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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, July 21, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Global Training Center 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), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, PBS Committee member —Krystal Kehrli, MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative Julie Thornton, 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 Inflight Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy, Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Managing Director of Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Colin Beard, ITS Technical Product Owner Nathan McFerren, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, information technology (ITS), and payroll.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, August 25.

Topics of Discussion

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

Upcoming Meetings

  • Meeting Schedule: Regular meetings set for August 25, September 29, October 27, November 24, and December 29.
  • Scheduling Review Board (SRB) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) meetings scheduled through December 2026.
  • JCTE updates are expected in Q3 2026.
  • AI Crew Solutions: Meeting on November 4, 2025, to discuss vacation awards and slot processing. We are moving forward with the implementation process, hopefully this fall in the 4th quarter. 
  • Monitoring: Active monitoring of Flight Attendant OT every 16th of the month at designated times.

MEC Committee Chairperson Report

  • Crew Backlog: Review pending. Need to set up additional dates to review the items that require change requests and bug fixes. The list is short, as most of the items from the prior negotiations have been implemented. 
  • Fatigue Review Board: Scheduled meetings throughout the rest of 2026. This is a bi-weekly meeting. 
  • Pay Disputes: Ongoing discussions regarding pyramiding pay and specific grievances filed by AFA. We recently resolved a dispute with Section 8.F and 8.G and posted the MOU. 

Local Committee Chairperson Reports

  • PDX: Issues with ITS visibility and scheduling blocks for trips.
  • SAN: Concerns about redeye flights and parking fees; requests for a pay chart.
  • ANC: Issues with downgrades, reassignment processes, and hotel room rates.
  • LAX: Reliability of B2B contact and quality of trips under review.
  • SFO: Requests for presentations on open base flying and pay regulations regarding overpayments. .
  • SEA: Various pay and scheduling issues highlighted, including double out crew rest, reassignments and conversions from DHD to working and vice versa. 

PBS Subcommittee Update

  • Bidding Engagement: Good engagement noted for August. 
  • Bid Awards: Processed as expected; higher minimum windows needed to meet management’s desire for higher reserve percentages. 

Alaska ITS Update

  • NAVLBUE Testing: Completed testing of recent updates; ongoing issues with trip visibility.
  • Trading Volume: Notable increase in Open Time trades; stability in trading noted.
  • Jeppesen and Alaska management continue to monitor Flight Attendant trip postings that were reported to have an issue with being visible immediately in the system. 

Alaska Payroll Update

  • Query Counts: Increase in pay queries, with a focus on timely closure before payroll processing.
  • Audit Processes: Weekly audits are in place, but some issues remain unresolved. All inquiries must be closed prior to payroll being processed.  Please wait a week before filing your inquiries on trips, as most of the contractual items are resolved in the audit process. If you have inquiries after payroll processes, the pay analyst will review those as well. 

Alaska Crew Planning Update

  • Staffing Challenges: Anticipated higher absenteeism leading to a need for additional reserves.
  • Operational Changes: Ongoing discussions about schedule changes affecting Flight Attendants’ quality of life.
  • Trip Distribution: Reductions in red-eye duty for September; extensive review of trip pairings planned.
  • The Committee asked management about the 717/737 changes to Hawaii neighbor island flying, and we should see what those pairings will look like in the near future. Crew planning will work with the AFA Scheduling Committee Pairing Construction Subcommittee to determine how the pairings will appear in the system. 
  • Irregular Operations (IRROP) mitigation:
    • SAN start of duty JFK/BOS/IAD/MCO/DCA
    • EWR layovers 12 hours ATC
    • End of duty AM departures EWR to PDX/SEA
    • Increased crew connect times
    • Layover increase to 11 hours PHX/LAS
    • Rest before PHX 11:30 AM departures  – crew rest delays
    • Rest before GEG to PDX start flight increased to 12 hours – crew rest delays
    • End-of-duty DLG and AKN to ANC; summer TSA mitigation.
    • Flight Attendant teaming still in effect.

