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Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

March 30, 2026 09:00

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews.

As the work of the merger progresses, we are nearing a monumental milestone. The operation cutover to PSS (Single Passenger Service System) occurs on 4/22. From the perspective of Inflight Service, PSS signifies the beginning of change for our Inflight work routines. Your Inflight Service Committee has been working diligently to represent your interests over the last several months to prepare for the changes that you will begin to see onboard the aircraft.

Who makes up our AFA Inflight Service Committee?

Master Executive Council (MEC) – deals with issues at a combined carrier level

Bianca McKee, Chairperson – Hawaiian Brand
Chase Vandergrift, Chairperson – Alaska Brand

Local Council – deals with issues at a local (or base) level

Thalia Adachi, Chairperson for Council 43 (HNL)
Gary Mano’i, Chairperson for Council 47 (LAX & SEA pmHA)

What has the Committee been working on?

787 International – HA Brand
787 International & Domestic – AS Brand
SEA Base Immersion Training
The Future of Hawaiian Branded Service
B2B App & Early Adopter Group
Service Resource Update
Safety Risk Assessments
Cabin Interior Projects

787 International – HA Brand

Main Cabin Delivery & TSU Collection Procedures have been updated following Flight Attendant feedback
All 787 flights will transition to Alaska Branded Service starting April 25

787 International & Domestic – AS Brand

Starting April 25, all flights operated on the 787 will launch with Alaska branded service.

Planning for these service changes began in late 2025. Management called on the HA Service Team for their onboard expertise to assist in building service procedures that meet the company’s competitive service goals. Our AFA Inflight Service Committee was also included in discussions. The HA Service Team members currently include Kahea Ching, Corynn St. Marie, Joyce Foley, George Thronas, Chason Yamaguchi, Bianca Mckee (AFA), Thalia Adachi (AFA), and Gary Mano’i (AFA).

Details around 787 service changes will be shared in depth at SEA Base Immersion Training. Service resources are being developed by management to be made available to all Flight Attendants.

International:

Four service test flights on SEA-ICN were operated by the service team and AFA Inflight Service Committee for the service model to be used for SEA-FCO/LHR/ICN/NRT. These test flights helped to determine deliverability & service flow.

The Committee continues to express concerns over staffing and heavy Flight Attendant workload. It is important to note that at this time the Committee has not given its full agreement to service changes that management plans to implement. Updates will be shared as we continue to advocate for a manageable workload onboard the aircraft.

Domestic:

Domestic 787 flights will mirror current day Alaska Airlines Premium Long-Haul Service. The Committee has requested that meal options be limited at launch to allow Flight Attendants time to learn the new process.

A brief overview of the 787 Domestic Alaska Brand Service:

First Class Pre-Ordered Meals
No complimentary main cabin meal
Premium Class Snack Basket
Limited pre-ordered fresh meal options available for purchase in the main cabin
Shelf-stable meal options over boarded to be made available for purchase

Immersion Training for SEA-Based Flight Attendants

On Friday, March 20, Vice President of Inflight Allen Thieman sent a SEA Domicile Update to Flight Attendants including the following information about SEA base Immersion Training:

“The Alaska Global Immersion is an in-person experience at our Global Training Center for our new Seattle domiciled Flight Attendants that is designed to:

Set our HA SEA Flight Attendants up for success delivering our global experience from our Seattle gateway
Align service flow expectations, onboard service, and guest experience standards
Give Flight Attendants direct access to leaders, partners, products, and the broader vision for Seattle as a global gateway”

Immersion training for SEA-based Flight Attendants, who were awarded bids on March 10, will take place from April 7 through 9. Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons will attend all three days of this training to represent you.

The Future of Hawaiian Branded Service

The Committee is in discussion with management as they look to redesign the Hawaiian Brand service model.

For many, our inflight service is the foundation of our identity and who we are as Hawaiian Airlines. Protecting our brand remains paramount as we navigate forward.

