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Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – February 2025

Hotel Committee

  • On February 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee met with management to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
  • If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Monday, February 10, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met for our first meeting of the year 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 chairing the meeting. MEC Vice President Brian Palmer and MEC Vice President-elect Brice McGee also joined the meeting.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, March 10.

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:

  • Van Times: It’s been reported that the van times for Flight Attendants and pilots have differed (by an average of 10 minutes) in certain layover cities, even though both workgroups use the same transportation. This discrepancy has caused Flight Attendants to arrive in the lobby earlier than necessary. We believe this issue may stem from an API processing error, as Flight Attendants and pilots have different report times. The Hotel Committee has submitted a list of affected layover cities to the company for correction. The only layover cities that should have separate van times for Flight Attendants and pilots are SLC, DEN, and ATL. If you notice any incorrect van times outside of these locations, please file a CrewCare report so that it can be addressed.
  • Hotel Charges: Recently, there was an incident in LAS where a Flight Attendant accidentally spilled coffee on the bed sheets. Although this was obviously an accident, housekeeping erroneously reported it as damage, leading the hotel to charge the Flight Attendant a cleaning fee. The Hotel Committee successfully advocated for the reversal of this charge. Additionally, management has reported an increase in unpaid hotel bills for personal charges. Flight Attendants are responsible for paying any incidental charges incurred during a layover, including meals, beverages, and upgraded internet access. When personal charges are not paid to the hotel upon departure, the hotel contacts management for payment, which is then forwarded to the crew member. As a courtesy, API negotiates contracts that do not require crew members to provide a credit card for incidentals at check-in. Failing to pay your bill jeopardizes this courtesy for everyone and can impact our relationship with the hotel. This is a friendly reminder to please settle any outstanding personal charges before checking out.
  • Document Depository: Management has presented a preview of a future cloud storage site for use by Crew Hotels and the Hotel Committee containing all information related to our layover hotels, organized by city. While AFA keeps records of many documents in our own systems (such as hotel bids, destination presentations, and inspection reports), the new hosting platform will allow the Hotel Committee to access company documents relevant to our layover hotels. Additional information will include financial analyses, hotel contracts, and ALPA’s hotel reports. This enhancement will provide a more comprehensive view of our layover hotels and better insight into how final hotel decisions were made.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee visits hotels that are being considered by management, advocating for selections that offer the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Currently, we have site visits scheduled in the following locations for 2025: AUS (February), SAT (February), LIR (February), MCO (March), STL (March), MKE (April), IAD (May), FLL (May), RSW (June), and SEA (June). Contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities are the primary factors that trigger a market review. Depending on the outcome of this review, a site visit may be scheduled in that city. LAS has also been added to the sourcing list.
  2. Ad Hoc List Review: The Committee’s review of the ad hoc list is ongoing, with a planned completion date at the end of February. Our crew hotels have been inspected, endorsed, and contracted. Occasionally, crews must be relocated for various reasons, such as known hotel blackout dates, planned property maintenance, fire alarm testing, or irregular operations. When our contracted properties are unable to accommodate crew usage, Crew Hotels and API refer to the ad hoc list for alternative accommodations. The Hotel Committee is reviewing this list to ensure that the listed properties continue to meet our standards.
  3. Investigating MyCrewCare Reports: We are reviewing crewmember feedback and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback helps resolve issues and provides the documentation needed to support decisions on whether to continue with current accommodations or advocate for a hotel or ground transportation change.

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.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2025

Scheduling Committee

  • On January 28, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, January 28, 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz. 

The committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Jeffery Hunt, Senior Manager of Product Management Rick Mitchell, Managing Director Inflight Operations and Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels and Admin manager Nichole Turner, Crew Hotel Support Specialist LaFay Williams and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Ongoing issues with sit pay discrepancies highlighted, with specific attention to individual Flight Attendants not receiving their due compensation.
  • Importance of timely updates from management regarding pay issues emphasized to ensure transparency and build trust among crew members.
  • Request for a comprehensive report detailing flight operations, including any changes in schedules and how they affect pay structures.
  • Review of pairing structures indicated frequent occurrences of low TFP options, raising concerns about the sustainability of current scheduling practices.
  • Concerns were raised about the accessibility of paychecks and the need for a troubleshooting protocol for Flight Attendants experiencing issues.
  • Highlighted the need for a more structured approach to managing Open Time trips, focusing on balancing crew preferences with operational requirements.
  • Clarification was sought on the procedures for reporting and handling known delays, with an emphasis on ensuring timely communication to all affected crew members.
  • Discussions included strategies for improving the speed and efficiency of bid processing, particularly concerning reserve coverage and historical data utilization.
  • The significance of timely communication regarding bid protests was noted, with emphasis on ensuring that all crew members understand the criteria for submitting protests.
  • Updates on recent meetings with management underscored the importance of collaboration across departments to address crew concerns and enhance operational efficiency.
  • Review of future releases and updates highlighted the importance of keeping crew members informed about upcoming changes and how they will impact day-to-day operations.
  • Engagement with the committee regarding upcoming class schedules and training opportunities was discussed, with a focus on ensuring new hires are adequately prepared.
  • A high volume of inquiries regarding activity claim forms prompted discussions on the need for better categorization and guidance for Flight Attendants filling out claims.
  • Emphasis placed on the importance of monitoring block hours and reserve staffing ratios to maintain operational efficiency and crew satisfaction.
  • Concerns about the impact of ongoing construction in SAN and operational changes on flight schedules were raised, with a call for proactive measures to mitigate disruptions.
  • Acknowledgment of the decrease in sick leave rates and ongoing efforts to manage crew wellness and fatigue through improved scheduling practices.
  • Addressed transportation issues related to Crew Access and timeliness, stressing the need for better coordination with ground services to enhance crew experience.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose. The PBS Subcommittee is working with management on PBS base sit budgets.  Management has the committee keep track of how money is being spent to assist flight crews with their bidding. We appreciate your participation in virtual and in person base sits. 
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion of reviewing bidding data from NAVBLUE to see what kind of pairings Flight Attendants are interested in flying instead of sending out a survey. We will continue to review options. 
  3. Chime Communications. To reduce phone call volumes, Flight Attendants may soon be able to chat with Crew Scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams. The chat will be for Flight Attendant-initiated contact only. The function is currently in the early stages of development and still needs to be discussed with Labor Relations management and our MEC. Testing and implementation are continuing over the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation, which is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  5. Crew Planning. Like Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items. Statistics around teaming continue to be reviewed. Crew Planning continues to maximize pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NAVBLUE, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block2Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases. 

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.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2025

Hotel Committee

  • On January 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee met with management to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
  • If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Monday, January 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met for our first meeting of the year 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), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, February 10.

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:

  • Final Hotel Decisions: A number of site visits were conducted in the second half of 2024. We are still awaiting a final decision on HNL, SMF, TPA, and SJD. Final decisions have been made in BWI and DEN. Please check the MyCrewCare app (“City and Hotel Information” menu) or the Hotel Hotline on the Inflight Website for specific hotel details and decisions.  
  • LIR Travel Time: We know that the van time in LIR has been a significant pain point for our Flight Attendants. The Committee has been engaged with Crew Hotels to find an alternative property. We are actively searching for a property that provides the same level of quality and service, with the intent to significantly shorten the time in transit. In the meantime, the morning van departure has returned to the original, non-padded departure time due to early arrivals to the gate.    
  • Other Markets Updates: We are having a challenge in LAS when it comes to crew accommodations, a challenge shared by other carriers. As you may have seen, we have moved properties a few times due to crew member feedback. We greatly appreciate this, as your feedback drives change. We continue to monitor for any opportunities in LAS suitable for crew members. We are also looking at alternative options in FAT. 
  • Ground Transportation Issues
    • Safety Reporting: We have seen several instances where our ground transportation providers have contracted an Uber instead of their company van. This has, at times, resulted in an UberX that is not large enough to accommodate a crew of four plus luggage. At no time should a crew’s luggage be forced to be placed on laps or block egress, no matter what transportation you are in. If this happens, inform Crew Scheduling immediately and follow up with a CrewCare complaint, as this is a safety hazard. Furthermore, you may contact your Local Hotel Committee to escalate the issue.      
    • Ground Transportation Wait Times: We would like to remind Flight Attendants of a provision in our CBA that allows for self-help regarding transportation wait times. CBA section 34.B allows a Flight Attendant to submit for reimbursement for the actual expenses incurred if transportation is not provided within 35 minutes from block-in or within 10 minutes from hotel departure time. If you prefer not to pay for and expense the cost of transportation yourself, you can request that Crew Scheduling arrange alternate transportation for you.   