Alaska Crew Scheduling Update

  • Sick Leave Statistics: Increased sick leave noted; reserve utilization remains high on mainline Alaska.  Sick leave and fatigue are much lower on the Hawaiian operational side. 
  • Premium Compensation: Adjustments to premium compensation based on significant events and operational demands. We are seeing some premium posted a week in advance to help allow Flight Attendants to pick up earlier to assist with operational needs. 
  • New Leadership: Recent changes in management structure to enhance scheduling operations. Tiara Taulolo started as a temporary supervisor on June 20, and Jacob Fordham started as a new manager on July 20. Alaska crew scheduling plans to have approximately 48 crew schedulers in the department by the end of the year. A few new crew scheduler classes are planned in September (14 new hires) and October (5 new hires)
  • Statistics July MTD: There have been no personal drops or TSN adjustments. 10.R.4 reassignments for the system are at 553.  Deadhead conversions under 10.X.7 are at 287 system wide. Fatigue Reports are shown 24, with 18 of those reserves. Alaska reserve utilization for the system is 93.6%, while Hawaiian is 50.6%. Sick leave for Alaska, both lineholders and reserves, is at 12.4%, with some days having over 400 sick calls.

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. These discussions are still ongoing with Labor Relations management. AFA has filed several grievances and still has not received a pyramiding pay chart from payroll or labor relations and our requests go unanswered. 
  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. We have additional meetings to discuss implementation and buddy bidding. We are currently testing and reviewing the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment. This is scheduled for implementation in the 4th quarter of 2026. 
  3. Flow Charts: These are posted on the AFA website to help guide you through contractual understanding and irregular ops here: 2025-2028 AFA Alaska CBA Reference Documents 01.26.2026
  4. Block2Block (B2B) Contactability: Implemented on February 1, 2026. Please familiarize yourself with the contractual language and bulletin bundle. Every Flight Attendant must check B2B at the end of every duty period (not trip) and make positive contact if a message is sent prior to block-in of the last flight of the duty period per §8.Q.2.e. We are actively working with management to post an updated bulletin. 
  5. Compensation: Follow up on crew pay issues and reassignment policies. Please give Flight Attendant Crew Pay a minimum of a week to update compensation for irregular operations. 
  6. Pairings: Continue to address pairing and scheduling concerns with management.
  7. Software: Monitor upcoming software implementations and their impacts on operations. We will have another JCTE update in August 2026. 
  8. Sick Leave Tracking: Continue monitoring sick leave trends and review strategies to mitigate operational impacts. 
  9. Notifications: Addressing communication issues regarding flight changes and notifications. 
  10. AFA Alaska Online Support Center Tickets: Local AFA Representatives do not have access to your schedules, Rainmaker, or pay stubs. When filing a ticket, please screenshot as much information as possible, such as trip details, reports, and Rainmaker buckets, to assist them in their research into your concerns. 

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 + Hawaiian website.

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

On Wednesday, July 15, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually 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 Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO and MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson), Kahea Alvarez (LAX pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX pmAS), Bryce Sarmiento (LAX pmAS), Bri Shaw (LAX pmAS), Eva Gatus (SAN), Barron Lee (HNL), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Kerri Ruiz, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with several members of Inflight leadership and Safety management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Matthew Coder (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Wendy Kong (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Ken Hawkins (Inflight Duty Program Manager), Nicky Sagum (Manager of Safety Compliance), Lavesh Bhatia (Inflight Policy & Procedure Specialist), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures) and base management representatives Aron Kahn (LAX Manager of Base Operations) and Benito Pasia-Garcia (Director of Inflight Base Operations).

