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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, August 26, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives met 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). Also present were Council 35 (SFO) Hotel Committee Chairperson Hilary Streem, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Senior Crew Planning Analyst Christopher Potts, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Hotels and Crew Scheduling

The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, September 23.

Topics of Discussion

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

Crew Backlog Review: The Committee thoroughly analyzed the crew backlog as of August 7, 2025. They identified critical areas where contractual changes are needed, bugs must be fixed, JIRAs updated, and priorities renumbered in our system operations to enhance functionality, automation, and contractual compliance. The Committee stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent further disruptions and ensure crew members’ systems are correctly programmed.

Crew Bi-Monthly Review with ALPA: The outcomes of the bi-monthly review with ALPA on July 23, 2025, were discussed in detail. Key topics included collaborative strategies to address ITS system conflicts, improving communication between management and crew members, and aligning system needs with the crew member experience. The Committee highlighted the significance of these discussions in fostering a cooperative environment that prioritizes both parties’ contractual and programming needs.

Fatigue Review Board Meetings: The Committee outlined the agenda for the upcoming Fatigue Review Board meetings scheduled through December 2025. These meetings will focus on addressing the increasing concerns regarding crew fatigue reported by members. The Committee plans to collect data on fatigue incidents, discuss mitigation strategies, and evaluate current policies to enhance crew well-being. The importance of these discussions lies in their potential to lead to actionable changes that prioritize safety and crew health.

Local Chairperson Reports:

PDX (Portland)

  • Day Room Issues: Flight Attendants have reported difficulties securing day rooms after long international flights, often facing delays and inadequate communication regarding accommodations. The Committee will investigate these incidents to enhance support systems for crew members during layovers and ensure that hotel arrangements are handled efficiently.
  • Banking Challenges: Increased passenger volumes at the airport have led to operational strain, particularly during peak hours. The Committee is aware of the challenges crew members face in navigating airport facilities and is exploring logistical improvements to ease congestion and enhance the flying experience at PDX.

SAN (San Diego)

  • Double Out Rest Clarification: The Committee discussed the nuances of contractual provisions regarding double-out rest for flight attendants. 
  • Jumpseat Assignment Policy: A review of the jump seat assignment process highlighted the need for more straightforward guidelines regarding seniority-based assignments. The Committee will work with management on developing a transparent policy that ensures fairness in the allocation of jump seats, addressing concerns raised by Flight Attendants.

ANC (Anchorage)

  • Open Time Reporting: The Committee reviewed Open Time reporting metrics and operational challenges faced by crew members. Addressing this system outage is crucial for maintaining crew flexibility. The Committee is working on resolutions with Alaska ITS and Jeppesen, the vendor.

LAX (Los Angeles)

  • IT Concerns: Ongoing IT issues were addressed, including delays in release times and hotel accommodations. The Committee is working closely with IT support teams to resolve these issues, aiming to improve the overall experience for crew members during layovers and operational changes.

SFO (San Francisco)

  • Communication Protocols: The need for clearer communication regarding crew transitions from working to deadheading was emphasized. The Committee plans to establish protocols that ensure timely notifications to crew members, reducing confusion and improving operational efficiency.

SEA (Seattle)

  • Reassignment Clarification: A significant number of reassignments and pre-cancellations have raised questions about pay and provisions. The Committee seeks more straightforward guidelines and support mechanisms to assist crew members in navigating these changes effectively.

PBS Subcommittee

  • Bidding Process: The Subcommittee reported on the current bidding trends for August and September, noting minor fluctuations in awards. Adjustments were made to ensure compliance with labor agreements, and efforts are ongoing to address any discrepancies.
  • NAVBLUE Issues: Ongoing meetings with NAVBLUE have focused on addressing technical failures and functional requests. The Subcommittee is committed to resolving these issues to enhance the bidding and scheduling process for crew members.
  • Releases Timeline: Upcoming software releases are planned for September and November, emphasizing incorporating Member feedback into system improvements. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience and address existing pain points.

