Jumpseatnews

The Ending of an Era

Jumpseatnews — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:58:00 GMT

Dear Jumpseatnews Reader:

On June 20th, 2020, Jumpseatnews will officially celebrate its 20th Anniversary.

Twenty years.

Twenty years is a long time for a small website to stay online. A very long time. And it’s been quite the journey, filled with countless memories — and I was very lucky to have JSN share a part (at least a small part) of United’s history.

That being said, I want to let you know that on this upcoming date, Jumpseatnews will officially end.

The website will no longer publish news updates, new resources, nor be actively maintained. Many of the sidebar links will be removed, as will the Crew Lounge. A number of articles will remain published and live for historical purposes, and partly because I just not ready to let them go yet. But eventually, they too, will go. And after that in the months to come, Jumpseatnews will begin to slip off the internet page by page. A slow, peaceful, and dignified way to fade away. The electronic campfire will finally dim until the last flame flickers out.

This was a long time coming. And there are many reasons for this decision, which was not an easy one to make.

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of Jumpseatnews, I’ve decided to publish one final major update on that day. This time, however, instead of a news article, it will be a very special JSN video. I think that if you’ve ever used JSN throughout the years, you are going to want to see it. The video will be published only on JSN and it will be the only one published. A final update to JSN on its last day of being online for 20 years. I will not discuss it any further until that date. So, be sure to return here on Saturday night, at 8:00pm ET on June 20, 2020, for the launch of my final update and message to you.

Between now and then, I will keep the site "as-is" exactly as you see it today.

Fly safe….

Christopher

Out of Base Pick-up of Designated White and Purple Flag Pairings

Jumpseatnews — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:49:20 GMT

Source: Elines

Recently, Flight Attendants have asked for clarification concerning Out of Base (OOB) pick-up when it involves White and Purple designated pairings. As provided for in the language of our JCBA Flight Attendants picking up a designated white or purple flag pairing will be required to follow the specific parameters of picking up the pairing in order to receive the additional compensation as outlined in Section 4.B. of our Contract. This includes all pairings being picked up Out of Base (OOB).

Eligible Flight Attendants picking up a designated white or purple flag pairing must be in position to work the pairing and to operate the pairing or, if cancelled, be reassigned in order to qualify for pay protection. Out of Base pick-up rules apply.

As a reminder, if a purple or white flag pairing is subsequently traded, the Flight Attendant who actually flies the pairing is entitled to the purple or white flag pay.

Flight Attendants seeking detailed information clarifying the differences between White and Purple Flag Designated Days are encouraged to review the information available on unitedafa.org.

Maintaining Required Documents – Passports, Visas and FAA Airmen Certificate

Jumpseatnews — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:48:18 GMT

Source: Elines

As the summer travel season begins to wind down it is an excellent time for Flight Attendants to review their required documentation. The responsibility of maintaining complete and current documentation such as valid passports and visas belongs to the individual Flight Attendant. This includes the FAA Airmen Certificate.

While it is not required to carry the FAA Airmen Certificate it may be requested by an FAA official or at certain international locations. Flight Attendants are required to make these cards available within a reasonable time period, upon request. The FAA has determined that a reasonable period of time is fifteen (15) days. Although we are not required to carry the FAA Airmen Certificate, we encourage Flight Attendants to keep it up to date and always know where you have it secured for easy access. Flight Attendants who need to replace their card because it is lost, stolen or you’ve had a name change or if you have a need to update your current mailing address associated with their certificate should visit the FAA Airmen Certificate website.

For more information please review E-Lines FAA Airmen Certificate.

Alaska Airlines Reciprocal Cabin Seat Agreement Listing Procedures Unchanged

Jumpseatnews — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:47:02 GMT

Source: Elines

Recently, we have received reports that indicate there may be some confusion as it relates to the process for listing on Alaska Airlines under the Reciprocal Cabin Seat Agreement (RCSA). We have confirmed with our counterparts at Alaska AFA that there is no change to the listing process contained in the General Guidelines document for RCSA travel on Alaska Airlines. All transactions take place at the airport, and no pre-flight listing is required. Should you encounter any difficulty in listing or are advised of procedures that differ from those contained in the General Guidelines document, please send details to your Local Council Office.

Should you encounter any difficulty in listing, contact your Local Council Office.

