2013 Outstanding Employee

For many years now, we have seen the different plaques on the planes acknowledging a wide range of people for their outstanding contribution to the airline. Whether it's a Flight Attendant, Pilot, Mechanic, Agent, someone in Reservations, or even a group/station for significantly improving their job.

In the past, I have been selected to join a group of employees to have lunch with one of the airlines Vice Presidents. It was a great honor to say the least, and also to be part of one of our turn-around plans and being on a committee to improve our Customer Satisfaction scores when I was based in New York City.

For the the past year and a half, I have been based in Miami, flying mostly Caribbean flying. So, it cam as a surprise when I found out my Miami manager selected me one of Miami's Outstanding Employee for 2012. Of nearly 3,000 Flight Attendants in Miami, only 24 were selected for this prestigious award, and I was one of them.

I didn't know what the complete process was, but after being selected, I understood it was a rigorous process where other managers and the base manager sit down and go over performance records on all the selected individuals. They look at attendance records, customer letters, peer letters, etc. 

Those who were selected were invited to attend an Award Ceremony, where a lovely reception was to follow.  The Vice President of Flight Service was in attendance, along with Miami's managing force for Flight Service.

The ceremony was quick and efficient. We soon found out that all of our plaques would be on the airlines 777-200 planes. I soon found out that my plaque would be on nose # 7AD (picture at left). The great thing I can do in our computer, is look up the routes 'my' plane is flying.  (right now, it's currently doing some light maintenance in Dallas) This aircraft is also the fourth 777 that American Airlines acquired. Planespotters.net also gives me a little more info on the airplane too!

Next time you're flying overseas, or on American's 777-200 airplane, be sure to look for my plaque!

Honored to be an American Airlines Flight Attendant,
Purser  Sluggo

American Airlines will be hiring

After 11 years, looks like one of the legacy carriers is finally going to be hiring for Flight Attendants.

After another type of scare tactic of up to 2,500 possible layoffs during contract negotiations, the airline was able to get over 2,200 Flight Attendants to take an early out to retirement.

With that, American just announced that come November 5th, they will be opening up their aacareers.com website and will be looking for 1,500-2,000 new hires in the next year.

Interviews would start sometime in December, with the first class starting in January, then approximately 45 new hires per class, a new class would be starting every Monday there after.

This is great news, however many are concerned that both the Union and airline mislead their members, similar to the possibility of an earlier bankruptcy in 2003, if they didn't take this early out and retire.

Whether it was a scare tactic, or a way to get the most Senior flight attendants to retire, those still flying are finally able to slightly move up the seniority ranks after a 11 year stall.

AMR files for Bankruptcy Protection

1) Is it true that American has just filed for reorganization under Chapter 11?

Yes, American Airlines took a necessary and responsible step to secure the future success of our company by filing for reorganization under Chapter 11. This was a difficult decision, but it is the necessary and right path for us to take – and take now. Our goal is to become an efficient, financially stronger, and competitive airline. The Chapter 11 process lets us continue normal business operations while we restructure our debt, costs and other obligations. New restructuring websites have been launched on AA.Com to provide information and answers to your questions about the restructuring process.

2) Do employees need to report to work/continue working scheduled trip?

Yes, American is conducting business as usual. You should report for your scheduled trip or continue with your scheduled trip, just as you normally would.

3) Will I still receive my paycheck on time?

We anticipate there will be no changes in when and how you receive your pay. During the restructuring process, American plans to provide your wages, healthcare coverage, vacation and other benefits.

4) What should employee's tell customers if they ask about American’s Chapter 11 filing?

You should tell them the following:

Taking care of our customers remains our top priority. American is operating business as usual and will continue to provide safe, secure and reliable service. We intend to fly our regular schedule, honor tickets and reservations, make exchanges and refunds as usual and fully maintain our AAdvantage and other customer service programs. For more information about the Chapter 11 filing, please visit our website at aa.com/restructuring.

Change for Good®

Change for Good is an innovative partnership between UNICEF and the international airline industry. Established in 1987, it is one of UNICEF's best-known and longest-running partnerships. Currently nine international airlines support the Change for Good program. Thanks to the generous support of customers and participating airlines, the global Change for Good program has generated over $103 million that UNICEF has used to provide a healthier, happier future for millions of children.

In the United States, American Airlines has been the participating airline of the program since 1994. Travelers on select international American Airlines flights can donate unused U.S. and foreign currencies to flight attendants onboard the aircraft to help UNICEF in its mission to reduce the number of preventable childhood deaths from 22,000 per day to zero, or make donations in Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges worldwide.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED 

 

Send us your unused foreign currency today

 

If you are unable to donate your foreign currency on an American Airlines flight or at an Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge, you can still support Change for Good by sending your gift to the following address:
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
ATTN: Change for Good Program
125 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
As donations of foreign coins are processed in bulk by a third party vendor, please note that the acknowledgment you receive for your donation will not specify the amount of your gift.