Block2Block (B2B) App & Early Adopter Group

The new inflight app Block2Block (B2B) launches April 22. The Committee has been included in the Early Adopter group to provide feedback to management and the app development team. B2B should already be downloaded on your IMDs. Early Adopters will be distributing new card readers in base CROs throughout the rest of March. Roadshows will continue through April for card reader distribution and in person guidance on Status Recognition and Premium Class Offerings. Please complete your 1st Quarter CBT in Cornerstone prior to April 15. Reference the “Q1 2026 CBT” email for details.

Service Resources Update

Service In-Flight Planning Communications are now available for offline viewing on your IMD:

Content App > All Files > 5. Onboard Service > 0. Latest Updates

Safety Risk Assessments

The MEC Inflight Service Committee has been actively engaged in management’s process to analyze safety risks and corresponding mitigations. Data utilized for Safety Risk Assessments are sourced directly from Intelex. Please continue to document any unsafe work practices, experiences, and/or onboard events within the Intelex system.

Cabin Interior Projects

The MEC Inflight Service Committee has established a consistent and collaborative relationship with the planning teams responsible for future aircraft model acquisitions and scheduled retrofit projects. This proactive engagement ensures that the perspectives and needs of our Members are integrated into the decision-making process at the earliest stages.

Important Dates

April 7-9	SEA Base Immersion Training
April 15	1st Quarter CBTs due in Cornerstone
April 22	PSS (Single Passenger Service System) – B2B goes live, New Credit Card Readers to be used with B2B – Status Recognition begins – Extra Comfort turns to Premium Class, Premium Class offering begins
April 25	All 787 Flights to Transition To Alaska Branded Service
April 28	SEA-FCO Inaugural
April 30	Pau Hana App removed from IMDs, sync transactions prior to April 30
May 21	SEA-LHR Inaugural

Other Updates

Catering Reports

Due to the HA emailing sunsetting on April 23, catering reports will need to be submitted as follows:

March 23 – April 21: Flight Attendants are directed to submit catering reports via Intelex
April 22: B2B goes live. Flight Attendants will be directed to submit catering reports via the “catering and service feedback” tab found under your selected flight.

AFA Inflight Service Committee Lounge Sits

We’d like to hear from you! Please visit our AFA Inflight Service Committee in the HNL CRO from 9 AM to 1 PM on the following dates: April 14,15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 28.

*Lounge Sits for pmHA LAX and SEA will take place at a later date.

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – March 2026 Update

March 2, 2026 13:00

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

AFA has filed a grievance disputing the proof of relocation required by management to qualify for the flat rate moving expense
Flat-rate moving expenses are taxed as bonus wages and are not grossed up, while actual moving expenses reimbursed with receipts will be grossed up to cover taxes owed

Flat Rate Moving Expense Update

Many of you have come to us with concerns about management’s requirement to provide proof of relocation to be eligible for the flat rate moving expense. AFA’s position is that a Flight Attendant does not have to actually move in order to be eligible for the flat rate payment. We are in dispute with management over the requirement and have formally filed a MEC grievance on the issue. The grievance process will take some time to resolve the dispute. In the meantime, we would like to clarify the requirements for those who may be interested in securing the flat rate expense under management’s terms.

First, management is requiring that you actually move, but you do not need to move to Seattle – just a location that makes sense for you to be able to commute to SEA. For example, a move from HNL to a location on the continent such as AUS, SMF, PDX, or DEN, is allowable.

Second, there is no requirement that your move be a permanent one. If you move and a group of Flight Attendants decides to lease a home or large apartment together, with the intention of moving from your current place of residence to SEA or to a location closer to SEA than your current residence, the flat rate moving expense is available.

Third, management is requires that you provide two forms of the required proof of relocation within sixty (60) days after the effective date of your transfer in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. Management requires two forms of the documentation below:

Lease or rental agreement
Mortgage or rental payment receipt
Insurance documents, like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
Driver’s license, State ID
Mail from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your address listed
Official school documents, including an enrollment form or a school ID
Utility bill (including any public utility like a gas, electricity, or water bill) or confirmation of utility service (including a utility hook-up or work order)
Statement from a bank or financial institution with the address listed
U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation letter
Moving company contract or receipt with your address listed
Voter registration card with your name and address listed

Finally, if you need the flat rate moving expense before your move, please contact your base manager. Section 5.B.2. of the contract provides that the flat rate moving expense can be provided to you in advance. Please note that the company will not be able to provide you with a cash voucher (the funds will be directly deposited). In addition, flat rate expenses are now taxable under changes in tax laws.