Action Required - FMLA Denial of Eligibility between 5/31/17 and 2/13/19

Jumpseatnews — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:46:13 GMT

Source: Elines

During the period beginning May 31, 2017 through February 13, 2019, an information technology error related to the calculation of “hours worked” in determining eligibility for Family Medical Leave (FML) was identified. This error was brought to the attention of the company by AFA.

Please take a moment and read our recent article and take action by July 31, 2019.

One-month and Six-month Special COLAs available starting September 1, 2019

Jumpseatnews — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:45:07 GMT

Source: Elines

Inflight Scheduling has determined that there will be an opportunity to award one month and six-month Special COLAs (Company Offered Leave of Absence) effective for the September 2019 bid month. These Special COLAs will offer medical benefits at active rates.

Bids Opened	Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Bids Close	Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 0800 CT
Awards Posted	Prior to August 12, 2019

Our JCBA provides for Flight Attendants to have the ability to request applicable Leaves of Absence for a variety of reasons. Approved Leaves of Absence are outlined in the JCBA Section 15. When the company offers Special COLAs of any duration, the leaves must comport with the requirements of the language in Section 15 of our Contract.

When a Flight Attendant utilizes these provisions, she/he is covered by the protections and benefits negotiated in our contract; such as continuous accrual of seniority for bidding and pass travel for the duration of any type of leave of absence.

The chart below outlines the included benefits of the Special COLA.

Type of Leave

Duration

Bid Seniority Accrual

Pay & Vacation Longevity (Steps)

Vacation & Sick Pay Accrual

Insurance Benefits

Pass Travel Benefits

Special COLA

One Month &

Six Month duration

Duration

COLA or better

Online passes for duration

It is important to understand that once a Flight Attendant has been granted a Special COLA, it may not be rescinded and she/he may not return to work prior to the expiration of the leave unless otherwise approved by the Company as an exception. In a case of personal hardship, the Company may agree to end the Flight Attendants COLA early.

Flight Attendants who are in their probationary period, that is during their first 180 days on the line, and who are awarded a Special COLA will have their probationary period frozen for the duration of the Special COLA. Her/his probationary period will resume upon her/his return to the line.

Additionally, Flight Attendants who are in the International Purser program who elect to take a Special COLA will continue to accrue International Purser service toward the 12-month program requirement during the period of the Special COLA is awarded.

Unique to this Special COLA are the following features:

1. If you are interested in both the one-month and six-month Special COLA, please preference the duration you prefer. The one-month and six-month Special COLAs will be awarded at the same time in seniority order.

2. The awards will be published before August 12th.

3. This Special COLA will include medical benefits at active employee rates.

4. Pay and vacation longevity are not impacted for step increases.

5. Flight attendants awarded the September one-month and six-month Special COLAs will be required to complete any overlapping assignments into the September bid month. If you do not wish to fly an overlapping trip you may adjust your schedule through the normal process.

6. Flight Attendants with Backstage Preference months of September or earlier who have not yet attended a Backstage session should pick up a Backstage event in September.

Please refer to the Special COLA Program Information for details about scheduling a Backstage event.

New UMNR “app” Implementation – Transfer of Custody Should Occur on Aircraft

Jumpseatnews — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:44:08 GMT

Source: Elines

As career safety professionals, we understand our role in the transfer of custody of Unaccompanied Minors (UMNRs) to appropriate Customer Service personnel. In our continuing effort to ensure the security of UNMRs, United recently announced enhanced policies and revised procedures for unaccompanied minors (UMNRs) that were initiated this past spring and into the early summer months.

On July 30, 2019, United will engage in yet another step of safety concerning UNMR travel as they launch the new Unaccompanied Minor App as a key component of protection in regards to UMNRs entrusted to our care.

The new app is designed to allow tracking of UMNRs as they transition from check-in to the final parental or guardian hand-off. The app provided process will allow Flight Attendants to utilize their Link to scan the barcode located on the UMNRs wristlet as the customer service representative transitions the UMNR to the Flight Attendant during the boarding process and again once the Flight Attendant transitions the UNMR to the customers service representative.

The company has issued an user guide, that provides detailed functionality of this new app available on Flying Together. Additionally, Revision #29, which is effective August 1, 2019 contains the details of the new UMNR app procedures and is currently available for download.