Volunteer as a "Champion for Children": Special opportunity for American Airlines employees

 

American Airlines and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF are working together to save children's lives by creating an opportunity for employees of American Airlines to get involved in UNICEF's Change for Good program. "Champions for Children" is a volunteer program designed to empower flight attendants, Admirals Club staff, and other American Airlines employees to take action for children as they perform everyday work duties.

Change for Good on American Airlines is proudly supported by Airline Ambassadors International, the humanitarian organization that leads the effort to recruit the flight attendant volunteers called "Champions for Children" who encourage customers to get involved.  The program is also supported by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA). Change for Good on American Airlines could not exist without the incredible volunteer support of Champions for Children. 

Registered Champions for Children can click here to access a special website created exclusively for Champions for Children. (Please note that the Champions for Children program is only open to American Airlines employees.) To learn more or to become a Champion for Children visit "Employee Programs" on Jetnet, American Airlines' corporate intranet.

RECENT CHANGE FOR GOOD NEWS

 

Record-breaking fundraising results announced for UNICEF’s Change for Good Program on American Airlines in 2010

 

Last year, American Airlines customers and employee volunteers “Champions for Children” raised a record-breaking $1.6+ million dollars through Change for Good on American Airlines.  Pound by pound, peso by peso, these collections were raised to support UNICEF’s:  relief, rebuilding and recovery programs for children and families affected by the 2010 Haiti earthquake; programs to support children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Latin America; and general programs to support children worldwide. 
Learn more about the program’s outstanding success—read the blog post and press release. 
On behalf of all of the children who will benefit as a result of AA customers’ and Champions for Children’s outstanding support, “Thanks a million+!”

Change for Good on American Airlines "Trick-or-Treated for UNICEF" in 2010

 

American Airlines’ customers and employees made a difference in the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children this past Halloween by participating in the 60th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.  This iconic program is the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s longest-running volunteer movement and has engaged generations of grassroots supporters of UNICEF’s mission to reduce the number of preventable childhood deaths to zero.  Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF remains an inspiration to the young (and the young at heart) to further the cause of children everywhere.
For the second year in a row, American Airlines employees and customers had the opportunity to support Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF through Change for Good on American Airlines through a variety of ways between October 25 and October 31:

• Volunteer flight attendants known as "Champions for Children" collected donations of foreign and domestic currency from American Airlines customers on select international flights and showed a brand new Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF video on-board flights.
• American Airlines Admirals Club members participated by donating spare domestic and foreign currency in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF-themed donation collection boxes located in Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges nationwide.
• As part of American Airlines’ "Season of Giving" campaign, employees had the opportunity to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF through Change for Good by participating in a variety of workplace fundraising activities.

Earthquake in Haiti

 

Following the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010, Champions for Children immediately rallied and expressed their strong desire to help.  In response, all donations collected during the months of January and February of 2010 were directed to support UNICEF’s emergency long-term rebuilding programs for children in Haiti.

In March 2010, U.S. Fund for UNICEF President and CEO, Caryl Stern, traveled to Haiti where she witnessed first-hand UNICEF's response on the ground and the work UNICEF is doing to help rebuild the struggling nation.  While there, she filmed a special message to thank American Airlines and all of the Champions for Children and generous AA customers who showed their care and compassion for children in Haiti through their participation in UNICEF's Change for Good program on American Airlines.

Click here to read the one-year report prepared by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to show how January and February 2010 Change for Good on American Airlines collections and other donations are helping to ensure that all of Haiti’s children can enjoy their right to survival, health, educations and protection.

American Airlines 5@5

Starting today, American Airlines is launching on select flights a "Thank You" to it's customers. Throughout the month, customers are invited to enjoy cocktails, wine and beer for $5 on American or American Eagle domestic flights departing between 5:00 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. (Domestic flights are defined as those within the continental U.S. and those between the U.S. and Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean).  The happy hour will offer customers a savings of $1 on beer and $2 on liquor and wine.


American Airlines is cashless and accepts major credit or debit cards for in-flight purchases.  American Eagle and American Connection only accept cash for purchases made onboard.

To see what beverages American has to offer, click here.

Non-alcoholic beverages will continue to be complimentary in Economy Class, as they are today.



 

American Airlines Rainbow site

One of the great aspects for working for a large corporation (American Airlines) with a huge diversity in employee's, they make great strides to be GLBT friendly, not only for it's employee's, but for it's customers too. American has been recognized by HRC as 2010's Best Places to Work for the GLBT Community 9th year running.

