports our profession.
        • Safeguarding Our Progress: Why participating in upcoming elections secures our contract goals.

        Watch Now

        This conversation is a powerful demonstration of how our collective advocacy gives us a seat at the decision-making table. Take a moment to watch the full interview—you’ll see firsthand how our voices make a real difference in the halls of government:

        Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

        Get Involved & Shape Our Future

        History isn’t just happening to us—it’s being written by us. By stepping up and getting involved, we shape the protections of tomorrow, defend our contractual rights, and keep our collective voice strong in every decision that affects our profession.

        Connect with any Government Affairs Committee Member to:

        • Ask questions: Reach out directly to learn more about our legislative goals and advocacy work.
        • Sign up for FlightPAC: Support our collective political influence fund to help elect pro-Flight Attendant candidates.

        Find out more about volunteering and getting involved by visiting afaalaska.org/volunteer.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Government Affairs Committee

        September 11, 2026 17:00

        In This Edition

        • AFA Committee Focus Month: Government Affairs
        • Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11: Never Forget
        • Shared on Social
        • Next Week’s Events

        AFA Committee Focus Month: Government Affairs

        Originally posted September 7, 2026

        As we launch our Government Affairs Committee focus month, we’re highlighting the proactive advocacy work that ensures our frontline experience as Flight Attendants is championed at every level of government. Discover how the Government Affairs Committee translates our unique, firsthand perspective into legislation that protects the safety and integrity of our profession.

        Read More

        Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11: Never Forget

        Originally posted September 10, 2026

        A quarter of a century has passed since September 11, 2001—a day that fundamentally transformed our world and redefined aviation safety forever. Today, as members of the Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family, we stand together to reflect on that pivotal morning, honor the memory of those we lost, and reaffirm our solemn promise: We Will Never Forget.

        Read More

        Shared on Social

        Check out this week’s highlights from our social media! Click on a graphic below to view the original post on Instagram. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates and news as we share it!

        Originally posted September 9, 2026


        Next Week’s Events

        Monday, September 14Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting
        Tuesday, September 15Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting (pmHA)
        See the MEC Event Calendar

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        September 10, 2026 19:06

        This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

        A Look at the October Pairings for LAX & SEA

        The October Bid Packet is out, and Council 47 has reviewed the flying designated for both LAX and SEA. With several significant changes to our flying this month, we’ve put together a recap of what members can expect, along with additional information gathered during our meeting with Crew Planning.

        If you have specific questions about the bid packet, please submit a PBS Inquiry Form. Any other questions or comments, please email your officers. 

        In Solidarity,

        Josh, Paul and Beth
        Council 47 Officers
        47@afahawaiian.org

        SEA Pulse Form (anonymous)
        LAX Pulse Form (anonymous)
        Council 47 SEA Committee Contact Roster

        Greg Wickstrom and Patrick Smith
        PBS Committee
        PBS Inquiry


        👀TL;DR👀

        🌴 LAX: October 26 is the only day without LAX-originating flying. OAK remains the most common layover, longer SEA layovers continue, and A330 staffing increases to 9. Some longer A321 duty days are staffed with 5 Flight Attendants, and A321 turns scheduled over 14 hours have required hard-blocked crew-rest seats.

        ⛰️ SEA: ICN frequency decreases but includes longer 72-hour layovers on select trips. FCO ends October 23, with two unusual final pairings operating the same SEA-FCO flight and special FFA bidding/pay procedures. HNL layover opportunities decrease later in the month as flying shifts to single-day turns. NRT transitions to the 787 and full SEA staffing, while LHR and NRT provide SEA-originating flying every day of the month.


        🌴 Los Angeles 🌴

        WHAT’S CHANGING IN OCTOBER?

        NO FLYING ON OCTOBER 26

        LAX will have flying throughout October, with October 26 being the only day without an LAX-originating pairing.

        Council 47 identified this gap during our meeting with Crew Planning and asked that a pairing be added so LAX would have flying every day of the month.

        Unfortunately, Crew Planning determined there was no viable flying available to build on October 26. One option considered was a LAX-HNL-LAX turn, but that construction would result in a scheduled duty period of approximately 15:53.

        Crew Planning acknowledged the gap, apologized, and committed to working toward greater consistency in LAX-originating flying in future bid months.

        OAK REMAINS THE PRIMARY LAX LAYOVER

        OAK continues to make up the largest share of LAX flying in October.

        The most common pairing is a two-day LAX-LIH-OAK / OAK-LIH-LAX trip, generally crediting approximately 22 hours.

        LONG SEA LAYOVERS CONTINUE

        LAX also retains a significant number of three-day A330 pairings with long SEA layovers.

        These trips generally operate LAX-OGG-SEA, provide approximately a 35-hour layover in Seattle, and return SEA-OGG-LAX.

        A330 STAFFING INCREASES TO 9

        Members will also notice that the LAX A330 flying is staffed with 9 Flight Attendants in October.

