News

Delays & cancellations are about to take off

06 Nov, 2025

Yesterday, the FAA announced plans for up to 10% reduction of air traffic in 40 markets starting Friday. Recent reports indicate that all of our major bases will be affected.

Air traffic controllers going without pay and those who support their work being on furlough have caused incredible strains on the system. As the reductions caused by this strain begins, one thing is clear: We could use our union right now.

The coming days will bring trip cancellations, disruptions, delays, and ATC holds. While union Flight Attendants will get the pay protections and holding pay they bargained for, we’re at management’s mercy as we navigate the uncertainty. Nothing is guaranteed, and the work rules we do have often leave us with lost time and pay with no protections — and no recourse if management changes the rules.

Union Flight Attendants, meanwhile, have stronger pay guarantees if their flights are cancelled or changed. United AFA Flight Attendants have clear contractual reassignment rules for flight cancellations. AFA Alaska Flight Attendants recently negotiated 150% trip credit pay anytime a line-holding Flight Attendant is rerouted, and both also have pay protection without being forced on full-length reserve for pay. In addition, Flight Attendants can pick up trips over the pay protection, essentially doubling their money.

Beyond pay protections, we’re also losing out on holding pay. Our rates lag behind United AFA’s, and we can’t bargain for improvements like union Flight Attendants can. With all the delays and holds we’re going to experience once the reduction starts, better holding pay will make a difference in our pay.

You don’t “need” a union until you need a union — it’s time for us to secure ours. With our union, we can negotiate pay protections that actually protect us, not management. We can bargain for more holding pay. And we can file a grievance if our work rules are violated. With our union, we will have a legal and permanent voice in creating a more equitable system by Flight Attendants, for Flight Attendants, that protects Flight Attendants.