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place hosted by the SEA ASHSC on August 27

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):

  • Onboard Wheelchair Stowage: The Committee raised concerns that storing auxiliary supplies (gloves, soap, hand sanitizer) in the wheelchair compartment obstructs the space when the chair is removed, making re-storage difficult. Management is replacing the current wheelchair with a new design and will look at the stowage of other items in the 737 celling bins as part of this process.
  • Catering Consistency – Ice in G1: The Committee noted that ice stowed in the drawer in the G1 is leaking into the forward galley and flight deck during descent when no liner is used in the drawer. Management responded that this is a catering error and asked for Flight Attendant write-ups when liners are missing to support the case; a newsletter reminder was also issued recommending that ice be used first, as it causes issues when melted.
  • Broken Glass Disposal: With new glassware leading to increased breakage, the Committee discussed the need for a consistent, harmonized policy for safe disposal. Hawaiian carries a dustpan and whisk broom onboard; Alaska’s policy is less defined, though FAM language directs broken glass to be placed in a puncture-resistant bag. Management is working towards adding a dustpan and a whisk broom to the 737 fleet.
  • Required Briefings Communication: The Committee discussed instances of required briefings (CRS, UMs, 3-point) being missed prior to door closure. Management agreed to address cleaner cabin-ready communication and area-of-responsibility training through the cabin door closing working group.
  • Fumes in the LDMCR: A crew reported chemical fumes both during takeoff and later in flight in the lower crew rest area, with one crew member experiencing chest tightness and headache. Management is following up with Maintenance and Cargo to identify the source; Management emphasized that we can contact MedAire for assessment when we have symptoms.
  • Hot Beverage Temperature Safety: The Committee raised ongoing burn-risk concerns related to hot water and coffee temperatures. Management confirmed water temperature is regulated by a thermostatic switch, checked during scheduled overhaul inspections, and cannot be manually lowered without affecting brew quality. A new cup design compatible with tablet/cup holders is being launched; adding lids to cups was discussed, but will not be adopted at this time.
  • A321 Pneumatic Lav Door Closer: Reports indicate the pneumatic lav door closer, connected to the lav wall and folding door on the A321, may be being detached by cleaning crews and not reattached, causing the door to swing freely and creating a pinch/cut risk during reattachment. The fleet manager confirmed that cleaning staff should not be handling this mechanism and will send a reminder communication.
  • Fish Odor/Cargo Contamination Incident: There has been an uptick in the smell of rotting fish in aircraft cabins this summer, leading to air quality issues. The Committee asked for a standardized process for handling spills of this nature, better tools at all cargo-handling stations (not just HNL/SEA), and improved acceptance criteria for seafood when shipped.
  • Intelex Reporting System Issues: Multiple Flight Attendants reported login issues, lockouts, and app glitches, discouraging incident reporting. Management suggested utilizing the desktop version or emailing the crew can email inflightreports@alaskaair.com if the app doesn’t work.
  • Jumpseating Guidance (Boeing 737-700 Series Aircraft): The Committee identified unclear FAM language regarding jumpseater seat assignments on 737-700-series aircraft. Management agreed that clarification is needed and will work to update the manual with specific seating guidance.

Things The Committee Is Working On

  1. Cabin Secure Procedures: After the addition of the cabin-ready concept for boarding door closure and adding a cabin secure compliance check after door arming, there hasn’t been a clear indicator for the FFA / A Flight Attendant to know that the cabin is secure. We’ve been working with Inflight Policy and Procedure to develop a better system to ensure the cabin is ready for surface movement and to eliminate the current confusion around the process.
  2. Bulletins and Alerts Timing: Effective June 24, management changed when Flight Attendants must review bulletins and alerts. Per the manual, Flight Attendants must now ensure that all alerts, bulletins, and FAM revisions/EIBs are updated and read, and that required training is completed, after check-in but prior to boarding the aircraft. We are advocating that management restore the previous policy, requiring bulletins to be checked 24 hours prior to reporting for duty, which gave Flight Attendants adequate time to read and understand this information.