ITS Update

  • Testing and Automation: The automation initiative is progressing, with the introduction of new test cases aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the PBS system. The Committee is prioritizing robust testing to ensure reliability before implementation.
  • Crew Calendar Development: The crew calendar and personal drop form are undergoing user acceptance training, with a targeted rollout by early October. Ensuring a smooth transition to the new system is a priority for the Committee.
  • JCTE Issues: The committee continues to collaborate with vendors to address recurring issues with the JCTE system, focusing on improving reliability and minimizing disruptions for crew members.

Flight Attendant Crew Pay Update

  • Inquiry Management: The committee is actively addressing the increase in crew pay inquiries, emphasizing the importance of submitting queries judiciously to avoid system overload. Educational resources will be provided to help crew members navigate the pay inquiry process effectively.
  • Trend Analysis: An upward trend in pay inquiries has been observed, prompting a comprehensive review of existing processes to improve efficiency. The Committee aims to streamline communication regarding pay issues to serve crew members better.

Flight Attendant Crew Planning Update

  • Staffing Metrics: The Committee is analyzing planned reserve staffing levels and block hours to ensure alignment with operational demands. Adjustments will be made as necessary to optimize crew utilization.
  • Irregular Operations Mitigation Strategies: The Committee is focusing on enhancing connection times and scheduling practices to minimize delays and improve operational reliability. Specific strategies include analyzing connection times and addressing known issues at key airports.

Flight Attendant Crew Scheduling Update

  • Sick Leave Monitoring: The Committee is closely monitoring sick leave trends, focusing on improving reserve utilization rates and addressing fatigue-related concerns. Strategies will be developed to ensure adequate staffing while prioritizing crew members’ health.
  • Policy Review: Ongoing reviews of policies regarding deadheading and hotel accommodations aim to provide more straightforward guidelines and enhance crew support. The Committee is committed to ensuring crew members have access to the resources they need while on duty.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Crew Access Issues: Crew Access challenges significantly affect how well operations run, influencing how Flight Attendants feel about their work. It’s crucial to tackle these problems to create a better working environment. The committee will set up a review process to pinpoint the specific access difficulties faced by Flight Attendants, including technology problems and policy gaps. Flight Attendants will have the chance to provide their feedback through direct communication. A preliminary report outlining the findings and suggestions is expected by early September 2025, and actions to address these issues will begin soon after.
  2. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Finding a solution to the pay dispute related to pyramiding is vital for maintaining fairness in how Flight Attendants are compensated. Disagreements about over-duty pay and day-off violations can seriously affect crew morale and operational integrity. The committee will keep discussing the matter through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules and ensure they are followed. They will gather information from Flight Attendants affected by these issues to guide their discussions. An update on the progress and any resolutions will be shared with Members by the end of September 2025, aiming for a settlement soon after. Management and AFA will explore other options, like mediation or arbitration, if an agreement cannot be reached.
  3. ISA for Reserves Implementation: The ineligibility for self-assignment (ISA) for Reserve Flight Attendants is an important step toward fairer and more transparent scheduling practices. This change is crucial for boosting crew satisfaction and efficiency. The Committee will work quickly to finalize this new system by working with the IT department and other relevant management to implement the necessary changes to the scheduling system. They will also develop ways to keep Flight Attendants informed about the updates. The next Crew Access release, which will include ISA implementation allowing Reserve Flight Attendant to Reserve Flight Attendant trading, is expected to be available in early October 2025, after all testing has been completed.

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, August 14, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN). Horizon AFA MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Norann Mann and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins were also present.

The committee also met with Interim Senior Product Manager Marketing Ann McCurties, Senior Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Inflight Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6.