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Ad Hoc List Review. Our crew hotels have been inspected and endorsed and are contracted properties. Occasionally, crews need to be relocated for various reasons, such as known hotel blackout dates, planned property maintenance, fire alarm testing, irregular operations, etc. When our contracted properties cannot take the usage, Crew Hotels and API reference the ad hoc list for alternate accommodations. The Hotel Committee is reviewing this list to ensure the listed properties still meet our standards.
  2. Conducting Hotel Site Visits. The Hotel Committee visits hotels that are under consideration by management, and we advocate for management to select hotels that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. So far, we have site visits scheduled in AUS, SAT, MCO, and STL for the first quarter of 2025.  Contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities are the primary drivers that trigger a market review. Depending on the outcome of the market review, a site visit may be scheduled in that city.
  3. Investigating MyCrewCare Reports. Reviewing crewmember feedback and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change or ground transpiration change.

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 – 1st Quarter 2025

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • On January 8, our AFA Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in safety, health, and security.
  • The committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues faced by Flight Attendants onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is crucial in these challenging times. Use ReportIt! to file FAIR, ASAP, and fatigue reports. Contact your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Wednesday, January 8, 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), Blair Kimball (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Merritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present was MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance Geri Jarrett, Cabin Safety Manager Heidi Stiley, Inflight Services and Data Program Manager Jesse Sexton, Manager of Inflight Safety Programs Johanna Giese, Manager of Inflight Training Delivery Cody Kaifes, Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, and Corporate Security Compliance Ops Program Manager David Stewart. 

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, April 3, 2025.

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):

