3.20.26 – APFA DCA Vice President Base Brief – “Cabin Pressure”

“Cabin Pressure”

Friday, March 20, 2026

We HEAR you.

These are some of the HOT TOPICS and issues being worked on by your DCA APFA Base Leadership.

Web Based Training

Yes, nobody enjoys doing these quarterly “lessons.” We were successful in removing the quiz portion on Citi Bank Crew Cash for example, due to your feedback.  Further, because the CQT (Continuing Qualifications Training) modules exceeded our contractual 8 hours an APFA Grievance was filed in 2025.

Continuing Qualifications Training

Speaking of CQT, if we are ever to move to attending every 18 months like other airlines have (which would be a cost savings to the company) here is some of the criteria the FAA looks at: Slide Deployments, Minimum Crew Violations, and FA participation in LOSA (Line Operations Assessments.) Your input will be helpful in moving this forward.

Ready for Departure Pay (aka Code 59)

It is 2026, and it is unfortunate that we are still relying on our Captains in order to get paid when these ramp and ATC (Air Traffic Control) delays occur.  Until the company is willing to update this process, please continue to let us know if an issue occurs so we can follow up with the Chief Pilot and Inflight.

Crew Rooms

We seem to be the only base in which a place to chill between “Stark to Dark” lighting is now eliminated. You may have noticed that the company removed the dimmer switch in the DCA “D” Crew Room.

This was never the intention in the blueprints since the renovation took place. We are told however new recliner chairs have been ordered.

New Hires

We are always excited to see new faces and welcome you to American and especially DCA!

Subjects we cover:

• Reserve Bidding.
• Working together as a Team. “Offering assistance in all cabins until service is Complete.”
• Avoiding Crew Conflicts.
• APFA.org and Union resources such as Professional Standards,  Employee Assistance, WINGS. etc
• Union Representation.  We still have FAs being told APFA can’t help them until they are off Probation. FALSE.

What Has Changed in 2026?

After decades of respecting each other’s time with our newest members during indoc, the company now insists in sitting in during our Union presentation. John and I, along with other Base Officers, have addressed our strong opposition to this with both upper, local management, and during the APFA Board of Directors Convention.

The feedback we receive is that FA’s are less willing to open up about their challenges and concerns when an AA manager is sitting 6 feet away.

Micromanaging – “A leadership or management style characterized by excessive, controlling, and detailed supervision of employees’ work often hindering autonomy and morale.”

Meetings, Meetings, and More Meetings

We all know how the company failed us and our passengers during winter Storm Fern and with subsequent operational challenges.  it is only right that other departments are held accountable to the same level that FAs are.

Quick Reminder: Please loop in your Base Representatives to any upcoming Dependability or Attendance Meetings. It helps us to better serve you!

No Confidence in Robert Isom

On March 17, 2026, your APFA DCA Leadership, Base Council Representative and resident photographer Dylan Shaw, Government Affairs Team of Lori Vitto-Glattly and Allie Malis, and FAs who braved the DC traffic & cold participated in a Pop-Up Event at the JPMorgan Conference where AA CEO Robert Isom was a speaker.

The public support was evident, and John and I would like to personally thank all who took the time out of your busy schedules to attend.  To those FAs that had wanted to come but got caught up in the IRROPs… next time!

Here is to all the FAs in DCA/BWI/IAD who take care of our passengers and each other.

In Strength and Solidarity,

Dianne “Di” Britton
APFA DCA Base Vice President
[email protected]

John Pennel
APFA DCA Base President
[email protected]