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This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Officer Update – May 7, 2026

Aloha LAX and SEA,

This has been a very busy week across our union, both at the Local and MEC levels. We want to take a moment to provide you with a few important updates on the work happening on behalf of our membership.

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

TL;DR

  • Council 47 Volunteers Meeting: Our LAX and SEA Chairs and Volunteers came together in Seattle last week. With 19 leaders and volunteers, our team continues to grow alongside our membership and strengthen representation across both domiciles.
  • Block2Block: B2B messages can be viewed by management, so please keep communications professional. SEA FAs submitting B2Bs inflight on the 787-9 should connect their IMD to the internet after leaving the aircraft to ensure reports are transmitted.
  • Reduced Time: There is one Reduced Time position each month in LAX and one in SEA. It provides a 37.5 to 55 hour bid month while maintaining full-time benefits. Requests must be emailed to Gina Lorenzo between the 1st and 7th.
  • NRT 10th FA: When the crew-to-load trigger requires a 10th FA, the position will primarily be staffed from HNL while the non-language NRT pairings originate there. Once those positions transition to SEA, the additional FA will be staffed from SEA.
  • SCRs: Council 47 has resolved the IT notification issues that caused delays in receiving and responding to Scheduling Clarification Requests from LAX and SEA.
  • Asia Language Lead: The Business Class Lead Language Qualified FA does not have to work FA #8. The Contract requires the Lead Language FA to work an aisle position in Business Class, with positions selected by seniority during briefing.

Council 47 Volunteers Meeting – Q3

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. As Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants, this month holds special meaning for many of us, as the cultures and traditions of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities are deeply woven into the identity and spirit of our airline. From the aloha we share with our guests to the diverse backgrounds of our crews, these cultures continue to shape who we are both in the workplace and in our union ‘ohana. This month, we celebrate and recognize the many AANHPI Flight Attendants and communities that make our airline so special.

Did you know that AFA created the AANHPI pin with Hawaiian Airlines very much in mind? Many of the colors and design references were inspired by our brand, and you can even see traces of Pualani reflected in it. It’s something we should be proud to wear, not only as a union pin, but also as a symbol that reflects part of our airline’s culture and identity.

A limited number of pins will be available in both the LAX and SEA lounges. Please only take one per Flight Attendant, as these pins are purchased through the local council budget. As a reminder, uniform standards allow Flight Attendants to wear a union pin above their wings or nametag regardless of which branded uniform is being worn.

Council 47 Chairs and Volunteers

Last week, our Council 47 Chairs and Volunteers from both LAX and SEA came together in Seattle for our Council 47 Volunteers Meeting. With representatives from each of our committees in attendance, it was an opportunity to bring our entire volunteer team together to connect, collaborate, and focus on the work ahead for our membership.

As our membership has grown with the addition of SEA, so has our team. Council 47 now has 19 leaders and volunteers working to better represent and support our members in both LAX and SEA.

We had a productive meeting discussing our committee work, current projects, and goals. Most importantly, we strategized about how we can better support you, ensure your voices are represented in our discussions with management, strengthen communication, and continue building a unified union across both domiciles.

How do I get ahold of my union?
A complete roster of your Council 47 Officers, Chairs, and Volunteers can be found at this link. Moving forward, we will also include this roster in every Council 47 communication so you always have easy access to the right person when you need assistance.

Check out our Instagram video for a recap of the meeting! A complete committee report will also be posted at a later date for members who would like to read more about the work each of our committees is doing.

Block2Block Reminders

Please remember that Block2Block (B2B) messages can be viewed by management. Always remain professional when communicating on Company-provided devices, as messages that are considered inappropriate or unprofessional may be called into question.

Another important reminder for our SEA Flight Attendants: if you complete a B2B report inflight, the 787-9 is not currently equipped with Starlink. Please make sure your IMD connects to internet service after leaving the aircraft so your report can successfully transmit to both the Company and AFA.

Reduced Time Bid Line

For our West Coast domiciles, our Contract provides for one Reduced Time position in LAX and one in SEA each month.

The Reduced Time Option is similar to Low Time in that a bid month is awarded between 37.5 to 55 hours. One of the key differences is that Flight Attendants awarded the Reduced Time Option maintain full-time benefits, including group insurance, sick leave, vacation, and seniority/longevity accruals.

