Union says Alaska Airlines understaffing 787 flights with cabin crew

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents cabin crew at Alaska Airlines, has accused the carrier of inadequately staffing its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights, saying crew members are being stretched beyond reasonable limits.

According to the union, Alaska management agreed to a 30-day trial period when it began operating branded 787 international service in April, during which flight attendant feedback would be gathered and service procedures adjusted as needed. That review period concluded in late May, but the union says months have since passed without any changes to staffing levels, with the airline instead citing a need for further data.

The union contends that Alaska has shown it can act swiftly on customer complaints, arguing this demonstrates the airline is capable of making operational adjustments when it chooses to. It said management's message to flight attendants has essentially been to manage with existing resources rather than receiving additional support.

Alaska took delivery of its first mainline 787 in January and has since deployed the aircraft on long-haul international routes, including services to London, Rome and Tokyo. Sister carrier Hawaiian Airlines also operates 787s under its own branding, primarily on routes connecting Hawaii with destinations such as New York-JFK and San Francisco, though it is part of the same combined fleet under Alaska Air Group. The union's grievance does not extend to Hawaiian's flight attendants, even though they are also represented by the same union.