AFA’s position is that you should not need to provide proof of relocation. We hope this information provides additional clarity regarding flat rate moving expenses for those of you who will be able to provide the company-required documentation, while we work through the grievance process for those who will not be able to provide relocation documentation.

If you are unable to provide the company requested documentation:

Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
Email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org so we may track any potential grievants.

Moving Expenses – Tax Clarification

Actual Moving Expenses

For moving expenses that are reimbursed with actual receipts (actual moving expenses and settling expenses), the company will gross up the payment. This means that the company will be increase the gross payment to cover the taxes owed, to ensuring the Flight Attendant receives the intended reimbursement amount.

Flat Rate Moving Expenses

Lump sum payments (flat rate moving expense and new hire settling expense) will be taxed similarly to bonus wages and will not be grossed up.

For any questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.

Other Information

Pet Moving Expenses

The company will reimburse reasonable expenses associated with moving your pet, including the required pet health certificate. If your pet is unable to travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment and may require specialized handling, please reach out to your duty manager for next steps.

Cargo Information

If you wish to ship your household goods by cargo, you may do so on a space available basis on company aircraft. You will need to complete an SP-28 form, available through Alaska Cargo. Please call 1-800-225-2752 or cargo.capacity@hawaiianair.com for more information.

SEA LOA Resources

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026

February 27, 2026 13:00

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Our JNC met with management this week on February 24 to February 26 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for March 24 to March 26
Progress was made in narrowing issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses)
First proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles) was presented to management

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on February 24 to February 26 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

During this negotiation session our JNC continued to make progress in narrowing outstanding issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses). The JNC remains steadfast and is working on enhancing provisions in these sections drawing on positive developments from the Hawaiian CBA. Additionally, the Committee presented our first proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles), with an emphasis on moving expenses and continued to advocate for meaningful improvements across all areas under discussion.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA will be used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

Sections discussed in this session:

Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4)
Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 26 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for March 24 to March 26.

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

February 13, 2026 15:00

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Bidding has opened for 121 permanent vacancies available at the SEA Domicile effective May 1, 2026. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on February 16
The Negotiating Committee has reached an agreement on the SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding process, which offers additional relocation options for April and May bidders
The Committee is addressing the company’s requirement for proof of relocation for flat rate payments, and advises affected Flight Attendants to document their interactions and contact union leadership if denied the flat rate

SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting

The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM HT on Tuesday, February 17. Please use the IFS Vacancy Bid Form if you are interested.

Date	Time	Event
Monday, February 16	11:59 PM HT	Close of bids Email confirmation of vacancy bid sent to hawaiianair.com email
Tuesday, January 17	12:00 PM HT	Post of awards/Recission Period Begins Email (hawaiianair.com) to successful bidders
Wednesday, January 18	11:59 PM HT	Rescission deadline for successful bidders
Thursday, February 19	12:00 PM HT	Post of backfill awards (if any) / 2nd Recission Period Begins
Friday, February 20	11:59 PM HT	2nd Recission Period Ends
Monday, February 23	12:00 PM HT	Final Awards Posted

SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding Letter of Agreement

The Negotiating Committee has reached an agreement on the award process for the SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding. Any provision not addressed in the Letter of Agreement (LOA) will be handled in accordance with the CBA. Please review the full text of the LOA here:

Here are some highlights of the agreement:

As an alternative option for Relocation Days and Travel Time (for April and May bidders only), the provisions of Section 5.G (Relocation Time) will still apply and are an available option for Flight Attendants.
April bidders may elect to receive pay and credit of 4.50 hours per day for a total of 27 hours for April 1 to April 6, or April 2 to April 7, or April 3 to April 8
May bidders may elect to receive pay and credit of 4.50 hours per day for a total of 27 hours for May 1 to May 6, or May 2 to May 7, or May 3 to May 8
A response to the company email is needed within 15 calendar days to accept, reject, or slide relocation days.
- If Flight Attendants wish alternate moving days, but do not know the exact days, they still must inform the company within 15 calendar days that they will mutually arrange the days later
Low Time for the month of May will include 9 Low Time positions.
There will be 1 Reduced Time position for the month of April per Section 13.B. and 13.D of the CBA. Bids will open March 1 and close March 7 for that position.

