Commuter Policy

Due to United's bankruptcy filing, it's been a long time since we've had the opportunity to negotiate for improvements.  One of the improvements we gained in our Contract during the last regular Section 6 negotiations was the Commuter Policy – providing clear guidance for commuting Flight Attendants to protect themselves and ensure the integrity of United's schedule.  The Commuter Policy provides a plan for both Flight Attendants and the Company when circumstances out of our control prohibit a Flight Attendant from getting to work.  This policy is applicable every time you commute to work and when used it protects AFA Members from accruing any dependability points for late check-in or missed trip. 

When flying to work and utilizing these protections there are certain responsibilities including utilizing prudent judgment when getting to work by:

• having "a minimum of a primary and secondary flight (on and/or off line), both of which are scheduled to arrive prior to report time and the initial scheduled flight;" and
• if unable to commute via the primary flight, "the Flight Attendant will inform Onboard Scheduling as soon as possible that she/he is planning to utilize the secondary flight" and ensure the contact is as detailed as possible; and finally,
• if unable to commute via the secondary flight, "she/he will inform Onboard Scheduling as soon as possible that she/he is unable to cover her/his assignment."

In turn, Onboard Scheduling and other management must meet the following responsibilities, including,

• how best to ensure the integrity of the schedule, and inform the originally scheduled Flight Attendant if a decision is made to utilize another Flight Attendant for the assignment and "also determine if, where, when and how Onboard Scheduling will utilize the originally scheduled Flight Attendant."
• The scheduler may also "authorize higher priority Jumpseat or must-ride authority, including off line, if necessary to maintain schedule integrity."

If Onboard Scheduling is unable to utilize the Flight Attendant for her/his scheduled flight and is unable to utilize her/him on another flight, she/he will be placed on DNF status.  Further,

• "Managers and Onboard Service Supervisors will manage these commuting issues with reasonableness and fairness."
• If the Commuter Policy is used, any resulting work history notation shall not accrue points or trigger disciplinary action.

We encourage you to contact your AFA Local Council if you have any additional questions about the Commuter Policy.