This position is awarded monthly by seniority. Flight Attendants interested in bidding for the Reduced Time position must submit a request by email to Gina Lorenzo between the 1st and 7th of each month.

For additional information about the Reduced Time Option, please reference Section 13 of our Contract.

Who gets the 10th position on the NRT?

Who gets the 10th position on the NRT? Many of you have had questions regarding the 10th Flight Attendant position on Narita flights when the flight meets the contractual crew-to-load trigger.

Crew Scheduling has been using a mixture of HNL and SEA Flight Attendants to staff this additional position. AFA and Crew Scheduling have now reached a mutual understanding that the 10th Flight Attendant position will primarily be staffed from HNL, as the pairing for the non-language positions originates in HNL. Once the non-language positions on NRT transitions to SEA Domicile, the 10th FA will be added from SEA.

Delay in SCR Responses

As Council 47 has taken on representation of the Seattle domicile, we have experienced some IT challenges with receiving proper notifications when Flight Attendants in both LAX and SEA submit a Scheduling Clarification Request (SCR), as well as notifications when the Company responds.

We are happy to report that Council 47 has now worked through these issues and is receiving the appropriate notifications.

We apologize for any delays over the past couple of months in acknowledging your SCRs, responding to you, or providing AFA’s position on the Company’s response. We appreciate your patience as we worked to resolve these issues.

Asia Language Lead Position

We want to provide a quick reminder regarding the Business Class Lead Language Qualified position on Asia flying.

Under Section 34-27.A, the Business Class Lead Language Qualified Flight Attendant must work an aisle position, but the Contract does not require that Flight Attendant to specifically be FA #8.

The Lead Language Qualified Flight Attendant may work any Business Class position that is assigned to an aisle, based on how positions are selected in seniority during briefing.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

School’s back in session which marks the end of summer travel season. This summer presented no shortage of challenges for us and our operation, but we did it!

Mahalo for taking care of our passengers, and looking out for one another amid Company-wide changes and irregular operations.

In addition to our webinars and lounge sits, we had a productive summer collaborating within our Union in support of our Members.

Save the Date!

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Reserve Lounge Sit

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 1100 HST
Reserve Webinar
Register Now!

JCBA Reserve Survey coming soon! 
We will update you on the ETA.

Reserve Committee Training

Welcome Zach & Megan!!

In July, we met with newly-appointed Council 47 (LAX/SEA Base) Reserve Committee Chairs Zach Rajkovacz and Megan Moore.

LEC Presidents Kela Chong (Council 43, Honolulu) and Josh Aoki (Council 47, LAX/SEA) met with us as well.

Together, we engaged in two full days of training and conversation around the Reserve operation at Hawaiian.

Photo: Megan Moore, Zach Rajkovacz, and Meg Casey along with Council 43 Reserve Committee Chairpersons Joni & Sasha.

Reserve Committee Intercouncil Collaboration

Julie Thorton, Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson flew in from PHX, and Meg Casey, Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson (New Hire & Probation) flew in from PDX during the first week of July to collaborate with us by comparing our Contracts and Reserve operation. Julie spoke briefly during our July Reserve webinar as well.

Brian Palmer, MEC Communications Committee Chairperson flew in from SEA to share his wealth of knowledge regarding tools and platforms that’ll keep the Members at our base informed, updated, and connected with Union leadership.

It was great to get insight from Julie and Meg about Alaska Airlines’ Reserve operation!

We look forward to more opportunities for us to collaborate when we begin joint negotiations for the Reserve section of the JCBA.

Up next: Reserve survey coming soon!

If you fly Reserve or were ever on Reserve, we need your input too! We’ll send an update with the ETA once it’s finalized.

Hot Topic: Reserve Assignments

It was brought to our attention via mobile contact and Scheduling Clarification (SCR) that Crew Scheduling assigned Reserve Flight Attendants from the RAP bucket out of order.

Kela met with Terrance Chariandy, Director of Crew Scheduling regarding this issue. Terrance will work with Crew Scheduling to ensure proper assigning processes are applied in accordance with our Contract.

Thank you for taking the time to inquire about this and for sharing your experience! We were able to address this quickly because proper processes in reporting were followed, and provided helpful documentation of the issue.

We’ll continue to send updates and keep you included in these conversations.

