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Tip Seven: Know Your Contract

The reason most contractual violations occur is because flight attendants allow them to occur.

I'll say it again, you listening yet?

The reason most contractual violations occur is because flight attendants allow them to occur.

Unfortunately, our contract isn't very clear and much is open to interpretation. We're not going to get into that here. If you don't like it then next time make sure (via your voting and union volunteer work) that we don't ever get a document like that again.

Until then, let's work with what we're stuck with, shall we?

Your Collective Bargaining Agreement dated December 31, 2003 is a 10-year contract outlining the terms and conditions upon which you conduct business with UAL Corporation. And certain sections of it are very clear. Here's a few:

  • Section 6.B.4. - "If a flight attendant arrives at a layover hotel and her/his room is not ready within thirty (30) minutes after arrival, she/he may obtain other accommodations and claim reasonable actual lodging expenses on a Company expense form supported by the hotel receipt."
  • Section 6.C.4.c. - Transportation - "At layover points, if the public limousine service provided by the Company does not leave within forty-five (45) minutes after block arrival or thirty-five (35) minutes after block arrival where transportation is provided by the hotel, the flight attendant may use any other means of transportation to the place of lodging and may claim reimbursement for such transportation on the regular Company expense account form and the flight attendant shall be reimbursed for same."

I wish I had a nickel for every time a crew didn't utilize the above two provisions. I'd have enough money to buy myself a decent hotel. Of course, sometimes it's difficult to get a different hotel at the last minute, say, in Sydney during the Olympics or a taxi at the El Salvador airport. But in many cases, crews can.

So here's your assignment:

  1. Look through your contract and find certain sections that relate to your flying situation. (Example: Reserve)
  2. Learn the main points in each section. Once you understand them then learn the minor points.
  3. If you have any questions or don't understand any of the language, telephone your local AFA council office for answers.

Make sure you know what you are talking about. And then get out there and work by it. Teach other flight attendants what you've learned as well.

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