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Hotel Standards

AFA and United Agree to Hotel Standards

FA HOTEL STANDARDS (per Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA))- Required unless mutual agreement

  1. Guaranteed non-smoking rooms. Smoking room provided upon request, based on availability.
  2. Minimum bed size North American “full” or “double” (interchangeable) size (54’ X 75’ - 137cm X 190.5cm) or its regional equivalent. Fresh linen and cleaning services before each use.
  3. Personal check cashing or ATM on property. The parties may mutually agree that an ATM within reasonable walking distance satisfies the requirement. In-room phone activation and room access without credit card. No service charge associated with toll free (i.e. 800) calls. May require credit imprint for signing privileges to cover incidentals. Ability to access services with cash.
  4. Business class hotel. Regular maintenance and cleaning performed to keep it in a tenantable condition.
  5. Whenever possible, rooms in close proximity to each other. Rooms will be quiet and away from elevators, ice/vending machines, housekeeping closets and construction/renovation noise.
  6. Complimentary WIFI in guest rooms. (Hardwire if no WIFI for guests)
  7. Meet or exceed all local fire codes and life safety standards, Minimum of smoke/heat detector in each room, hard-wired with battery backup.
  8. Food availability 24 hours/day. Restaurant on premises, providing breakfast, lunch and dinner (pantry food does not meet this requirement). Outside of meal time hours; room service, lounge menu and/or food delivery options. Delivery options of at least 3 different eateries (not including fast food outlets) with reasonable delivery time/distance.
  9. Effective individual, self-controllable A/C and/or heat as applicable.
  10. Safe and secure environment. All hotel entry/egress points (i.e. public, employee, loading/receiving entrances and fire safety exits) locked (e.g. key card authorization requirement) or actively monitored at all times. No direct access to guestrooms from parking garages. All public access restricted and monitored by hotel staff 2300-0600 or dedicated security staff available. Between 2300-0600, public access shall not be left unrestricted or unattended by hotel staff.
  11. AFA has the right to do unannounced visits to hotels based on complaints, which shall be shared in advance with the Company. The AFA Hotel and Transportation Chairperson/designee shall advise the Director of Corporate Travel and Procurement a minimum of 72 hours before visit. The Company shall not contact the hotel prior to such visit.
  12. FA HOTEL SELECTION/RETENTION GUIDELINES for consideration
    • Sprinkler system
    • Generator on site
    • Peepholes
    • Dedicated trained security personnel 24/7
    • Windows that open
    • Showers and bathtubs
    • Food and beverage discounts
    • Fitness Center with complimentary access
    • HVAC/fan systems not restricted by motion sensors
    • In-room refrigerator

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Using Self Help to Change Hotels

When is it appropriate to go to another hotel?

The answer may vary but can include things such as: no hot or cold water, no power, no heat or air conditioning, broken door locks, bugs or vermin of any kind in your room, no food availability whatsoever, noise that prohibits legal rest or any situation that threatens your safety or well-being.

Take Corrective Action

If you encounter any of these issues, the following action to correct your experience:

  1. Calmly attempt to resolve the issue with the people providing the service – the hotel.  Always ask to speak to a manager on duty.
  2. If this fails to fix the problem, call the United Hotel Desk (FLTLINE, Option 2) and ask for their assistance. 
  3. If you do not get a resolution to your situation through these two avenues, go to another hotel and take a taxi if necessary.  Ensure that you have the names of the hotel and company representatives with whom you've spoken too. Get receipts for all your expenses and submit a company expense report to your Supervisor to start the reimbursement process.
  4. Once settled into a different hotel, call Crew Scheduling and let them know where you are. Be aware that the Hotel Desk is not Crew Scheduling.

Don't be afraid to act in your best interests. The company is responsible for your safety on layovers. If they do not respond, take care of yourself.

Expenses and Reports

Ask your supervisor for the Employee Expense Report form.  In addition to filling out an expense report with receipts attached, write a TVLLOG detailing the persons with whom you've spoken at both the hotel and the Hotel Desk.  Make copies for yourself of the TVLLOG, expense reports and receipts. 

The AFA MEC Hotel and Transportation Committee meets with Crew Accommodations once a month to address problems and seek positive resolution.  Our advocacy is strengthened when problems are documented and trended through your TVLLOG reports.  Help us help you: use TVLLOG every time you experience a problem or conversely, a positive experience.

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