On Friday, February 28, Alaska Airlines 6,900+ flight attendants voted to ratify a new three year contract. The flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), are set to receive an increase in pay (including boarding pay and a ratification payment), greater flexibility and scheduling enhancements, and better benefits among other improvements.
This new contract was over two years in the making as the previous contract became amendable in December 2022. This is the first raise for Alaska flight attendants since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
This news comes after American Airlines flight attendants voted to approve a new contract and United crews continue to battle with the airline on their contract. Delta flight attendants aren’t unionized, though the unions make a push every few years.
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, had this to say about the new contract:
“One of the many reasons our guests choose to fly Alaska is our flight attendants and the warm welcome, fantastic service and commitment to safety they provide onboard. I’m glad to have them working under a new contract that values their contributions to Alaska, and I’m grateful to our colleagues at AFA who bargained with determination and fierce dedication for our flight attendants. We are focused on making Alaska Airlines a place for the best people in the business to grow their careers, and this new contract reflects that.”
Jeff Peterson, AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) President, added:
“This agreement marks a major milestone for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. It reflects their essential role in ensuring both safety and operational excellence. Furthermore, it will immediately and significantly improve their lives while setting a strong foundation for upcoming Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations as we move forward with the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.”
The vote passed by 95% with more than 90% of the airline’s flight attendants participating. This is great news for both sides as they have struggled to come to an agreement over the years.
This is actually the second negotiated contract that has been presented to union members since negotiations began. An agreement was initially presented back in February 2024, though it was soundly rejected with 68% of flight attendants voting against.
Having friends flying at some of the other major carriers, I know that these negotiations can be tough on the frontline employees. This is especially true when they drag on for such a long time. I’m happy to see that both sides were able to come to an agreement.
Full contract details, including pay scales can be found here. The new contract went into effect as of March 2, 2025.
Summary
After more than two years of negotiations, Alaska Airlines flight attendants have ratified a new, three year, deal. As part of the negotiations, Alaska flight attendants received an increase in overall pay, including boarding pay, along with additional improvements on scheduling, benefits, and more.