Here's some information about filling open premium positions that was published on the latest Onboard Updates (Nov 10, 2003).

Modifications to the language in the Collective Bargaining Agreement Section 9.F.7. resulting from the May 1, 2003, restructuring agreement changed the way open, qualified and nonqualified premium positions are filled. The new language of Section 9.F.7. eliminates the distinction between bid lineholders, relief and reserve move-up lineholders.

For the purpose of filling open, qualified and non-qualified premium positions, all lineholders are considered equally. Open premium positions are available to all qualified flight attendants on the trip in seniority preference order. If no qualified flight attendant volunteers, then the most junior qualified (meaning with more than one-year seniority) reserve will be inversely assigned. If no reserve is on the trip, the position will be inversely filled by the most junior lineholder flight attendant, regardless of lineholder, relief or reserve moveup line status. (Note: Open premium positions requiring a purser qualification are available or inversely filled among purser - qualified flight attendants first using the same standards noted above.)

Flight attendants with less than one year seniority will not be allowed to assume a premium pay position unless no other more senior flight attendant is on the flight. In other words, if everyone on board has less than one year's seniority, then the senior flight attendant will work the position. The January 2004 Flight Attendant Operations Manual will be updated to reflect this modified procedure.