        This reflects an important contractual staffing protection for LAX. Under Section 34-15.A.4, A330-200 turns originating out of the LAX domicile are staffed with one additional Flight Attendant, increasing staffing from 8 to 9, for groupings constructed during the February, March, April, September, October and November bid months.

        SFO, SMF AND SAN ADD SOME VARIETY

        There are also a smaller number of pairings that provide alternatives to the more common OAK and SEA trips.

        The A330 SFO pairing operates through HNL and provides approximately 31 hours in San Francisco, crediting 22:17.

        The A321 SMF pairings operate through OGG and provide approximately 33 to 35 hours in Sacramento, crediting between 21:14 and 21:45.

        On October 31, there is also a two-day LAX-LIH-SAN / SAN-LIH-LAX pairing providing approximately 13 hours in San Diego and crediting 23:32.

        LONGER A321 DUTY DAYS RECEIVE ADDITIONAL STAFFING

        Members will also notice additional staffing on some of the longer A321 duty days.

        The October 31 SAN pairing is staffed with 5 Flight Attendants rather than 4. It includes scheduled duty periods of 14:15 on Day 1 and 14:49 on Day 2.

        The two LAX-LIH-LAX turns at the beginning of the month are also staffed with 5 Flight Attendants, with a scheduled duty period of 15:15.

        CREW REST SEATS ON A321 TURNS, OVER 14 HOURS

        LAX Flight Attendants should also be aware of the crew-rest seat protection for A321 turns scheduled over 14 hours of duty.

        For these flights, Row 46 AB must be hard blocked for Flight Attendant crew rest. A hard block means those seats cannot be assigned to passengers and are reserved for crew-rest breaks.

        When working one of these pairings, we encourage the crew to coordinate with the boarding agents before boarding to confirm that the required crew-rest seats are properly blocked. Doing so can help avoid confusion or miscommunication at the gate and ensure the required crew-rest seats remain available for the crew.

        BY THE NUMBERS

        45 pairing occurrences
        ~980 hours of total pairing credit
        ~21:46 average credit per pairing

        TRIP LENGTH

        Of the 45 LAX pairing occurrences:

        • 2 | 1-Day Trips
        • 26 | 2-Day Trips
        • 17 | 3-Day Trips

        Nearly 96% of the trips include a layover, with only two single-day turns in the October packet.

        WHERE ARE WE LAYING OVER?

        Of the 43 pairings with a layover:

        • 25 | OAK
        • 12 | SEA
        • 3 | SMF
        • 2 | SFO
        • ​1 | SAN

        OAK represents more than half of all LAX layovers.

        AIRCRAT MIX

        Of the 45 pairing occurrences:

        • 31 | A321
        • 14 | A330

        Approximately 69% of the LAX pairings are A321neo flying, with the remaining 31% operating on the A330.


        ⛰️ SEATTLE ⛰️

        WHAT’S CHANGING IN OCTOBER?

        ICN FREQUENCY REDUCES

        ICN frequency decreases in October, and the pairing construction changes.

        Most ICN flying is built as three-day pairings with approximately 24-hour layovers, while Sunday departures become five-day pairings with approximately 72-hour layovers.

        The five-day pairings depart on October 4, 11, 18 and 25 and credit approximately 24:28 to 24:30.

        FCO SERVICE DISCONTINUES

        FCO service discontinues during October, with the final SEA-FCO departure on October 23. Two crews will operate unique repositioning pairings, both working the same SEA-FCO flight before deadheading FCO-LHR and then LHR-SEA back to domicile.

        AFA identified two issues with these pairings that Crew Planning will correct:

        • Italian Language Position: The October 23 SEA-FCO flight was constructed without an Italian-language position. S3004 will be modified to include the position.
        • LHR-SEA Deadhead Checkout: Both pairings currently reflect a 15-minute checkout following the LHR-SEA deadhead. Because customs clearance is required upon arrival in SEA, this will be corrected to 30 minutes after block-in.

        We also confirmed with PBS that Flight Attendants may bid FFA on either pairing. Both awarded FFAs will receive FFA pay, but because both crews work the same SEA-FCO flight, seniority at sign-in will determine which Flight Attendant performs the FFA duties onboard.

        Both crews are scheduled to deadhead LHR-SEA with a 10:20 block time. Under Section 31.F.2, a Flight Attendant scheduled to deadhead for a duty period of 10 hours or more must be ticketed in Business Class or First Class. This protection applies to both pairings.

        The crews have different London layovers, approximately 16:10 and 40:10, before deadheading home on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The different constructions help accommodate the required premium-cabin seating for the LHR-SEA deadheads.

        HNL LAYOVERS DECREASE

        Members will also see a reduction in the frequency of HNL layovers.

        The packet includes HNL layover pairings on October 1, 2, 5, 12, and 19, including three-day trips with approximately 39:47 in Honolulu. Beginning October 25, the construction shifts toward single-day SEA-HNL-SEA turns, reducing the number of HNL layover opportunities.