  • Paper Clips. Recent events showcased that paperclips are hard to find during an emergency decompression. Action: Geri has a solution in the works to wrap up by the first quarter. Looking for a manual release tool to be placed under the jumpseat on Flight Attendant badge or both.
  • Lap Child Carry-On Bag. Discussed an exception for diaper bags for parents with lap children. The current policy is that only infants with ticketed seats have their own one-plus-one carry-on bag allotment. Action: Geri will open this up for exploration. Some carriers do not count diaper bags towards the carry-on bag limit. 
  • Opening Aircraft Doors for Ventilation. Operation is allowed, provided Flight Attendants follow the procedure in the FAM and do not open the aircraft door more than 12 inches without fall protection in place. Action: Management is open to providing additional guidance if needed. 
  • Air Quality CBT. ASHSC requests Inflight add an Air Quality CBT or RT topic on air quality events. Action: The development team is developing an Air Quality video for Flight Attendants. Whether this will become a CBT or RT topic is yet to be determined. 
  • Unsupervised Passengers Waiting on Jet Bridge for Claim-At-Gate Baggage. There is a lack of consistency with CSAs returning to the aircraft ten minutes after arrival. Passengers may not remain unattended in the jet bridge. Flight Attendants have reported having to stay at the aircraft to attend to passengers in the jet bridge beyond the debriefing period. Action: Johanna will continue to monitor Flight Attendant reports and work with AOCS to determine the problem. 
  • Internet and Voice-Over-Internet Call Usage. We have noticed an uptick in passengers attempting to make calls using voice-over-Internet while in flight. This is not allowed per company policy. Action: Matthew noted that this restriction is covered in the inflight guide/menu, which can be used to show passengers the policy. This policy is for passenger experience and comfort. In addition, the outgoing portion of these calls uses too much internet bandwidth on the aircraft. 
  • Pets in Cabin Carriers Do Not Fit in Front of Aisle Seats C and D. Pets in the cabin that do not fit under the passenger’s assigned seat are creating unnecessary boarding delays and requiring additional management by Flight Attendants. We request that passengers with pets in the cabin not be assigned these seats. Action: Matthew will approach AOCS to determine what can be done to address the issue. Changing the booking system is a more challenging ask and not an immediate solution. 
  • Inflatable Mattresses. Passengers continue to bring inflatable mattresses and other items not allowed by the company onboard. We want to ensure the reservations and the Alaska website give passengers the correct guidance. Action: Matthew will take the request back to the web team to see if they can add information about these items to the passenger-facing website and make sure Reservations has updated information on these policies. 
  • Flight Closed and Fully Boarded. During active boarding, agents close the flight while passengers are still lined up in the jetway and incorrectly state that the flight is “fully boarded.” We believe all passengers should be onboard (and seated) before closing the flight. Action: Jesse will take this back to AOCS and continue to monitor the situation. CSA guidance says to close flight when boarding is “complete,” there needs to be direct guidance on what “complete” means. 
  • Passenger Seating Position for Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing. ASHSC is seeking clarification in the FAM about the definition of “seated” for passengers. We want the FAM to clearly state that passengers must be seated upright with their seatbelts low and tight for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Action: Jesse will benchmark other carriers to ensure we have the highest safety standards for our passengers and appropriate guidance for Flight Attendants. 
  • Window Shade Closure by Fleet Service. Fleet Service personnel have recently been closing window shades to signal that they have cleaned the row. We do close the shades when needed to keep the cabin cool. However, we do not support closing them as a general practice as it reduces safety by making it more difficult for passengers and crew to see if there is a danger outside of the aircraft. Action: Jesse will take the concern back to the stakeholders for discussion. Marketing is looking to align window shade procedures year-round.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. Decompression. We are looking at ways to improve our decompression procedures and systems. We would like to see automated PA added before the cabin altitude reaches 14,000 feet so that we can prepare for a possible decompression. By the time the masks drop at 14,000 feet, we are already experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, which degrades our ability to respond to the emergency. We also want to emphasize being and staying seated during decompression events as long as there is communication with the pilots and the aircraft is descending so we are not put at unnecessary risk and can perform emergency duties once at a safe altitude or on the ground.
  2. Turbulence. We are seeing an increase in turbulence-related injuries. We would like to see changes made to improve communication between pilots and Flight Attendant crew about turbulence and to clarify how we need to respond to different turbulence-related communication. We would also like to find ways to improve cabin management and the use of the fasten-seatbelt sign.
  3. Working to change or mitigate the impact of several recent policy changes:
    1. Single door catering
    1. Switching to ground service power with passengers onboard
    1. CSAs leaving the deplaning door after arrival

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.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – December 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On December 17, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, December 17, 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz. 

The committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Jeffery Hunt, Manager of Product Management Lilah Behrend, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Topics of Discussion

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

Scheduling Committee Concerns

  • Crew Scheduling Hold Times. Discussion focused on updating and providing communication protocols to Flight Attendants when experiencing extended hold periods over the phone. The agreement is to maintain normal contact unless a different approach is agreed upon.
  • COVID Protections. It’s confirmed that COVID protections remain in effect for offline commuting. Review the LOAs still in effect.
  • End-of-Year AFA Alaska Support Center Tickets. To ensure all open issues are settled, an emphasis was placed on the urgency of resolving and closing out end-of-year ticketing issues.
  • Ground Staff Widebody Aircraft Training Concerns. Significant concerns exist regarding the upcoming introduction of a widebody Hawaiian Airlines aircraft to ANC operations. Staff are currently untrained on this aircraft type, raising questions about operational logistics and potential reductions in Hawaii flying. More information on this situation is critical as spring approaches.
  • Daylight Savings Review. There was a discussion about the confusion surrounding crew reporting times during the daylight savings transition. A recent social media post indicates a need for clarity in communication.
  • Charter Issues. The denial of base turns for charters was raised, alongside a commitment from scheduling to provide necessary training. Concerns were also expressed regarding the limitation of one charter bid per day, with options to add a charter as a base turn if flying is non-charter.
  • Transportation Delays. Significant issues with crew transportation in LIR were highlighted, including long wait times for transport to hotels. This has led to discussions about changing hotel arrangements to improve the situation.
  • Crew Access. A need for improved notification systems for out-of-base trips was voiced; there is a current bug that sometimes doesn’t prompt the Flight Attendant when picking up a trip out of their home domicile.
  • Redeye Flight Loss. Crew members expressed frustration over losing redeye flights to the East Coast, noting management’s lack of timely communication regarding schedule changes. They are only learning about changes through bid packets, which is not ideal.
  • Van Delays. There were reports of delays in getting crews to hotels after flights, with a suggestion that communication could have been faster. Crews found themselves waiting at the airport instead of being transported to their accommodations. Reminder to file feedback reports with API for all hotel and transportation issues. This falls under the scope of the Hotel Committee, and they need more visibility into these concerns. 
  • Uber Coordination. Issues with Uber transportation at JFK were discussed, highlighting the inconvenience of being assigned to distant pick-up zones without prior notice. This created long walks for crew members and significant wait times.
  • Personal Drops. A grievance regarding personal drop policies will be filed soon, with expectations that the resolution process could take several months.

