AFA E-Lines: Nov 01, 2022

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AFA Debrief – November 1, 2022

• Vacation Bidding – First Round Bidding Closed
• Return to Standard Time – Fall Back
• Annual Benefits Enrollment for Active Employees is Now Open
• Known Software Glitch Affects Alarm Clock on LINK Device
• Updated Weight & Balance Requirement for all 757 Aircraft – Effective November 1
• Crew Badge Scanning Clarification
• Welcome Class 2235!

Vacation Bidding – First Round Bidding Now Closed

The first round of vacation bidding closed yesterday Monday, October 31, at 0800 (HDT). Awards will be posted no later than November 4^th, 0800 (HDT). The second round of Vacation Bidding opens on November 8th at 0800 (HDT) and closes on November 16th at 0800 (HDT).

We strongly encourage you to read all the information we’ve made available and bid to cover yourself. If you’re unsure how much to bid, some Flight Attendants bid to cover themselves by bidding the entire year in order of preference.

As always, we strongly encourage you to read the information we provide on our Vacation microsite.

Return to Standard Time - Fall Back

The first Sunday in November is the date on which Daylight Savings Time ends in most areas of the U.S. This year, we “fall back” one hour and return to Standard Time on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 2 a.m.

This time change results in a “longer night” on Sunday as we gain an hour of additional rest when we “fall back.” Take the time to review your schedule to ensure that you have the most accurate flight information, and don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you turn in on Saturday night.

Annual Benefits Enrollment for Active Employees is Now Open

Benefits Open Enrollment for active employees has started and will run through November 18, 2022.

Known Software Glitch Affects Alarm Clock on LINK Device

On October 31, 2022, the company released a LINK alert advising us there is a glitch that affects the alarm clock on the new iPhone 13 LINK devices. 

This glitch can best be addressed by powering your LINK device off and then turning it back on again.

1. Press and hold the power and volume buttons.
2. A slider labeled slide to power off will appear.
3. Drag the slider to the right.
4. Wait for the device to power off completely and for the screen to go black.
5. Press and hold the power button to turn the device back on.
6. Ensure the LINK is update to the most current iOS: 16.0.2
7. It is recommended you try the alarm again before relying on it for a wake-up call.

Updated Weight & Balance Requirement for all 757 Aircraft – Effective November 1

Unique requirements pertaining to the winter weight and balance for passengers and luggage go into effect for all B757 aircraft configurations on November 1.

As a result, select seats will be removed from inventory and restricted for assignment. Initially, Tech Ops will place interim signage over the headrest of each seat removed from inventory. Between November 1 – 5, Tech Ops will install the red sleeve over the seat belt of each blocked seat.

After November 5, when working the B757 aircraft, Flight Attendants should refer to the MyFlight app during crew briefing. Blocked seats will appear as unavailable in the app.

If a blocked seat is missing the red seat belt sleeve or zip tie, notify the Purser and the Flight Deck. Maintenance and the Flight Deck will determine next steps. Through all phases of flight, monitor these seats to ensure they remain unoccupied. The specific seats affected by B757 fleet type are as follows:

Crew Badge Scanning Clarification

Conversations during our Fall MEC Meeting in Chicago highlighted the continuing confusion about the intended purpose of scanning our company ID badges at the departure gate. Reports continue to indicate the process is being misrepresented as being used to support our contractual “check-in.” Scanning badges at the gate is unrelated to our contractual check-in process and Positive check-in was eliminated in 2019.

We have addressed this issue with the company since last spring but there appears to be a need to reiterate that scanning our badges does not indicate we are “checking in.” When we scan our badges, we are doing so to ensure compliance with the FAA minimum crew complement.

Scanning on (and off) the aircraft is the process whereby badges are verified at the departure gate and “scanned” into the system for the exclusive purpose of verifying the FAA minimum crew compliment is onboard the aircraft prior to the start of passenger boarding. To support compliance with FAA minimum crew requirements, current SOP calls for Flight Attendants to proceed directly to the aircraft after scanning the ID badge. If you encounter circumstances where you are asked or given direction to scan that is in conflict with the SOP outlined in the eFAOM, please file an ISAP Report.

Welcome Class 2235!

We are excited to welcome our newest flying partners from class 2235 as part of our Flight Attendant community. Our newest flying partners will begin their careers at bases in DEN, ORD, and IAD.

We encourage you to welcome each of them amiably, help them learn from your experience, and get them started on a path to success and adventure in their new career.

Please remember that our newest Members are on probation. To ensure that they receive the most accurate information to support them, direct them to their Local Council for assistance on Contractual issues.

And if you would like to become an AFA Buddy, reach out to your Local Council to learn how you can become part of this vital link to their success.

Reminders:

NOV 6 – Return to Standard Time – Fall Back at 2:00AM
NOV 8 – November 16, 2022 – Second Round Vacation Bidding Opens
NOV 8 – Midterm Elections
NOV 14 – December 2022 Special COLA Requests Due at 0800 CT

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