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.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

On Monday, July 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person 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), Le’a Tupola (LAX/SEA pmHA), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and 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, August 10.

Topics of Discussion

  • Guests in Ground Transportation (pmHA): The Hotel Committee advocated for alignment on guest policies in ground transportation. Previously, pmHA Flight Attendants could not have guests accompany them in crew transportation, whereas pmAS Flight Attendants could. Effective immediately, guests of pmHA Flight Attendants are allowed to ride in crew shuttles, except in locations where only crew are permitted on the shuttles. Working crew remains the priority, and there must be room for them and their bags. Guests must never cause delay, inconvenience, or displace crew during transport. If there is insufficient room for your guest, please be prepared to make other transportation arrangements.
  • Ad Hoc List Update (pmAS): Management uses a list of Hotel Committee-approved properties for relocations from our contracted crew hotels when necessary. Maintaining the list is no small task. The list is constantly evolving as properties are added (after site visits) and deleted (labor disputes, crew feedback, etc.). Previously, a single list was shared by both AFA and ALPA, but it has now been separated so that each union can elect the order of hotels they prefer. The Committee will update the list to incorporate the markets that were visited this year, then have the list posted to the Flight Attendant Website, as called for in CBA §34.A.6.b  
  • Hotel Contractual Terms (pmAS): We continue to notice that items discussed with hotel management during on-site visits are not being incorporated into final hotel contracts. There are a variety of reasons why this has happened: the hotel overpromised during a site visit and didn’t follow through, API negotiated away offered amenities (free breakfast, F&B discount, etc.) to secure a lower rate for the company, etc. The Hotel Committee has been actively monitoring these discrepancies, as our final hotel decisions are based on what was presented as a complete package during the site visit. To put this into context, we recently conducted a JFK site visit to find a new short-stay hotel. A hotel was selected on the premise that the hotel-provided shuttle would run on demand for crew, instead of the published 30-minute schedule. The hotel backtracked on the on-demand shuttle, which caused us to break with that property and utilize an on-airport property instead. If you notice any discrepancy in a crew amenity that is published in MyCrewCare or the Hotel Hotline, please ensure you write a CrewCare report and contact your Local Hotel Committee if necessary.  
  • City-Specific Issues/Updates:
    • RDU: There have been several recent write-ups regarding HVAC, noise, and the property’s condition. This market is up for renewal next year, but the Committee has asked that sourcing be expedited to find a suitable replacement.
    • BOS: There have been numerous reports of rooms not being ready for redeye arrivals, resulting in excessive wait times. This is unacceptable, as rooms should be taken out of service the night prior.  This has been escalated to Crew Hotels for follow-up.
    • SJO: We are still waiting for a final hotel decision in SJO. We have been told an update will be coming soon.
    • LIR: We are still investigating viable solutions to cut down on the transit time. We conducted another site visit to the market in June, but our top choice withdrew their bid shortly after the visit.  
  • Ground Transportation Live Tracking (pmAS): Instructions for tracking ground transportation with participating providers have been posted in the July Informational Bulletin on TeamAAG. Additionally, it has been requested that this information be displayed in Crew Access and posted to Comply365 on the IMD. This should help Flight Attendants track their ride.    

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 Committee is evaluating the need for additional site visits in 2026 and is getting a jump-start on the plan for 2027. The scheduled site visits through September 2026 are:
    • July: BZE, LGB (New Layover), BWI (Short), DEN (Short)
    • Aug: MCI (Short), CHS (Long)
    • Sept: YYC (New Layover), YEG (New Layover)
    • Oct: TUS (Short), OAK (Short/Long)
    • TBD: OGG
  • Pre-Merger Hawaiian: The scheduled site visits through June 2026 are:
    • Aug: HNL, OGG
    • Sept: SMF

2. Hotel Gainshare Update (pmAS): There continues to be no update on the Hotel Gainshare program, same as last month. Negotiations remain stalled due to management’s concerns about federal tax implications. AFA International has provided a legal counterargument, and we are still waiting for coordination between AFA International and Alaska Airlines Labor Relations management. Our goal remains to reach a consensus and finalize program negotiations. We know many Members are interested in this program and will continue to keep you informed.