Over the years, AA.com has gone through many changes which does include the GLBT community. If you are an AAdvantage member, they recently introduced several new and customer-friendly enhancements to AA.com^® that will provide all of AAdvantage^® customers a more personalized experience. The enhancements have been added to the My Account section of AA.com and give customers the ability to select preferred Travel Destinations, Travel Products, and Travel Interests.  

American Airlines site has a specific travel site for the GLBT community. If you would like to book your travel, you can visit American Airlines Gay and Lesbian Travel Rainbow. 

96.8% of the 90% of AA Flight Attendants who voted, voted YES for Strike!

It was announced today that out of 18,000 flight attendants, of the 90% who voted, 96.8% voted to authorize the APFA union to call a strike if the carrier doesn't ink a labor contract with better pay and benefits, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants .

It is definitely a view of Solidarity across the board that the Flight Attendants are not happy with the current situation at the airline, especially when they have been saving the company $Millions since their 2003 concessions.

The Holidays have officially started

Ok, I know I'm jumping the gun by a day before Thanksgiving, but I wanted to get on the ball and show a shot of Chicago O'Hare International airport Terminal 3 - American Airlines decorations they always set up in the H/K concourse. Usually this hall is filled with International flags, but for the holidays, they take down all the flags and decorate the atrium with large lit wreaths and flying doves.  I took this a couple of years ago commuting home to Minneapolis, through Chicago. (hence barely any passengers in the terminal)

Despite all of the different travel delays over the last year (and to come before year end) I hope that everyone will stop to remember that a good portion of the delays were not the fault of the individual flight crews.  In-flight crew members are the ones that you may see the most, but remember that those long delays sitting on the tarmac are because of the antiquated Air Traffic Control systems. Something that your Flight Attendants and Pilots can NOT control.

Snow? Sure, there will be upcoming delays due to snow, but stop and remember how you got to the airport.  Did you drive fast or slow because of the visibility? What were the road conditions, was it slippery? Icy? Were cars going quicker or slower around you? Were there any vehicles in the ditch because of the road conditions?

When it snows, many things have to happen on top of the normal operation of getting your plane to the runway.

Snow has to be removed from the gate area in order for the plane to see the center taxi line so it doesn't taxi off of the taxi-ways.

Just like the roads and highways, special snow-removal trucks go out to clear the snow and ice on the taxi-ways, as well as the runways, to ensure these are clear for the planes.

If it's close to freezing and raining, sleeting, or snowing, then your plane may have to be de-iced, especially from ice and snow. Some airlines have a system  where you taxi to a specific location set up by the airport to get de-iced, but you are still being de-iced in order of your take-off slot. Some airlines will de-ice your plane at the gate.

Both instances are  done with the engines turned off. This prevents any fluid getting into the air that you breathe on the planes. Special trucks will quickly go around the plane to remove as much snow and ice as possible. Once this is done, you may smell a slight odor upon engine start, but that's normal.

Hopefully there won't be too many delays this upcoming winter season, but do take a second and ask yourself how you got to the airport and what the conditions were like. Don't take the frustrations of delays out on the innocent flight crews, they want to get you to your destination as much as you want to get to your destination.

Have a specific cruise that you need to get to? Some cruise lines will give you an estimated time from your flight arrival to the ship, but remember that that's on a good day. If you have a cruise and it's snowing at your departure city, there is nothing the airlines can do because the ship left without you. Always remember that the reason for your delay is for your safety, snow has to be removed in order for the plane to take off. You can't rush weather delays, especially snow delays.  All we have to do is remember back to January of 1982 the Air Florida crash into the 14th Street Bridge in Washington, DC and plunged into the icy Potomac River.

Despite some improper de-icing procedures that American Airlines had at Washington National Airport at the time, it was freezing and snowing, the crew did not activate the engine anti-ice system. Analysis of the cockpit voice recorder determined that, during the departure checklist, the copilot announced, the pilot confirmed, that the plane's own engine anti-icing system was turned off. This system uses heat from the engines to prevent sensors from freezing and providing inaccurate readings.

Adding to the plane's troubles was the pilots' decision to maneuver closely behind a DC-9 that was taxiing just ahead of the Air Florida aircraft prior to takeoff, due to their mistaken belief that the warmth from the DC-9's engines would melt the snow and ice that had accumulated on Flight 90's wings. This action — which went specifically against flight manual recommendations for an icing situation — actually contributed to additional icing on the 737. By sitting behind the preceding aircraft, the exhaust gases melted the snow on the wings. During take off, instead of falling off the plane, this slush mixture then froze on the wings' leading edges and the engine inlet nose cone.

So, remember next time there are severe delays due to the snow outside, stop to remember that rushing the departure will lead to steps not being taken or missed. That is something NONE of us want to happen. 

When  you sit down for dinner during the holidays after a flight, stop and be sure to be Thankful of the miraculous feats that got you there, even if you did get there late.