        NRT MOVES TO THE 787 AND FULL SEA STAFFING

        October marks the transition of NRT from its previous mixed-base A330 staffing arrangement to a 787 operation fully staffed from SEA.

        October 2nd pairing begins the transition, operating the A330 outbound from SEA and returning on the 787 with the full nine-position crew staffed from SEA. Crews operating this pairing are expected to have both branded uniforms.

        Beginning with the October 3 SEA-NRT departure, the route operates on the 787 in both directions with the entire nine-position crew staffed from SEA.

        This also means that once the flight reaches 85% of its revenue count and the crew-to-load position is activated, the 10th Flight Attendant position will also be filled from SEA.

        BY THE NUMBERS

        118 pairing occurrences
        ~2,347 hours of total pairing credit
        ~19:54 average credit per pairing

        TRIP LENGTH

        Of the 118 SEA pairing occurrences:

        • 7 | 1-Day Trips
        • 2 | 2-Day Trips
        • 100 | 3-Day Trips
        • 4 | 4-Day Trips
        • 5 | 5-Day Trips

        The majority of SEA flying is built as three-day pairings, representing approximately 85% of all pairings.

        WHERE ARE WE FLYING?

        • 31 | LHR
        • 31 | NRT
        • 23 | ICN
        • 21 | FCO
        • 12 | HNL

        HNL FLYING

        There are 12 HNL pairing occurrences, consisting of:

        • 7 | 1-Day Turns
        • 2 | 2-Day Pairings
        • 3 | 3-Day Pairings

        The three Monday departures on October 5, 12 and 19 provide approximately 39:47 in Honolulu.

        Beginning October 25, the construction changes significantly, with SEA-HNL-SEA turns appearing daily through October 31. These trips credit 12:00 in a single day, with a scheduled duty period of 15:22 and are staffed with 10 Flight Attendants and is considered to be an Augmented Crew due to the longer duty day.

        Filed Under: Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) Tagged With: Council 47, pmHA

        September 10, 2026 19:00

        A quarter of a century has passed since September 11, 2001—a day that fundamentally transformed our world and redefined aviation safety forever. Today, as members of the Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family, we stand together to reflect on that pivotal morning, honor the memory of those we lost, and reaffirm our solemn promise: We Will Never Forget.

        We pause to remember the heroic crew members aboard American Airlines Flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines Flights 175 and 93. As aviation’s first responders, those twenty-five Flight Attendants displayed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their decisive actions, alerting the nation and protecting lives, epitomize the highest ideals of our profession. Alongside the eight Pilots and three Customer Service Representatives we lost, we honor their sacrifice and carry their legacy with us every time we step into the cabin.

        Remembering our fallen colleagues is more than an annual reflection; it is a living commitment that shapes who we are. Over the past 25 years, our collective dedication has driven significant improvements in aviation security, cabin safety, and crew welfare. As our workgroups continue to build a unified future, our solidarity stands as our greatest strength.

        Watch: 25th Anniversary Remembrance Message

        In honor of the lives lost and the legacy we carry forward, MEC President Tim Green has shared a personal message for our Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family. In this video, Tim reflects on our profession’s history, the responsibility we hold for one another, and the solidarity that keeps our skies safe. We invite you to watch and share in this moment of remembrance.

        Click Here to Watch on YouTube ➔

        Wear Your Remembrance Pin

        To visibly demonstrate our solidarity throughout this memorial month, all Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants are invited to wear either the AFA September 11th Black Ribbon Pin or the AFA and APFA Never Forget Unity Pin. If you need a pin, please contact your LEC Officers for more information. 

        Join Us in a Moment of Silence

        Please join us in a moment of silence and quiet reflection on Friday, September 11, at 8:46 AM Eastern Time (5:46 AM Pacific Time / 2:46 AM Hawaii Time) to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

        Thank you for your unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, and the compassion you show to one another and to our passengers every day. Together, we are the living legacy of our heroes—ensuring their memory endures. We will Never Forget:

        American Flight 11

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

        United Flight 175

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

        American Flight 77

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

        United Flight 93

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

        Additional Resources

        • AFA International Officers Remembrance Message
        • AFA-CWA Never Forget Website

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: September 11th

        September 10, 2026 11:01

        This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

        Open Enrollment for Supplemental Benefits will begin soon. National Group Protection will be in our Crew Lounge starting next week. If you would like to enroll, make changes to your existing plan, or have general questions, be on the lookout for a Benefit Counselor on the following dates:

        • Monday: 9/14
        • Tuesday: 9/15
        • Wednesday: 9/16
        • Sunday: 9/20
        • Monday: 9/21
        • Tuesday: 9/22

        If you have questions but are unable to make it to the lounge in person, you can call National Group Protection for assistance at (800) 344-9016.

        Filed Under: Council 43 HNL Tagged With: Council 43, pmHA

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