This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants

LAX Base Update: Staffing, Flying and What We Know

Aloha LAX,

We want to acknowledge up front that many of you have been asking for clearer information about staffing and flying. That is completely fair. Communication should be coming directly from us and we agree that transparency matters, especially during periods of change.

Over the past several weeks, We have been working closely with management to obtain clearer information so we can provide you with accurate and reliable updates. We have been in ongoing discussions with upper management as well as the Crew Planning team. We have emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate staffing levels and building efficient, sustainable flying for LAX, and management has been receptive to continuing that dialogue.

We have also encouraged base managers, trainers, and MEC officers to continue elevating LAX staffing and flying concerns in their conversations with upper management. Please know that the company is very clear on where we stand and what we are advocating for.

We received additional information recently that we wanted to share with you. While it is still not fully finalized, we hope it provides more clarity.

What Does “Not Closing the Base” Mean for Us?

Management reaffirmed that the Hawaiian LAX base will remain open. California is considered a strategic priority for Alaska Air Group, and the Los Angeles base is intended to remain a base in the combined network.

What Will Our Staffing Number Be Post-May?

Management stated that the target basing size for LAX remains approximately 100 to 120 Flight Attendants.

If LAX staffing drops below that range after the second SEA vacancy bid and the next hiring class meets expectations, they indicated they would create vacancies in LAX to maintain the 100-120 numbers. There are a few Flight Attendants who have a standing bid on file indicating LAX as their base of choice. AFA has asked the company to honor those requests on file despite the 100 – 120 target number; the company is considering this request.

3-Day Trips vs 1 or 2-Day Trips

AFA has shared with management the need and importance of 1 and 2 day turns. 

Management shared that flying patterns have become less consistent due to network adjustments:

• LAX–KOA moved to Alaska metal
• LAX–HNL is either too tight or too long to structure as a single day turn
• LAX–OGG has a duty day that is too long to allow a same day return

These changes are largely driven by connection opportunities into the broader Alaska network.

Although the March bid packet only offers 3-day pairings, April is projected to have both 2-day and 3-day pairings. Again, April pairings are projections and all things are subject to change. 

Wide-Body Flying Out of LAX

Management stated there is no deliberate effort to reduce wide-body flying from LAX. 

Future Growth at LAX

At this time, there are no announced growth plans specific to LAX. Staffing at 100 – 120 is the anticipated desired staffing. Management stated the network team continually evaluates opportunities but nothing is currently projected.

We recognize that change can bring a wide range of emotions, and we want you to know that we are here for you. Our commitment to advocating on your behalf does not waver. Regardless of the size of our base, our representation remains strong, and we will continue to carry your concerns, priorities, and perspectives into every discussion and interaction with management.

In Solidarity,

Josh, Paul and Beth
lax@afahawaiian.org
LAX Pulse Form

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants

PBS – Bidding Heads Up for SEA and OAK Flying

Aloha LAX,

For the month of March again, we are seeing SEA and OAK pairings carrying higher credit values. Because of that, some Flight Attendants, especially those more junior, may need to use an Over Schedule set condition in order to be awarded the number of trips they are trying to build into their line.

Without the appropriate set condition, you may not be awarded enough flying to meet the minimum credit needed to hold a bid.

We strongly encourage everyone to use the practice awards to confirm your set conditions are working the way you intend and to catch any issues before awards are final.

If you have questions or want help reviewing your bid, please submit the PBS Line Inquiry Form and our team can assist. The PBS Committee also holds live Teams meetings to assist in bidding. Click here more details and link to live meeting.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants

Virtual Joint Membership Meeting – BOD Edition

Hello Council 15, 18, and 47 Members,

You are invited to attend our Virtual Joint Membership Meeting – Board of Directors Edition on February 27 at 2PM PT, bringing together members from Council 15 SAN (AS), Council 18 LAX (AS), and Council 47 LAX (HA).

In accordance with the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws Article III.D.2.a., each Council is required to hold two membership meetings per year, with one conducted prior to the AFA Board of Directors meeting being held in March. This meeting fulfills that requirement and serves an important purpose.

During this session, your Council Presidents will go over the proposed agenda items scheduled to be addressed at the upcoming Board of Directors meeting. As your elected representatives, we will be voting on these items on your behalf. Your input is critical. The perspectives and feedback shared during this meeting directly inform how we represent you and cast our votes.

We strongly encourage all eligible members to participate to ensure your voice is heard.

Registration is required to attend. In order to participate, you must be a member of Council 15, 18, or 47. Shared links are not permitted. The meeting link will function only for the registered attendee.

We look forward to seeing you all there. 

Register Here

AGENDA:

• Call to Order
• Credentials
• Welcome and Introductions
• What is the Board of Directors?
• Agenda Items
• Q&A
• Adjournment 

In Solidarity, 

Brice McGee
LEC President Council 15 – SAN

Kelese Richardson
LEC President Council 18 – LAX

Joshua Aoki
LEC President Council 47 – LAX

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants

A Domicile Update, Our Continued Commitment, and Introducing The LAX Pulse

Dear LAX Fam,

As many of you have seen, Paul Ikioka and I have elected to transfer to the Hawaiian Seattle Domicile in April of this year. We felt it was important to share this directly with you. Although we are changing domiciles, we remain 100% committed to representing LAX. Our advocacy does not shift, and neither does our focus. We will continue to carry your voices into every conversation, at every opportunity. And of course, Beth Hayes would never let us do otherwise LOL!

LAX representation continues through our local committees as well, and we are still here for your emails, texts, and phone calls. That does not change. Please do not feel like you are losing access to your officers.

We also recognize that a significant group of our LAX family is transferring to Seattle. We understand there are concerns about how this may impact flying in LAX. We will be engaging with management regarding staffing to help prevent drastic changes to what we have become accustomed to. While some change may be inevitable, we are committed to working collaboratively to minimize disruption to our base.

The LAX Pulse Form

As we expand representation to close to 400 members between LAX and SEA, it is critical that we amplify voices, not diminish them. To help with that, we are launching a new anonymous feedback form called The LAX Pulse. This form allows you to share concerns and feedback that we can bring directly to management. It is also an opportunity to let us know how we are doing and where we can improve as your AFA leadership. While submissions are anonymous, all communication should be aligned with our Mutual Respect Policy. Our goal is to use this tool to strengthen our advocacy for you.

LAX Management Meetings

Last December, Council 47 began participating in monthly management tie-in meetings with local management in LAX. These monthly meetings allow us to raise Flight Attendant concerns, exchange information, and advocate directly on your behalf. I have an upcoming meeting with the LAX management team on 1/28, and it would be incredibly helpful if you could take a few minutes to complete the form.

Again, I know there is so much change happening but as we have stated to you all at the beginning of this term, we are committed to being there for you every step of the way. 

Sincerely and in solidarity,

Joshua Aoki
LEC – President 
Council 47 AFA-CWA