Topics of Discussion 

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

  • The 2026 Uniform Committee Quarterly Meetings dates are as follows: February 19, May 7, August 13, and November 5.  
  • A uniform issue reporting form to be located on the IMD has been approved by IT. Management will continue to collaborate with IT and will provide updates on testing and launch dates as they become available.  
  • Additional Phase 2 uniform focus groups are tentatively scheduled for October.  
  • The second round of Request for Proposal (RFP) meetings with various labor groups took place this month. The primary focus was on evaluating the potential manufacturers surveyed as candidates. Discussion also included the transition to Phase 2 (production) elements, such as cut & sew, safety (fire-resistant material), and fabric.  
  • Flight Attendants should not be charged for wings. If you have been charged, please contact management to arrange for a refund.  
  • Alisa Onishi from Hawaiian Airlines is leading the new uniform program. Please direct all new uniform inquiries and discussions to her. Current uniform issues will continue to be handled by the existing management personnel who attend the quarterly meetings.  
  • The Committee has requested that the Copper River vest be approved for use when flying within the state of Alaska. Management will review this request.  
  • With boot season approaching, please review the boot guidelines. If you would like to seek pre-approval before purchasing your boot wear, please email kristie.stafford@alaskaair.com.  
  • For those interested in purchasing Arctic boots and receiving reimbursement through a deduction from your uniform allotment, please refer to section 13.D.1 of the contract for more information.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Arctic Stuff Sack: Management will revisit a Unisync test sack that was initially thought to be too bulky, but may ultimately fit the needs due to the size of the parka.
  2. Quarter Zip Cardigan: The Committee noticed these pieces have been removed from the uniform subsite. Some sizes have completely sold out, and when they do, there will not be a restock. Management will work with Unisync to return the remaining sizes to the subsite so Flight Attendants can order them until stock is depleted.
  3. Pantyhose: The Committee continues to advocate for less expensive or discounted options, as the price and difficulty of finding pantyhose (especially navy ones) have increased.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

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

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Monday, August 11, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle 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), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Hotels and Administration Diane Szubert, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams. Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling (Interim) Matthew Trujillo also joined for a portion of the meeting.    

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, September 8.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • Unplanned Accommodations in Remote Outstations: Over the summer, we had a few flight cancellations in the State of Alaska, resulting in significant accommodation challenges for Flight Attendants. Hotels are limited outside the larger Alaskan cities, especially contractually compliant ones. The Committee had a robust discussion with Matthew Trujillo about Crew Scheduling’s process in helping to secure rooms when flights are to be canceled. The goal was to identify opportunities in the process to accommodate crewmembers better.        
  • Ad Hoc List: Early this year, the Committee undertook a large project to review and revise the hotel ad hoc list. The ad hoc list is vetted (by AFA and ALPA) and used by API when the designated crew hotel in a layover city is unavailable. This could happen for several reasons, such as known blackout dates, fire alarm testing, planned water shut off, local events that can lead to road closures or excessive noise, etc. API and Crew Hotels use this list to secure accommodation with the next best option. The Committee discussed the process to keep the list current and the plan to post this list for Flight Attendants to view, as called for in section 34.A.6 of the contract.    
  • Bed Bug Reporting: Bed bugs have recently become a significant topic of discussion, and the Committee believes it is essential to clarify the procedures followed when a hotel is informed of potential bed bug sightings. Hotels take these reports seriously and are equally committed to resolving them as management is. Additionally, bed bug mitigation and treatment protocols are reviewed with each hotel during every site visit by the Hotel Committee. When a suspected bed bug report is made, the hotel will immediately take the affected room out of service, along with the adjacent rooms, as well as those above and below it, for at least 24 hours. During this time, a pest control vendor will inspect and treat the rooms, even if no bed bugs are found. This precautionary measure is taken to ensure safety. Management receives these reports upon request, which they have shared with the Hotel Committee. While it is impossible to prevent bed bugs entirely, we encourage Flight Attendants to remain vigilant and take precautions by familiarizing themselves with the AFA Bed Bug Resources.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Crew Hotels has provided the Committee with the remaining cities that will be visited in 2025: SLC (Sept), SAN (Oct), CUN (Oct), BNA (Nov), HNL (Nov), MCO – Long Stay (Nov), ORD – Short Stay (Dec), and SJO (Dec). Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC President Tim Green, and MEC Vice President Brice McGee met with management on July 28 to continue discussions on a Hotel Gainshare program. Our prior meetings have focused on general program discussion and research. Our next steps are to build out the program’s concepts. We’ll continue to keep you updated as developments occur.    