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 does not 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.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, June 24, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), and Erika Daniel (SAN). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee also attended.

The Committee met with several members of management, including Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia, and Director of Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson. 

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Pride Parade AFA Participation: The committee discussed upcoming participation by AFA Human Rights & Equity Committees and other AFA Representatives in ANC, SEA, PDX, SFO, and SAN. All Flight Attendants are welcome and encouraged to join. Additional event information is available at: https://afacwa.org/join-our-afa-siblings-at-pride/.
  • 2026 CWA Human Rights Conference: This event will be held in Atlanta, GA, from August 16 to 19. All Local Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons, as well as the MEC Committee Chairperson, are registered to attend.
  • Supervisor Presence for Uniform Compliance Checks: The Committee expressed concerns aboutsupervisors being on board to conduct uniform compliance checks during or immediately before boarding. This practice was noted as distracting and potentially a safety concern.
  • ADA-Accessible Hotel Rooms on Layovers: Flight Attendants registered in PeopleSoft as employees with a disability may request an ADA-accessible room upon check-in at their layover hotel. The hotel is required to provide an accessible room upon request, subject to availability and applicable requirements. Alternatively, crew members may contact the hotel the night before arrival to request accommodations. Information regarding ADA accommodation requests will be included in the hotel update distributed at the beginning of July.
  • Idaho House Bill (HB) 752: This bill,which would have criminalized transgender individuals for using public restrooms consistent with their gender identity, is currently blocked by a preliminary injunction while its constitutionality is challenged in court. Management is awaiting the outcome before determining next steps. The Committee discussed providing employees with a resource that identifies all-gender restroom locations to assist them when traveling. This topic will remain an ongoing discussion with the Cultural & Belonging department and inflight management.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. The next steps depend on the progress of the merger, which might result in a completely new wing design for everyone.
  2. Land Acknowledgment Signage: The Committee is working to place signs in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations that acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities whose land these workplaces are on. Land acknowledgments are statements that recognize the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by indigenous communities in the Philippine and holds deep cultural significance. Management hasn’t made a final decision on the policy.  
  4. Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the Committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Thursday, June 11, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met with management to represent our Flight Attendants and advance meaningful improvements in our workplace. Your representatives at the meeting included Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX pmAS), Gary Manoi (LAX pmHA), Andrew Malone (SAN), and Thalia Adachi (HNL). MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons Chase Vandergrift (Alaska Brand) and Bianca McKee (Hawaiian Brand) guided the discussion.

The Committee met with Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Director of Food & Beverage Products Mita Padhi, Manager of Food & Beverage Planning and Programs David Rodriguez, Principal of Food & Beverage Programs Gracie Truex, Food & Beverage Planning Systems Manager Andrea Carns, Senior Food & Beverage Product Manager Gayatri Watwe, Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Megan Low, Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Jesse Starmer, Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Wendy Kong, Cabin Product Director Christopher Dela Rosa, Director of Cabin Experience David Scotland, Principal of Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Product Manager Ryan Williams, Principal Product Manager of Inflight Mobile Alyssa Fornek along with other management representatives from the inflight mobile team, Director of Catering Operations Andrew Moyer, and Manager of Catering Performance Daniel Lluberes, along with other management representatives of the catering operations team.