PBS

  • Bidding & Awards. January’s bidding process was described as busy yet inconsistent, with high coverage levels leading to challenges in securing legal runs while also managing reserves. 
  • Upcoming Meetings. Several meetings are scheduled, including a discussion with NAVBLUE and a meeting planned to address the separation of pilots and Flight Attendants on NAVBLUE systems in 2025.
  • Future Releases. No further updates have been provided beyond the 25.1 release, indicating a stable but unchanging landscape for now.

Pairing Construction

  • February Planning. As the group prepares for pairing construction for February, they are seeking more information on flight schedules, particularly with the hope of reviewing outbound and inbound flights for better operational awareness.

Crew Planning

  • Transportation Adjustments. Flight timing for LIR to LAX has been adjusted due to past cancellations tied to customs timing. The new location for crews is being considered to avoid long transport times.
  • Staffing Updates. The committee reviewed the status of staffing leaves (approximately 380), projecting crew awards and establishing a plan to open bids shortly, along with ensuring base numbers of availability are communicated clearly.

Crew Scheduling

  • Absence Rates. An upward trend in absence rates was noted, with sick leave calls increasing. The committee is monitoring these trends closely as they could affect overall operations and flexibility.
  • Premium Pay. There was a review of premium pay structures for December, which have been implemented to assist with operational needs, especially during high absence periods on the weekend.

Flight Attendant Crew Pay

  • Flight Attendant Crew Pay Inquiries. A high volume of resolved queries regarding Flight Attendants’ pay was reported, with a focus on enhancing the clarity of the claims process and ensuring Flight Attendants have access to necessary information for filing claims.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose. The PBS Subcommittee is working with management on PBS base sit budgets.  Management has the committee keep track of how money is being spent to assist flight crews with their bidding. We appreciate your participation in virtual and in person base sits. 
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion of reviewing bidding data from NAVBLUE to see what kind of pairings Flight Attendants are interested in flying instead of sending out a survey. We will continue to review options. 
  3. Chime Communications. To reduce phone call volumes, Flight Attendants may soon be able to chat with Crew Scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams. The chat will be for Flight Attendant-initiated contact only. The function is currently in the early stages of development and still needs to be discussed with Labor Relations management and our MEC. Testing and implementation are continuing over the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation, which is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  5. Crew Planning. Like Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items. Statistics around teaming continue to be reviewed. Crew Planning continues to maximize pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NAVBLUE, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block2Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases. 

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.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Celebrating Black History Month

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all […]

Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000 

On this day, we pause to remember and honor the anniversary of the tragic loss of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which occurred on January 31, 2000. This heartbreaking event claimed the lives of all 88 passengers and crew on board, leaving an enduring impact on all of us. As we reflect on this tragic day, […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continues to make steady progress in collective bargaining sessions with management. Recent meetings have focused on refining contract Section 15 (Leaves of Absence). The JNC continues to incorporate the strongest language from both Alaska and Hawaiian agreements.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Monday, January 12, 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), Brian Sherill (LAX-pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), […]

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