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You 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! The 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 website.

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, July 17, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Merritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present was Alaska MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with the Manager Inflight Compliance Justin Rossi, Cabin Safety Manager Heidi Styley, Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, and Manager of Inflight Safety Programs Johanna Giese. Vice President of Inflight Alan Thieman briefly joined the meeting to meet the ASHSC Chairpersons.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, October 2.

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):

  • Lithium-Ion Power Bank Restrictions: Many airlines have tightened rules on lithium-ion power banks due to fire concerns. Southwest Airlines now requires power banks to be visible when in use (on the tray table or in the seat pocket), not hidden in bags or overhead bins. We’ve proposed establishing “visibility rules” or entirely restricting their use in the cabin. Heidi will raise this at the next Airlines for America (A4A) meeting.
  • IMD Malfunction Concerns: There have been two recent incidents of Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs) overheating or catching fire, which is a significant concern among crew members. We’ve proposed sharing information from investigations with Flight Attendants. If the investigation yields findings, Heidi will share them with the ASHSC.
  • Conflicting Service Animal Guidance: Current Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) guidance regarding service animals on laps (RC2 FAM Section 5.1 p.5) conflicts with guidance stating they must be on the floor (12.900 p.9). Johanna will inform Policies & Procedures (P&P) about the issue.
  • Wordy Announcements: Announcements have become excessively long, and the Inflight Service Committee is working with the announcement workgroup to address this. The ASHSC supports this effort. Seth, Matthew, and MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Alaska Brand Chase Vandergrift will discuss this at the next meeting to ensure marketing announcements don’t overshadow vital safety information.
  • Improper Stowage of Divider Curtains: Crews are incorrectly “cramming” divider curtains into overhead bins at row 4. Matthew will work with P&P to add an image or description of the correct way to stow the curtain to the FAM.
  • Preparing for an Emergency with a Service Animal: Our safety cards currently lack information on preparing for an emergency with a service animal. We’ve proposed adding diagrams to the safety cards as at least one other carrier has done. Justin will review this recommendation with the Brand and Experience Team in Q1 2026.
  • Pre-Departure Announcement for Tablets with Keyboards: Tablets with keyboards must be stowed like laptops, leading to passenger compliance issues. We’ve proposed adding information to pre-departure announcements to help crew members easily ensure compliance. Justin will ask P&P about adding such an announcement.
  • Child Restraint Systems (CRS) / Infants in Rows 1 & 6: Agents are still assigning car seats and lap babies in seats with air belts (Rows 1 & 6), and Reservations is providing incorrect information to passengers. We’ve proposed a reminder bulletin for both workgroups. However, a recent SABRE fix should now restrict these bookings.
  • Clarity on Prohibited Gadgets: There’s a growing concern about new inflatable items, footrests, infant toys attached to windows, and stickers being used onboard, despite FAM restrictions. We’ve proposed a reminder bulletin about prohibited items, agent awareness, and providing additional guidance on restricted items in the FAM. Matthew will discuss a notification to passengers on alaskaair.com to raise passenger awareness of these use restrictions.
  • Agent Assistance with L1 Door Opening: Flight Attendants can be injured when opening the L1 door without assistance. High agent turnover, especially at outstations, necessitates reminding or retraining agents on L1 door opening procedures. We’ve proposed this as a safety discussion topic with stations, particularly for new hires. Johanna’s team will monitor reporting after implementing the new procedure in August to identify any coordination or other issues.
  • Well-Marked Paper Clip Bag: We’ve proposed placing paper clips in a small red bag within the Flight Attendant Kit for quick location in an emergency. This item is on hold pending the possibility of obtaining an MRT (Manual Release Tool). Geri will follow up with Maintenance & Engineering (M&E).
  • PSU Tool Request: We’ve requested a specific tool to open the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) instead of using a paper clip and proposed installing MRT on the aircraft. Justin will ask Geri for an update on this.