Me ke aloha,

Sasha Kahele-Manners & Joni Pak
Reserve Committee Chairs | Council 43, Honolulu
Sasha.Kahele-Manners@afahawaiian.org | Joni.Pak@afahawaiian.org

Links:

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

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

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

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

Topics of Discussion 

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

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

What The Committee Is Working On

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Want to Hear From You!

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

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

We’re excited to introduce our next group of SEA Local Committee Chairpersons for the current LEC Officer term. They officially start their terms on October 1, 2026. Below you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Members at Council 19.

David Lake | Local ASHSC Chairperson

David began his career as a Flight Attendant in 1979, initially based in Denver, CO with Continental Airlines. He joined Alaska Airlines in 1982.

He is honored to continue in his role as Local ASHSC Chairperson for SEA. Beyond his primary responsibilities of working to improve health, safety, and security of our Flight Attendants, he works with SEA Base leadership on a variety of areas impacting our workgroup, including ground and flight operations, training, aircraft catering, maintenance, and customer service.

In addition to his current position at the local level, David also serves as the MEC ASHSC LOSA Representative. Passionate about continuous improvement, he previously served as MEC ASHSC Chairperson, and he remains dedicated to strengthening programs to ensure the well-being and operation excellence of his colleagues across the airline.

Jack Espinosa | Local ASHSC Vice-Chairperson

Jack has been a Flight Attendant since 2022 and holds a university degree in Business Management. Bringing a strong foundation in risk management and operational oversight from his background in audio/visual production management, where he served as a production manager and safety coordinator, Jack naturally gravitated towards aviation safety. His active Union involvement began after serving as a guest Flight Attendant speaker at an AFA Safety Base meeting with management and base leadership. Inspired to advocate directly for his flying partners, he served two years as a local ASHSC committee member for SEA.

Stepping into his new role as Vice-Chairperson, Jack is focused on supporting and advising the ASHSC Chairperson and LEC, maintaining consistent communication by writing and producing bi-monthly safety newsletter, and actively identifying ways to enhance safety policies and operational procedures.

Outside of flying and safety work, Jack is an avid food enthusiast on layovers, always looking for the best local pizza, burger, or sandwich spots.

Conner Gallagher | Local Reserve Chairperson

Conner began his career as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant in 2017 after previously flying for Horizon Air from 2014 to 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University and has served as SEA Local Reserve Committee Chairperson since 2019.

Conner became involved with AFA because he wanted to help Flight Attendants better understand and exercise their contractual rights, particularly while navigating the unique challenges of reserve life. He has seen firsthand how knowledgeable advocacy can make a meaningful difference for individual members and believes strongly in holding management accountable to the contract.

In his continued role with the Reserve Committee, Conner’s priorities are to advocate for greater flexibility and quality of life for reserves, ensure contractual provisions are applied correctly and consistently, and continue identifying opportunities to improve the reserve experience.

Outside of work and Union advocacy, Conner enjoys skiing, real estate, weightlifting, spending time with his three dogs and family, and going to concerts.

Ian Haywood | Local Reserve Vice-Chairperson

Ian started flying in 2017 and has been an AFA volunteer since passing probation. He served as Local Reserve Vice-Chairperson and Mobilization Chairperson from 2022-2024. In these roles, he worked with Flight Attendants understanding the importance of empowerment, and member engagement. He is passionate in ensuring that more reserves feel supported and able to understand their contract, while developing a relationship with AFA that encourages them to become engaged Members.

He is committed to building a connection between Flight Attendants and Union leadership through education, communication and advocacy. Outside of work and Union activities, he enjoys his travel benefits extensively with his boyfriend and is a cruise traveler, taking five or six cruises a year.

Rita Tillou | Local Scheduling Chairperson

Rita has proudly worn the wings of an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant since 1988. With nearly four decades of dedication to her career and fellow Flight Attendants, she continues to be a passionate advocate for her peers. Rita served as the Local Scheduling Co-Chairperson before transitioning to the Local Scheduling Chairperson, where she remains honored to support our SEA-based Flight Attendants.

Throughout her career, Rita has devoted more than a decade to representing her fellow Flight Attendants through the Scheduling, Benefits, and Inflight Service committees. Her commitment to fairness and service has been a meaningful part of her Union advocacy and career.