Despite these new tools, the best and most secure place for Flight Attendants to secure the custody of UMNRs is onboard the aircraft. Some years ago, AFA and the company settled an MEC Grievance (MEC 17-93) with an agreement where it was mutually understood that Flight Attendants secure unaccompanied minors onboard the aircraft and ground personnel have an obligation to come to the aircraft for the transfer of custody. While management might prefer that we escort the UMNRs off the airplane, we’re receiving reports that when agents are required to manage the transfer of custody in the gate room, they are subject to multiple competing priorities, including the timely dispatch of the next outbound flight.

We have reminded Inflight management of the terms of the Settlement of MEC 17-93 and have advised that we believe it is in everyone’s best interest to maintain that time-tested process. That is, the transfer of custody of UMNRs is best accomplished planeside. For this reason, we encourage you to maintain custody of the UMNR on the aircraft and that you call for an Airport Operations Agent to come to the airplane to secure the UMNR.

For additional information and guidance on the best ways to safeguard our unaccompanied minors we encourage Flight Attendants to review our July 2, 2019 E-Lines publication.

Emotional Support Animal Bites Flight Attendant, AFA Again Calls on DOT

Jumpseatnews — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:41:58 GMT

Source: Elines

This past Monday, on American Airlines Flight 3506 flying from Dallas-Fort Worth to Piedmont Triad International Airport, an Envoy Air Flight Attendant and AFA member was bitten by an emotional support dog. AFA International issued the following statement:

“What happened on yesterday’s American Airlines flight is completely unacceptable and inexcusable. For years, AFA has supported the role trained animals can provide to passengers in the cabin, but we have also called for action in regards to setting standards for emotional support animals. We need the Department of Transportation to take action now, so events like the one that happened yesterday do not continue to occur on our planes. This is fundamentally about maintaining safety, health and security for passengers and crew, while ensuring accessibility for those who need it.”

Denied FMLA Eligibility between May 31, 2017 and February 13, 2019

Jumpseatnews — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:43:02 GMT

Source: Elines

On July 12, 2019, we reported to you that the Union conducted an audit of the hours worked for a number of Flight Attendants who should have been eligible for FML. During the period beginning May 31, 2017 through February 13, 2019, an information

technology error related to the calculation of hours worked in determining eligibility for Family Medical Leave (FML) was identified. This error was brought to the attention of the company by AFA.

Please take a moment and read our recent article and take action by July 31, 2019.

Previously Sent CCS Reserve Acknowledgements Re-Sent in Error

Jumpseatnews — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:40:41 GMT

Source: Elines

Earlier today, Reserves began reporting that they were receiving for a second time previously acknowledged CCS Priority Messages of “Released from Duty” assignments. It’s not a surprise that the end result of this error is confusion for the affected Flight Attendants. We are aware of at least one case which resulted in a Flight Attendant being unable to be contacted and a missed trip.

After becoming aware of the issue, company representatives from the IT Automation and CCS teams undertook an investigation to learn what may have caused this malfunction. Management representatives reported later this afternoon that initial indications are that it was caused by a CCS “refresh” that was loaded overnight. However, it is not clear what specifically triggered the resending of the old messages.

Reserves are reminded, when acknowledging an assignment, to verify the indicated start date, which may at times differ from the date and time that the message was sent by the system and is posted at the top of the message window.

If you have additional questions, please contact your Local Council.

Hotel Gainsharing – A Review

Jumpseatnews — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:39:27 GMT

Source: Elines

Section 5.C. of our JCBA provides Flight Attendants with the ability to be reimbursed a portion of the savings resulting from cancelling hotel rooms in accordance with the parameters of our JCBA.

Reimbursement for each cancelled hotel room shall not be less than $20 (USD) and will apply for all international and domestic hotel rooms. This contractual benefit is only available to the Flight Attendant scheduled to occupy the hotel room and Flight Attendants are not permitted to cancel hotel rooms for other Flight Attendants.

A Flight Attendant interested in taking advantage of the Hotel Gainsharing provision are authorized to do so online via CCS. The following provisions listed below, must be adhered to when utilizing our contractual gainshare provisions.

Room cancellations are final and may not later be rescinded by the Flight Attendant authorizing such cancellation.

If the Flight Attendant cancelling the room becomes ill, is reassigned or re-crewed after cancellation of the room, they are required to notify Crew Scheduling as soon as possible that the room accommodation’s had been cancelled.

Note: This will allow scheduling to make prompt arrangements for a replacement hotel to accommodate the Flight Attendant who is now flying your original pairing.

For additional information the Hotel Gainsharing User Guide, is a reliable resource and available on unitedafa.org. The guide provides information on the specific procedures that must be used to ensure payment of the gainsharing incentive. Reimbursements are processed by Crew Pay and will be credited on your paycheck in the month following the month in which you made the request to cancel the hotel room.