While this meeting was originally intended to cover both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands, it primarily focused on the Alaska brand. The Committee strongly advocated for expanding future quarterly meetings to two days to enable more comprehensive dialogue. Although management is not willing to extend the meeting duration at this time, they acknowledge the importance of dedicating more time to these discussions. Historically, the pre-merger Alaska Committee has met quarterly, while the pre-merger Hawaiian Committee has held monthly meetings with management. Until additional time is secured for the Hawaiian brand in the merged quarterly meetings, pre-merger Hawaiian Committee Chairpersons will continue holding their own monthly Committee meetings with management to address projects specific to pre-merger Hawaiian aircraft. Given this meeting structure, this update may not cover every issue relevant to pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants, but future communications will provide further details.

The next quarterly committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 24.

Topics of Discussion

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

Elite Recognition

  • Alaska Legacy Brand: The Committee recognizes and understands the importance of elite recognition, however it’s no secret that the current system is flawed. It’s inconsistent and confusing for both Flight Attendants and passengers, and creates uncomfortable interactions when chocolate bar supplies run short, or they’re requested in first class. Management also recognizes the need for a program overhaul. When elite recognition began, there was a single qualifying elite tier and a single main cabin service level. Since then, three additional elite tiers have been added, along with Premium Class and complimentary meals for top-tier elites. The Committee and management have a shared goal of streamlining this process in the cabin and look forward to sharing upcoming changes as they are developed.
  • Hawaiian Brand and Alaska Global Brand: A version of the Elite Recognition Program was launched for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants on April 22 at PSS. Currently, complimentary meal options are not available, chocolates are offered only on 787 domestic flights, and beverage benefits for elites remain unclear. This has created confusion for both crews and passengers. The Committee continues to raise these concerns with management and is advocating for clearer communication and better education moving forward.

Exit Row transition to Premium Class

  • Alaska Legacy Brand: Management accelerated the transition with limited notice and without an opportunity to review the service flow. There was not enough time to add key cabin elements such as premium row placards, reserved overhead bin markers, or updated headrest covers. Placard installation will occur from September through December, but headrest updates are not planned. Management acknowledges the onboard service challenges and has committed to testing new options and making adjustments, starting with exploring service flow changes to help crews deliver mid-flight beverage refill service more efficiently on Premium Long Haul flights.
  • Hawaiian Brand and Alaska Global Brand: The transition from Hawaiian’s Extra Comfort to Premium Class took place on April 22 at PSS. With the current Premium Class seat configurations, Flight Attendants are often left explaining to disappointed passengers that some perks don’t come with certain seats. Since the launch, there’s also been confusion about the Premium Class beverage policy. On Legacy Alaska Brand flights, passengers are limited to one alcoholic beverage per scheduled service (double if requested) plus one additional beverage upon request. The Committee has asked management to provide clear communication of these policies to the pre-merger Hawaiian workgroup.

Bamboo Cutlery Packs (Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand)

  • The new bamboo cutlery packs were ordered with only a knife, fork, and napkin, but lacked a spoon. Originally, spoons were intended to be loaded separately; however, due to the opaque brown paper packaging and lack of labeling, this has proven too challenging for kitchens to execute, leading to frequent reports of missing spoons. Additionally, when these products were used for 787 meal service, they required two separate cutlery packs to be loaded onto each meal tray, and any cart movement after loading caused them to shift and fall off, getting lost in the cart and slowing service.
  • New 4-in-1 cutlery packages—including a spoon—have been ordered and will begin appearing systemwide in five to six weeks. On the 787, this transition will be accelerated, so crews may encounter some temporary cutlery substitutions to bridge the gap until the permanent solution arrives.

Large Plastic Lids for Base Plates (Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand)

  • The material for these lids has been improved for greater structure and stability, and they should already be onboard or appearing soon as kitchens use up existing supplies. The new lids are designed to stay securely in place. Additionally, packing changes have been requested to keep Saran-wrapped pilot meals separate from dishes with plastic lids, preventing them from sticking together and sliding food off the plates. If you notice ongoing issues with lids or plates, please let your Local Inflight Service Committee know.