  • Limited Wi-Fi/Data in the State of Alaska: T-Mobile service is poor at some Alaska outstations, forcing Flight Attendants to extend their arm out of the L1 door for Wi-Fi or use a CSA’s phone hotspot. Many struggle with check-in due to data issues and phones entering SOS mode. We’ve proposed new phones for all, eSim cards if effective, clear communication about hotspot use, and guidance on when extending an arm out of L1 for Wi-Fi is necessary. Matthew and Johanna will consult the Inflight Mobile team and assess if certain stations should be designated “no Wi-Fi” stations.
  • MAX 8 Headrests: The large clip on the MAX 8 headrests poses a potential injury risk to the back of passengers’ heads if exposed and at a passenger’s head height. The current announcement says the headrest must be lowered for taxi takeoff and landing. However, it was not the company’s intent to be lowered as far as they go, which is below the top of the seatback. We’ve proposed educating crew with photos about the intent of the requirement. Justin will ask P&P about updating the FAM to say, “headrest must not be above seatback.”
  • Megaphone Pre-Flight Check: Several Flight Attendants have found megaphones with dead batteries. We’ve proposed making a megaphone battery a pre-flight check. Justin will ask Geri to help drive this change.
  • Clarification for Passengers Needing Special Assistance: A passenger using an aisle chair and their own cushion repeatedly slid in their seat and required frequent assistance from a Flight Attendant, raising concerns about whether they needed an attendant and whether Flight Attendants are adequately trained for such situations. We’ve proposed clarification on determining if a passenger requires an assistant and a straightforward procedure in the FAM. Justin will ask P&P for clarity in the FAM and check with AOCS (Airport Operations & Customer Service) and Customer Advocacy for alignment.
  • Agents Closing L1 Door with L2 Open: Agents are wanting to close the L1 door while the L2 door is still open and the aircraft is being catered. We’ve proposed updating FAM guidance to more clearly prohibit this and communicate the policy to AOCS. Justin will ask P&P to add this to the FAM and check with AOCS on expectations.
  • CRS Booster vs. Medical Device Training: We’ve proposed clearer FAM guidance about Orthotic Positioning Devices (OPDs), Assistive Devices, and booster seats and will work with P&P to implement an update.
  • Seatbelt Extension in Exit Row: When a passenger requests a seatbelt extension, a procedure is needed to confirm they are not in an exit row. We’ve proposed a new manual procedure to ask for the seat number if unknown. It’s uncertain where this will be addressed in RC3, but RC3 is expected to allow seatbelt extensions. A follow-up is planned if the current restriction remains.
  • Safety Concerns at Sitka Crew Hotel: Flight Attendants have reported numerous unaddressed concerns at a hotel in Sitka, including possible carbon monoxide exposure, heating system malfunctions, noise, overuse of deodorizer spray, and unsanitary conditions. They’ve requested to move to another hotel. Seth will check with the Hotel Committee. Crew Hotel notes that Sitka has limited options but will check the status of available properties. A requirement for carbon monoxide detectors is being added.
  • “A” Flight Attendant’s Authority to Remove Intoxicated Passengers: The new policy could be clearer. The intent is for the Flight Attendant crew to still have the authority to remove a passenger without being overridden. The only time the PIC would have that final say is if there was a Flight Attendant on the crew who did not agree with the decision to remove a passenger. Jessie will discuss this with the SOC (Single Operating Certificate) group, which is working on merging policies.
  • Boarding Without Power: There are mixed messages regarding when it is safe to board. We’ve proposed updating the FAM and the CSM (Customer Service Manual) to align expectations. To board passengers, the aircraft must have full power to all cabin systems, including the PA, and should not be on “Ground Service” power. This will be clarified in RC3.
  • “Flight Closed” with Passengers in Jet Bridge: Agents are prematurely closing flights while passengers are still on the jet bridge, incorrectly stating the flight is “fully boarded,” which causes operational issues and delays. We’ve proposed reminding the AOCS workgroup not to close flights during active boarding in order to meet metrics. Flights should not be closed until the last passenger is on board. Jessie will discuss adding this to the FAM with P&P. Flight Attendants should report this via FAIR if it occurs.
  • “Listen Only” Devices (Teams, Zoom, etc.): Passengers may listen to meetings, etc., as long as they are not speaking, which would result in two-way voice communication. However, the FAM is not clear on this distinction. Jessie will contact the SOC team to ensure this is covered in RC4.