Holding Time Limitations While Onboard the Aircraft

Jumpseatnews — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:38:31 GMT

Source: Elines

We are receiving a number of questions in the MEC Office which suggest there may be some confusion on the how and when holding time is paid.

There are a number of circumstances under which Flight Attendants may be required to remain onboard the aircraft with passengers beyond scheduled departure time or after block arrival time. Many of these reasons may be beyond our control due to operational irregularities or having to wait for special services personnel to arrive planeside to assist customers with disabilities in disembarking the aircraft.

When holding, Flight Attendants shall receive one-half (1/2) credit for pay purposes, including premium and language pay, when applicable, on an actual minute basis for all holding time in excess of thirty (30) minutes beyond scheduled ground time or block arrival time. The holding pay is in addition to all other compensation.

If a Flight Attendant is required by the Company to remain on board the aircraft after block arrival and this occurs at a point where they are scheduled to go off duty, the duty period will either end at the time released from holding or according to the time set forth in our JCBA, Section 6.R. – Commencement of Duty, whichever is later.

While we can be required to remain on the aircraft, specific Holding Time limitations have been negotiated to ensure these periods of time are not indefinite. The maximum holding time for a Flight Attendant shall belimitedto:

Four (4) hours at any one point or
A total of five (5) hours during any on-duty period.
Flight Attendants shall subsequently be given fifteen (15) minutes rest period after each two (2) hours they are required to remain with passengers on board an aircraft.

Holding occurs only while on board the aircraft.

At the end of four (4) hours the Flight Attendant shall be:

1. Relieved from holding with passengers

2. Reassigned

3. Released from Duty.

Holding pay is to be submitted in the following manner:

1. Login to CCS -> HelpHub.
2. Select the Request Holding Pay link.

This link will take you to the form to submit a Holding Pay Request (which will be sent to Crew Pay).

Note: It is preferred that the Purser on the pairing complete the holding pay form to request holding pay for the entire crew. This is preferred in an effort to avoid the submission of multiple requests for the same flight segment.

For additional information concerning holding pay or the details of differentiating Flight Time Accrual versus Holding Pay contact your Local Council Representatives.

Semi-Annual System Seniority List Published July 25, 2019

Jumpseatnews — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:37:15 GMT

Source: Elines

The Semi-Annual System Seniority List was released as of July 25, 2019. As provided under Section 14.C. of our Contract, the list shall be made available at all stations where Flight Attendants are domiciled for review.

If you believe that there is an error or omission that affects your seniority you should contact your Local Council representative immediately. Flight Attendants have thirty (30) calendar days from July 25, 2019 to dispute any alleged omission or error that affects your seniority.

The exceptions to the 30-day rule are as follows:

Flight Attendants on vacation at the time of the posting
Flight Attendants on Leave of Absence at the time of the posting
Flight Attendants on furlough at the time of the posting
Flight Attendants on sick leave at the time of the posting

In these situations, Flight Attendants have thirty (30) days after returning to flight duty to report the discrepancy.

Master List of CCS Codes Including Standby Reserve Codes

Jumpseatnews — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:36:23 GMT

Source: Elines

A comprehensive list of CCS codes seen on our Master Schedule is available from the company’s website, unitedafa.org and in the Pay Guide. In October of 2018, a Master List of Codes was published containing a view of all CCS codes seen in our Master Schedule, Master Schedule History, Alert codes and Standby Reserve codes. This list includes the short and full description of the codes as well as the locations within CCS where the code is visible.

The Master List of Codes is available on our website, unitedafa.org, in Content Locker on your Link and on Flying Together > One United > Reference Guides. Additional Pay Register Codes can be found in the back section of the Pay Guide.

Flight Attendants seeking clarification of a code not found in the provided resources should contact their Local Council Representatives.

United Announces 20% Profit Sharing Increase Expectation

Jumpseatnews — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:32:52 GMT

Source: Elines

On July 18, 2019 United announced the expectations of a profit-sharing payout per participating employee to be approximately 20% higher than last year. The announcement came on the heels of United’s second quarter financial results, the highest second-quarter pre-tax income in the airlines history (post 2010 merger).

In addition, the United Board of Directors approved a new $3B share re-purchase program. All of the details of our second- quarter financial results are available on the United Hub website and the Investor Relations website.