SEA-KEF Packing Changes in effect on June 17

  • Thank you to those of you who have worked the SEA-KEF service since the Inaugural on May 28 and shared valuable feedback with the committee. Several immediate changes have been implemented for these Reykjavik flights as of June 17:
    • An additional bag of First Class tea (5 Portland Breakfast and 5 Chamomile) will be loaded in the forward beverage cart. Please continue to report any missing varieties or shortages. Unfortunately, all the menus for the season were printed before the Committee received a preview, and the tea numbers were omitted and cannot be added. Management has committed to sending menu previews to the Committee for review prior to final printing in the future.
    • The oven gloves and wine opener will be swapped to align with Alaska Airlines’ standard specs.First Class menus will be shrink-wrapped in packages of 17 to prevent shortages.First Class linens will be increased to 2 packs of 10 each (date TBD).
    • Pilot meals will be moved so the Saran Wrap does not stick to the charcuterie platter plastic lids.
    • The five-piece cutlery roll-up will move off the TSU and instead replace the cutlery served with the charcuterie plate. The linen napkin and unused pieces will be retained for the primary meal service.
    • Tomato juice will be removed from the juice drawers. It was shipped to KEF in error.
  • Additional testing will be scheduled to further optimize the service flow. If you have worked these flights and have feedback on the service or suggestions, please send those to mec.inflightservice.chair.as@afaalaska.org so they can be consolidated and forwarded to management. 

Stumptown Coffee Bags (Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand)

We’ve received many reports about Stumptown brew bags breaking on the 787, along with concerns about poor or inconsistent brew quality. The Committee is actively sharing these concerns with management. We also encourage pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants to report any issues with coffee brew bags or quality on the 737. Your feedback helps us advocate for a better, more comprehensive solution.

787 International (Alaska Global Brand)

  • The Committee is grateful for the wealth of feedback we’ve received from our 787 crews. Your insights directly shaped the final service proposal, which is still under review. At this quarterly meeting, we discussed the following:
    • Incorrect Inflight Guides (IFG) being loaded on the aircraft: Management is working with fleet support to ensure that only 787-specific IFGs are loaded. 
    • Too Much & Not Enough: The Committee is working through B2B feedback to address where catering adjustments are needed.
    • Wrong Menus Frequently Loaded: Effective 7/1, menus will have printed route identifiers.
    • Main Cabin Cutlery Issues: As previously mentioned, 4-in-1 cutlery to replace individual cutlery packs
    • Boxed Water Size Too Small for Service on the 787: Switch to 1.5L Bottled Water began on June 10

Catering Operations

  • Ice quality will continue to be monitored as we move into the hottest months of summer; however, reports in Block2Block are essential to keeping management and our catering partners accountable for poor-quality ice. 
  • Alaska Legacy Brand: A reminder to crews to use the ice catered in drawers first before using any ice stocked in coolers. This includes any extra ice stocked in the aft galley empty cart on medium-haul and long-haul flights that do not receive ice replenishment at the outstation. Ice in coolers should be saved for the downline leg on these flights. 

Bonded Alcohol (Hawaiian Brand and Alaska Global Brand, including SEA-KEF)

  • The bonded alcohol process began with the introduction of SEA-FCO/LHR/ICN/KEF. Bonded alcohol refers to duty-free alcohol products that are stored securely in kitchens (“in bond”) and are exempt from local taxes and customs duties, provided they remain unopened and secured in designated carts until after takeoff. This process is a collaborative effort between kitchens and Flight Attendants. Kitchens are directed to fill out the starting inventory of bonded alcohol within a cart, while Flight Attendants are to fill out the closing inventory of bonded alcohol within a cart. Numerous reports have been submitted of incomplete and/or inaccurate forms, incorrectly identifying bonding alcohol, missing seals, gray areas with procedures, missing forms/seals, small font size on forms, etc. The Committee continues to advocate for a streamlined process for bonded alcohol. Management intends to improve the program by the end of June. The bonded alcohol program is expected to carry over to Hawaiian Airlines’ international flights on August 1.  