Family is at the heart of Rita’s life. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 41 years, and together they have two children and two cats. Her passion for aviation is truly a family affair: her husband is also a Flight Attendant, her son is a Pilot, and her daughter-in-law is a Flight Attendant. Outside of flying and AFA, Rita enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Dena Heath | Local Uniform Chairperson

Dena began her career with Alaska Airlines in 2012. Before becoming a Flight Attendant, she spent 16 years in retail management, specializing in visual display and merchandising. She holds a degree in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

With her passion about uniforms, Dena is excited to continue serving as Local Uniform Chairperson in SEA. She brings her experience, creativity, and attention to detail to the role and looks forward to continuing to support her fellow Flight Attendants.

Outside of work, Dena loves spending tie with her 5-year-old daughter, Charlie, and making the most of their time together.

On Monday, August 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt Mitchell (HNL), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Hotel and Administration Diane Szubert, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, and Crew Hotel Support Specialist LaFay Williams.

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

Topics of Discussion

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

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: Our Hotel Committee conducts site visits on hotels under consideration by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities.  

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

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

We Want to Hear From You!

Our Hotel Committee relies on your feedback, whether positive or negative. Please report via CrewCare (pmAS) or the FA Crew Accommodations Feedback form (pmHA), which ensures your experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation is addressed. These are the only official way to report issues, as the Committee doesn’t monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare and feedback form submission is forwarded to our AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska/Hawaiian management), API, and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct or fix the issue for the next crew member. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. Pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the Committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

September 2026 Bidding Extension

Tropical storm Lala caused many disruptions these past few days including power outages that affected our ability to bid.

As a result, the bidding period for September 2026 will be extended.

Please reference the table below for an updated timeline.

EVENTORIGINAL TIMELINENEW TIMELINE
DEADLINE: Vacation / Planned AbsenceAug. 17 @ 0900 LDTAug. 18 @ 0900 LDT
Bid period closes & deadline to submit Flica carryout requestsAug. 17 @ 1500 HSTAug. 18 @ 1500 HST
Preliminary Award PostedAug. 18 by 1200 HSTAug. 19 by 1200 HST
Final Award PostedAug. 20 by 1500 HSTAug. 20 by 1500 HST(no change)

The PBS Committee will provide an update if further revisions to our PBS timeline is needed.

Reserve Webinar – September 16 @ 1100 HST

Join us for our next Webinar!

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 @ 1100 HST

Sasha & Joni will share updates and answer questions related to our Reserve operation.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions about irregular operations while on Reserve!

Please submit your questions during registration.

REGISTER NOW! >>>

WEBINAR REMINDERS:
Register with a personal email address such as Gmail.

DENIED BOARDING: Registration using an alaskaair.com or hawaiianair.com email address will be denied.
Registration will close one hour prior to the Webinar.

We hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

Council 43 Communications Committee

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

Seattle Membership Recap

Aloha Seattle ‘Ohana,

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

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

Service Takes Center Stage

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding the SEA LOA

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

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

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

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

Committee & Workers’ Compensation Updates

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

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

Building a Stronger Council 47

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

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

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

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

Mahalo,

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

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

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

SEA Inflight Service Committee Update

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

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


WHAT IS IT?

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

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


DO WE HAVE TO PUT IT ON THE SMALL TSU?

NO! There will only be the meal container.


WHEN DOES TESTING START?

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


HOW LONG WILL THEY BE TESTING IT?

30 days


WHEN DOES TESTING END?

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


WHY ARE THEY DOING TESTING?

Management is looking for ways to improve guest feedback scores.


WHY ONLY LHR FLIGHTS?

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


WHEN WAS THE COMPANY GOING TO TELL US?

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


WHY ARE YOU TELLING US?

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


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

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

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

HOW DO I SEND IN MY FEEDBACK?

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

Mahalo,

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

In This Edition

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

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

Originally posted August 12, 2026

Pre-Merger Alaska

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

Read More >

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

Originally posted August 14, 2026

Pre-Merger Hawaiian

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

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

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

See the MEC Event Calendar >

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

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

The Issue: Management is Ignoring Our CBA

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

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

The Reality: A Simple Principle

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

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

Take Action: Document the Struggle

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

Speak up, support each other, and stay informed.

That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference. We started this month […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel […]

MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026

Whether you joined us live or are ready to watch on your own schedule, the full recording of our September 23 MEC Town Hall is now available! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. Watch the video anytime on our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the link below. (Note: […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense. Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger […]

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