On The Line - Volume 4 - August 2026

Crew Scheduling Challenges: Working Toward Improvements  

Recent irregular operations have resulted in extended hold times with Crew Scheduling for fatigue calls, hotel accommodations, transportation, required rest, schedule corrections, and other operational issues.

​

These delays don't just create frustration—they can impact required rest, duty times, hotel access, and contractual protections.

​

What AFA Is Doing

​

AFA has been meeting with the Company to discuss these concerns and identify practical solutions to improve response times and reduce unnecessary call volume. While these discussions are a positive step, meaningful improvements must be reflected in the day-to-day experience of Flight Attendants.

​

Our goal is not to place blame on individual Crew Schedulers, who are often managing an overwhelming number of calls during irregular operations. Our focus is on identifying process failures and working with the Company to improve them.

​

What We're Seeing

​

Reports from Flight Attendants have included:

  • Extended hold times to reach Crew Scheduling.
  • Delays obtaining hotels or transportation.
  • Missing or incorrect hotel reservations.
  • Calls or schedule changes during required rest.
  • Deadhead assignment issues.
  • Duty and release time discrepancies.

How You Can Help

​

Your reports help AFA identify trends, document recurring issues, and advocate for meaningful improvements.

​

If you experience an issue during an irregular operation:

  • Save screenshots.
  • Keep a factual timeline of events.
  • Record how long you waited on hold.
  • Document how the issue affected your trip, duty period, hotel, transportation, or required rest.
  • Submit the information to your Local Council.

The more detailed the information, the stronger our ability to demonstrate operational trends and work toward lasting solutions.

​

Need More Information?

​

For detailed guidance on documenting operational issues, protecting your contractual rest, and reviewing examples of effective documentation, visit the IROP Resources page on the AFA website.