Cabin Configuration and Wi-Fi

  • Atmos Rewards verification will begin rolling out on June 10 and should be available on all Starlink-equipped aircraft by mid-July. Login will require last name, seat, and date of birth. Once this information is entered, the passenger will be prompted to join if they are not an Atmos Rewards member.
  • Only 2 of 3 fields must match for a successful login, and it should work for seat swaps.
  • The path for minors will skip the Atmos Rewards membership requirement and direct them online.
  • Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand:
    • Starlink is scheduled to be installed on all 787 aircraft by the end of 2026
    • All 800 NG aircraft are in the 161-seat configuration with new seats. 
    • Three MAX8s remain in the previous configuration and will fly through the summer before the 161-seat reconfiguration in the fall.
    • Calf rests will be retrofitted with a new part to improve functionality. Installation will begin in September.
    • Starlink installation has been paused due to the summer flying schedule but will ramp up in the fall as aircraft availability improves. New deliveries should be able to proceed with Starlink installation prior to entry into service.
    • The existing Wi-Fi network has been experiencing congestion, especially on the East Coast. Please continue to report issues as they arise using the connectivity tool on your IMD.

Upcoming Changes

  • Alaska Legacy Brand and Alaska Global Brand:
    • Menu cycle change for domestic First Class and Main Cabin on September 2 
    • Jetsetter’s Jam optimization and testing
    • Stumptown Cold Brew launched on 737s (please report any stock-outs in Block2Block)
    • Pirates Booty Packaging Rebrand: same product, different packaging 
    • Chef Jew Program ending on June 30
    • 787 International Menu Cycle Change October 21
    • SEA-NRT Transition to the 787 and will adopt the 787 SEA-International service on October 25
    • Explore the 12-oz beverage can transition and options to increase retail.
    • IMD iPhone 17 rollout Q3 with a newly designed case
    • Offline tap-to-pay and sunset of card readers target Q1 2027
  • Hawaiian Brand:
    • Hawaiian Onboard Service Enhancements launch July 1. The complimentary sandwich will be removed on Domestic Medium-Haul Flights (Hawaii to all mainland destinations, excluding JFK). The service transition will be pre-order only and will only affect the main cabin on the A330 and A321. Pau Hana Cart Items will still be available for purchase. A more elaborate communication to follow.
    • Expansion of the International Business Class wine offering on August 1 
    • Expansion of the International Main Cabin alcohol offering on August 1
    • Inflight guides to be created for the Main Cabin with Starlink Information, Atmos Rewards, Beverage Offerings, and more.
    • Domestic and International Business Class menu cycle change on September 30
      • Featured Chef Keaka Lee on flights departing from Hawaii
      • Chef Del on flights departing to Hawaii
    • Pau Hana Snack Box Changes – Wet Nap will be removed from the snack boxes.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Elite Recognition Overhaul: We are actively developing a proposal to present to both our MEC and management for a new, streamlined elite recognition program. Our goal is to create a system that is simple, consistent, and easy for Flight Attendants to deliver, ensuring a positive experience for both crew and passengers.
  2. Committee Involvement: In recent months, our MEC has not been included in several service changes and product rollouts, primarily due to management workload and turnover. Our Inflight Service Committee Representatives have strongly reiterated the importance of early and frequent Committee involvement in future projects. We remain committed to advocating for our continued participation to provide meaningful insight and feedback to management at every stage of development.
  3. 787 International Proposal: The Committee has submitted a final service proposal to management for consideration, following the 30 day observation period that ended. We are persistent in creating long term solutions for a fair and deliverable service.
  4. Hawaiian Onboard Service Transition: The Committee is actively involved with management and the Hawaiian Service Team to support launch and post launch support efforts. We will actively be collecting Flight Attendant feedback and working flights alongside you to ensure our voices and concerns are effectively communicated to management.

We Want to Hear from You!

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

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