SEA LOA Resources

Flat Rate Moving Expenses

Thank you very much for reaching out to us to share your concerns and frustration about management’s 11th-hour notification of the requirement to provide proof of moving in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. This is the first time that AFA is aware of this requirement and it was not discussed during the negotiations for any HA-SEA Domicile Letters of Agreement or in any prior contract negotiations. We feel blindsided.

AFA does not agree with management’s demand for documentation for the flat rate payment.

There is no justification either in long-standing practice, or in the CBA, of requiring Flight Attendants who opt for the flat-rate payment to supply proof of relocation. The negotiated SEA Domicile Vacancy Bidding LOA contains no requirement for relocation to receive the flat-rate payment.

Hawaiian has a long-standing practice of requiring receipts for the actual moving expenses, but not for the flat rate. The flat rate was created as an option for Flight Attendants and to assist those who are not actually moving to establish themselves at the new base. This would include the opportunity for Flight Attendants to secure housing (i.e. crash pads) and transportation.

In fact, the only instance in the CBA in which documentation demonstrating relocation for a flat rate payment is required is if a Flight Attendant is on a leave of absence.

As a reminder, Flight Attendants have 12 months from the date of their report to the domicile to elect the flat rate payment.

Next Steps

For the Negotiating Committee:

The Negotiating Committee continues to seek a resolution with management. If the disagreement remains unresolved the Committee will seek to file a timely grievance.

For Flight Attendants seeking the Flat Rate:

Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
Please contact your local union leadership to inform them of your denial, Council 43, Martin Gusman (martin.gusman@afahawaiian.org), or Council 47, Josh Aoki (josh.aoki@afahawaiian.org) so we may track any potential grievants.

Taxes and Moving Payments

Moving Payments (including Flat-Rate and Actual Expense Reimbursement) are currently treated as taxable income under federal law. This change was introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which required these payments to be taxed starting January 1, 2018. Although this provision was originally set to expire in 2025, subsequent legislation has extended the taxation of moving benefits indefinitely. This information is provided for general awareness only. For questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

January 30, 2026 13:00

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Our JNC met with management this week on January 27 to January 29 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for February 24 to February 26
Our MEC Air Safety Health and Security Chairperson and Air Quality Representative, along with the AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist joined the JNC to speak to management about impacts of air quality on Flight Attendants

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on January 27 to January 29 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
Seth Heiple, MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee Chairperson
Deb Wallstrom, MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee Air Quality Representative
Judith Anderson, AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist; Air Safety, Health and Security

During this negotiating session we were joined by the MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson, Seth Heiple; MEC ASHSC Air Quality Representative, Deb Wallstrom; and AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist, Judith Anderson. After an in-depth presentation to the JNC, our subject matter experts educated management on air quality from the Flight Attendant perspective and identified areas of improvement and concrete action-items to address the on-the-job injury process.

After the presentation, we passed our prepared proposal on Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) to management. We continue to advocate for improvements and protections in this Section. The JNC also made our initial proposal on Section 22 (Expenses). On Day 2, management passed their response on Section 15 (Leaves). We are significantly apart in this area as we work to incorporate improvements from the Hawaiian Contract.

Section by Section Progress

Sections discussed in this session:

Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 26 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

Local Council Meetings

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) attended the Master Executive Council (MEC) Meeting in Honolulu earlier this month. During the meeting the JNC provided the MEC with a negotiations update and collaborated on some of the more difficult decisions coming up as we work to combine two very different contracts. On January 15, the JNC met with Honolulu-based Members in a meet and greet event hosted by the Council 43 Leadership. The JNC fielded questions, updated Members on the negotiations process, and addressed their concerns.

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for February 24 to February 26.

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026