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. You can use ReportIt! to submit Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports. 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 website.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Monday, July 14, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met 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), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

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

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, August 11.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • Hotel Provided Transportation: Crew Hotels is beginning to utilize hotel-provided transportation at more of our airport properties. Although this historically was the norm, private transportation became commonplace during the COVID pandemic. As we begin to transition back, we are starting to see an uptick in complaints with some of these shuttles. The complaints include waiting for pickups or the time in transit as the hotel shuttle circles around terminals. As a reminder, Flight Attendants are encouraged to report violations of contract section 34.B [Transportation] and utilize the provisions section 34.D [Transportation and Hotel Wait Times] when an issue qualifies.  
  • Long Stay / Short Stay Language: Securing a layover length rule for long stay/short stay properties was a significant accomplishment in our recent round of negotiations. The 15-hour cutoff works well for most of our layovers, but does pose rest challenges in a few edge cases when transportation time is factored in. This has been most noticed in ORD with our downtown property and on the cusp of long-stay layover cutoff times. The Hotel Committee will be consulting with the MEC for an exception to this layover rule when it makes sense, with the goal of creating a better quality layover experience for our Flight Attendants.
  • Transportation Time Adjustments: Crew Hotels shared the third set of transportation time adjustments (time of day, day of week, holiday, etc.) that will be implemented on August 1. As previously communicated, this effort began in June and is being done due to CBA requirements for ground transportation for both AFA and ALPA. Please expect an informational bulletin about these adjustments towards the end of the month.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Recently completed Hotel Site Visits include RSW (June), SEA (June), OKC (June). FAT was supposed to be conducted in July but was cancelled due to a lack of layovers in the schedule, and a lack of hotel interest.  In its place a site visit was conducted in ANC. A number of training hotels were also recently inspected in SEA to prepare for the future move to centralized training. Upcoming site visits for the remainder of 2025 include SLC (Sept), SAN (TBD), BNA (TBD), HNL (TBD), CUN (TBD), and SJO (TBD). Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC President Tim Green, and MEC Vice President Brice McGee will be meeting again with Alaska management in late July to continue discussions on a Hotel Gainshare program. We are still waiting on the company to complete their research on critical components of the program’s operation. It is our hope that after our next meeting we will have a definitive answer if we can move forward with a program for our Flight Attendants.    

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You 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! The 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 website.

Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Management has recently informed our Master Executive Council (MEC) that they are distributing new Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs) to Flight Attendants with devices nearing the end of their lifecycle. The specific schedule for this distribution will be communicated by management separately. Flight Attendants with the oldest devices […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 23, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), […]

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

On Thursday, September 18, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing efforts to represent our Flight Attendants and advocate for improvements in our workplace. Although our Inflight Service Committee has now merged, meetings with management continue to focus primarily on the Alaska or Hawaiian brands individually. This particular meeting was centered […]

Vacation Survey Closing Soon

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the crucial vacation survey that will help shape future provisions—your insights are essential for advocating the best outcomes for all Flight Attendants. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Wednesday, September 24 at 12 PM PT.

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